Member Reviews
Nalini Singh shows no signs of stopping with her fifteenth installment of the Guild Hunter series. In ARCHANGEL’S RESURRECTION, we have the emotional love story between the Archangel of Persia, Alexander and Zanaya, Queen of the Nile.
Now I wasn’t really sure what to expect for these two lovers but I was pleasantly surprised by the story that Singh penned for these two. I was completely entranced by the sorrow and heartbreak that they two have endured. But their passionate romance really shined throughout this book. In the beginning, this series seemed more like an Urban Fantasy series, but the transition into Paranormal Romance makes it even better. I dare you not to fall in love with these characters by the end of the book.
Eloquent, descriptive writing keeps you riveted while Singh’s storytelling keeps you coming back for more. Dare I say it, but this series keeps getting better. I already can’t wait to read more from Singh!
Disclaimer: I received an advance reader's copy from Berkley Publishing Group, in exchange for an honest review. The following thoughts and opinions are my own. I am also a diehard Nalini Singh fan. Spoilers below!
Archangel's Resurrection follows the same format as previous books that deviated from the main couple, Elena and Raphael, to other characters in the Guild Hunter universe. I like the change in point-of-view, especially with Alexander and Zanaya's love story. The overall breadth of their story spans over several millennia. The first chunk of the book featured the backstory of both Alexander and Zanaya. Since the majority of the Guild Hunter books are focused on Elena and Raphael, so we don't know too much about Alexander and Zanaya. Both are archangels and Ancients, but we know very little about them. The first part of the book was necessary. Starting from birth may seem a bit much, but the character profile of A and Z needed to be fleshed out and the depth of their relationship needed to be established.
The history between the two spans over several millennia and by all accounts, seemed to be stuck in a circular pattern of toxic highs and lows. The pair were on again, off again lovers. The biggest issues between the pair were power imbalances, emotional and physical maturity, and the past traumas that shaped their very being. For Alexander, as a young angel, he felt helpless when it came to protecting his parents (scholars, not warriors) from the machinations and abuse from another higher-ranked angel. From a very young age, Alexander knew that he was meant for the battlefield, rather than scholarly pursuits. His inclination for battle and strategy and his past feelings of helplessness, lead to his thirst and hoarding of power. For Zanaya, it was witnessing her mother's unhinged obsession with her biological father. Her mother's behavior and subsequent isolation of Zanaya from angelkind, put Zanaya at a disadvantage from the start. Wanting to be the complete opposite of her mother, Zanaya threw herself into warrior training and made a name for herself. Zanaya values her independence and having control over every aspect of her life.
There was also a significant age gap between the two, early on in life. The age milestones for angelkind are different, in that angels are still considered babes until they turn 100 years old. With such a long lifespan, the rules for dating and courtship are a little different with angelkind. Alexander was already a few millennia older than Zanaya when she started making a name for herself. Their initial meeting was an instant attraction and obsession, but due to Zanaya's young age and the sudden obsession he felt, Alexander did not pursue her; by this time, Alexander had become an Archangel. On the flipside, Zanaya did not pursue Alexander due to the feelings of possession and obsession she felt for him. Not wanting to become her mother, Zanaya purposefully turned away from the attraction she felt for him. There was also court politics and loyalties in the mix as further roadblocks.
When their positions in life were stable enough (Zanaya had risen up the ranks to be a General for another court), they both admitted their feelings and became a couple. Of course, this was the start of their very toxic relationship. Feelings of jealousy, obsession, possession, and stubbornness caused frequent arguments and "breaks" in their relationship. During one of their breaks, Zanaya ascended to the position of Archangel, but rather than feeling dissonance in the presence of another Archangel, the pair were unaffected. This is most likely due to their constant appearance in each other's lives. While angelkind have long lifespans, their mind and temperament are worn down by age and time. Most older Archangels and angels choose to go to Sleep for several millennia at a time to recharge and rest their minds and bodies.
Recognizing that they both needed to Sleep, Zanaya went to Alexander and rather than understanding, Alexander saw this as a betrayal. To Alexander, she was "leaving him" and not telling him where she would be located. This last "break-up" was a last one for several millennia. During her absence, Alexander continued to rule his territory and eventually fathered a child (Rohan) with another angel. Though they were not passionate lovers, Alexander and the mother of his child, were great co-parents. Once Rohan reached adulthood and was established in Alexander's court, Alexander chose to finally Sleep until he was woken up by Andie and Naasir.
