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Archangel's Storm (Guild Hunter #5)

by Nalini Singh (Goodreads Author)

4.26 of 5 stars 4.26 · rating details · 5,537 ratings · 673 reviews

Enter New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s darkly beautiful world of archangels and immortal power, as a pact is sealed between two souls bound by blood, stirred by desire, and driven by vengeance…

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...more

ebook, 315 pages

Published September 4th 2012 by Penguin Group (USA)

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Sep 07, 2012 Mersina rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: my-fav-s

This is going to be a VERY long wait!!!'

I need to know who this will be bout? Will we go back to Elena & Raphael's world or will we get to finally see Illium or even Venom or Jason or heck just everyone! Can Singh Please just release all the books in one hit so I don't have to wait!!!

Update 26th August 2012.....

Only 9 more sleeps and I shall devour this book like a fat kid that's been taunted with a piece of cake for what felt like YEARS!

Official Review Below;

"But he would make her no promi...more

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Oct 21, 2012 Ren rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: All Nalini Singh fans

Shelves: tony-mauro-cover, alpha-hero, angel, character-with-tattoo-and-piercing, drooling-cover, immortal-warrior, reviewed, there-are-hot-men, vampire, own-paperback, 5-stars, abused-character, almost-weep-when-read-this, own-and-read, paranormal, there-s-hot-and-dangerous-heroes

Who are waiting for Jason's story????

Sorry for all Bluebell's fans! I know how much you want that naughty and wicked blue winged angel have his own story. But we must save the best for the last, right? :P

Share the excerpt :

http://nalinisingh.com/storm.php

My second opinion :
- Love the wedding scene between Dmitri and Honor. And soo delighted to read about Raphael and Elena.
- Jason have same past with Elena. Both are watching their mother die in front of them. Just, in Jason's case, maybe he who...more

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Sep 12, 2012 Mimi Smith rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

3.5 stars

Well... This did not go the way I wanted it to. As in, I didn't love it the way I expected to, the way I loved all the books in the series. I still liked it plenty, though and seeing all the characters again was amazing and NS can write. But... *sigh* It was slow. And while I like mystery books, something here just didn't get me anxious to read on. Also, I didn't connect with Jason the way I hoped. I was so intrigued by him. Still am, but... I don't know, I can't formulate my feelings c...more

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Sep 07, 2012 Gianne Kris rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: wish-list

Excerpt

CHAPTER 1

Standing on velvet green grass still sparkling with dew, Jason watched Dmitri cup the face of the hunter he had just made his wife, the dawn sunlight kissing her skin, lighting up eyes that saw only the man in front of her.

The grounds of the Archangel Raphael’s home, Jason thought, the Hudson rushing past beyond the cliffs and a mass of fragrant roses in full bloom climbing the walls of the house itself, had seen centuries pass, but a scene such as this, they had never witnessed...more

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Mar 17, 2013 Cyp rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: PNR/UF Fans

Shelves: adult-fiction, angels-or-demons, 2013-reads, 4-star, potential-five, quickie-review

*4.5 stars* Jason's my favourite out of the Raphael's elite Seven, and this book did not disappoint! As always, Singh delivers another amazing romance story that is heartbreaking and inspiring all wrapped in one nice bundle that is ARCHANGEL'S STORM. Mahiya, though not what I first expected Jason's other half to be like, is amazing in her strength and goodness of heart amidst the poisonous and ruthlessness that is Neha's court in India. Kind of bittersweet at the end cause Jason had to leave Mah...more

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Sep 16, 2012 Lady Valee rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy, favorites

Raphael’s Seven
What a compelling group of men... We never really got to know them well. We got many glimpses of their lives, their stories, but NOTHING ELSE. They are always there, loyal to Raphael like no other men, helping him in all manners, but always in the back. Well, lucky for us, NS has decided to write about them all. Now was Jason's turn. The Spymaster.

A slower read is not always bad
I agree with many reviews that mentioned this read being slower than the rest of the books in the series...more Raphael’s Seven
What a compelling group of men... We never really got to know them well. We got many glimpses of their lives, their stories, but NOTHING ELSE. They are always there, loyal to Raphael like no other men, helping him in all manners, but always in the back. Well, lucky for us, NS has decided to write about them all. Now was Jason's turn. The Spymaster.

