Member Reviews
I loved this book! The series is wonderful Ms. Singh has created a fantastic world of Angels, Vampires,& humans. Complex yet easy to follow.the series centers on Raphael & Elena. He is an Archangel, she is human turned Angel, at leat until this book. Her immortality starts to reverse with no reason to be found. Raphael is receiving additional power that cannot save Elena. Elena is also involved in an investigation of recent vampire murders related to her brother in law.
There was so much in this book, love, hate, humor, sadness, with the storyline evolving moving everything forward. We catch up with other characters which is wonderful. The end leaves us hanging on for the next book. I cannot wait
This book has Elena back as the POV character and is pivotal in the overall story arc of the series. It seems that Elena is losing her angelic abilities. No one knows why this is happening, but Elena can hear a voice in her head whispering pieces of a mostly forgotten prophecy. And then there is more of the Cascade effects that is affecting the rest of the world. The ending is a cliffhanger for a change instead of wrapping up what happens in this book.
Raphael is the Archangel of the territory surrounding New York City. He worries over his consort’s continual decline. The Cascade promises cataclysmic changes, yet Raphael and Elena refuse to conform to its commands. What does the Cascade have in store for Raphael and Elena? Can he find a way to reverse Elena’s strange regression?
Guild Hunter Elena Deveraux is the first angel-made in eons. She hears an ancient, feminine voice heralding her death. Strange phenomenon signal the start of the Cascade. Elena ignores all the portents of doom to investigate her brother-in-law’s attack. Can Elena find the one who assaulted her brother-in-law before her health deteriorates further? Will she thwart the Cascade’s plans?
I like the fact that both Raphael and Elena are experiencing changes. It is not one-sided. I adore how they deal with the changes as a solid unit instead of handling them by themselves. I love how Raphael can anticipate Elena’s concerns and fears, so once they manifest, he can ease them. But, what I admire the most about Raphael is how he does not try to coddle or smother Elena despite his concerns over her declining health. Rather, he prefers Elena to be her warrior-self up until the end.
I have always liked and enjoyed Elena’s snarky, tough-as-nails personality. This book shows her vulnerable side. I like how Elena ignores her regression; instead, she puts all her focus on solving the case involving her brother-in-law. I adore the fact that she keeps no secrets from her Archangel. That whenever something happens, she tells him personally. But what I like the most about Elena is that she understands why Raphael is backsliding into his former ways and not reprimanding him for it. She knows it is Raphael’s fear causing him to behave that way.
ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY is book eleven in Nalini Singh’s paranormal romance series, GUILD HUNTER. Sadly, I am three books behind in the series, namely the recent ones about Raphael’s Seven, so some events mentioned I was clueless about. I seriously need to rectify that soon to understand the plot’s full scope. Much to my disappointment, Aodhan does not make an appearance in this installment, just repeatedly mentioned. I never realized just how much I missed him and Ilium until this story.
ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY is a gripping tale about a dynamic couple determination to thumb their nose at fate and write their own future. I cannot wait to see what’s next for Elena and Raphael. Also, I hope either Ilium or Aodhan’s book is next.
WOW. I'm not sure how to process this book. Singh basically lobbed a grenade at the series, blew it up, and now we need to wait a year for the next!
Archangel's Prophecy takes place 2 1/2 years after the last Raphael and Elena book. Elena's starting to deal with new problems - her wings are failing, she is constantly out of energy, her bones have holes in them and her skin can't heel. No healer can tell her what's causing it and her lover, Raphael, is helpless to use his powers to repair the damage.
In the meantime, she is called to her sister and brother in law's house, where someone has attempted to murder her brother in law, Harrison. Elena spends the book trying to figure out who attempted to kill him. She is also concerned about the Cascade returning, but it turns out her owl visions and the voice in her head are actually from Cassandra, a sleeping Archangel. Cassandra warns her that she is going to die.