The middle chunk was barely a chunk. It was from the POV of Zanaya as she awoke from Sleep during the Cascade and before the final fight against Lijuan. Zanaya and Alexander reacquaint themselves and catch-up on all that has happened in the meantime. This chunk ends with Zanaya falling into unconsciousness after getting her lifeforce sucked out by Lijuan during the final battle. Cassandra takes her body to heal and recover.
The last chunk starts with Zanaya recovering in Cassandra's fiery cocoon. Ten years have passed since the final battle against Lijuan. The world has mostly recovered, but the emotional trauma and scarring from the Cascade-fueled battle still marks both mankind and angelkind. During her ten-year absence, Alexander has reflected on his relationship with Zanaya. It was uncertain if Cassandra could heal Zanaya and the other afflicted Archangels, but Alexander held out hope for her recovery. Alexander's main focus was rebuilding and stabilizing his territory after the Cascade, and raising his grandson, Xander. Upon her "resurrection," Zanaya takes her place among the Cadre and establishes her territory in Africa. Zanaya for the most part is healed except for the changes in her eyes that Lijuan induced.
While stabilizing her territory, Zanaya feels drawn to the resting place of Antonicus, the Archangel who met his death in the black fog of Lijuan's territory. Over the last ten years, any Reborn that scattered from the final battle was hunted down, but it seems that there were some who evolved into more and it's up to Alexander and Zanaya to find out what's causing the change.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. We see the deep history between the main couple, but also with other Archangels, and in different moments in time. The third chunk was a jump in time, but it meshed well into the current timeline. The pacing was steady and ramped up a bit in the third part. I liked reading little tidbits in part three, e.g. who designed Alexander's insignia and which angels were waking from Sleep. I can't wait to see which character's book is coming up next or if we are returning to the OG couple.
Upon discovering this book and seeing the description I was hesitant... I love the story of Elena and Raphael and I all of the Sevens' individual stories mostly because I have come to know and love these characters. When it came to Archangels Resurrection I did not know Zanaya and Alexander the same way but I should never have doubted Nalini Singh as she once again captivated me with a story of relentless love and strength.
Zanaya is a wild, confident powerful Archangel to match the pompous but loyal Alexander. They are a match made for the ages.
10/10 recommend!
Alexander and Zanaya, have been the archangels paired through out their history. They have loved, clashed, been together and apart, but are very much entwined. This is their story.
Alexander has been in and out of the guild hunter series since at least book 8. He is a complicated archangel and while not always my favorite I have never been unhappy with him. This is his story and Zanaya who rose to fight Lijuan and fell in battle.
The largest part of the book is before the battle in New York. There is some progress to the guild hunter over all story line but it is 10 years after and mostly focuses on Alexander and Zanaya. I did like the view of some of the other guild hunter characters through other eyes. Titus still makes me happy and Xander is cute.
I am looking forward to where this series goes next but I think Lijuan is (fingers crossed) finally gone.
I have been reading this series from the beginning and one of the reason i keep reading it is the every book deal with love from different view points. In this latest book deals with love not the easy first love but the one that grows with seasons. From the beginning when everything is new to the responsibility for loving someone enough to wait till they are mature enough to be able to love as an equal. to be able to write and take us into the story is gift .Sometime love is just not enough that willing to bend and grow and let the one you love go is also important. I loved this book.
Nalini Singh is filling in some areas of the Guild Hunter stories in Archangel's Resurrection which tells the history of Archangel Alexander. This backstory allows the reader to follow the trajectory of the angels and archangels over millennia. Alexander grows in honor and skills as a warrior along with his love story with Zanaya; when both become archangels their relationship is blown up. After both went into sleep, they awoke in the current day due to the cascade and the threat of Lijuan. The stage is set for a further developments in the post Lijuan era. Great science fiction story. Go back and read the rest of the series as well.
I was late to the game on these books so I caught up the last 10 months on all of them and got caught up to date to be able to get this one as an ARC. This is the story of Alexander and his greatest love Zanaya, the story was slow in places and fast in others. it jumps the timeline like the last one did, so it starts at with the Epic battle of New York and the end f the Cascade, but then jumps to the beginning of Alexanders life and follows through on his successes and losses until Zanaya enters the picture and follows her as well but not as closely as Alexander. I will say that I had a hard time reading Zanaya, I didn't feel connected to her as I would usually any character in a story. though the story was told in 3rd person, it still felt very much like Alexanders story and not Zanaya and Alexander's story. It was interesting to see what had taken place with things after the war and all the time that had passed before things stated getting weird again. I was happy to see a sprinkling of my fav couple, Raphael and Elana. This story was mostly an origin story and while I enjoyed it, I could have probably done without except there is a small part that ties Zanaya and in turn Alexander to the entirety of the pilot. I wonder who the next book will be about, with all the ancients being awake the possibilities are endless!