A slower read is not always bad
I agree with many reviews that mentioned this read being slower than the rest of the books in the series. The main characters are more quiet, more into themselves. They don't fuss, scream or make big scenes. I still loved this, I guess Nalini Singh just knows how to make all characters interesting and compelling. Jason was a tortured man, with a very traumatic past. He wasn't really living, just surviving every day. I loved the way he saw the world, he just had that calm-but-sexy thing going on that I couldn't help to adore. I just wanted to see him finally happy. Mahiya was the same. Strong, but on the tranquil side. She endured too much on her life, but still managed to become an honorable and loving woman. Both were not the type of characters that we are use to read in this series, but their love felt real and true. It took it's time to form and even more to develop. Jason just couldn't comprehend what it was at first, neither was he able to understand what was happening later, but still Mahiya was strong enough and had a heart big enough to love him for both of them.

"I won’t let you go. It was a vow. No matter what happened, what Jason believed about his inability to form lasting bonds, he was hers, and she’d fight to hold him. They needed each other, her and her angel with his wings meant for the night. He was a power, had far more knowledge of the world, but she had a heart strong enough to care for a man who might never fully open his own to her . . . because even a fragment of Jason’s heart, it would be raw, honest, a dazzling joy".

A side from humanity non should ever get to know...
We see many complex and negative emotions in this read. Some very intricate characters with varying feelings and many sides. It's hard to judge characters that are able to do the most horrendous things while at the same time show courage and love for others in a way not many can.

“Did I have the chance to strangle you in your crib, I would have done so in a heartbeat. Without you, she would’ve forgiven my transgression long ago.” A wineglass smashing onto marble. “Be careful when you sleep, girl. I have friends who may yet snap your neck for me.” It was her most vivid memory of the man who had contributed his seed to her creation.

So you see, be prepare for a slower reading, but one you will enjoy as much as the rest. The plot is action-packed and moving. Just know that this is not a fast-paced read, as were the others.Ns' writing style is just so captivating...**SIGH. I adore her books. I just wish she could write faster.(less)

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Aug 31, 2012 Jess rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: for_review, paranormal

Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads

This was an interesting installment in the Guild Hunter series in that, the book and characters took on a different feel than previous books. Coming off Dmitri’s story where he was a very big presence on page and just in general, Jason is quite the opposite. He has that archangel edge, being one of Raphael’s closest friends, he does what needs doing in his world, but he’s quiet, dark, very emotionally closed off. Having love in his life was an interesting...more Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads

This was an interesting installment in the Guild Hunter series in that, the book and characters took on a different feel than previous books. Coming off Dmitri’s story where he was a very big presence on page and just in general, Jason is quite the opposite. He has that archangel edge, being one of Raphael’s closest friends, he does what needs doing in his world, but he’s quiet, dark, very emotionally closed off. Having love in his life was an interesting balance between how he had love once and refused to let himself go there again with his heroine, Mahiya, who has never known love and wants it badly, wants to be love but most important to her, she wants someone to give her love to.

The story takes place almost completely in Neha’s territory. An archangel in the Cadre, her consort has been killed and as an act of goodwill (and a way to help try and keep her powers under control) Raphael sends his spymaster Jason to Neha to try and find the guilty party. As a way to insure his loyalty while in her home, she requires he blood bond to Mahiya, her niece and “toy” as Mahiya’s father was Neha’s now dead consort and her mother was Neha’s sister. Neha killed her sister and isolated her consort for hundreds of years, but kept the young Mahiya at her home, providing a place for her to stay, but gave her nothing in the way of love. Once Mahiya reached adulthood, all bets were off and Mahiya knows that it’s only a matter of time now before Neha has her killed as well. She’s used to being treated as nothing, a prisoner in her own home, she’s been beaten, has had anything she’s loved taken away and she now knows her only chance is to use Jason’s appearance and hope to gain his help in securing her freedom. Jason promises her nothing, but they come to an agreement to share information and in return he’ll do what he can to help her.

As I was reading the story, I kept thinking that the pace made it seem as though not much was really happening. Jason and Mahiya spend a lot of time trying to figure out not only who killed Neha’s consort, but other murders that are occurring, people close to Neha are dying and they’re trying to track clues to find the killer. There are a few very important pieces of information that come up that not only impact this story but the overall storyline for the archangels and specifically the power surrounding angels who are part of the Cadre. It’s a time of change and power fluctuations are starting to have a big impact. It’s something that’s just beginning, but will absolutely have greater meaning to Raphael, Lijuan, Neha, et al as the series goes on.

“I can’t give you what you want,” he repeated, some unknown thing tearing and ripping inside him at the thought of having to sever his connection to her, when it was the first time in his life he’d trusted even a part of himself to a lover.

A soft smile. “Did I make any demands, hmm?” Lifting her free hand, she ran her fingers along his jaw. “I have so much love inside me, Jason. So much. And I have never been allowed to shower it on anyone – no one has wanted it. Let me stretch the wings of my heart with you.”

