Scan barcode
amym84's review against another edition
5.0
Originally posted at Vampire Book Club
After the events of nearly two years ago (I know I’m just as shocked as you that’s it’s been two years since the attack on New York and The Falling, crazy!), Lijuan’s possible disappearance, and then more recently Alexander’s awakening, have left the Cadre in quite the predicament. If Lijuan is not in Sleep, they have too many members of the Cadre and not enough land for each of them to control without getting in the way of another archangel. If Lijuan is in Sleep then her territory needs to be taken over before the area goes into complete chaos. That is, of course, unless Lijuan isn’t planning something much more sinister.
The Luminata is an ancient group of angels who have the authority to call the Cadre to meet whenever the need should prove necessary. And with control of Lijuan’s territory up in the air, the need is definitely necessary. As Elena and Raphael head to the Lumianta stronghold, Lumia, located in Morocco, Elena begins to feel some kind of tenuous connection to her past. Once they arrive in Lumia, it appears that Elena’s feelings are justified; she just doesn’t know how it all connects with the Luminata. But one thing is certain, not all is as it seems in Lumia, and it appears these angels are holding onto a deep, dark secret.
I’m always happy when Nalini Singh returns to Raphael and Elena in her Guild Hunter series. Not that I don’t enjoy the forays into stories of Raphael’s Seven, but you have to admit, it’s always nice being back with the couple that started it all.
Early on in Archangel’s Heart, when Raphael and Elena first arrive in Lumia, I really got the ‘haunted house’ kind of vibe, which I loved, seeing as how I was reading this around Halloween. I don’t know if it was a conscious decision on Nalini Singh’s part or if things just serendipitously came together that way, but I really liked the eerie feeling that everyone seems to have walking the halls of Lumia.
I mainly enjoyed, however, learning more about Elena’s past. I loved that Nalini was able to add even more depth to Elena’s character, that there were still more mysteries to unravel beyond the tragedy we know happened in Elena’s childhood. In that regard I also liked learning about another aspect to the angels, that up until now we haven’t known about, in the Luminata and how their long history with angelkind.
Of course, I continue to love Elena and Raphael, and it’s great to see their devotion and commitment to each other. I think, in going from previous books in the series where the characters are still trying to find their happily-ever-afters, it’s a nice contrast to come back to this main couple and see their unit, to see the strength of their relationship and how it continues to grow through each book. Their devotion to one another is the foundation of the series, and it’s especially strong in Archangel’s Heart.
Longtime readers of the series will be pleased that Aodhan is featured quite heavily in this book as he accompanies Elena and Raphael. I don’t know if it’s a preamble to his book being next or not, but we learn more about his past, and it definitely makes me wish his book were next.
Overall, Nalini Singh never disappoints and her Guild Hunter series stands out as one of the best.
After the events of nearly two years ago (I know I’m just as shocked as you that’s it’s been two years since the attack on New York and The Falling, crazy!), Lijuan’s possible disappearance, and then more recently Alexander’s awakening, have left the Cadre in quite the predicament. If Lijuan is not in Sleep, they have too many members of the Cadre and not enough land for each of them to control without getting in the way of another archangel. If Lijuan is in Sleep then her territory needs to be taken over before the area goes into complete chaos. That is, of course, unless Lijuan isn’t planning something much more sinister.
The Luminata is an ancient group of angels who have the authority to call the Cadre to meet whenever the need should prove necessary. And with control of Lijuan’s territory up in the air, the need is definitely necessary. As Elena and Raphael head to the Lumianta stronghold, Lumia, located in Morocco, Elena begins to feel some kind of tenuous connection to her past. Once they arrive in Lumia, it appears that Elena’s feelings are justified; she just doesn’t know how it all connects with the Luminata. But one thing is certain, not all is as it seems in Lumia, and it appears these angels are holding onto a deep, dark secret.
I’m always happy when Nalini Singh returns to Raphael and Elena in her Guild Hunter series. Not that I don’t enjoy the forays into stories of Raphael’s Seven, but you have to admit, it’s always nice being back with the couple that started it all.
Early on in Archangel’s Heart, when Raphael and Elena first arrive in Lumia, I really got the ‘haunted house’ kind of vibe, which I loved, seeing as how I was reading this around Halloween. I don’t know if it was a conscious decision on Nalini Singh’s part or if things just serendipitously came together that way, but I really liked the eerie feeling that everyone seems to have walking the halls of Lumia.