So this is the 15th book in this series. It probably wasn't the smartest thing to jump into it at this point, but I adore this author's contemporary writing, and thought this might give me a taste of her well-known and loved paranormal series. Getting involved in a long fantasy series is an investment of time, so I wanted to check it out before I was all-in.
This series deals with powerful archangels. This story tells the tale of Alexander and Zanaya, who are passionate, powerful, and incendiary in their love for each other. There's plenty of background to cover as they've been in love for years and years.This did make the story move a bit slow at times.
As with all good romances, there are plenty of hurdles for the lovers to jump over. There's serious stuff going on there, but I just had to go with the flow since I have not read any of the other books in this series so there were details that I most likely missed. I was intrigued with the story because the writing that I love in the contemporary works came through very well here.
Overall, I liked the romance and the trials the main characters faced. I wished I knew some more about this world, but I was able to follow along. There is a very interesting story arc I could see moving to closure in this installment. So if you are looking for a new fantasy series, this one might interest you.
2.5⭐️
Thank you so much to Berkley Romance and Netgalley for the advanced copy of this. All thoughts and opinions are still my own.
This book wasn't BAD. But I also don't think it was necessary...
I have absolutely adored this series. It's such a comfort series for me and I've completely fallen in love with this world and it's characters.
However, I don't entirely understand the purpose of this installment. It didn't do anything to advance the plot, the character development, nothing. In fact the majority of the book just rehashed the plot of the last 14 books from a different characters POV. So much so that I found myself quite bored though the first 75% or so of this book.
On top of that I just struggled to believe in this romance. These two felt so toxic for the majority of the book. And while I appreciated the epic timeline, I couldn't help but think - what makes this time different?
Alexander is constantly reminding everyone that he and Zanaya have spent millennia on again and off again. So while I appreciated them finally facing some of their demons together, I was left feeling like this was just a prelude to another off again.
Despite this installment being a bit of a bust for me, I can't wait to for more books in this series if or when we get them. I'm so excited to see what's next for this world and these characters.
Alexander and Zanaya, both archangel’s ruling over different territories have had a tumultuous, epic, on-and-off love affair over the centuries. However, the recent battle with the evil Archangel Lijuan, has had lasting repercussions for Alexander and Zanaya. This time coming together they’re ready to sort things out or part forever.
Archangel’s Resurrection gave us the history of both Alexander and Zanaya, which I was grateful for since I didn’t really know much about either, except peripherally as side characters in the Raphael/Elena books. Each had an interesting, engrossing history and it gave me understanding as to why these two would love so passionately and then ultimately end up parting over and over through the years. I was rooting for these two because it was clear they were meant to be together! I know this sounds angsty, but it really wasn’t.
There’s a lot going on besides the romance. The Guild Hunter series is a fascinating world where a Cadre of ten Archangel’s rule designated territories across the Earth. Lesser angels, vampires, and humans all under their authority. Power, political intrigue, immortals and mortals clashing, good vs. evil; all factors that make these books a riveting read, but it’s the personal relationships that make these stories come to life.
Archangel’s Resurrection is book fifteen in the Guild Hunter series and that does sound intimidating to a new-to-the-series reader, but it’s centered on side characters and those books, IMO, can be read as stand-alones for the most part. Alexander and Zanaya’s story was fleshed out well here, one I thoroughly enjoyed!
ARCHANGEL'S RESURRECTION is an eyeopener. It is an enthralling look in the lives that inhabit author Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter world
Reviewed by Annetta Sweetko for Fresh Fiction
Complete review: https://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=79783
This was an enjoyable read. One that I've come to expect from the series. Although, I do not like the books less centered around Raphael and Elena and these other fringe characters as much as the first core couple.
Book 15 in the series! I was sent this one and it has me wanting to go back to discover the entire series. An archangel and a queen are bonded together by love, power, devotion and passion.
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Heartbreak, resurrection and a curse thread this final chapter in Alexander and Zanaya’s story. Now I need to go back to the beginning!