He could feel his fingers tightening on her wrist, forced himself to loosen his hold. “Will it be enough to love and not be loved?” he asked, knowing it was a brutal question. “To give and never receive?”

Her smile grew impossibly more luminous. “You have no idea what you give me.”

The spotlight in all these books for me is the romance. Jason and Mahiya are such strong characters on their own, they’ve each overcome tragic pasts, especially Jason and their romance has a slow build up. Jason makes it perfectly clear that while he wants her, it will never be more than that. He can’t let love back into his life and we find out why through small flashbacks that culminate into the full scene taking us back to the defining moment in his young life when, as child, he had the one person he loved more than anything taken away from him. That was the moment I went from liking Jason to loving him. His scenes with Mahiya felt understated, going from the previous book with a very naughty Dmitri; that isn’t Jason at all. Even though the scenes when they’re together felt quieter, they were still intense and the emotion between them kept building. I enjoyed their romance and I liked watching Jason find a sense of home again with Mahiya.

I found Mahiya to be an easy heroine to care about. Even after all the angst she’s had to go through because of Neha, having a father who didn’t care about her at all and being afraid to love out of fear that harm would come to those she did, as it had in the past, she is still filled with so much hope. She accepts Jason for who he is and accepts what he can give her and of course she hopes for more, but there’s strength in her for loving him and not expecting anything in return. This love and caring that she shows Jason starts to break him down and he opens up to her like he hasn’t to anyone else ever. This couple may not be as dominant as Raphael and Elena, or as wicked and naughty like Dmitri and Honor but they fit, and their romance is very reflective of the people they are and it’s satisfying to see play out.

Dmitri to Honor:

“My beautiful wife, whom I’d like to peel out of her dress and set naked in my lap so I can do debauched things to her sexy body.” He never had been much good at behaving.

A faint shiver. “You shouldn’t be let out to torment women.”

Smiling with a slow deliberation that brought slumberous heat into those eyes of haunting green, he leaned in close, his next words a purr against the shell of her ear. “I only plan to torment one woman for the rest of eternity.”

A small supporting storyline takes place for Dmitri and Honor and centers around her decision to change (or not) into a vampire. I loved getting a little extension on this couple’s story and seeing Dmitri so devoted to Honor made me sigh every time they came back on page. There’s always that one character who shows up or gets mentioned very briefly that I immediately want to know more about. Aodhan is that character for me in this book. With just one small paragraph describing who he is at this moment, an angel who can’t bare touch and desires isolation, I want to know why and even more, I want to know who the female is that’s going to cause him to let her in. He’s also close friends with Illium and I can’t wait to see more of this friendship through the series.

I enjoyed this latest installment in the Guild Hunter series. Jason is a hero living in darkness and finds his match in an angel who’s filled with love and hope. They have a sweet romance, understated at times and it worked for them. I like the progression of the Cadre storyline, especially with the new developments in Neha’s life. I’m excited to see that pick up steam with the next book, which will take us back to Raphael and Elena. (less)

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Sep 30, 2012 Mrs.Norman marked it as to-read-i-own · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance, tuff-beeyotch, guild-hunter, vampires, 2012, angels-demons-and-incubi-ohmy, favorites

I hope its Illium's book! But call me crazy....Im really curious about Venom!

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Sep 10, 2012 Catherine rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: angels-guardians, bad-childhood, excellent, fantasy-paranormal-sci-fi, fiction-vixen-reviews, first-reads-arcs-won-a-copy, india, magic-mystical-ability, read-2012, romance, series, spy

