Review: Archangel's Storm by Nalini Singh

Woohoo, another review I've been wanting to put up and inspiration just wasn't coming. I think I'm on a roll at the moment. Two weeks ago, I was worried how I was going to juggle reading, blogging and curling... but now, it seems everything is simply coming together. Rare, but you won't hear me complaining :) And I sure hope it continues this way!

Enjoy the review!


Archangel's Storm by Nalini Singh

published by Berkley in September 2012

With wings of midnight and an affinity for shadows, Jason courts darkness. But now, with the Archangel Neha’s consort lying murdered in the jewel-studded palace that was his prison and her rage threatening cataclysmic devastation, Jason steps into the light, knowing he must unearth the murderer before it is too late.

Earning Neha’s trust comes at a price—Jason must tie himself to her bloodline through the Princess Mahiya, a woman with secrets so dangerous, she trusts no one. Least of all an enemy spymaster.

With only their relentless hunt for a violent, intelligent killer to unite them, Jason and Mahiya embark on a quest that leads to a centuries-old nightmare… and to the dark storm of an unexpected passion that threatens to drench them both in blood.

Genre: Urban Fantasy, paranormal romance
Series: The Guild Hunter, Book #5

The Story: After the execution of her daughter in Archangel's Kiss, Neha's, the Archangel of India, rage threatens the balance of the world once again upon the discovery of her consort and husband's mutilated corpse. To avoid Neha falling to madness, Raphael decides to divert her by sending Jason to her territory to investigate Eris' murder. However, Neha is unwilling to welcome Raphael's spymaster to her court unless he swears a blood vow... and that's how Jason finds himself bound to Mahiya.

Mahiya is a 300 years old angel with a doomed future. She is the result of Eris and Nivriti's, Neha's husband and sister, forbidden affair. Consequently, Eris was imprisoned in his jewel-studded palace while Nivitri was executed for their betrayals. Mahiya has no illusions of Eris and Neha's feelings for her. She quickly found out as she grew up that her aunt only kept her to torment her, to exact her revenge... and all Mahiya can do is bite her lips till the day she escapes... And she will escape one day.

As Jason and Mahiya investigate Eris' death, they realize that not all is as it seems at Archangel Fort... As old secrets are uncovered, they realize that something is brewing... something that could disrupt the Cadre of Ten's power and no one can do anything about it.

My Opinion: To be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect of Archangel's Storm. Oh sure, the reviews for it were good... but then again, they always are for any books written by Ms Singh :) The truth is, I don't enjoy The Guild Hunter series as much as her Psy-Changelings series. I'm just not clicking with the feel of this series as I think Ms Singh is trying too hard to be dark, to have tortured heroes... However, while Archangel's Storm doesn't escape this syndrome, I did end up enjoying this book quite a bit :)

I think one of the reasons why I enjoyed this book so much was for the heroine, Mahiya. I simply found her really refreshing. She's a young angel, very resilient and brave. Her background is not rosy pink, but she doesn't dwell too much on it. She doesn't let it weigh her down and that's what I found admirable. Instead, she's determined to survive, to escape... that's her motivation to endure the humiliations and embarrassments and she's learned not to let them show. To me, she is different than all the other angels we've come across in this series. All the others could rely on the knowledge of their immortality... A lot of them are unhappy, scarred and so on, but one thing they know for sure, is that they'll live. For Mahiya, it's different. She knows the only reason she lives is because her aunt Neha allows it, she's there on sufferance. The day Neha has decided she no longer wants Mahiya around, Mahiya won't be around anymore. That gave her a different perspective and in my opinion, distinguished her from other angels. All in all, I liked her character very much. It was also poignant to see that after 300 years, she still craved for family, for maternal love.

As for Jason, he was an interesting character... but even now, I don't really know how I feel about him. I guess I'm neutral where he is concerned. He was yet another tortured hero, having gone through a family tragedy when he was very young. And even now, centuries after, he still has flashbacks of what happened. I don't want to make light of what he went through or what any of the heroes in this series have gone through... but don't they say time dulls the pain? Do they have eidetic memory, as in they can never forget? Do they purposely cling to their pains and memories? Or perhaps because their lifespan is so long, their minds are different. Seriously, I'd really want one main character who is happy, who hasn't gone through anything tragic. I mean, I don't usually mind tortured characters, but so many together? I think the only one we got so far in this series who had a normal upbringing is Galen... and from what we've glimpsed from the rest of Raphael's Seven, he might be the only one ^_^; But back to Jason. He was an interesting and intriguing character, a competent one as well, and I'm very sad for what happened to him... but at the end of the day, I didn't really connect with him... and I feel that affected my view of the romance a little bit. I mean, I like Jason and Mahiya as a couple, but I didn't see such a deep connection between them. Their romance just seemed to have happened and I'm not sure exactly what brought them together besides proximity.