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Huge thank you to @berkleypub and @netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
An ancient romance, and apparently, the ancients aren't much better than us mere humans at getting it right on the first try. Alexander and Zanaya are certainly full of passion, whether it's love or war, they go full force. There's no room for middle ground, and it looks like this is their last chance to get it right. I'll admit that I haven't read all of the Guild Hunter books, and there may have been some things I struggled with, but for the most part, I was able to keep it straight and figure it out. There is what feels like a continuing storyline that I struggled with a little, but the love story between these two was deep and rich and full of the kind of passion I'd expect from a love that spans a millennium. The drawback for me is that the writing didn't flow as well as I'd have liked. It felt a little forced at times. Nevertheless, I did like the premise and these characters made for a gripping romance.
Archangel’s Resurrection by Nalini Singh is the 15th book in her wonderful Guild Hunter series. Nalini Singh continues to amaze us with another fantastic addition to this series. Archangel’s Resurrection is centered on two wonderful heroes, as we learn everything about two ancient Archangel’s and their fantastic love over thousands of years.
Alexander, the Archangel of Persia and Zanaya, the Queen of the Nile is a love story that lasts through eons, continuing to burn brightly, even at times when they separated over years, only to return to their true love. Alexander is older, and when he became an Archangel, he knew he was attracted to the young Zanaya, but was determined to allow her to grow, until she became a General for her Archangel, and now Alexander claimed the woman he loved. The relationship was strong and sizzling, but also tumultuous, causing disagreements that would last for a number of years, until they made up and resumed their deep loving relationship.
Zanaya, after so many millenniums, decided to Sleep, leaving Alexander to live without her; temporarily shattering their love story. When the evil Lijuan’s war happened, the cascade woke many ancient Archangels, with Zanaya waking up. The passion between them still burns, as they stand together with other Archangels to fight Lijuan; and Alexander’s scream shatters the world as Zanaya falls being attacked by Lijuan. Gravely injured in the battle, Zanaya is taken by Cassandra to heal; when she awakes after only ten years; she does feel a bit different, worried that she carries a small part of Lijuan.
I loved seeing many of the other Archangels we have come to love. In this story I loved Zanaya’s friendship with Auri, who became her best friend and her second; as well as Meher. Avelina was also great as Alexander’s second.
Archangel’s Resurrection was a monumental love story over millenniums that was very romantic and very emotional throughout, which was a fabulous addition to this series. I really loved Alexander and Zanaya together.
As in just about every book I read from Nalini Singh, I could not put this book down. Archangel’s Resurrection was fantastic, taking us through millenniums with war, peace, tragedy, destruction, and a magnificent love. If you are new to the series, you should start where it all began. Nalini Singh is one of my top favorite authors, and if you are not reading her books, you need to start now. Nalini Singh is one of my top favorite authors, and if you are not reading her books, you need to start now.
This was a good read and I think fans of the series will enjoy it. I miss seeing more of the New York based characters and I hope we return to them soon.
A long-time reader of the Guild Hunter series, I must admit some trepidation in reading Archangel’s Resurrection. As much as I love the characters and world, I am also very tired of the drama that is Lijuan and have been keen to move past the horrors the Archangel of Death visited on our heroes.
I am pleased to report, that yes, whilst there is some mentions of Lijuan about the place, this story is bigger than her. A love story that spans millennia. Glimpses of a history that is rich and yet still full of mysteries that the oldest do not know.
Readers will be swept away by Nalini (ever the masterful storyteller) as we meet Alexander and Zanaya when they are but fledgling angels, how they grow up, how they meet, their long-time friends (Alexander’s first friend at training shocked me a bit and was amazing all at the same time), their battles, their successes and their love.
Through the kaleidoscope, you will glimpse some of your favourites and find yourself new enemies whilst watching Xander and Zani dance through the skies.
If you were as I was, a bit tired of Lijuan and the drama attached, I ask you to persist. We can hope that with Archangel’s Resurrection, Nalini Singh will resurrect the series.
Alexander and Zanaya have loved one another for eons, their attraction beginning from the moment they first met. Both are powerful archangels, loving for centuries and fighting for decades at a time until Zanaya Sleeps, leaving Alexander alone for millennia. When the Archangel of Death, Lijuan, began her attack on the world during the most recent Cascade, both Alexander and Zanaya were awake and fighting to protect the mortals. Then Lijuan drained Zanaya’s life-force, leaving her nearly dead. Alexander is unsure if his one and only love will ever be whole again.
Archangel’s Resurrection is a story that literally spans eons, beginning countless generations before the Guild Hunter series begins. It is impossible to capture just how expansive and long the pair have been alive and in love. The book opens with the events that occurred during Archangel’s War (book 12), and then goes back in time for the first third of the story. While it was interesting to discover more about the pair and see the roots of their romance, because the time is so expansive, the narrative jumps hundreds of years at a time. It reads like a montage in a movie… bits and pieces of their life and love story, but nothing whole or solid.