Elena's body becomes more and more mortal throughout the book as Cassandra's prophecies become truth. Ultimately the question is, can Elena and Raphael stop her death from happening?
This installment of the Guild Hunter series is action-packed; I couldn't put it down. It is going to amaze readers of the series and I can not wait to see what happens next. We do get glimpses of various characters from other books, as well as Elena's family. As Elena loses immortality, she reflects on what it could mean for her loved ones if she doesn't outlive them after all. Humans are the most fragile against time. You can see how both her and Raphael think about those who choose to remain mortal (or have to) such as Sara, Declan, and Beth. They know time is infinitely precious in a way it isn't for immortals. This is reflected in a conversation Elena has with Andreas, a vampire:
"I am not like Imani, who eschews change, but I wonder at this age we live in where information must always be at fingertips. Why does not one value patience?
"Human lives are shorter," she reminded him quietly. "A mortal life must be lived in fast-forward."
We also see more of Illium's pain about losing his long ago human love before they had a chance to build a life together and actually see how deep their love could grow. Would it have grown? The threat of Cascade, of constant, unpredictable change, echoes what is happening to Elena at this point in her life. It is out of her control, it is out of Raphael's control, and they have no answers for what is going to happen next.
I am, as always, impatient for the next installment. Singh's writing just gets better and better, and I love how good she is at keeping us on our toes.
A great addition to one of my favorite series. The build up in this series is great, and while this book didn't clean up some of the loose threads from the last title, it was action packed, sexy and a good book cover to cover.
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Seriously, this is one you don't want to miss! Nalini Singh's guild hunter world is unique and unlike anything else. Angel's rule over humans and vampires but the Archangel's are the most powerful of all angel kind and our heroine Elena, happens to be claimed by one of them!
My Review
Archangel's Prophecy is Pure perfection! It takes us on a hunt for a murderer who's made the mistake of targeting Elena's brother in law. But it's a race against the clock when Elena's health and immortality start taking a turn for the worst.
On top of that we have the Cascade to deal with and just when we thought a certain someone was gone, hints of a former enemy return to shake things up even more.
Archangel's Prophecy is full of action, tension, and heart wrenching moments of intimacy. I loved how we saw more of Beth and were able to see more of Elena's newly discovered grandparents.
But the end... can we say cliffhanger! Which I'm okay with. I like a good cliffhanger now and again but man am I chopping for the next book to find out what's going to happen.
If you love urban fantasy and paranormal romance with well developed characters you can't help but root for, you'll love Archangel's Prophecy! I can't fault it in any way.
I wont be doing a full spoiler review, it would spoil so much!
But my advice is this, don't think you know it all, because you will be scratching your head like WTF is happening, you will be worried, concerned and pacing a lot.
You will need three things, TISSUES, CHOCOLATE & WINE!
For this is the biggest rollercoaster ride I have ever been on in a Nalini book yet, and I do not like it!
Also the most important thing it BE Prepared for the BIGGEST cliff-hanger.
If you are reading this, prepare yourself now, because I am speechless, I don't know how to fee, but in the last 9 years reading NS work I am shook!
Review posted on Goodreads:
On the one hand, this was as wonderful as the other Elena and Raphael books in the series. It's a solid plot, the series arc moves forward solidly, and we get to see many of the fantastic characters we've come to love in the series.
On the other hand, cliffhanger! I know it's part of a series and the series isn't over but oh man do I hate cliffhangers.
What did I just read?! The ending...it's killing me!! One of the best Guild Hunter books to date! Nalini has really outdone herself with this book and I cannot wait to see what is next for Elena!
UGH...a cliffhanger...really! Those just kill me. They make the wait so interminable! Overall loved where this one went, cliffhanger excluded! Will try to be patient to find out what the heck is going on. <heavy sigh>
So, a couple things before I get started...
1) Based on preliminary reviews, I seem to be in the minority in not adoring this book.