As for the rest of the book, I quite enjoyed everything. I liked that we got to see more of the Seven, but in a different context, outside of New York City, the Tower and Raphael's proximity. I feel we got to see more of their personalities. I also liked the different setting - India and Archangel Fort. We got to see a different culture, different ways... It was interesting to see a territory that wasn't under Raphael. We all know that each Archangel governs its territory in a certain way and it was interesting to witness it. And I really, really enjoyed the court intrigue as well at the mystery in Archangel's Storm. One thing Ms Singh can do is plot and come up with complex storylines and it was neat how everything tied up together. It was also very clever... I'm really curious at how it is going to impact the world and its balance. I hope we get to meet the other Archangels soon as well :)

The Grade: B. Despite its tortured hero, Archangel's Storm finds itself at the top of the list for my favorite read in this series, just under Archangel's Kiss because I enjoyed Mahiya, the storyline and the setting very much :)

Review: Angel's Flight by Nalini Singh

Ouf, between work, reading and curling, my blogging is taking a hit ^_^; Work has been so busy as we're planning a rather important experiment next week. I have to prepare the samples and that's what failed earlier this week. Now, it's finally working! I don't know what was wrong with it, but my guess would be one of the reagents. Unfortunately, I changed too many of them to know which one was the faulty one. My reading has finally picked up! Yay!!! :) All I needed was new precious LOL. I went to the bookstore again today to take advantage of the "Buy 3, get the 4th free" promotion. Hopefully, it'll last me till the beginning of April when a lot of interesting new releases come out :) And curling... Sigh. I don't know. Perhaps I hyped it too much in my mind? Well it doesn't help the team I was rooting for is basically out :( Also, while there are a lot of close games, it seems to me a lot of teams are struggling and it's based rather on mistakes than on good shots :( Like the really important shots are missed rather than made. Still, it occupies me so that's a good thing :)

Since I don't usually have any reviews prepared, I'm taking a shortcut once again by reviewing Angel's Flight by Nalini Singh, LOL. Enjoy!


Angel's Flight by Nalini Singh
published by Berkley in February 2012

In Angel's Wolf a vampire becomes fascinated with the seductive angel who rules Louisiana. But all is not what it appears to be in her court.

In Angels' Judgment a hunter must track one of her own gone bad, while surviving the deadly tests placed in her way by the archangels themselves. Unexpected backup comes from a stranger who might just be the most lethal threat of all...

Plus FIRST TIME IN PRINT

In Angels' Pawn a vampire hunter faces off against two rival factions and the angel manipulating them both, and a vampire whose help is not entirely selfless...

And NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED

In Angels' Dance an angel trapped in the mountain stronghold of the Refuge finds herself under siege by a warrior angel from a martial court.

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Guild Hunter series, Books #0.5, #1.5, #4.5 and #4.75

Angel's Flight is a compilation of 4 novellas in the Guild Hunter series by Ms Singh. I have already read and reviewed Angel's Judgement and Angel's Wolf. Follow the links for the reviews :)

However, it was my first time reading Angel's Pawn, the prequel e-novella that Ms Singh had published to introduce the series :)

The Story: In Angel's Pawn, a newly-made vampire from an old vampire family has been kidnapped by  a kiss - a group of vampires banding together for a common purpose. The regional angel, Nazarach, could easily intercede and put an end to the feud; however, he has decided to teach his people a lesson and has therefore retain the service of the Guild. Thus, the task falls onto Ashwini. Knowing the situation is much more delicate than it seems, Ashwini reaches out to Janvier, a 200+ years old vampire that she's hunted twice before. Having been part of Nazarach's court, he is aware of the regional politics and could be a great ally to have on her side...

