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Review: Angels’ Blood by Nalini Singh (Guild Hunter #1)

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Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh // VBC ReviewAngels’ Blood (Guild Hunter #1)
Nailini Singh
Published: March 3, 2009 (Berkley Sensation)
Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon
Review source: purchased 

Reviewed by: Jannelle 

Rating (out of 5): 4.5 stars

Elena Deveraux is a vampire hunter in an alternate version of modern day New York City. Her job is to track and capture vampires that have attempted escape from their Archangel makers. In Singh’s world, Archangel’s turn humans into vampires, with a contract that the new vampire is bound to the archangel for 100 years of servitude. When these “new” vampires attempt escape, it’s Elena’s job to find them.

One of the most infamous—and intimidating—of Archangels, Raphael, contacts Elena and signs her up for a tracking job. Elena initially believes the job is to catch one of Raphael’s wayward vamps, but she is surprised to discover that the job is actually to capture a deadly archangel who has turned rogue. With the world at their disposal, a mighty archangel losing their mind and turning rogue can mean death for thousands.

This was the kind of job that made legends out of hunters. Of course, to be a legend, you generally had to be dead.”

This was only my second Singh novel and I will straight off say that I loved it. Okay, I am positive that most of you are wondering which rock I’ve been hiding under that I hadn’t gotten around to reading any Nailini Singh—I’m right there with you. Earlier this year I read Slave to Sensation and now finally got to reading Angels’ Blood. Singh is already one of my favorites.

I loved Raphael and I hated that I loved Raphael. To be honest, I kept expecting to see who Elena’s love interest was (this is a paranormal romance, after all) and did a quick shake of the head when I realized it was him. The passion between them is there and so, it was easy to see something was brewing; however, Singh—and, therefore, Elena—emphasizes the inhumane characteristics in Raphael so often that my mind couldn’t create a possible love connection between the two of them. Where was Raphael’s heart? Did he have one? Is he capable of love? If I’m honest, their romantic connection was the toughest part of getting through the novel. It was still fantastic—but Raphael’s genuine affection for Elena was definitely in question for me for a while.

That being said, I am incredibly excited to continue reading the Guild Hunter series and seeing where Raphael and Elena’s relationship will take them, together—and apart. After the ending in Angels’ Blood, it looks like both Elena and Raphael will be undergoing some personal development in future installments and with both of their stubborn personalities, I am wondering what this will mean for their development together.

Word to the wise: There is a delicately-placed cliffhanger at the end of Angels’ Blood, so make sure you are well-prepared with book 2, Archangel’s Kiss, to begin reading immediately.

Angels’ Blood is exactly what I look forward to reading in a paranormal romance: strong female protagonist, fast-paced plot, heavy urban fantasy feel with thorough world-building, and a steamy and slightly unpredictable romance. If you haven’t picked it up yet, do yourself a favor and dive right in. If you are already submerged into the Guild Hunter series, let’s talk about it! 

Sexual content: graphic sex

4 Responses to “Review: Angels’ Blood by Nalini Singh (Guild Hunter #1)”

  1. Amy M says:

    I remember when I first read this one, I had trouble with the romance aspect too and I think that’s why I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I still kept reading the series thought and any qualms I had about Raphael and Elena have quickly gone away. The series is fantastic.

    I’m thinking a re-read is in order. I’m wondering what my thoughts on this book will be now after knowing what progresses later in the series.

  2. Dunia says:

    Great review!
    For me, it was the other way around: I hated Rafael, and I hated that I hated Rafael.
    This wasn’t the first book from Nalini Singh that I read, but it was the first (and the only so far) that I haven’t completely enjoyed.
    Luckily, the series (and Rafael) got WAY better than I expected after reading Angel’s Blood.

  3. For those who have read the eight books in this series (a ninth will be released later this year) it’s easier to appreciate and understand the relationship between Raphael, the Archangel of New York and Elena, the Guild Hunter. Nalini makes it very clear from the outset that Raphael is very much “other” and always will be. I mean, he’s a freakin’ ARCHANGEL and he’s so powerful that he can be one scary dude! But does he love Elena? Is he even capable of love? Does he have a heart? All these questions and more are explored in the series and things happen that you will not see coming but will love. As you might guess, Raphael’s relationship with Elena has a major effect on him. He’s still “other” but…well that’s all I’ll say. The opportunity to binge read the series is there – I highly recommend that and I’m pretty certain that you will be awaiting Archangel’s Heart with as much anticipation as I am.

  4. Erin Burns says:

    I envy you so much just starting this series!

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