Scan barcode
heabooknerd's review against another edition
3.0
Guild Hunter Ashwini is hired to bring in an errant vampire who broke contract with her Angel. Along the way she encounters Janvier who intrigues her in ways she doesn't expect. But Ashwini can sense thoughts and emotions through touch and is reluctant to start anything with Janvier for fear of what she will sense.
I love Nalini Singh's writing but this was just a little taste of it. But as always, I was intrigued by her characters and can't wait to read more. Ashwini seems like a very strong woman who can kick butt so I'll look forward to more of her. And Janvier is smooth and charming so I'm sure I'll enjoy seeing their relationship build. This is more an introduction to Ashwini and Janvier and doesn't conclude their story so you're left with an unfinished connection between them.
I love Nalini Singh's writing but this was just a little taste of it. But as always, I was intrigued by her characters and can't wait to read more. Ashwini seems like a very strong woman who can kick butt so I'll look forward to more of her. And Janvier is smooth and charming so I'm sure I'll enjoy seeing their relationship build. This is more an introduction to Ashwini and Janvier and doesn't conclude their story so you're left with an unfinished connection between them.
kathydavie's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of the prelude short stories, 0.6 in the chronology, in the Guild Hunters paranormal romance series and revolving around one of the Hunters, Ashwini, and her sometimes-prey, Janvier. Based in Louisiana.
My Take
"Angels' Pawn" is fun, adventurous, and full of action with quite the twist in how Singh portrays vampires and how she provides insight into the rules that govern Guild Hunter and angel interaction. While the Guild was created to retrieve runaway vampires for the angels, they do retain a neutral autonomy. It's a subtle political maneuvering that finds the Guild trapped into doing Nazarach's dirty work. And provides Nazarach with the opportunity to add to his, um, "collection".
There's a lovely heat between Ashwini and Janvier with lots of promise for future installments.
The Story
It's usually Ashwini hunting Janvier. This time, they'll be partnered up on a most unusual hunt, for Monique Beaumont has been kidnapped.
It's a tricky hunt with its twists and turns…and revved up with Janvier's romantic pursuit of his usual pursuer.
It's worse when Ashwini learns Nazarach has more than a passing interest in her.
The Characters
Ashwini, a.k.a., Ashblade, is a Guild Hunter and a born tracker. She also has a type of psychometry and a nightmare of a past. Ransom is another Hunter, also with the New York Guild. Sara is the current Guild Director (see Sara's last hunt before accepting this appointment in "Angel's Judgment", 0.5). Kenji and Baden are also Guild Hunters, and Sara has put them on standby.
Janvier, a Cajun, has been a vampire for two hundred and forty-five years with the annoying habit of annoying the angels. Shamiya Made him.
Atlanta
Nazarach is the mid-level angel with no humanity who holds sway here. Audrina was the offering Nazarach provided Janvier.
The Beaumont vampire family runs Atlanta — under Nazarach. They've been a lucky family over the generations. This generation that luck resulted in Monique and Frédéric, a sister and brother, being Made. Antoine is the vampire head of the family. Jean is his sister. Simone Deschanel is the new woman in Antoine's life, one with her own ambitions.
The ambitious Callan Fox has set up his own kiss. Perida is his enforcer.
Ashwini's past memories
Dr. Taj is a well-regarded physician. And I think he's Ashwini's brother. Egan is the angel Ashwini pinned to a wall a year ago.
The Cadre of Ten
There are ten archangels who rule the world, including Favashi, the archangel who rules Persia. Over a thousand years old, and she still has her heart. Neha is the Queen of Poisons who rules in India. Raphael is the archangel who rules North America from New York.
The Cover and Title
The cover is Singh's publicity photo off the the left, her name in red above it, and the title to the right of the picture with its subtitle reminding us that it's an e-short companion to Angels' Blood, 1.
The title refers to humans, and I suspect Ashwini in particular, for she feels very much like the "Angels' Pawn".
My Take
"Angels' Pawn" is fun, adventurous, and full of action with quite the twist in how Singh portrays vampires and how she provides insight into the rules that govern Guild Hunter and angel interaction. While the Guild was created to retrieve runaway vampires for the angels, they do retain a neutral autonomy. It's a subtle political maneuvering that finds the Guild trapped into doing Nazarach's dirty work. And provides Nazarach with the opportunity to add to his, um, "collection".
There's a lovely heat between Ashwini and Janvier with lots of promise for future installments.
The Story
It's usually Ashwini hunting Janvier. This time, they'll be partnered up on a most unusual hunt, for Monique Beaumont has been kidnapped.
It's a tricky hunt with its twists and turns…and revved up with Janvier's romantic pursuit of his usual pursuer.
It's worse when Ashwini learns Nazarach has more than a passing interest in her.
The Characters
Ashwini, a.k.a., Ashblade, is a Guild Hunter and a born tracker. She also has a type of psychometry and a nightmare of a past. Ransom is another Hunter, also with the New York Guild. Sara is the current Guild Director (see Sara's last hunt before accepting this appointment in "Angel's Judgment", 0.5). Kenji and Baden are also Guild Hunters, and Sara has put them on standby.
Janvier, a Cajun, has been a vampire for two hundred and forty-five years with the annoying habit of annoying the angels. Shamiya Made him.
