Title: Archangel’s Shadows
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter #7
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Angels, Paranormal romance, Strong women, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

I’ve been waiting for Ashwini and Janvier’s story since their meeting in Angels’ Pawn. And in every instance that they have shown up in the greater series. Luckily, I was not disappointed by their tale. I loved every minute of it and didn’t want to put the damn thing down (not the greatest when you need to sleep). Plus, after the chaos of Archangel’s Legion, I wanted to see how New York and the wonderous people who make up this series were faring. The answer is, it’s still chaotic (which is how it should be in a good series).

Ash’s talent is mentioned in multiple stories throughout the Guild Hunter series, but it isn’t revealed until Archangel’s Shadows that Ash’s talent has a potentially lethal side effect. The tragedy of Tanu and Arvi just highlight how short her life could become, and that she’s been holding Janvier at bay for a reason. I did love though that the twins are able to find peace at last, and in doing so are able to give their baby sister the happily ever after that she needs so much. Plus, it’s nice to have a happily ever after moment for a couple that I’ve loved from their first moment.

Lijuan’s tentacles drive a whole lot deeper into this world than I originally realised – and it definitely gives me goosebumps with how insidious she is. The fact that Ash and Janvier are constantly battling to find out just what she left behind is intense. Not only is she evil, but her minions are also evil. The abuse and horror that the female victims throughout this story suffer are really heartbreaking. I also love how it highlights that even if someone enters willingly into a relationship, they can be manipulated into being in a very horrifying situation.

Archangel’s Shadows brings to light more of the differences and uniqueness of Raphael’s Seven. I have loved slowly getting to know them throughout this series. I’m now particularly intrigued by Naasir and just what he is. Then there is Venom, Aodhan, Illium… I can’t wait for each of the remaining Seven to find their happily ever afters, and in doing so, thwart a little more of Lijuan’s evil and the results of the Cascade.

Image source: Feeling Fictional

Title: Archangel’s Legion
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter #6
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Angels, Paranormal romance, Strong women, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2013

As with every other Singh book I’ve read, this was just as unforgettable and impossible to put down. I probably need to time when I read these stories a little better – I didn’t get much sleep until this was finished. Because I didn’t want to put it down and actually go to sleep. This is definitely the very beginning of a massive war and series of horribleness that is about to hit the Guild Hunter world. But, I love that, even in the face of certain war, Elena and Raphael are able to stay true to each other and themselves.

Lijuan is a perfect anti-Raphael. Honestly, she’s just as gross and terrifying as every other appearance in the books – but somehow also way, way worse than she was at the beginning. Charisemon is also gross and terrifying – both are wonderful villains in this story, ones that don’t really have much to redeem them. And, as with all of the archangels and their expanding powers – developing in unforeseen ways. They’re just unwelcome and horrible ways. Plus, there’s hints of Michaela being more and more evil as time unfolds.

I love that at the core of this battle, it’s Raphael with the power of love and life, against Lijuan who consumed by death and the greed of power. It’s a great base theme that doesn’t grow old, and it makes it really, really easy to root for Raphael and Elena. I mean, I love villains who have a chance of redemption (and then often don’t take it). But sometimes it’s nice just to have a villain that is outright evil.

Alongside Raphael’s literal battles and the beginning of the war, I love that Elena is also continuing to fight to keep her sense of self and identity. Not only is she faced with a power-struggle that she is so not equipped for, but she’s also constantly having to reign in Raphael’s ego. The fact that she must also contend with his treatment of her friends and protecting them too – I love how it’s all a constant battle that she is waging a really good war against. But, instead of being a major point of conflict in their relationship, it is a point of negotiation and debate.

I kind of guessed how this would end because of hints that I’ve seen in the Facebook groups I’m a part of. Which was a little bit disappointing. However, it was still an awesome moment discovering what the Legion actually is and seeing all of the potential for what will unfold in the future. More characters to love and adore!

Image source: QBD