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Review: Archangel’s Storm by Nalini Singh (Guild Hunter #5)

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Archangel's Storm by Nalini Singh // VBC reviewArchangel’s Storm (Guild Hunter #5)
Nalini Singh
Published: Sept. 4, 2012 (Berkley)
Purchase at: Book Depository or Amazon

Reviewed by: Candace

Rating (out of 5): 4.5 stars

I will survive and I will survive whole.

“Three hundred and seven years,”…”that’s how long I survived – I do not want to survive any longer, Mother. I want to fly.”

Lovers united by overcoming loss. Sisters torn apart by an undeserving angel. An evolution among causing ripples among the Cadre. What is going on among the angelic ranks?

That’s just the tip of the iceberg with Archangel’s Storm. If a series author wants to keep their readers happy, give us updates on our favorites and doesn’t banish them to the sidelines. We get Venom, Aodhan, a bit of Illium, Dmitri, Honor and yes, Raphael and Elena. Payoff like that for your dedicated fans is enough to get Nalini Singh full marks, and that’s all before the phenomenal story of Jason and Mahiya begins.

I’m all about the hero in paranormal romance. If your hero doesn’t sell the story, I won’t finish the book. Jason more that sells, but instead of talking about the sexy, black-winged Spymaster, let me tell you a bit about his heroine, Mahiya. A born angel, her mother was the archangel’s Neha’s sister and her father was Neha’s consort. After her mother’s disappearance, she was raised by servants and held in disdain by both her aunt and her father. Nevertheless, she persevered. When Jason enters Neha’s court to investigate Mahiya’s father’s murder, the angelic princess was charged with escorting the Spymaster through Neha’s fort.

The quotes from the top are Mahiya’s. Her strength, despite centuries of weakness, was incredible. She deserved an exceptional angel. And boy, did she get him.

If you have never read Nalini Singh, if you have wondered what a great romance hero should be like, go get book one of the Guild Hunter series and read them all, just so you can get to this point. Chelsea reviewed Archangel’s Blade, but I read it, too, and was head-over-heels with Dmitri and Honor’s story and was convinced that it would not be matched.

I love being wrong.

Jason is not typical hero material. There is no white horse. Hell, there isn’t even a Ducati (and, trust me, the bike always helps). Jason is emotionally damaged and comes in with no intention of a happily ever after. I think that Jason was content just to serve Raphael and exist, having found that love can hurt you entirely too badly. Jason is an indispensable member of Raphael’s Seven, a spymaster and he has skills that have served him well. Haunted by memories of his parent’s deaths seven centuries before, Jason is determined not to allow a woman into his heart and would rather keep his relationships with them on a physical level.

Jason did not anticipate a tenacious princess with a start as heartbreaking as his.Their story is filled with heartache. Kleenex advisory should be given. The beginning of the book will absolutely break your heart, but stick with it.

In some instances, Archangel’s Storm borders on being almost too dark. But that’s part and parcel with Jason and Mahiya. Their light comes at the end of their tunnel (heh, read the book, that goes along with plot line). Their happily ever after is well deserved.

Sexual content: Sex

10 Responses to “Review: Archangel’s Storm by Nalini Singh (Guild Hunter #5)”

  1. Julie says:

    I’m so far behind in this series. Your review makes me want to call in sick and spend the day curled up with Nalini Singh.

    • Candace says:

      I know, Julie. I know. If you’re behind, then you may not have read Archangel’s Blade or Angel’s Flight. Go home after work (pick up take out so you don’t have to cook) and read. You’ll be glad you did.

  2. Amber says:

    I remember when VBC debut the book cover. Num. Num, Num. I love Nalini Singh and can’t wait to read this. I have been waiting ever so inpatiently.

  3. Imago_NYC says:

    Thanks for the excellent review. I absolutely adore Nalini Singh. Her two series – Guild Hunter and Psy-Changeling are automatic buys for me. Although I cannot wait to start Archangel’s Storm I’m already sad because the next installment is a year away.

  4. Candace says:

    Start it and use the year-long wait to justify a re-read…or three.

  5. Stephanie Miller says:

    Absolutely loved Jason! Hated trying to read this at work because breaks kept interrupting me! So, which angel do you think will be next?

  6. Susan A. says:

    I have to admit I’ve been on the fence about reading this book. I’ve read all the other ones in the series and loved them. It was just the idea of Neha, a woman who has already been an angel a long time, turned me off. I wanted Jason’s lover to be human and when I saw it wasn’t I decided it might be better for me to skip over it. The book blurb and story premise just didn’t peak my interest at all because Neha wasn’t what I wanted her to be or at least someone who could get my attention. Having said that, your review has given me an entirely different perspective. Now I’m much more curious about her and rethinking my previous assumptions. Thank you for writing a review that could sway my opinion so I won’t have to skip a book in one of my favorite series. Your description of the emotional stakes is what did it for me 🙂

    • Sara says:

      Just an FYI – The female lead isn’t Neha, but her neice. Small difference, but just wanted to give you a friendly heads up.

      • Susan A. says:

        Oops, that was a mistake on my part. I had Neha’s name stuck in my head and accidentally typed it instead of Mahiya. I did know it was Neha’s niece as the love interest, rather than her, but appreciate your correction. Next time I should check my comment before posting!

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