I mainly enjoyed, however, learning more about Elena’s past. I loved that Nalini was able to add even more depth to Elena’s character, that there were still more mysteries to unravel beyond the tragedy we know happened in Elena’s childhood. In that regard I also liked learning about another aspect to the angels, that up until now we haven’t known about, in the Luminata and how their long history with angelkind.
Of course, I continue to love Elena and Raphael, and it’s great to see their devotion and commitment to each other. I think, in going from previous books in the series where the characters are still trying to find their happily-ever-afters, it’s a nice contrast to come back to this main couple and see their unit, to see the strength of their relationship and how it continues to grow through each book. Their devotion to one another is the foundation of the series, and it’s especially strong in Archangel’s Heart.
Longtime readers of the series will be pleased that Aodhan is featured quite heavily in this book as he accompanies Elena and Raphael. I don’t know if it’s a preamble to his book being next or not, but we learn more about his past, and it definitely makes me wish his book were next.
Overall, Nalini Singh never disappoints and her Guild Hunter series stands out as one of the best.
caffeineaddict980's review against another edition
4.0
Finally got round to reading the newest book in the series!
This was a good installment, although it was not one of my favourites.
Elena and Raphael's relationship is still strong and it was a nice to see a lot more of Adohan!
We also learnt a bit more into Elena's past which was a good addition to the plot
This was a good installment, although it was not one of my favourites.
Elena and Raphael's relationship is still strong and it was a nice to see a lot more of Adohan!
We also learnt a bit more into Elena's past which was a good addition to the plot
divapitbull's review against another edition
3.0
Archangel’s Heart came awfully close to getting 2 stars. It’s not that there was anything wrong with it per se…. it’s just that it was glacially slow paced. Aside from the main plot point of the story almost literally nothing happened for forever! AH is primarily a Raphael and Elena story; and while I like them – both separately and as a couple – neither of them really rock my boat. As a couple, they’re nice – I like that they’re genuinely devoted to each other without any drama – but I never really felt any intense chemistry.
The story opens with the Cascade on pause; nothing much has happened for the past 2 years. Then the Cadre get called to meet. Apparently, there’s this monk-like (misogynistic, sexist, old boys’ club) spiritual sect of Angels called the Luminata who tuck themselves away in (for all intents and purposes) a “monastery” in the middle of Morocco – so they can dedicate their lives to quiet contemplation and the search for enlightenment or “luminescence”. The Luminata are supposed to be impartial, neutral, non-political and with no earthly ties; therefore, they are entrusted with the power to call a meeting of the Cadre should an archangel go missing. Since no one has heard hide nor hair of Lijuan for the past 2 years – that’s enough to constitute missing- and all hell is breaking out in her lands with blood thirsty vampires slipping the chain and running amok. The Cadre has to figure out of Lijuan is dead or gone to sleep and if so how to divide the territory and re-draw archangelic borders.
Elena travels with Raphael as his Consort to Lumia the home of the Luminata. Things in Lumia just seem “off”. There’s an oppressive, claustrophobic at times genuinely creepy atmosphere. Lumia is located in the birth place of Elena’s grandmother and she hopes to be able to do some investigating into her family ancestry while Raphael is busy with Cadre business. But Elena begins to see a lot of pieces not adding up. The head Luminata looks at her like he’s seen a ghost; when he isn’t looking at her like a particularly exotic, pretty bug that he wants to add to his collection that is. The Luminata seem more secretive than contemplative; and the surrounding town of mortals is infused with an underlying, quiet but very potent fear and hatred of angelkind. There are definitely clues that something is amiss that are adding up – they just add up oh so slowly.
I was a solid 2 stars until about 74%; and then things started to move and I thought I would be generous and bump up to 3 stars. Then we sputtered out again and things ground to a halt and I was back to – screw this – definitely 2 stars. Then around 88% we finally started on the home stretch and all the little clues started coming together. By the time Elena was about to breach the final hidden door and reveal the mystery of Lumia – I had a really good idea what was going to be behind door number one. Or to be fair, I was waiting for the unveiling of half of what was behind door number 1; the other half was a pleasant surprise. At this point I don’t know if I added the third star because the denouement made the whole story worthwhile – or because I was so happy to be so close to the end and finally finishing that I was punch drunk with star giving generosity.