I didn’t realize quite how much I missed Singh’s Guild Hunter world until I jumped back into it. The first book in this series, Angels’ Blood, gave me my first taste of this author and I loved it so much that I indulged in a serious glom session and inhaled the rest of her backlist. Said glom session led to me falling in love with the Psy/Changeling series as well, but even that doesn’t come close to how happy the Guild Hunter world makes me. There was just something about Elena and Raphael (and...more I didn’t realize quite how much I missed Singh’s Guild Hunter world until I jumped back into it. The first book in this series, Angels’ Blood, gave me my first taste of this author and I loved it so much that I indulged in a serious glom session and inhaled the rest of her backlist. Said glom session led to me falling in love with the Psy/Changeling series as well, but even that doesn’t come close to how happy the Guild Hunter world makes me. There was just something about Elena and Raphael (and that incredibly romantic scene at the end of the first book) that sucked me in. I was iffy on Dmitri (from the last book, Archangel’s Blade), but I have always enjoyed Jason. It was great to read his story.
Jason is sent into the archangel Neha’s territory to investigate the murder of her consort. After the recent upheaval in the Cadre no one is willing to see another Cadre member lose it, so Jason is sent in as a sort of damage control measure. Even though he’s Raphael’s spymaster, and thus not to be trusted, his skills in uncovering secrets make him perfect for figuring out what happened to Eris, so Neha agrees to allow him access to her territory as long as he agrees to a blood bond with someone of her line, and of her choosing. This bond would make Jason family, in a sense, and would obligate him to protect the family’s best interests, splitting his loyalty between Raphael and Neha’s line for the duration of the agreement. Jason goes, of course, and finds himself tied to an angel who is not at all what she seems.
Mahiya, the angel that Jason bonds with, it a puzzle that he just can’t figure out. Jason’s job is to understand people and to know all the things they want to hide, so Mahiya, a woman who appears bland at first glance and who allows herself to be treated as nothing, draws his attention. He sees flashes of personality that just don’t add up and his interest, first as a spymaster and later as a man, is caught. I really like Mahiya. She’s not an out and out badass like some of the previous heroines, but she has a core of pure steel. She’s willing to forego anything in the name of survival; pride, dignity, comfort, trust. Whatever it takes, she’ll bend. That may not sound like much to some, but I find it impressive. She’s survived for hundreds of years by playing a deep end game and being cunning and smart, and she’s somehow managed to keep from turning bitter or cold. How can you resist a girl like that?
Jason is a deep one. He’s had a rough life and he has an extremely hard time connecting with people. What I loved about him was how self aware he was. He knew exactly what his issues were and why. His biggest problem is that he just doesn’t care the way most people do. His past kept him too isolated and broke something inside him. He’s bonded with Raphael and the other Seven, yes, but he knows that it’s not as deep as it should be. I think the author did a great job developing his character, especially given how quiet and withdrawn he was. She had to make a mountain out of a molehill and she succeeded with me. I loved Jason and how consistent he stayed throughout. The ending especially emphasized this. Jason and Mahiya’s HEA is unique to them and is an echo of their personalities.
Jason and Mahiya’s romance is very different from the previous romances in the series. It makes sense, of course, given that they’re different people, with vastly different personalities, but I think that it might throw some readers off. I, personally, loved that the romance was so subdued. Jason has always come across as somber and quiet, so a loud, dramatic romance wouldn’t have fit at all. Instead, we are treated to two master strategists who slowly fall for each other. Neither of them trusts easily, and both of them have a role to play that keeps them from broadcasting their burgeoning feelings, but the emotion is definitely there. I loved that their needs matched each other so well. Mahiya finally found someone that she could love and trust and Jason finally found a home. *sigh*
Because Jason had to travel into Neha’s territory we don’t see as much of the cast as we’re used to. I think this helped Jason and Mahiya step out of the shadows and prevented their quiet personalities from being dominated by some of the other flashier characters. We get a visit from Venom and a small visit from Aodhan, but other than that we don’t see much of the other characters. However, the author does have scenes from Dmitri and Honor’s POVs scattered throughout the book, continuing their story. Those scenes didn’t do much for me but I know they’ll probably thrill a lot of you Dmitri lovers. ;)
Favorite Quote:

In many ways, he was the opposite of Aodhan, the angel so broken, he couldn’t bear the slightest touch. Jason, by contrast, sometimes only felt real and not the phantom Lijuan had named him if he had the pressure of another’s skin, another’s wing against his own. It was as if all those years, decades, when he hadn’t felt the touch of another sentient being had created a thirst in him that could never be assuaged.

*Review originally posted on Fiction Vixen*(less)

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Sep 11, 2012 Merve Özcan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: immortal, fantasy, romance, vampire, king-queen, magic

http://kitabisevda.blogspot.com/2012/...

Archangel's Storm (Guild Hunter #5)
Nalini Singh

Tür: Paranormal, Aşk Hikayesi
Sayfa: 352
GR Puan: 4,30
Puanım. 4

Gene Guild Hunter/Lonca Avcıları serinin büyüleyici dünyasına ziyarette bulundum ve tamammiyle kendimden geçmiş durumdayım.

Bu hikayede yer alan karakterleri öyle çok seviyorum ki!

Kitapta Raphael'in sadık 7'lisinden biri olan Jason'un hikayesini okudum.

Bir baş melek ve Cadre üyesi olan Neha'nın 300 yıl önce kendisine ihanet eden (Kız kardeşi ile) Eri...more

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Mar 31, 2013 Angela rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy, challenge-2012, challenge-2013, challenge-2013-sequels, on-kindle

Nalini Singh is one of those few authors that nearly always makes me fall in love with her books. I have very rarely ever been disappointed, and most often end up gushing over how much I love each new installment. And Archangel’s Storm absolutely ended up being a book I love.