My Opinion: I've read all the Guild Hunter books and have been curious about Ashwini and Janvier's relationship and therefore was looking forward to finally read Angel's Pawn. The title really fit the story very well, as Ashwini was essentially a pawn in Nazarach's game. Overall, I really enjoyed this novella. My favorite part was the characters. Ashwini and Janvier were both interesting and rather unique. Of course, what stood out was their flirty relationship, their chemistry and the sexual tension :) Still, you could gleam their competence through their actions. These two know what they're doing... and it makes them even more interesting. I would have liked to know more about Ash's powers, but I guess it's something we'll find out in their book. I'm looking forward to it and hope we won't have to wait too long :P

For such a short story, I think Ms Singh had a good storyline. It was a bit simple, but still interesting and more importantly, well paced with some nice twists thrown into it :) I especially enjoyed the politics :) Everyone is after power and is playing games to obtain it. It also really fit the series. However, I'm not sure I would have enjoyed it as much have I read it as the prequel it is supposed to be. I think have I read it without any knowledge of the Guild Hunter series, I would have been disappointed with the world building and lack of information.

All in all, a very nice and solid short story. Unfortunately, I had one issue with Angel's Pawn and it's actually one of my biggest pet peeve... the French!! I know most people who are reading this won't be picking up the errors. But if it's going to be in print, might as well be sure it's correct! And seriously, I'm sure if Ms Singh or anyone at Berkley asked someone to check it out, that person would be flattered and embarrassing situations could be avoided! Let's start with the easy one... the 'cher.' Janvier is talking to Ashwini and calling her 'cher.' Well there's only a little problem: Ashwini is obviously a woman. So it's not cher, but chère. And notice the accent on first e!! I can't tell you how many time I've seen both these mistakes! It's easy, cher for men and chère for women.

Now, the second mistake and more embarrassing one ^_^;

"[...] along with a proposal that I should consider marrying his daughter Jean." Pronounced in the French way, the name sounded sensual and electric.

One of the reasons French is such a difficult language is because words have genders - feminine and masculine and you have to consider what they refer to. Hence the cher and chère. Well, some first names have feminine and masculine versions too... And unfortunately, in this case, Jean is the masculine version ^_^; Basically, it's John... and pronounced the French way, when referring to a woman, it does not sound sensual nor electric ^_^; It should have been spelled Jeanne and pronounced the French way, it actually sounds a lot like Jane... perhaps just a little softer. Luckily, those mistakes happened early in the story and so, didn't impact my reading too much.

My Grade: B+. Despite the French mistakes, I still enjoyed Angel's Pawn very much :)


And the new novella written by Ms Singh for Angel's Flight was Angel's Dance.

The Story:  Angel's Dance takes place 400 years before Angel's Blood and features Galen - one of Raphael's Seven, Jessamy and their romance. Back then, Raphael had just become an archangel and Galen had decided to postulate for the position of weapon-master. There was no room for Galen in Titus' court, in which he grew. Had he stayed on, he would eventually had to fight his mentor. However, it seems that Galen would have to prove himself much sooner than he expected, as the archangel Alexander seems unhappy with Raphael's quick ascent into the Cadre and ready to declare war. As Galen prepares himself, he must know the politics that might inform tactics and is thus referred to Jessamy, the Teacher, but also historian. Jessamy is  a very old angel, but she's also different. Born with a birth defect in one of her wing, Jessamy cannot fly and therefore has been bound to Earth... until a barbarian angel came and freed her.

My Opinion: I'm really happy that Angel's Dance was Galen and Jessamy's story as I was curious about them :) I thought the story was very sweet, but draggy at times.

My favorite element in Angel's Dance was the characterization. I thought Ms Singh did a great job :) I love how different Galen and Jessamy's personalities were. Galen is a warrior - big and physical, but also smart. He's definitively more than brawn :) I love the part where it was revealed he had a temper LOL. As for Jessamy, I thought Ms Singh nailed it. Her characterization was very real. Jessamy is more than 2,500 years old... so very, very old. Because she could not fly,  Jessamy isolated herself when she was younger... and thus, growing up, she seemed to be out of reach. Add in the fact that she's the Teacher, the angel who's been teaching all the babes... and it was almost as if she was asexual. In their mind, she wasn't a woman... She was the Teacher, an angel that commanded respect, an angel that they loved... but always above, always untouchable. Raphael and Illium saw her that way, even Dmitri... So it took an angel from outside like Galen to see the woman that was there. I also liked that Galen hadn't been her student, because it lessened the icky factor. LOL. Or the part where Jessamy has never left the Refuge. Raphael had never realized that it was because Jessamy couldn't, not didn't want to. So I think Ms Singh really did a great job with the characterizations and I liked both our H/H.

I also realized why I enjoyed Archangel's Kiss so much. I knew it was because it took place in the Refuge, but I couldn't pinpoint it... but reading Angel's Dance, I realized why. It's because when they are at the Refuge, the angels behave more normally. They are among themselves, so they don't need to act or put up a front... They are themselves and most of the time, it means they appear less psycho LOL. Oh and I loved seeing the baby angels!! They were just so cute and so innocent! I guess immortality will warp your mind ^_^;

As for the romance and the story, I think they were okay. I thought the romance between Galen and Jessamy was sweet. For someone to finally see the woman in Jessamy... However, it definitively dragged :( Especially after Jessamy was taken to New York. I don't understand why Galen let let her go. It was just plain stupid to me. As for the overall storyline, I enjoyed seeing some of the characters' background and how Raphael's troop came together. However, the whole war with the archangel Alexander, that was weak. Especially the reason Jessamy was attacked? Just a bit far-fetched to me. The whole storyline just wasn't as solid as what I'm used to with Ms Singh's writing.

My Grade: B-. Really glad I read it, that we found out more about Galen and Jessamy. However, it wasn't stellar and not one of Ms Singh's best novella.

Review: Archangel's Blade by Nalini Singh

Nothing new with me. Work, blogging and reading. The usual :) Still addicted to Bu Bu Jing Xin and since I've reviewed twice this week (!!), it's been cutting in my reading time ^_^; But hey, I'm reviewing again, so it's worth it :)

Review today is Archangel's Blade by Nalini Singh. Please peeps, don't throw tomatoes at me :P


Archangel's Blade by Nalini Singh
published by Berkley in September 2011

The severed head marked by a distinctive tattoo on its cheek should have been a Guild case, but dark instincts honed over hundreds of years of life compel the vampire Dmitri to take control. There is something twisted about this death, something that whispers of centuries long past...but Dmitri's need to discover the truth is nothing to the vicious strength of his response to the hunter assigned to decipher the tattoo.

Savaged in a brutal attack that almost killed her, Honor is nowhere near ready to come face to face with the seductive vampire who is an archangel's right hand, and who wears his cruelty as boldly as his lethal sensuality...the same vampire who has been her secret obsession since the day she was old enough to understand the inexplicable, violent emotions he aroused in her.

As desire turns into a dangerous compulsion that might destroy them both, it becomes clear the past will not stay buried. Something is hunting...and it will not stop until it brings a blood-soaked nightmare to life once more...

Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal romance
Series: The Guild Hunter, Book #4

The Story: Archangel's Blade opens with a severed head being found in the river. This head is special as it belongs to a newly made vampire whom the Tower is unaware of and it has some kind of tattoo. When the body turns up in many pieces in Times Square where Raphael punished a vampire in Angel's Blood, Dmitri knows it's personal. As Raphael and Elena are absent, the vampire steps in and takes up the investigation. He reaches to the Guild for help to decipher the tattoo and the director sends him their expert in ancient languages and history, Honor.

For two months, Honor was kept captive, blind-folded, by vampires for them to feed and play their sick games. She was lucky to be rescued by her fellow hunters, Ransom and Ashwini, and has spent the past few months recovering and hiding in the Guild Academy library. She's always had this strange fascination for Dmitri - even keeping a scrapbook of him, but after what she's been through, the thought of meeting him doesn't make her happy... It scares her. However, the director is not giving her a choice and it's time for her to start putting her life back together. Nobody said it'd be easy.

Dmitri is attracted to and intrigued by Honor; however, he knows she cannot be rushed otherwise she'll run. No matter, he is a very patient man...

My Opinion: Okay, so please people, don't throw tomatoes at me LOL. I know I'm in the minority of readers who aren't wowed by Ms Singh' Guild Hunter series. I really enjoyed Archangel's Kiss and there were some elements in Archangel's Consort that I liked, but as a whole... I don't know,  the Guild Hunter series is not working for me and I simply enjoy the Psy-Changelings series much better. Still, I decided to give a try to Archangel's Blade as Dmitri was the hero and I thought perhaps it'd change my feeling towards this series... Unfortunately, it didn't.

Oh, the writing is still great. Hey, it's Ms Singh after all :) I definitively have no complaints about that. For me, what's not working in the Guild Hunter series is the feel. It seems to me Ms Singh is trying very hard to make this series "dark" - perhaps too hard. The constant mention of torture, regeneration and infliction of pain and the reluctance of the ones who have to inflict the pain and do it because "they have to"... it just get repetitive and over-bearing. The fact that so many of the characters have been punished and hence, have "tortured" souls. I know it gives them interesting pasts, but it's just too much. It's like nobody in the series has had a normal life/upbringing and that's just weird. Like I said, it feels to me Ms Singh is trying too hard, that the atmosphere is too forced.

All right, enough about the series, let's talk about Archangel's Blade. I have to say, I've never been a big fan of Dmitri. He's simply not my cup of tea. Most readers find him sexy and sensual. Me? Well I didn't like the way he treated Elena in previous books and the whole tendrils of exquisite scents just go over my head LOL. I like likable characters and Dmitri is not. I guess getting his book, I was hoping Ms Singh would turn him into a more sympathetic hero... but she didn't and kudos to her for it. Dmitri's personality in Archangel's Blade is the same as in previous books, she didn't change him to please the fans and that's not only brave, but smart as well, because otherwise, it wouldn't be Dmitri. So yeah, I still feel lukewarm about him. His whole "I like a bit of pain during sex" probably made some fans swoon, but it left me indifferent. While I didn't warm up to his character, I did enjoy reading about his past :) That part was interesting and unexpected :)

As for Honor, I did like her. Really, what's not to like? Strong and smart heroine who's trying to overcome trauma. She isn't as kick-ass as some other heroines, but she is one determined woman. The romance was also nice with just the right amount of protectiveness and sweetness :) Although I wished for a bit more. Also, I'm not entirely won over by the revelation at the end. I usually like that type of romance, but the revelation is usually earlier in the romance. The problem in this case is that we don't see Dmitri really processing the revelation.

Now, the story. Archangel's Blade has two storylines: one is about the severed head found which is linked to Dmitri's past and the other is Dmitri and Honor finding Honor's captors and seeking justice/revenge. I really liked the storyline involving Honor's case. I thought it was great that Dmitri helped her out and by finding her captors, it gave Honor's closure. Plus, the whole plot was intriguing and engaging. I liked how from a bite, they found one person which led to another and another and another :) Personally, the way it was developed, I think the story should have been about this and Honor and Dmitri of course. As it is, the other storyline about the severed head got the short end. I thought the mystery/suspense of it was very thin. Since there was little focus on it, the clues became very obvious... And I really didn't like how it was linked to Dmitri's past. I understand why Ms Singh did it, so she could bring up Dmitri's past... I simply don't understand why it didn't happen sooner ^_^; Why now? Yes, it is Dmitri's book, but it's a bit too coincidental.

My Grade:  C+. I've really been torn about this grade, debating between B- and C+. In the end, although it pains me because this is by Ms Singh, I need to be honest with myself. Do I love this book? No. I've enjoyed parts of it and so, I did like it-ish... and therefore, it's in the C range. I really don't know what I'm going to do when the next full-length Guild Hunter novel comes out. I guess it's going to depend on the characters, story and reviews :) Although knowing myself, I'm most probably going to read it because it's Ms Singh after all :)

Review: Archangel's Consort by Nalini Singh

Hey everyone! How are you doing? Hopefully, the weather is not too bad where you are ^_^; We've got some snow on Monday and again, yesterday evening. That means a lot of traffic, sigh... because yes, here in Montreal, no matter how much snow we get, we need to show up at work :( Boooo. So really, I should be on my way instead of writing this LOL.

Oh, before I get to the review, guess what? I finally updated my review archives :) Have been neglecting it ^_^; I had to go back to August... LOL. I think tomorrow, I might have a discussion post about it :)

All right, the review. Well it's not here, it's over at Breezing Through, here. Tabitha has kindly agree to join me to review Archangel's Consort by Nalini Singh! :) Be prepared for a long read!!


Archangel's Consort by Nalini Singh
published by Berkley in January 2011

Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux and her lover, the lethally beautiful archangel Raphael, have returned home to New York only to face an uncompromising new evil…

A vampire has attacked a girls’ school—the assault one of sheer, vicious madness—and it is only the first act. Rampant bloodlust takes vampire after vampire, threatening to make the streets run with blood. Then Raphael himself begins to show signs of an uncontrolled rage, as inexplicable storms darken the city skyline and the earth itself shudders. The omens are suddenly terrifyingly clear.

An ancient and malevolent immortal is rising. The violent winds whisper her name: Caliane. She has returned to reclaim her son, Raphael. Only one thing stands in her way: Elena, the consort who must be destroyed...

Review: Archangel's Kiss by Nalini Singh

You know what I've been thinking about as I started this post? Lucky, I didn't start an Olympics blog, LOL. I mean, I've been watching the Olympics religiously, but I don't have much to say except for a lot of Yay! and Awww! However, I have to say that CTV definitively has an excellent coverage of the Games :)

Anyway, the book I'm going to review today is Archangel's Kiss by Nalini Singh. I'm a huge fan of Nalini Singh, but I thought Angel's Blood was so-so only. I still got Archangel's Kiss, but I'm not sure I would have picked it up any time soon if Ames hadn't enjoy it that much :)


Archangel's Kiss by Nalini Singh
published by Berkley in February 2010

Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux wakes from a year-long coma to find herself changed—an angel with wings the colors of midnight and dawn—but her fragile body needs time to heal before she can take flight. Her lover, the stunningly dangerous archangel Raphael, is used to being in control—even when it comes to the woman he considers his own. But Elena has never done well with authority...

They’ve barely begun to understand each other when Raphael receives an invitation to a ball from the archangel Lijuan. To refuse would be a sign of fatal weakness, so Raphael must ready Elena for the flight to Beijing—and to the nightmare that awaits them there. Ancient and without conscience, Lijuan holds a power that lies with the dead. And she has organized the most perfect and most vicious of welcomes for Elena...

Genre: Urban Fantasy/paranormal romance
Series: Guild Hunter, Book #4 (counting novellas)

The Story: Elena has woken up for her year-long coma and finds herself confined to the Refuge, the sanctuary for angels kept secret from the humans. However, the biggest surprise for Elena is the nice pair of wings now attached to her back. After the events of Angel's Blood, Elena has become the first human transformed into an angel... well, a baby angel. Now, Elena has to adapt to her new life - not only how to cope with being an angel and immortal, but being Raphael's lover... and she has to do so quickly, since she is viewed as Raphael's weakness and thus, a target. This is why Lijuan, the oldest of the archangels, has organized a ball to meet Elena... However, there is more to look out for as an angel has decided to ascend to the title of archangel...

My Opinion: I really enjoyed Archangel's Kiss!! I thought it had a solid storyline, backed up with very interesting characters :) Much better than Angel's Blood as a whole for me :) 

I think the reasons why Archangel's Kiss worked better for me is the world building. In Angel's Blood, Ms Singh had to introduce a very intricate and complex new world - angels, vampires, hunters, etc. and while I liked the world building, it was just too much information. In Archangel's Kiss, Ms Singh is able to focus more on the angels aspect which in turn, allows her to focus more on the relationships and the plot. I mean, it's still a lot of information about the angels, but at least, it's mostly only about them :)

What really won me in Archangel's Kiss was the plot - the mystery. LOL, I like political intrigues in court and this is a little bit what is happening in this book with an angel wanting to ascend to the title of archangel and trying to have his/her way :) The whole "who is it?", "who dares doing that in my territory" and steering up troubles between two parties to start a fight/battle/war... I like it and I thought it was cleverly done :) It was interesting and it makes sense for Elena to be the middle of all of it. The scenes where Elena is learning about angels and training were very interesting as well and they just fit the storyline. My favorite is when Elena went to class with the little ones LOL. So cute!! I can so imagine Sam and his wings hanging on the floor!

While I enjoyed the angel becoming archangel's plot, I thought Lijuan's ball plot was superfluous. I think that Ms Singh could have developed the angel becoming archangel's plot more. Actually, she had enough for it to be the whole plot for Archangel's Kiss and it would have been great! Don't get me wrong, I think that the idea of the oldest archangel organizing a ball to meet Elena - that was a good idea too, with lots of potential and it could have continued the political intrigues. The problem was the execution. I think that the whole angel becoming archangel plot totally overshadowed the ball. Here, Ms Singh had the opportunity of write another very elaborate and intriguing plot, but she let go of the opportunity. I mean, Raphael and Elena don't head to China before what the last fifth of the book? I thought Lijuan's ball was going to be a wowzer, but it ended up being disappointing ;( I actually think that Ms Singh could have turn Lijuan's ball into a whole book. Ah well.

As for Raphael and Elena, well I liked them better in this book which is good. The book focused on them a lot more. It's interesting to see them get to know each other and how their relationship is developing. Too bad it's always in a hurry with so many things happening around them. I have to say, the first few chapters focusing on them were a bit boring... It seems to me Raphael is pushing and trying to establish himself as super alpha while Elena is like, no we'll be equals. Still, I like the dynamics of the couple and I'm looking forward to their relationship developing even more. When they'll really understand each other.

Once again, there were a lot of characters introduced. I liked learning more about the archangels. They're very varied and interesting as well as complex characters. We also get to meet the last ones of Raphael's Cadre of Ten. Once again, I think that Ms Singh tries too much to write "bad-ass" characters... they all seems sociopaths to me! I understand the world is a big and bad, but it'd be nice to see some people that are genuinely nice...

Oh, one last thing I found annoying was Elena's family storyline. I haven't been a fan of it in the first book and still not a fan of it in this book. In Archange's Kiss, Elena is recovering some of memories regarding the murders of her sisters and mother due to her transformation from human to angel. Problem is, I'm still not interested in re-visiting her past. I'm much more interested in her new life as an angel. I know that it was the tragedy that shaped up Elena, but we already know the big lines no? I guess that Ms Singh has a bigger plans for this storyline in the future... I hope so.

Overall though, I was totally engrossed in Archangel's Kiss and really enjoyed it. For the world, for the characters, but especially for the plot which I thought was very, very interesting :) It's a good thing too because I told myself I'd be deciding whether I want to continue this series or not after reading Archangel's Kiss. Well I'm continuing :D

My Grade: B++. Better, but not perfect yet :P

Review: Must Love Hellhounds - anthology

Awwww, long week-end is almost over and tomorrow is back to work... which wouldn't be so bad, but it's also my boss' return to work from vacation. That means we're going to get really busy :( I just don't feel ready for it ^_^;

I hope it was a great week-end for everyone. It was for me, it seems I had time to do everything I wanted: caught up on blogging, spent time with my friends, read some books, cleaned my room (just a little, still not done ^_^;) and watched a lot of tennis. The US Open is really interesting this year, especially on the women's side... LOL. I'm definitively rooting for Kim Clijsters, such a great return!! I'll also be rooting for Flavia Pennetta tomorrow. Although I don't really like her, I acknowledged that Serena Williams is a great player... but we need someone else to win the US Open. Come on. On the man side, I hope Andy Murray makes it. Lleyton Hewitt was playing well, just too bad he had to meet Federer so soon :( I hope he's going to rest and come back strong next year.

Anyway, let's get to to the review :) I know many wanted to know what I thought of it...


Must Love Hellhounds by Charlaine Harris, Nalini Singh, Ilona Andrews and Meljean Brook
published by Berkley in September 2009

In these hound-eat-hound worlds, anything goes. and everything bites.

Follow paranormal bodyguards Clovache and Batanya into Lucifer's realm, where they encounter his fearsome four-legged pets, in Charlaine Harris's The Britlingens Go to Hell. Seek out a traitor in the midst of a guild of non- lethal vampire trackers, one that intends to eradicate the entire species of bloodsuckers, in Nalini Singh's Angels' Judgment. Find out why the giant three-headed dog that guards the gates of Hades has left the underworld for the real world - and whose scent he's following - in Ilona Andrews's Magic Mourns. Embark on a perilous search for the kidnapped niece of a powerful vampire alongside her blind - and damn sexy - companion and a hellhound in Meljean Brook's Blind Spot.

These four novellas by today's hottest paranormal authors will have hellhound lovers everywhere howling.

Genre: paranormal romance/urban fantasy


I don't read Ms Charlaine Harris work, therefore I won't be commenting on her story.


Angel's Judgment by Nalini Singh

Series: Guild Hunter, book #-1(?)

The Story: Angel's Judgment takes place before Angel's Blood and is basically Sara Haziz, Elena best friend, story - how Sara met her husband and how she became the director of the Guild Hunter. Basically, Sara is ideal candidate to be the next director and Simon - the previous director, and the Cadre of Ten (the Archangels) are waiting for her to accept the position.

In the meantime, Sara's next mission is a bit unusual. Instead of retrieving a vampire, she's supposed to investigate on a Hunter who has gone rogue. Joining her is Deacon the Slayer, aka the Guild Hunter's enforcer. However, he has another mission - protect the next director from any test the Cadre of Ten would like to give her...

My Opinion: Surprisingly, I enjoyed Angel's Judgment much more than I did Angel's Blood. I don't know if it was the characters or the storyline... Perhaps I felt that there was less world building, as a result the focus was more on the storyline and it made it simpler. Anyway, I liked it, I thought it was a solid novella. The characters were well developed and the story was interesting.

I really liked Sara and Deacon, they very interesting characters and they had a lot of chemistry together. They also work well together and have good chemistry. I'm glad that Sara didn't take offense at Deacon's presence - protecting her. There wasn't any fight about who is more Alpha or in charge. I also really liked the ending, I think it worked out very well and both took some good decisions. They didn't let obstacles cripple their relationship, made them more than they are.

The storyline was also very good in my opinion. Basically, they had three suspects as the rogue and there was some twists. I really liked it. The only complaint I might have is that the "hellhound" wasn't very present in this one.

My Grade: B+. After this short story, I'm ready to give Ms Singh Guild Hunter series another try.


Magic Mourns by Ilona Andrews

Series: Kate Daniels, book #4

The Story: The novella is told from Andrea's POV, which is a nice change. Magic Mourns takes place after the events of Magic Strikes and Kate is still recovering from her injuries. As a result, Andrea is covering for her. She gets a phone call reporting a huuuuge dog chasing after a shapeshifter. Andrea is all happy to have an assignment, till she discovers the shapeshifter is actually Rafael, a werehyena that is courting her, and that the dog... is much more than a dog.

My Opinion: To sum it up, Magic Mourns was great character-wise, but a bit meh story-wise. Basically, I enjoyed reading more about Andrea and Rafael and seeing them take the next step in their relationship. They are both very interesting characters, Andrea being a bit more complex due to her situation. I loved the courting LOL. Especially when Rafael realized that Andrea kept the tree with the thong ornaments LOL. Andrea has a bite to her, an edge... My only complaint would be that Kate and Andrea are very similar to each other... I also liked reading about Rafael. He is definitively more than just a playboy.

So I really enjoyed the characters but they definitively overshadowed the plot. I thought that overall, the plot was okay, but it was missing some punch... and I'm not sure how I feel about the Greek mythology touch. Anyway, it's not that the plot was bad, just not as interesting as the characters. The ending though made me chuckled. Seems like Curran will get an apple pie :)

The definite plus though, is that we got to learn a bit more about the world building... and how they are dealing with the magic waves that make the technology go down. Still no word about "how" magic works though...

My Grade: B.


Blind Spot by Meljean Brook
Series: The Guardians, book #8

The Story: Maggie Wren is an ex-CIA agent now working as a butler for Colin Ames-Beaumont. She is sent by her new employer to New York, along with Sir Pup, in search for Colin's great, great, great-nephew and niece who are in trouble.

My Opinion: Blind Spot was my favorite novella in this anthology. Two reasons: first, Sir Pup played a big role. Seriously, Sir Pup is such a character, given he is a "pet." He's just so fun to read about LOL :) Playful, but at the same time, very protective :) I always like it when he appears with his three heads and his transformation. Lilith is sooo lucky LOL :) Secondly, I love seeing Colin's many facets. In this case, it's his love for his family... I find it rare that a vampire who's live for hundred of years still have contact with his family/descendants. Most of the time, vampires have to hide and look upon them from afar. In Colin's case, he's totally involved with his family, they know him and he protects them. I find that awesome. I mean, they call him "uncle Colin"!! How cute is that?!? Also, Colin calling Maggie "Winters," I thought that was endearing as well. Colin still remembers his past, he hasn't become jaded or lost his humanity. He still feels quite human and I think that distinguishes him from many other vampires.

Okay, so what about the actual story and characters? Basically, a demon has kidnapped Colin's niece, Katherine, and her brother, Geoffrey Blake, is trying to rescue her and Maggie is sent in to help Geoffrey. Because Colin family's blood has been tainted by dragon's blood, it has had its effect in his descendants... i.e. it has given birth to some very unique "gifts." Katherine is able to locate things and Geoffrey is technically blind, but is able to see through other's eyes. I really like Geoffrey's gift. Quite unique and he knows how to use it. LOL, funniest is when he tried to see through Sir Pup's eyes... but the hellhounds have 6 eyes! LOL :) Anyway, just to say that I really liked Geoff's gift. I also liked his character. He was quite interesting, quite confident and assured. His outward image is one of a fool, one that uses his connections to keep his job in the Ramsdell Pharmaceuticals... but in fact, he's the problems solver - kind of the enforcer of the company.

I liked Maggie's character. Very competent and cool. You know the new kind of butler. Given her past as an ex-CIA agent, she's a survivor... and speaking of past, hers is linked to this case.

I think that Ms Brook did a good job balancing the story and the characters. The story and relationship were interesting. There was a definite connection between Maggie and Geoff and I wouldn't mind reading about them again :)

My Grade: A-. I really liked this novella. I think Ms Brook definitively has a knack writing them :)


Overall, I think this was a great anthology if you're fans of these authors. Definitively no regrets getting it :)