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A review by lailybibliography
Archangel's Heart by Nalini Singh
3.0
3.5/5 stars
Phew, this review was way longer than planned.
Enjoyed the more political and world-building focus. It’s been a while since I’ve been back to this series and this was a pretty good welcome back instalment. Raphael and Elena’s relationship was also far better written than in most previous books, which I really appreciated, but ultimately, I’m still much more interested in the Seven. Not to mention the vastness of the world outside of Raphael’s court. The Luminata and it’s cultist practices were an interesting choice that deviated from the overused “Lijuan is evil” plot, and weaving Elena’s maternal family backstory with its machinations was great.
However, and this is a *big* caveat, the series’ “I’m not like other girls” and casual misogyny continues to bother the hell out of me. Every female character that isn’t Elena or isn’t actively her family/friend is automatically villanized to no end. And that negative framing is always to do with power, beauty or sex. This series is weaker for it, as is Elena because it just makes her seem like a manic pixie dream girl (which admittedly, she kind of is). Because of this outdated and pathetic trope, every female archangel that isn’t Caliane is a villainous character, and Caliane’s the one who murdered thousands in rage before. Man, this series has its priorities set. Badly. It’s also highly irritating to see that literally every female character not related to Raphael wants to fuck him. I don’t care how special or hot he is. There is no man *that* irresistible. Also, FYI, Hannah is freaking amazing and deserves so much better than the snarky comments the narrative affords her. Calling women “delicate flowers” is never the answer; not in fiction, not in real life.
As for future expectations, I need my Bluebell and Sparkle novel. You know, for queer therapeutic purposes. I need more of my people in this world. And also just, more novels centring on the Seven and their partners. (Hint hint: I N E E D more Jason and Mahiya, my beautiful spying angels.) They’re the ones that truly make this series shine for me. Off to Venom’s book now!
Phew, this review was way longer than planned.
Enjoyed the more political and world-building focus. It’s been a while since I’ve been back to this series and this was a pretty good welcome back instalment. Raphael and Elena’s relationship was also far better written than in most previous books, which I really appreciated, but ultimately, I’m still much more interested in the Seven. Not to mention the vastness of the world outside of Raphael’s court. The Luminata and it’s cultist practices were an interesting choice that deviated from the overused “Lijuan is evil” plot, and weaving Elena’s maternal family backstory with its machinations was great.
However, and this is a *big* caveat, the series’ “I’m not like other girls” and casual misogyny continues to bother the hell out of me. Every female character that isn’t Elena or isn’t actively her family/friend is automatically villanized to no end. And that negative framing is always to do with power, beauty or sex. This series is weaker for it, as is Elena because it just makes her seem like a manic pixie dream girl (which admittedly, she kind of is). Because of this outdated and pathetic trope, every female archangel that isn’t Caliane is a villainous character, and Caliane’s the one who murdered thousands in rage before. Man, this series has its priorities set. Badly. It’s also highly irritating to see that literally every female character not related to Raphael wants to fuck him. I don’t care how special or hot he is. There is no man *that* irresistible. Also, FYI, Hannah is freaking amazing and deserves so much better than the snarky comments the narrative affords her. Calling women “delicate flowers” is never the answer; not in fiction, not in real life.
As for future expectations, I need my Bluebell and Sparkle novel. You know, for queer therapeutic purposes. I need more of my people in this world. And also just, more novels centring on the Seven and their partners. (Hint hint: I N E E D more Jason and Mahiya, my beautiful spying angels.) They’re the ones that truly make this series shine for me. Off to Venom’s book now!