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Early Review: Archangel’s War by Nalini Singh (Guild Hunter #12)

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Archangel's War by Nalini Singh // VBC Review

Archangel’s War (Guild Hunter #12)
Nalini Singh
Published: Sept. 24, 2019 (Berkley)
Purchase: Amazon or IndieBound
Review source: copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

Reviewed by: Margaret

Rating (out of 5): 5 stars

Note: While review will be spoiler free, it does make reference to previous books in the series. If you haven’t started yet, check out VBC’s review of Angels’ Blood.

Archangels War has thoroughly kicked my ass. I’m going to need a pint of Ben & Jerry’s, a nap, and about a week of recovery time. I spent most of the first half smiling and most of the second half in tears. I’m exhausted.

When we last saw Raphael and Elena at the end of Archangel’s Prophecy, they were in something like a coma. Elena had wasted away, lost her wings, and was enclosed in a cocoon. Months later, the cocoon has started to change and soon the Archangel and his consort are ready to rejoin the world. Though they have both been changed.

The first half of the book consists mostly of Elena adjusting to her new powers and reconnecting with her friends and family and of course, her Archangel. I’ve often been critical of the Raphael and Elena books in this series, put off by the lovey-dovey nature of their relationship. I didn’t feel any of that this time though. I loved getting to see so many characters from earlier in the series. Singh also does a surprising amount of world building for a twelfth book, revealing new details about Raphaels father, Illiums mother, and the Ancients. I noticed that there wasn’t much action up to that point, but I didn’t care because I was enjoying myself so much.

The second half however, is nothing but action, as the war everyone’s been waiting for finally arrives on their doorstep. The minutiae of battle gives Singh a chance to showcase even more of the supporting characters, which I enjoyed. The Archangel Lijuan is even more terrifying than before. (And the damage she causes is especially heartbreaking given the days in mid-September I was reading about it.) But it’s the other Archangels and the Legion that I found particularly fascinating.

I also think the pieces are finally in place for Illium’s book, the one we’ve all been waiting for. I’m intrigued by some of the newer characters that might play a part in his story. That said, I’m not convinced that his story is next. I’m certainly looking forward to seeing what is. As long as I get my nap first.

Archangels War is a continuation of the storyline from Archangels Prophecy, which ended in a cliffhanger. I reread the last chapter of Prophecy before starting War. I don’t think it’s absolutely necessary, but it wouldn’t be a bad idea to reread the whole book. I certainly wouldn’t recommend reading this one unless you’re caught up in the series.

Sexual content: graphic sex

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