Featured Early Book Review: Archangel’s Shadows (Guild Hunter #7) by Nalini Singh

*** This review is SPOILER-FREE! Read on with confidence! ***

The events in this story take place during the period of time just after the battle for New York in Archangel’s Legion, and focus on Ash and Janvier’s hunt for a supernatural killer. Archangel’s Shadows has the feel of the first Guild Hunter book (Angel’s Blood), where Elena was the Hunter and her typical prey was of the vamp variety rather than the super-powered archangelic conflicts that have dominated the series since she became an angel. This hunt gives us insight into the previously opaque character of the vampire Naasir and brings out the softer – and more lethal – side of “the Cajun” vampire Janvier. Little moments, deepening relationships between the characters – particularly those who haven’t gotten as much page time – are some of the small details that make this series special.

[quote]Archangel’s Shadows easily stands out as a must-read story its own right… worthy of putting aside anything else you have in your TBR pile.[/quote]

Mmmm, I just ADORE Janvier’s voice and the cadence of his speech. I can practically hear True Blood’s Bill in my head with each line I read, that slow southern drawl infused with Cajun flair. It’s not easy for an author to write such a pronounced accent so well without it coming off as fake or overwhelming, but Ms. Singh delivers with panache. Janvier’s dedication to Ash is remarkable and helps him stand out as one of the most endearing men in the series. Layers of easy charm and gracious wit barely contain a core of unwavering focus and a will of steel. The connection he shares with Ash feels so true and organic that I actually miss being their heads now that the book over. I didn’t even feel this close to the Archangel’s Blade characters during Dmitri and Honor’s story, which was one of star-crossed lovers spanning a thousand years. Ash and Janvier are a special couple and her history and character in particular are so much deeper than we have read in other chapters of the Guild Hunter saga.

“It lives!”
Ashwini pointed her finger at Demarco. “I haven’t shot anyone this week.”

I also loved getting to learn more about Naasir, the tiger-like vampire member of Raphael’s Seven who is a fascinating blend of predatory grace, childlike curiosity, and feral obsession. Of all the characters in the series, particularly the members of the Seven who are still unpaired, it is Naasir whom I see as the least human and most difficult to write a romance for and I cannot wait to read his story!

[quote]One of the most immersive and consistently creative works in urban fantasy, the Guild Hunter series is simply above and beyond anything else in its genre.[/quote]

Archangel’s Shadows gives glimpses into the lives of other notable characters in the series, as well as subtle reminders of a few you may have forgotten about – whom I believe still have their own stories yet coming – and leaves readers satisfied yet still wanting more. When it comes to any of author Nalini Singh’s works, but particularly with the Guild Hunter series, that’s pretty much a given these days.

@~~ Did you enjoy this review? Rate it up on GoodReads! ~~@

Pre-order (or buy, depending on when you’re reading this review) here: Amazon ebook | paperback

Archangel’s Shadows is…

PIN & SHARE THIS REVIEW FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY IN THE AUGUST 2014 DVK PRIZEPALOOZA!

Click here for details on the event!