Jason is Raphael’s spymaster, with a very dark past. We know, from the previous books, that something terrible happened in Jason’s past and the only thing holding him to life is his loyalty to Raphael as well as Raphael’s pr...more Nalini Singh is one of those few authors that nearly always makes me fall in love with her books. I have very rarely ever been disappointed, and most often end up gushing over how much I love each new installment. And Archangel’s Storm absolutely ended up being a book I love.

Jason is Raphael’s spymaster, with a very dark past. We know, from the previous books, that something terrible happened in Jason’s past and the only thing holding him to life is his loyalty to Raphael as well as Raphael’s promise to end his life when the time came. A few other small snippets of history associated with Jason had been doled out, but I had no idea how to connect them. It was a pure, heart-wrenching experience to read the whole thing, broken up in flash-backs throughout the book. There were many times I had tears in my eyes while learning more about Jason. But it was his integrity, honor and kindness that made me root for and love him. With the block of ice encasing his heart, the lack of feeling that he’s lived with for so long, I couldn’t help but hope he would be able to overcome all of that with his heroine, Mahiya.

Mahiya is a fascinating character. Not only a survivor, though she is most definitely that, she managed to retain her sense of joy, kindness, and pure grit and determination. I admit to liking her immediately, and it was easy to see that she was the perfect match for Jason. She suffered many terrible things in her life, forced to live under someone who would love nothing more than to see her dead, punished, ruined. Through all that she retained her heart, her compassion, and a willingness to do whatever she could to have the life she deserved. The thing that cemented her in my mind was that she was so willing to give the free gift of her love to Jason, with zero qualms and no regrets. That takes a kind of strength that I will always respect.

While I loved both Mahiya and Jason, it was the plot that pulled me through the story, anxious to find out what was going to happen, who was the one taunting Neha with deaths of those she loved. I loved that I didn’t figure it out immediately, that I could sit in the suspense of the storyline right along with Mahiya and Jason. There are some truly fascinating and interesting developments that happen in this book, making me anxious to see the repercussions on the wider world.

On top of all that, there were the glimpses – sometimes more – we got of other favorites from Raphael’s Seven. Dmitri and his new bride, Honor, had several sections devoted to them throughout the book, including some huge occasions, and it was fantastic to visit them again. Venom showed up at Neha’s palace and spent a couple of days visiting and helping Jason. And he’s quickly becoming one of my favorites! I would have loved to see more of Illium, but we got small glimpses of nearly all the Seven.

When I started this book I said “Reading Nalini Singh is like coming home.” There’s a honesty and vividness to her words that makes me feel like I’m right there, in the midst of the story, meeting these characters, living in this fantastical world. That’s why I love her books, why I end up reading them time and time again. Ms. Singh has a beautifully evocative way of writing that beckons me constantly. Archangel’s Storm definitely gave me everything I was looking for, and more. The only thing I could ask for is the next Guild Hunter book!

Review on my blog (less)

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Dec 16, 2012 Layla rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: steamy-romance, author-nalini-singh-gorgeous-series, genre-paranormal-fantasy-urban-sf, favorite-books, 2012-release, part-of-a-series, 2012-september, reviewed, rating-4-stars, favourites-of-2012

My rating: 4/5 stars
First line: “Hush. Jason didn’t know how long he’d been hiding in the dark place in the ground where his mother had put him, telling him to “hush.”
Favourite quote: “I have so much love inside me, Jason. So much. And I have never been allowed to shower it on anyone—no one has wanted it. Let me stretch the wings of my heart with you.”
Song of choice: Stay by Hurts

SPOILERS AHEAD!

Let me start by saying that this is my first attempt at writing a review for a book of Nalini Singh’s....more

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Sep 04, 2012 Melindeeloo rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: angels, vampires, urban-fantasy, paranormal-romance, favorites

4.5 stars - There is reason that Singh is one of may favorite authors, her Guild Hunter world is vividly framed but it is all of the small details that make me believe in that world of powerful, dangerous - and not always sane - winged beings and in Singh's characters who are so well drawn that they have a depth that makes them 'live'.

The story, as are the leads and the romance, in Archangel's Storm is more nuanced and subtle than some of the other Guild Hunter stories but I really enjoyed it....more 4.5 stars - There is reason that Singh is one of may favorite authors, her Guild Hunter world is vividly framed but it is all of the small details that make me believe in that world of powerful, dangerous - and not always sane - winged beings and in Singh's characters who are so well drawn that they have a depth that makes them 'live'.