Aodhan plays a large role in AH as he accompanies Raphael and Elena to Lumia. More of his past is revealed as he is seen to be coming slowly out of his shell and healing. His story can't be too far behind.
The story opens with the Cascade on pause; nothing much has happened for the past 2 years. Then the Cadre get called to meet. Apparently, there’s this monk-like (misogynistic, sexist, old boys’ club) spiritual sect of Angels called the Luminata who tuck themselves away in (for all intents and purposes) a “monastery” in the middle of Morocco – so they can dedicate their lives to quiet contemplation and the search for enlightenment or “luminescence”. The Luminata are supposed to be impartial, neutral, non-political and with no earthly ties; therefore, they are entrusted with the power to call a meeting of the Cadre should an archangel go missing. Since no one has heard hide nor hair of Lijuan for the past 2 years – that’s enough to constitute missing- and all hell is breaking out in her lands with blood thirsty vampires slipping the chain and running amok. The Cadre has to figure out of Lijuan is dead or gone to sleep and if so how to divide the territory and re-draw archangelic borders.
Elena travels with Raphael as his Consort to Lumia the home of the Luminata. Things in Lumia just seem “off”. There’s an oppressive, claustrophobic at times genuinely creepy atmosphere. Lumia is located in the birth place of Elena’s grandmother and she hopes to be able to do some investigating into her family ancestry while Raphael is busy with Cadre business. But Elena begins to see a lot of pieces not adding up. The head Luminata looks at her like he’s seen a ghost; when he isn’t looking at her like a particularly exotic, pretty bug that he wants to add to his collection that is. The Luminata seem more secretive than contemplative; and the surrounding town of mortals is infused with an underlying, quiet but very potent fear and hatred of angelkind. There are definitely clues that something is amiss that are adding up – they just add up oh so slowly.
I was a solid 2 stars until about 74%; and then things started to move and I thought I would be generous and bump up to 3 stars. Then we sputtered out again and things ground to a halt and I was back to – screw this – definitely 2 stars. Then around 88% we finally started on the home stretch and all the little clues started coming together. By the time Elena was about to breach the final hidden door and reveal the mystery of Lumia – I had a really good idea what was going to be behind door number one. Or to be fair, I was waiting for the unveiling of half of what was behind door number 1; the other half was a pleasant surprise. At this point I don’t know if I added the third star because the denouement made the whole story worthwhile – or because I was so happy to be so close to the end and finally finishing that I was punch drunk with star giving generosity.
Aodhan plays a large role in AH as he accompanies Raphael and Elena to Lumia. More of his past is revealed as he is seen to be coming slowly out of his shell and healing. His story can't be too far behind.
asharilan89's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
indecisivesailorscout's review against another edition
5.0
This is the only Elena + Raphael story I've liked so far, and I'm convinced it was because this book was all plot and urban fantasy delight - a total but enormously welcome surprise. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and felt super vilified by the stellar ending. I desperately need more books like this and the previous one in this series. I'm glad it finally started to get as good as I was told it would be after a long and arduous wait.
kate_and_books's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 Stars
Amazing, brilliant, spectacular. Exactly what I love to read when it comes to PNR.
This is different to the other books and I always love coming back to Raphael and Elena as a couple. One of my favourite couples of all time. The pace is slower compared to the others and doesn’t make it any less exciting in my eyes but I was wondering the whole time when some dead victims were going to turn up. In comparison to the other books there is no real blood, gore, mayhem and the cruelty of angels one could even say that this book is demure.
But you know I don’t care…. I’m a diehard Guild Hunter fan and fingers crossed that will never ever frigging change. But saying that I always get antsy as I go into a panic and think what if I won’t like it? The beginning was hard as I was nervous but the more I read the more I loved.
The Cascade has been on hold for two years. Two years with no sighting of the Archangel of Death and everyone is waiting for the other shoe to drop.
The other shoe drops in form of an invite that the Cadre have no choice but to attend.
The Luminata have invited them to Morocco. And this is when I had a Dan Brown Flashback. Couldn’t you have used something else to have described this group?
All the Cadre and the two Ancients must attend if they are not to lose their land. Although I mentioned the lack of blood, gore and mayhem. Angel politics is just as amusing. Especially when it turns personally Elena & Raphael. Ms. Singh has done it again and this book I just love. The twist and turns and the backstory. Amazing.
I was desperate for it to be about Bluebell & Sparkle. D-E-S-P-E-R-A-T-E but we didn’t get it and you know that is okay as long as WE do get it then all is good. But Ms. Singh you are a teasing us. But I can also see what she did here what with laying more groundwork for the relationship dynamics of the lovely Bluebell & Sparkle. We get to see more of Sparkle and what I did see of him I absolutely love.
A lot of questions are still open but that just leaves more possibilities in the future. I’d love to see a book about Izak and Xander. They are baby angels compared to the others.
Thankfully Venom & Sorrow will be up next. Not long now.
Amazing, brilliant, spectacular. Exactly what I love to read when it comes to PNR.
This is different to the other books and I always love coming back to Raphael and Elena as a couple. One of my favourite couples of all time. The pace is slower compared to the others and doesn’t make it any less exciting in my eyes but I was wondering the whole time when some dead victims were going to turn up. In comparison to the other books there is no real blood, gore, mayhem and the cruelty of angels one could even say that this book is demure.
But you know I don’t care…. I’m a diehard Guild Hunter fan and fingers crossed that will never ever frigging change. But saying that I always get antsy as I go into a panic and think what if I won’t like it? The beginning was hard as I was nervous but the more I read the more I loved.
The Cascade has been on hold for two years. Two years with no sighting of the Archangel of Death and everyone is waiting for the other shoe to drop.
The other shoe drops in form of an invite that the Cadre have no choice but to attend.
The Luminata have invited them to Morocco. And this is when I had a Dan Brown Flashback. Couldn’t you have used something else to have described this group?
All the Cadre and the two Ancients must attend if they are not to lose their land. Although I mentioned the lack of blood, gore and mayhem. Angel politics is just as amusing. Especially when it turns personally Elena & Raphael. Ms. Singh has done it again and this book I just love. The twist and turns and the backstory. Amazing.
I was desperate for it to be about Bluebell & Sparkle. D-E-S-P-E-R-A-T-E but we didn’t get it and you know that is okay as long as WE do get it then all is good. But Ms. Singh you are a teasing us. But I can also see what she did here what with laying more groundwork for the relationship dynamics of the lovely Bluebell & Sparkle. We get to see more of Sparkle and what I did see of him I absolutely love.
A lot of questions are still open but that just leaves more possibilities in the future. I’d love to see a book about Izak and Xander. They are baby angels compared to the others.
Thankfully Venom & Sorrow will be up next. Not long now.
coralivashkov's review against another edition
5.0
I just love the wildfire couple, Elena & Raphael. The evolution of their relationship is amazing, more mature as they become more trustworthy to each other.
But I really want to know what’ll happen with Lijuan, I mean this book was supposed to be about her situation and the Cadre, but it ended up with the craziness of the Luminata. I’m more intrigued than ever!
But I really want to know what’ll happen with Lijuan, I mean this book was supposed to be about her situation and the Cadre, but it ended up with the craziness of the Luminata. I’m more intrigued than ever!
claire_loves_books's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this but it was slow going in places, there was a lot of meetings, political manoeuvring and intrigue and it felt kind of repetitive by the end. The story didn't feel like it moved forward much, it felt like a bit of a tangent. I'd never heard of the Luminata before (that I remember- they may well have been mentioned but I don't think they played a bit part in any of the previous books) so it felt a bit like it came out of nowhere. The intrigue with the Luminata took up so much of the book, it's only right at the end that we get into the 'main plot' - Lijuan's disappearance.
I liked that Raphael and Elena's relationship is strengthening further and this book did seem to move a lot of the other personal relationships forward as well.
I'm not opposed to character lead novels and I liked that we got to see deeper into some characters and personal development for others, I just wish the plot would have moved forward as well, it felt like quite a slow moving book.
I liked that Raphael and Elena's relationship is strengthening further and this book did seem to move a lot of the other personal relationships forward as well.
I'm not opposed to character lead novels and I liked that we got to see deeper into some characters and personal development for others, I just wish the plot would have moved forward as well, it felt like quite a slow moving book.