2) This being an ARC, I can't really tell you <i>why</i> that is, specifically. Sorry.
3) I am NOT in a reviewing mood today (or just lately in general, actually), but I wanted to get at least something down while this book is fresh in my mind and before I read it again.
4) This review is probably gonna suck ass. Again, sorry.
That said, keep all that in mind when reading this review.
This was me when this ARC hit my kindle:
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Elena and Raphael are one of my spirit animal couples.
I ADORE them.
And I adore this series.
Now, I am not sure if this was just a case of my expectations being too high or what, but this thing just didn't blow me away...and the ending straight up pissed me off.
But let's back up.
In every one of these books, there is always (1) the grander overarching plot line and (2) a case or puzzle that must be solved within the cover of each specific book.
So here we, of course, had...(1) a case that had to be solved and (2) the overarching Cascade issue...but we also had (3) a sort of "mystery issue" that starts in the beginning...
And ends on a cliffhanger.
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Thus my pique.
Now, said pique is not the <i>sole</i> source of me not loving this book to the fullest.
I also felt like the story moved a bit slowly and the case in this book seemed a little...less than when compared to the of other books.
And yes, okay, I was irritated that the above mentioned issue was hanging over my head for the entirety of the book.
All that said, I still enjoyed this book.
It's VERY important that fans read this book.
SO much happens here that moves the overarching plot line forward, <i>especially</i> that vexing "issue" I keep diabolically mentioning without fully explaining.
I truly believe this is one of those books I will love and appreciate more upon a re-read and upon creating distance between it and my ridiculously high expectations.
I think if you go in with that in mind, this book WILL blow you away. And it will make you <i>pine</i> for the next installment, like me.
Until then, though, we wait.
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4.5 stars
OMG OMG OMG
Buckle up this book is an emotional rollercoaster ride of epic proportions. I had no idea what to expect. I certainly didn’t expect so many punches to my heart. The FEELS were unreal. They came non-stop. I honestly was a blubbering emotional basket case at the end.
And the ENDING!!!!!! O M G
I still don’t know what to say, much less write a cohesive review.
I went into this book without reading the blurb. And subsequently I had no idea what was to come. The plot just kept pummeling my heart until I was a blubbering mess. At this point I can admit that reading the blurb would have prepared me somewhat – lol.
So, yes when it’s all said and done, Archangel’s Prophecy is an end and a new beginning for Elena and Raphael – maybe!?
I have the feeling there is so much change coming. The next big Cascade power struggle is near and nobody has an idea what change it will bring. Clearly some change is already coming, since Elena is in some kind of transition – loosing her wings and regressing back to being human.
This fact alone had me at the edge of my seat. It’s no surprise that I devoured this book from beginning to end. I especially loved seeing all my favorite characters again. But most of all I loved that Elena’s circle of friends and family is getting bigger and bigger with each book. She is a true beacon of joy and life for all of them.
As always reading an Archangel book is a pleasure and privilege. This series is one of my most favorite UF worlds, and I’m looking forward to it each year. Nalini Singh is a true master storyteller. Her incredibly well plotted arcs keep me on the edge of my seat, which I literally was while reading Archangel’s Prophecy.
As before, the author has an amazing way of reminding the reader of facts, past events and developments that after a year might have been forgotten. Her way of explaining these facts never feels repetitive. It’s expertly weaved into the story in a fresh and interesting way.
If you love this series you’ll enjoy book 11. If you are new to this author I can only recommend to you to pick up book Angels’ Blood. You won’t regret it. A vampire hunter falling in love with an Archangel, who later on is also turned into an angel and now is loosing her wings. Come on, it doesn’t get any more fascinatinat than this.
Awesome book-complex story line with Elena& Raphael 'aeclari' we receive more information on that definition. Loved that the Legion played more of a part. We see more alliances forming in the Cadre & how Raphael has 'used' his Consort to help build his power. My only regret is now waiting for actual book to see if anything changed, as well as waiting for the next.
I'm a big fan of Nalini Singh Psy Changeling Series and have read the occasional book in the Guild Hunter Series (out of order).
Upon finishing Archangel's Prophecy I am determined to reread the series from the beginning because one thing is for certain: I've missed out on the EPIC love story that is Elena and Raphael.
The next entry in the Guild Hunter Series is a tale filled with Nalini's brand of twists, mystery, action and bonds of family. Elena and Raphael come alive on the page, their love and visceral fear of living without the other made my heart ache for them.
I LOVED the "conclusion" of the book. No one does endings like Nalini Singh. Readers are left satisfied and yet thirsty for more.
One thing is for sure, I cannot wait for the next installment.
Fans of Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter Series will love Archangel's Prophecy. As will fans of the paranormal romance genre in general.
**I received an Advanced Reading Copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Consort to an Archangel's Elena has fought hard to maintain a healthy relationship with Raphael, one that is equal in care and love if not power. But with the latest of the Cascade she's regressing. Her healing is returning to human strength... And that's not all that's on their plate. An ancient is awaking with a coming prophecy of destruction and death.
Why I started this book: Singh's my favorite and Netgalley is awesome.
Why I finished it: I read this in one sitting. I'm not going to lie. The strength of the Guild Hunter series is that is the continuing story of partnership and romance; discovering that there's more than "they lived happily ever after". This book is a roller-coaster of emotions, and it moves the characters forward into a new arc. And like great coaster, when you get to the end of the ride, the first thing out of my mouth was "more." Unfortunately since the next book is more than a year off I will just say "again" and reread the entire series.
Archangel’s Prophecy by Nalini Singh
The Cascade brings sweeping change!
In the latest Guild Hunter novel two years have passed since the last novel and the strange force known as the Cascade has been quiet… but not anymore. Seismic activity and strange weather events are only the start, more worrying is that Elena seems to be regressing—no longer healing as an immortal should, losing strength in her wings, and worse. Add to that her brother-in-law’s been attacked. Regardless of her health she’ll fight to protect her family. This was an intense and fascinating read that appears to be taking the series in a new direction. I’m dying to know what happens next.
Full review to be published online in late October.
ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY contains two main storylines. Elena’s physical weakening and her archangel powers mysteriously diminishing; and a Guild case involving a cloaked man hunting down and savagely killing vampires. The first plotline was vastly more interesting than the latter; but they eventually twined together. The first third of the book was disjointed and slow going; with several overly long scenes. There <I>were</I> some lovely moments with Illium and Elena. That’s always a plus.
The last part of the book was a good deal more entertaining, and much less stilted. Towards the end it slowed down a bit with a rather long scene of angelic mumbo-jumbo; then picked up and raced to a mostly satisfying conclusion. The story was unusual and enjoyable...but it got more than a little weird. It was a different plotline that somehow I just didn’t quite buy; especially the part near the end. I did like it overall, though.
So…it was good, but a little uneven. I know this is a rambling review; and I may make some changes once I’ve processed my thoughts more.
I enjoy the world that Ms. Singh has written.I love the characters and how through each book she adds more layers and she did this with this installment. I am waiting for more.The cliffhanger ending will eave you wanting more, but frustrated that you have to wait for the answers to so many questions. You are left with excitement as where the world is going and characters as well.
Another amazing nail biting edition to the guild hunter saga. When you pick this one up be prepared for a late night as you can't put it down until the absolute end...and then you need to lay there desperately counting how long until the next book is likely to come out.
All your favourite characters are here, which is feat seeing how fast guild hunter is expanding but the core remains between Elena and Raphael. Archangel's Prophecy delivers on its promises and leaves you desperate for more.
Archangel’s Prophecy is amazing, beautiful, dramatic, and a cliffhanger! Nalini, please, please, write the next one soon.