Veena’s review of Archangel’s Heart (Guild Hunter, Book 9) by Nalini Singh
Fantasy Romance published by Berkley 01 Nov 16
Elena and Raphael are back as the central figures in this next story in the series. While I love Elena and Raphael, I was a bit disappointed that this story did not feature one of the other characters that we readers are panting for.
After reading the story, I have to acknowledge the superior writing talent of the author as she gives us an amazing story that teaches us important life lessons, even as we enjoy watching Elena and Raphael solve a crime no one knew about.
I am totally fascinated with the protocol and political undertones in this series. Raphael is Caliane’s son and yet the protocol between their relationship and position is fascinating to watch in action between the two of them. Elena with her human heart and compassion is in the bull’s eye of a lot of the cadre who recognize her as Raphael’s single weakness and yet she manages to hold her own, every time emerging stronger for each challenge. This time around it’s actually Elena’s resemblance to a long-dead ancestor that seems to have stirred up their hosts at the Luminata compound where the Cadre with their significant others have gathered to decide the fate of China.
From the get-go there seems to be something mysterious going on, but it’s not until Elena and Aodhan make a field trip to the nearest human village that they find the first threads to unravel the Luminata’s perfect façade. As a courageous elderly couple tell Elena the story of a young woman named Majda and her baby daughter Marguerite who ran away from the village to escape the angelic attentions of angels from the fort that Elena can start piecing together parts of her own history. In between fencing with the Luminata and making new friends, Elena seeks to get a grip on the evil that she senses under the façade of the Luminata. When a young, eager monk is attacked seemingly for helping Elena and Aodhan, she and Raphael intensify their efforts to uncover the mystery before they have to leave the compound. I can’t tell you more because that would a major spoiler and take away all the pleasure in reading the story, but I can’t wait to join in some of the discussion groups to hear what readers feel about the big reveal.
This story gives tantalizing glimpses into Aodhan and Illium’s friendship and Aodhan’s past, though much still remains shrouded in mystery. Bluebell Illium’s mother is emerging as a solid character who I can’t wait to find out more about. I have so many questions about these three characters who fascinate me that I almost want to whine at the author, asking all my questions. For now I will be content to request a story about one or all of them next.
Even more than the surprises, what truly makes this story is the emotional intensity and love between Elena and Raphael. I am like a junkie who can’t get enough and request the author to keep on giving us more about this world and these fascinating characters.
Grade: A
Summary:
New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh takes us into a dangerous and exhilarating world where a deadly, beautiful archangel and his once-mortal consort are caught in a fury of twisted darkness…
One of the most vicious archangels in the world has disappeared. No one knows if Lijuan is dead or has chosen to Sleep the long sleep of an immortal. But with her lands falling into chaos under a rising tide of vampiric bloodlust, a mysterious and ancient order of angels known as the Luminata calls the entire Cadre together to discuss the fate of her territory.
Accompanying her archangelic lover Raphael to the Luminata compound, guild hunter-turned-angel Elena senses that all is not as it seems. Secrets echo from within the stone walls of the compound, and the deeper Elena goes, the uglier the darkness. But neither Raphael nor Elena is ready for the brutal truths hidden within—truths that will change everything Elena thinks she knows about who she is…
Nothing will ever be the same again.
Other books in this series:
