Archangels Viper is a fabulous addition to the Guild Hunter series. The storyline and banter between Venom and Holly was well written and engaging. Both damaged and trying so hard to heal together, but can they make it work. We have been waiting awhile for this story and Ms. Singh does not disappoint. This is definitely one book I will be recommending to readers.

This book… GAH!!!! This book!!!!

There are no coherent words that I could string together in a sentence to explain my love for this book. Venom and Sorrow’s travels together on the path of uniqueness in this world has always been one of the stories I’ve been dying to read and it’s here! Both different in their own ways, I have always wondered how they fit into the world of vampires and Archangels. Neither of them fit the mold, but together they fit perfectly. Unfortunately since I received this book so earlier, I don’t want to spoil this story, but I will say this. The darkness in the Archangel’s world is frightening to say the least, but having Venom and Sorrow in it, makes it just a little bit better. Readers will love the twists and turns of this book just as I did. Now the only question remains is when do we get Illium’s story because… I want it!

Archangel’s Viper by Nalini Singh
Book #10: Guild Hunter Series
Source: Netgalley and purchase
My Rating: 5/5 stars
My Review:

Holy hell!! I have been waiting and waiting and waiting for this book and the wait was so very, very, very worth it!! And so, without further ado . . . . .

Viper isn’t a typical vampire and through most of his long life, he hasn’t felt the difference too keenly. Of late, however, his otherness has begun to weigh a bit more heavily on him and there’s only one other “person” in the world who can understand his position. Trouble is, that “person” isn’t Viper’s biggest fan and she can frequently be found hurling insults at him rather than just talking to him.

Holly Chang long ago left behind the adopted name Sorrow, but that’s the only thing she’s left behind from that terrible time. Since being taken, used, and changed by the now-dead archangel Uram, Holly has known she is unlike every other creature on Earth. The only other being she even remotely resembles is the utterly obnoxious and thoroughly fun to insult, Viper. Because of their similarities, Holly has been under Viper’s supervision for years for training and other cautionary reasons. Essentially, no one can explain what Holly is and until she is better understood and her powers thoroughly catalogued, she’s not going to be truly free. Furthermore, if she tells anyone about the unsettling changes she’s noticed, she’s going to become a prisoner.

As if the unsettling changes weren’t enough, there also seems to be a bounty, a very large bounty, on Holly’s head. Yeah, loads of people know of her otherness and there are those in the supernatural community who are willing to pay a fortune to have her as a part of their collections. In order to keep her safe, Viper has been assigned to her side night and day until the culprit can be found and dealt with. Neither expects the rat’s nest of awful they dig up and where all the awful leads them. In fact, the awful is a whole new level of awful and leads Viper and Holly deep into enemy territory, a place they need Raphael by their side to get the hell out of in one piece.

The Bottom Line: I have been waiting for Viper’s book for a very long time and it was so worth the wait! Aside from Bluebell, Viper has always been one of the most playful (for lack of a better word) among Raphael’s Seven. He likes to use his innate abilities, forged in Neha’s court, to mesmerize friends and foes alike which only causes him difficulty with Holly. Holly is the only other person on Earth who can truly understand Viper and once they get past all the sniping and picking at one another, they make a truly impressive team. What they have to face, endure is beyond what many could survive, but survive and flourish they do, even in the face of a truly evil archangel!

About the series as a whole, I am immensely thankful I didn’t have to give up this series because book ten was yet another book dedicated to Elena and Raphael. As much as I like those two, and I really do, there are still major players remaining who have yet to have their story told. I was also quite glad to see the whole Lijuan issue take a back seat in this installment, the Legion to be included even in a limited way, and the changing relationship between Bluebell and Aodhan being addressed even in a limited way. What I’m driving at is this, there is still a tremendous amount of ground to cover in this series and I hope that material is dealt with in the coming books and not broken up with more Elena and Raphael reads. They need to be involved, but they don’t need another book dedicated to them and them alone. We need more like Archangel’s Viper and we need them now 😊

It`s hard not to gush about this book and I don`t want to spoil this story,
so let me just say:
Alien, Rosmarys Baby and the Exorcist found an equal competitor in Holly Chang.
THAT was not what I expected to happen in Archangel`s Viper.
- Dear Nalini, you have surpassed yourself here. Your creativity is phenomenal... on a
twisted creepy way. But I`ll be damned, I loved each page, had a sleepless night and
started cooking a indian dish as soon as I`ve finished this book.

OMG!!!!

This book was EVERYTHING and so much more!!

Venom has always been a favorite of mine. From the very beginning, his relationship with Elena has been a source for hilarity and fascination. He was something DIFFERENT. Dangerous, unique, intriguing, and so very mysterious.

And finally he got his own book and OMG – he got Holly too!!!!

Holly – I had so many questions about Holly. She was fascinating and intriguing and her entire existence was as unique and mysterious as Venom’s. And even though both characters had been with this series since the very first book, they had me more curious than any other of the supporting cast. But especially Holly!! Uram had changed her – undeniably, unequivocally, irreversibly!

But just how much he changed her had been unanswered.

Until now!!!

We finally get answers. Maybe more than we’ve prepared for!!

For me, this book was addictive. From beginning to end Archangel’s Viper captivated me and didn’t let go until I reached THE END. The authors trademark writing style and whip-smart dialogues entranced and pulled me in. Her storytelling is in a class of its own. The way she waved past and present was uniquely Nalini Singh. Storylines that happened eons ago were picked up again, questions were answered, knots unraveled – nothing was left untended.

Nalini Singh is hands down one of the most skilled authors I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.

I went blind into Archangel’s Viper, all I knew was that Venom and Holly would be the main couple – and that’s pretty much all I cared about.

And now, after finishing this book, I don’t think there is a more perfect couple in this entire series – except of Elena and Raphael of course!!

The mysterious Venom, distanced by his unique looks, coldish and abrasive at times, absolutely devoted and loyal to Raphael and his Seven but otherwise alone – finally found his match in Holly. Holly, a former Uram victim, changed in such a way that no one really knew what she was or would still become. After years of struggles, she finally fought her way out of an abyss that tried to swallow her whole. Now, while finding out what was going on inside of her, she had a choice of trusting the man beside her or loosing the life she finally started claiming as her own.

The BIG unknown was as fascinating as thrilling in this book. Not having an inclination what was going on with Holly kept me turning pages at warp speed. The twists and turns came hurdling at me, all I could do was hold on and enjoy the ride.

And that’s what I did wholeheartedly!!

This was hands down one of my favorite books about Raphael’s SEVEN. Maybe because it was not only about Venom but Holly too. Two characters I’ve come to love and admire. I adored how the author kept their relationship progressing naturally and gradually. In the past Venom and Holly aggravated each other to no end, they were teacher and student at times, and respected each other because of their uniqueness. Neither fit the mold of vampire.

Holly and Venom’s story was not about instantaneity. Their love story started slow and grew into a crescendo that was pure and overwhelmingly special.

When Holly and Venom started working together, they realized that they could be themselves with each other, allowing the otherness that usually was hidden away, out and play. They found in each other an antidote to their venomous bite. Someone that understood their respective uniqueness and accepted them for who and what they were.

I especially adored Holly’s journey. It was heart-achingly beautiful. She changed from a snarky and closed off victim to a self-assured and affectionate woman that was looking forward to the future. I loved her character so much!!!

Holly and Venom’s love- story was as beautiful as it was restrained and pure. It was PERFECT in every possible way. I personally think that the author outdid herself with this novel. This couples was PERFECTION!!!!



This review will be live on September 19th - I will be updating the links at that point.

Exhilarating! Thrilling! Relentless!

Archangel’s Viper is book ten in the Guild Hunter series by Nalini Singh. It’s a non-stop action-packed adventure full of hurtles, twists, and a little romance.

Before we get started; you do want to read this series in order. We meet Holly and Venom at the beginning of the series and are treated to little teasers of them throughout, but we don’t dive into who they are or what they have become until now.

Venom was his sexy self. We learn so much about his past, what makes him who he is, his unique attributes, and more. Holly is fierce, strong, and a survivor. She didn’t ask for the horrors that happened to her, but even with the ruff go of things, she turns herself around, and thrives.

I enjoyed Holly and Venom together and I relished the banter between them. It was lots of fun. As for the romance it was nice, but I would have liked them to have had more time together. It wasn’t until close to the end when the romance/get together happens and so it felt sudden and a little rushed to me.

Besides Holly and Venom, there was a lot going on in the story. These two had many challenges and hurtles to face; which where invigorating and had my heart pumping. I was on the edge of my sit and couldn’t put the story down. I was also not expecting to uncover what I read. And then add in the twists; which where unmatched. It was a delightful treat to be surprised and so captivated. I’m excited and a bit worried for everyone in this world. What will happen next?

Rated: 4.5 Stars

*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy provided by Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley with the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.

The books in this series build on one another but there is quite a bit of info repeated for a new reader of the series not to be lost on the what and why of the story. Events that happened in the first book shaped Holly one of the two main characters this book focus on. The other one is Viper, a vampire that his creation made him different than other vampires. Because of how Holly was turned, Viper has been working with her training even if most of it has been long distance. The two of them are oil and water in the beginning but he does help her with developing her power set and finding out who has put a bounty out on her capture.

Overall a good story and ties into the first book which makes for a good overall story arc in the long run. One of the things I like the most about this writer. She creates interesting settings and has good use of a large cast of characters that are featured in different books. Can’t wait for the next one.

Excellent! I wished for a few more chapters. I can recommend this to lots of readers.

One of the many things I love about Nalini Singh is that she is able to weave together such compelling stories with truly diverse characters that always pull on your heartstrings. She managers to create a truly unique story time and time again regardless of how long a series may be getting. I will never tire of her books and I will never tire of the Guild Hunter novels.

We've slowly been working our way through Raphael's seven and Archangel's Viper brings us the story of Venom and Holly Chang. Both outsiders in their own way and both marked by something that makes them other.

Holly is one of the only surviving victims of a brutal assault from another archangel and Uram left his mark. Venom has been marked by his creation and change with snake like reflexes and reptilian eyes. Holly and Venom drive one another crazy and seem to take every opportunity to goad the other into a response but seeing these two come together was like watching magic unfold. This is one of those love stories you go back and reread, knowing that it will give you all the feels again and again.

Archangel's Viper continues Nalini Singh's wonderful world of angels and vampires, and long-time readers of the series will not be disappointed. Two characters fans have longed to have get together, Holly and Venom, are forced to work together and discover the secrets hidden in Holly. Intrigue, suspense, and romance are blended perfectly to create a fast-paced, "can't put it down" story. The storyline of the series as a whole, including insight into Micaela, Raphael, and the cascade is also pushed forward in a satisfying way. For new readers and old, this title is an amazing read.

Great writing and great job bringing the characters together without making less of either the differences in the characters abilities or character.

I never start a series at book number ten but I’m glad I made an exception for Archangel’s Viper.  I took to for review because I’d seen Singh’s name numerous times and I was looking for a new paranormal to read.  I definitely wish I had read the entire series because there was much I wanted to know more about but the book was thoroughly enjoyable even without knowing the back story.  I especially would have liked to have known Holly’s story since her making as a vampire and/or archangel is obviously highly unusual with very abnormal results.  Because Viper’s own origins were unusual he’s the perfect partner for Holly.  Her lack of fear of his snake eyes and amusement with him when most are terrified is a welcome change to Viper.

Singh creates a very detailed and interesting alternate world with fascinating paranormal situations and forces, both good and evil.  The detail in this book was beyond sufficient to bring the reader up to speed.  Viper is sexy and strong and his treatment of Holly is endearing.  Holly is complex with a lot of mixed emotions and so much to deal with.  The angels and archangels are an interesting twist and added stressors and depth to the vampire story.  The story is face-paced with lots of action and complex, interesting characters.  I definitely will read more from Singh especially others in this series given the chance.

reviewed by Jem Stone

Another of the Archangels Nine has found a mate. The discover that not all venom is poisonous, at least to this couple.

It’s already been made abundantly clear that I’m a Nalini Singh fan, and needless to say I’ve been curious about this story for a while as the Guild Hunter series has developed and her amazing cast of characters has been brought to life. Holly Chang was introduced in the first book Angel’s Blood as the lone survivor of a horrific attack, changed in ways she is only just beginning to figure out in this 10th novel of the series. She’s not fully vampire, angel, or human. As one of the Archangel of New York’s Seven, Venom is a unique and powerful young vampire with unnerving snake-like qualities marking him the blood child of the Archangel of India (aka the Queen of Poisons and Snakes) and the person with the clearest understanding of Holly and her abilities. As Holly’s uniqueness tempts dangerous foes, Venom will do everything in his power to protect her from them and the monster within her. This was an interesting story including many delightful moments with characters I’ve come to enjoy revisiting.

This next chapter in the angel saga is fabulous . We finally see Venom, the very confident, dangerous viper of Raphael's seven take a fall. Venom and Holly Chang set out to find what has changed Holly into such a unique being. She's not angel or vampire but something...more. Venom not oknly protects her, but works to help her come to terms with herself, her powers, and her future. An explosive read that keeps you wanting more.

Review goes live on the blog on Sept 22 2017 at 00.00 am gmt+2 and will show up on Goodreads sometime later.

In a Flutter: Sizzling hot & entertaining
Fluttering Thoughts:
Worldbuilding: I really enjoyed the New York setting, full of paranormal elements – angels, archangels, vampires -, and it was fun to travel to Budapest too 😀
Characters: Holly was the snarky, uber-spunky, independent, loyal and loving toward her family heroine of my dreams. She kicked ass despite her traumatic introduction into the paranormal world, and didn’t let her issues put her down. I adored how tortured she was throughout the novel and how determined to not let anything put her down.
Venom was the snarky, alpha, super-strong, and sexy dude of my twisted dreams. Let me be honest here, I love male characters with a snake/reptile-like thing going on (like Orochimaru from Naruto, or Scorpios from Farscape, for instance – they were villains too, which made them even hotter, lol!). Other than the creepy eyes, lol, I really loved how he treated her – as a force to be reckoned with, not a vulnerable, breakable thing. So Venom totally did for me on his own, and all the more as Holly’s partner.
They had sexual tension think enough to cut with a single hair, let alone a knife xD
Plot: The story starts with a bang and keeps going strong. I loved the pace of events and there was enough gore and action to please my evil little heart. The slow burn romance was delicious.
Writing: Third person, past tense narrative, his/her POV. I adored their voices and banter. Really loved the fluid writing style.
Curb Appeal: Hot cover, hooking blurb – impulsive buy material for my PNR cravings.

The reason why this baby receives the Bomy Award of Excellence is, aside its awesome entertaining value that I elaborated upon, the fact that it was a 5+ butterflies read despite it containing the pet peeve PNR creature for me: angels. Nalini Singh rocked this baby in delicious and surprising fashion!
I recommend Archangel’s Viper to fans of PNR featuring vampires and non-cringe-worthy angels/archangels, deliciously snarky banter, and to fans of character with reptilian attributes (like venom and uber-awesome snake eyes!). Big, big like!

I think this may have become my favorite book of the series.

Venom always piqued my interest, I wanted to know more about what made him tick. And FINALLY had a book all to him :) (Now to just get Bluebelle his book and I might be happy...but I also don't want to read about a love interest for him just cause I will be jealous of a completely fictional character. yes, my logic is completely unfounded.

Anyway-Venom and Holly.

Something lurks deep inside Holly, who spends each day wondering if it will be her last. But Holly is done being a victim and is no one's little pet or toy or a vampire to be coddled. And I adored that about her! Vemon also does not treat her like a wounded kitten; instead he treats her like she needs to be treated. And I adore him for that! :P

In the end, the characters who are "other" are extremely fascinating and I love how all this series is playing out without the lead characters of Elena and Raphael. Sigh. Now it is time to wait for the next book.

I have been waiting for Venom's and Holly's story and I wasn't disappointed. Fast paced and well developed plot. Venom has always been an enigma and Sorrow/Holly is evolving.