The story, as are the leads and the romance, in Archangel's Storm is more nuanced and subtle than some of the other Guild Hunter stories but I really enjoyed it. There is a great deal of relationship development between the two angelic leads: the highly observant and very emotionally closed off spymaster, Jason - who suffered severe emotional trauma as a child - and the also watchful Mahiya - archangel Neha's adopted daughter - who is both punished and the punishment for the betrayal by her father that led to her birth. Also very interesting is the background hunt for a murderer - which is the reason that one of Raphael's Seven is allowed access to an 'enemy' archangel's court. I liked that Singh gave enough clues to the mystery to allow the reader to figure out identity of the killer along with Jason and Mahiya.

Following this series since the beginning, I appreciated the chance to touch up with a fair number of the supporting cast that Singh has brought to life of the course of five books and several short stories. In addition to Elena and Raphael, there is just a bit of Venon here, a touch of Aodhan, a brief glimpse of Illium, and an enticing reference to Ashwini and Janvier - I am waiting for another short that finally gives them their HEA. Also given a more significant portion of page time in Archangel's Storm are past starring pair Honor and Dmitri who get an epilog to their HEA.

While in some ways it was nice to see a bit more of Honor and Dmitri - especially since there is a brief conversation that makes it clear that while Honor carries Dmitri's past wife Ingrede's soul, Honor is not Ingrede and Dmitri is in love with Honor as she is now and not just the shade of his dead wife - I thought that their side story was a distraction and I didn't feel that it really had a purpose in 'this' story. If I were to reread Archangel's Storm, I would skip their parts with the exception of the wedding at the beginning.

From a series arc perspective, Archangel's Storm gives hints of interesting things to come with a change in the archangels themselves, and I am very much looking forward to the next book which heads back to NYC and puts Elena and Raphael back in the lead (no title yet, but due out 9/2013.) (less)

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Nov 26, 2012 VampireNovelFan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: angels, paranormal-romance, vampires, urban-fantasy

Exceeded my expectations

I do enjoy this series, but no installment has surpassed the first book as my favorite. Archangel’s Storm doesn’t do it either, but I would probably rate it top 3. Much like Archangel’s Blade, Elena and Raphael take a back seat as the story gives Jason, one of Raphael’s Seven, focus as he enters the rival territory of archangel Neha to solve the grisly murder of her consort. Jason has his own demons to face from his past, and they do challenge him; however, he must put i...more Exceeded my expectations

I do enjoy this series, but no installment has surpassed the first book as my favorite. Archangel’s Storm doesn’t do it either, but I would probably rate it top 3. Much like Archangel’s Blade, Elena and Raphael take a back seat as the story gives Jason, one of Raphael’s Seven, focus as he enters the rival territory of archangel Neha to solve the grisly murder of her consort. Jason has his own demons to face from his past, and they do challenge him; however, he must put it aside to work with Princess Mahiya, daughter of the slain archangel, to find the murderer and return to Raphael.

Jason isn’t particularly one of my favorite side characters. In all honesty, I never really thought too much about his character at all so I wasn’t really looking forward to this book. I sooner expected angel Illium to get his own story or even my personal fave, the vampire Venom. While Illium doesn’t get much time at all here, Venom actually does get significant focus which was a pretty good consolation prize. As progeny of Neha, his presence helped to flesh out the story and character development, though I would have liked more.

Both Jason and Mahiya have had pretty difficult upbringings, easily making them sympathetic characters. You root for them to find happiness, but it isn’t the easiest love story and there is no insta-love, which is for the better in my opinion. There is a lot more mystery and story than romance in this book which is personally how I like it, but it’s hard to say if other readers will feel the same. I love the world building and the focus on angel politics, but I am sure there is a contingent that reads these more so for the romance aspect.

It was a satisfying read, but I am still hoping Ms. Nalini Singh gifts us with a Venom-centric book at some point. With the next book set to go back to Raphael and Elena, I am not sure how far off that possibility is. Either way, I’ll be reading all the same.

*Review also posted to Amazon.
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Sep 03, 2012 Annie (Under the Covers Book Blog) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, author-nalini-singh, books-i-go-rabid-over, covers-to-covet, favorites, king-of-the-harem, my-hottie-harem, read-in-2012, review-requests, pnr, angels-and-demons

Posted on Under the Covers

Jason, the spymaster and one of Raphael’s Seven has always been in the shadows. It’s what makes him good at his job, but as readers we don’t know much about him. In ARCHANGEL’S STORM, the fifth book in the Guild Hunter series, Singh reveals those long awaited secrets in a way that devastates and dazzles.