The next quarter of the book occurs in parallel approximately with the previous three books. But even then, there is a lengthy flashback. Again, I found it interesting – it’s Nassir’s origin story – but it didn’t add much value to the romance or progression of the story. Its purpose, like much of the time spent in the past, is to establish why the main characters are who they are. But it’s telling rather than showing, and I got bored with so much time spent in the past.
Finally, at about the 60% mark of the story, time jumps ahead ten years to the future when Zanaya finally awakes and the true heart of the story begins. However by then, I honestly didn’t care about the couple. The story is extremely slow moving, with relatively little meaningful action. Additionally, I’m tired of Lijuan. She died three books ago, yet continues to be the source of trouble for the world.
Despite being indifferent to the main couple’s romance, I did enjoy Zanaya. I loved that she stood up for what she wanted, always knowing what it would take to make her ambitions a reality and going for it. And in the later part of the book, she learns to adjust to a new power that could be consider evil, yet she finds a positive way to use it.
In the end, Archangel’s Resurrection is a decent story, but I would have been fine without it. Unfortunately, I never really cared about Alexander and Zanaya as a couple. In addition, the story spends too much time in the past, without spending much effort to forward the series.
My Rating: C-
10 Stars!
Amazing! So many feels with this one! OMG! A love story for the eons! So much love, so much heartache, too much pride, sigh!
This book features the Archangels Alexander and Zanaya. We've heard mention of Alexander in previous books but he first shows up in Archangel's Enigma (Book 8). Zanaya is introduced in Archangel's War (Book 12). During Book 12, we find out Alexander and Zanaya have a checkered past and there's a lot of speculation of the animosity/chemistry between the two. Well, now we get to learn why and it’s quite a tale!
The story of Alexander and Zanaya is beautiful, heartbreaking, steadfast, unbending and completely enthralling! I loved watching how these two as stripling angels developed into their own powers and became archangels in their own right while navigating the political waters of the Cadre (Archangels in charge of immortals and delineated territories in the world). Their love story is a battlefield of epic proportions, yet so beautifully fragile in its infancy. Well, to angels/archangels that live hundreds of thousands of years, the description is apt 😉
Archangel’s Resurrection has so many surprises, so much angelic backstory, gives answers to questions and reveals more questions that need answers! It has such an amazing and enriching storyline. You’ll definitely have a hard time putting the book down!
One thing I really loved about the story is that I loved watching how other immortals view Elena and Raphael and Elena’s relationship as Archangel and Consort. It just gives the book such perspective. It’s so hard NOT to write spoilers! Ugh! Everyone PLEASE hurry and read the book so we can dish!
The book can be read as a standalone, but to get a richer reading experience, I’d recommend rereading some previous books with information about Alexander and I’d definitely recommend a reread of Archangel’s War. Again, not necessary, but could be helpful in giving the reader a refresher about some events in that book. Ugh! I’m seriously trying NOT to spoil it but it’s so hard!
Archangel’s Resurrection is another masterpiece from Nalini Singh! She creates magical and brilliantly crafted worlds full of wonder. Just when you think you’ve seen the big picture, Nalini pivots the entire storyline (or series) and reveals a whole new side of things. It is mind-blowing! Nalini’s worlds are multi-dimensional, multifaceted and beautifully extraordinary. Her characters are thoroughly and lovingly created with complexity and perfect imperfection. She’s gotta be a magician pulling all these awesome stories out of her sleeves!
I absolutely LOVED the book! I cannot WAIT for the next one! And I strongly recommend Archangel’s Resurrection, the Guild Hunter series and every other book by Nalini Singh!
A love that survived eons…
Alexander and Zanaya were meant to be. They fought. The squabbled. Oh, the drama! Yet at the heart of it they fought side by side and loved… Forever. Or so they thought. They would always have time to fight and make up again. Until they didn’t…
This was a love story that spanned many, many human lifetimes and endured. This time it was not a petty squabble that separated them but a force that was determined to vanquish the woman who stole him from her, and torture him for loving another. With the backdrop of millennia and the Guild Hunters world, their story was as epic as the emotions that tied them together…
And spanning so many years, the story seemed to do the same. I wanted to revel in their relationship and felt somehow cheated at the end that there wasn’t enough time spent doing just that. If I was a bit melancholy at the end, perhaps it’s because I wanted simply more of who Alexander and Zanaya were. As lovers…
I love this world and the characters that drive the story forward even after (wow!) fifteen instalments. I will always be front of the line for more…