Date:1st November 2016
Format: Paperback
Pages: 381
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Source: Thanks to Hachette NZ
Rating:
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 the 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 archangel 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.....
Archangel's Heartis #9 in the Guild Hunter series by Nalini Singh. In this book the focus is back on
Elena and Raphael and their ever maturing relationship. This time they are off to Morocco where the Luminata have called all the Cadre (the group of archangels who rule the world), because one of the Cadre - Lijuan ruler of China is missing. Is she dead? Hiding out? Or gone into a deep Sleep that lasts for centuries? They must find out, at the moment now that Caliane (Raphael's mother) and Alexander have arisen from Sleep there could be eleven archangels. There can only be ten.
We also have some focus on Aodhan and Illium, two angels from Raphaels Guard. Mostly it is on Aodhan who accompanies Elena and Raphael to Morocco. We learn more about him, see him developing and healing a little more from the atrocities he suffered. I really enjoyed his part in the story and know his full story must be on the horizon!
The Luminata are meant to be monk like men who are seeking enlightenment, however as soon as they land Elena and the others sense something is not right. The tension builds as they explore the place and visit a nearby town. A few of the Luminata are helpful, especially a young one called Ibrahim who helps them out where he can. But is he too young and innocent?
I enjoyed seeing the mother / son relationship between Caliane and Raphael and Tasha her second in command and that of Elena. Tasha is still doing things to try and tip off Elena into jealousy but not with any success.
This book is political as the cadre deliberate, so much power all together. It seems to move slowly, however it depths the characters, is tension filled and there was always something happening that engaged me. Elena's past is rooted in Morocco and that angle of the story was totally addictive but no spoilers!
This book makes me want to reread and reacquaint myself again with the whole series. It was an
absorbing and emotional read. Every detail needs to be read, you can't afford to skip a line, everything counts. Fabulous writing, satisfying reading, the very best!
Other reviews:
Jen from That's What I'm Talking About : Archangel's Heart gives it an A rating.
Melinda at Bookish Devices is also very happy to have read Archangel's Heart.
Guild Hunter Series
Archangel's Shadow #7
Archangel's Enigma #8
About the Author
Nalini Singh was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. She spent three years living and working in Japan, and travelling around Asia before returning to New Zealand now - although she's always plotting new trips. She has worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher, not necessarily in that order. Some people might call that inconsistency, but she calls it grist for the writer's mill.
Website: Nalini Singh
Archangel's Enigma #8
Nalini Singh was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. She spent three years living and working in Japan, and travelling around Asia before returning to New Zealand now - although she's always plotting new trips. She has worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher, not necessarily in that order. Some people might call that inconsistency, but she calls it grist for the writer's mill.
Website: Nalini Singh
Great review Kathryn, I want to try this author fingers crossec
ReplyDeleteI hope you do at some point Debbie. I know how difficult is to find that time!
DeleteI have read only 2
ReplyDeleteSometimes that happens, I've stalled too on series just like that.
DeleteI want to read this author. What series would you recommend to begin?
ReplyDeleteNise I loved her Psy/Changeling best but this one grew on me after a couple of books. The Psy/Changeling just happens to be my fav though.
DeleteI haven't read this author but you've got me wanting to try one of her books. I'll put the Psy/Changeling series on my list!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a big reader of paranormal/urban fantasy but got hooked in by Nalini Singh and then have gone on to read a few other authors in this genre as well. However NS are my favourites!
DeleteI've had the pleasure of reading a few books in Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling series, and I really enjoyed it. You've made a very compelling argument for the Guild Hunter series and I think I will check it out from the library at first chance. Great review!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lonna and I know you are a big fantasy reader so you just might love this series.
DeleteThis sounds good, I've been wanting to make time to read this author since forever. I have read and enjoyed this genre but don't make time for it anymore.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kathryn, for stopping by today. I do love a good accessory handknit by me. I'm glad to add more to my drawer which needs some organization. Have a good Sunday.
ReplyDelete