When Jason takes a blood vow that will place him front and center in Neha’s territory, he meets Princess Mahiya, a woman whose strength is silent, but is still as lethal...more Posted on Under the Covers

Jason, the spymaster and one of Raphael’s Seven has always been in the shadows. It’s what makes him good at his job, but as readers we don’t know much about him. In ARCHANGEL’S STORM, the fifth book in the Guild Hunter series, Singh reveals those long awaited secrets in a way that devastates and dazzles.

When Jason takes a blood vow that will place him front and center in Neha’s territory, he meets Princess Mahiya, a woman whose strength is silent, but is still as lethal as a blade. Neha’s husband and consort, Eris is found murdered and mutilated in his prison so it is Jason and Mahiya’s task to find out what happened. Several other murders occur and cause suspicion to rise and ask whether or not the strings of deaths are coincidence or calculated.

The romance between Jason and Mahiya is slow and steady. It wouldn’t have been true to the characters if Jason suddenly turned into a seducer. He has always been the most reserved of the Seven and he takes his duty seriously. So even though the sexual tension between the Spymaster and the Princess is off the charts, Singh develops a slow burn that sizzles through the pages of this book. Similarly, Mahiya is a shy woman who shows more vulnerability than any of the other heroines we’ve met so far. She isn’t an ass-kicker like Elena or Honor or even Ash, but she does display moments of courage and strength. It’s just more in a subtle way.

Thinking back on this, I think Mahiya and Jason were a perfect fit for one another. Though this book may not be my favorite of the series, there are still some devastating moments in this book that took my breath away. Jason’s backstory in particular was heartbreaking to read. I only wished Singh delved deeper into that dark time so readers could learn more about Jason.

There is also a steady amount of action in this book that really showcased Singh’s ability to write fast-paced fight scenes. It just shows how well developed and well-rounded a writer Singh is! Her writing continues to enchant readers with her vivid descriptions and dark tinge to her words. I’m definitely looking forward to returning to Elena and Raphael after this book. Singh never fails to impress.

*ARC provided by publisher(less)

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Oct 21, 2012 Winnie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: waiting-for, 2012, expecting-to-read-can-t-wait-now

Oh…NO! Pls tell me Jason isn't giving up HIS position as one of the Seven or I am done with this series…. okay pls………. Pls let him still be one of the seven after the search is over. please please please…

I loved it!

Jason’s book was a mystery. It was a bit familiar for me… it had the same storyline along with Angel’s wolf, yet it enthralls and I enjoyed it. In this book we got to know Jason, what shaped him to become the man he his and in the end… hope for Jason. I think he finally understands El...more

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Nov 04, 2012 Aimie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 5-stars, bad-ass-mc, action, erotica, paranormal, romance, rrrc-challenge-2012, i-highly-recommend

Jason.. Ooh I am so looking forward to getting to know him.
Aodhan intrigues me more, but I can wait for him.
There's Illuim and Venom too. As long as we get them all eventually I don't care what order they come.
I waited 10 books for Hawke in the Psy-Changeling series.. Shit I think I'm learning patience!

Loved it... Although come on I didn't expect anything different. Nalini Singh has some uncanny writing skills that hook you in, once you start that first page you can not get these characters...more

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Aug 24, 2012 Lisa Annesley rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: pnr, angel-seraphim-nephalim, arc, vampire, reviewed-4-blog, angel

4.5♥s

Jason, Archangel Raphael's spymaster, is an enigma literally wrapped in shadows. When Archangel Neha’s consort, Eris, is murdered in the palace in which he was imprisoned by Neha for three hundred years, Jason must step forward to solve the mystery. Neha, in love with Eris in spite of his infidelity centuries ago, might lose control of her powers and wreak devastation in her grief and anger if Jason doesn't quickly solve the murder.

In order to gain Neha's trust, Jason must swear a blood vo...more

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Sep 05, 2012 Mandi Schreiner rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Jason is part of Archangel Raphael’s Seven, the seven angels that have Raphael’s back and his territory centered in New York city safe. Jason is Raphael’s spy, the angel with black wings that can make himself unseen when he wants to. With his ability to see in the dark and his smoothness to not attract attention to himself, it allows him to be the shadow that goes unnoticed.

Jason also has the ability to hear things on the wind, whether it is a name or a hint of a warning. At a wedding of one of...more Jason is part of Archangel Raphael’s Seven, the seven angels that have Raphael’s back and his territory centered in New York city safe. Jason is Raphael’s spy, the angel with black wings that can make himself unseen when he wants to. With his ability to see in the dark and his smoothness to not attract attention to himself, it allows him to be the shadow that goes unnoticed.