Atlanta
Nazarach is the mid-level angel with no humanity who holds sway here. Audrina was the offering Nazarach provided Janvier.
The Beaumont vampire family runs Atlanta — under Nazarach. They've been a lucky family over the generations. This generation that luck resulted in Monique and Frédéric, a sister and brother, being Made. Antoine is the vampire head of the family. Jean is his sister. Simone Deschanel is the new woman in Antoine's life, one with her own ambitions.
The ambitious Callan Fox has set up his own kiss. Perida is his enforcer.
Ashwini's past memories
Dr. Taj is a well-regarded physician. And I think he's Ashwini's brother. Egan is the angel Ashwini pinned to a wall a year ago.
The Cadre of Ten
There are ten archangels who rule the world, including Favashi, the archangel who rules Persia. Over a thousand years old, and she still has her heart. Neha is the Queen of Poisons who rules in India. Raphael is the archangel who rules North America from New York.
The Cover and Title
The cover is Singh's publicity photo off the the left, her name in red above it, and the title to the right of the picture with its subtitle reminding us that it's an e-short companion to Angels' Blood, 1.
The title refers to humans, and I suspect Ashwini in particular, for she feels very much like the "Angels' Pawn".
tuttidolci's review against another edition
2.0
Grrr. What a tease. Just when it was about to get good, it ends. Darn you, Nalini! ;-)
Thankfully, hints of this story developing (as a secondary storyline) have been dropped throughout the Guild Hunter books I've read. And I sure as heck want to hear more about this sexy Cajun vamp (Janvier)!
Thankfully, hints of this story developing (as a secondary storyline) have been dropped throughout the Guild Hunter books I've read. And I sure as heck want to hear more about this sexy Cajun vamp (Janvier)!
aefy's review against another edition
This is a precursor to Ash and Janvier's book, and it's referenced in the initial Guild Hunter book. I wouldn't read this without reading the first book or so in the guild hunter series because it will make no sense otherwise.
crownoflaurel's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
divapitbull's review against another edition
2.0
Angels’ Pawn is the 3rd and last prequel to Angels’ Blood. Like the other 2 it’s actually best to read them after Angels’ Blood – if you’re afflicted with OCD and have a pathological need not to miss anything. I kind of wish I didn’t – have OCD – because none of the prequels, Angels’ Pawn included has whetted my appetite to jump back into the series with the second full length Guild Hunter novel.
Angels’ Pawn was just OK; and the relationship between Janvier and Ashwini was not enthralling enough to get me excited about seeing them re-visited in the Guild Hunter #7. J & A are frenemies – Janvier is a sexy Cajun 245 year old vampire who on a fairly regular basis manages to piss off an angel who then contracts the Guild to round his ass up. The contracts generally go to Ashwini and they have a friendly, flirtatious rivalry going on – Janvier really has the hots for her, and Ashwini has some deep dark, “I’ve been hurt before” secrets so she can’t get involved with anyone, least of all an almost immortal vampire who will only see her as a plaything (since compared to vampires humans live about as long as a pet rat).
When Angels’ Pawn opens Ashwini is on a hunt; but Janvier isn’t the target – in fact she rather thinks she needs his help. The Guild’s been hired by a nasty angel named Nazarach to clear up a bit of vampire intrigue – but being as he’s a big, scary (psycho) angel; he’s going to want a piece of Ashwini – who’s smart enough to pop in on Janvier – and for the price of one “personal favor” owed a some future point in time; Ashwini has herself a work partner and bodyguard to ensure she doesn’t become angelchow. There’s some OK mystery and action and some lukewarm UST between J & A. I hope this isn’t their A game and that things heat up a bit more in the main series.
Angels’ Pawn was just OK; and the relationship between Janvier and Ashwini was not enthralling enough to get me excited about seeing them re-visited in the Guild Hunter #7. J & A are frenemies – Janvier is a sexy Cajun 245 year old vampire who on a fairly regular basis manages to piss off an angel who then contracts the Guild to round his ass up. The contracts generally go to Ashwini and they have a friendly, flirtatious rivalry going on – Janvier really has the hots for her, and Ashwini has some deep dark, “I’ve been hurt before” secrets so she can’t get involved with anyone, least of all an almost immortal vampire who will only see her as a plaything (since compared to vampires humans live about as long as a pet rat).
When Angels’ Pawn opens Ashwini is on a hunt; but Janvier isn’t the target – in fact she rather thinks she needs his help. The Guild’s been hired by a nasty angel named Nazarach to clear up a bit of vampire intrigue – but being as he’s a big, scary (psycho) angel; he’s going to want a piece of Ashwini – who’s smart enough to pop in on Janvier – and for the price of one “personal favor” owed a some future point in time; Ashwini has herself a work partner and bodyguard to ensure she doesn’t become angelchow. There’s some OK mystery and action and some lukewarm UST between J & A. I hope this isn’t their A game and that things heat up a bit more in the main series.
indecisivesailorscout's review against another edition
5.0
I love Ashwini and Janvier sO MUCH oh my goodness GRACIOUS they are just the best
belleflamey's review against another edition
3.0
Enjoyed it - wish they get their own book!!.... But I dont know how or why this is listed as the prequel, you really have to read book 1 to understand the relationship between angel-vampire-hunter.