Jason also has the ability to hear things on the wind, whether it is a name or a hint of a warning. At a wedding of one of the Cadre, he hears the name Eris and knows there is trouble. Far away, the angel Neha, who has immense power, has discovered her consort Eris brutally murdered. Worried she may lose her sanity and cause a rage that would harm many, Jason takes off to her land to see what he can discover. Eris had a daughter with Neha’s sister long ago, resulting in Mahiya. When Neha learned that Eris had this affair, she locked him up for 300 years. She has a rule she doesn’t kill children, but that doesn’t mean she necessarily treats Mahiya well, as she is a daily reminder of Eris’s infidelity.

But now Eris is dead, and Jason has arrived to see if he can solve the murder. In order for some sort of trust to take place between Eris and Neha, he swears a blood vow to Mahiya that he will stay for as long as it takes to discover the guilty party. While Mahiya has a very calm, subordinate outside nature, Jason soon learns she has many secrets and a fire that burns bright inside of her. As more murders occur, Jason and Mahiya work together to sort through the very convoluted politics that take place inside Neha’s court, and become closer together.

I love and adore this world Nalini Singh has created. The way she has created her angels and subsequently the vampires in this world is so unique to me. Her world is dark and violent, and so descriptive and vivid. I really think it is one of the best built worlds. That being said, this book is the least favorite of the series for me. Jason is dark, and I usually love dark heroes. But unlike Raphael who is dark, and extremely intense and powerful, or Dmitri who is dark but has that wicked edge that shocks you, Jason is more somber. He had a horrid childhood, which I think the author does well letting us experience through flashbacks. And if you like quiet, somber heroes, you’ll probably like this book. For me, I feel like we don’t get to see him grow emotionally. Or we don’t dive deep enough into him. I wanted more page time with him, rather than the many we get with Mahiya.

I also got bored with this mystery. There are some nice twists that come in at the end, but I found it was hard to hold my interest as I read this book. It just felt slow and I expected more dynamics with Jason than what we got. A friend pointed out to me that it takes more than one book to erase Jason’s past, and I understand that. But I needed something in the book to keep me interested, and it was hard to find that. I also missed the New York city setting and the other members of the seven. Venom does come to play in this book for awhile, but I missed the other members.

I will say, Nailini Singh does something at the end, or I should say, she doesn’t do something at the end that I give her major kudos for. I don’t want to say what it is, but I really have to cheer for the ending. You will know what I’m talking about once you read it.

While this is a series I always recommend, this one just didn’t do it for me so much. I think the next book goes back to Raphael and Elena and I’m excited to revisit them.

Rating: C
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Nov 14, 2012 Shelley aka Gizmo's Reviews rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-releases, paranormal-romance

*Genre* Paranormal Romance
*Rating* 3-3.5

*Review*

Jason, Raphael’s illusive spymaster, takes center stage in Archangel’s Storm (Guild Hunter # 5). The book comes on the heels of Archangel’s Blade which was one of the better books in the series and showed a whole new side to Dmitri and his love towards Honor a Guild Hunter.

As we open Archangel’s Storm, Dmitri and Honor are getting married and the important characters in the series like Raphael, Elena, Illium, Venom, Ransom, Ashwini, Janvier are eit...more *Genre* Paranormal Romance
*Rating* 3-3.5

*Review*

Jason, Raphael’s illusive spymaster, takes center stage in Archangel’s Storm (Guild Hunter # 5). The book comes on the heels of Archangel’s Blade which was one of the better books in the series and showed a whole new side to Dmitri and his love towards Honor a Guild Hunter.

As we open Archangel’s Storm, Dmitri and Honor are getting married and the important characters in the series like Raphael, Elena, Illium, Venom, Ransom, Ashwini, Janvier are either there in person, or are mentioned. I actually smiled when Ashwini and Janvier were mentioned. It seems that they only get parts in novella’s which leaves lots of room for tying up their story in a way that will leave readers happy.

The story quickly switches gears when it is discovered that the Archangel of India’s consort appears to have been murdered. Jason volunteers to travel to India and find out the truth behind what happened. Blood bound to Princess Mahiya for the duration of his investigation, Jason travels a dangerous road fraught with the possibility that he won’t be returning to Raphael any time soon.

While Archangel’s Storm was a decent enough addition to the Guild Hunter series, Jason isn't close to being Dmitri or Raphael for that matter. Jason is supposed to be in the background as Raphael's spymaster and part of his group of Seven. Jason is a quiet character that really isn’t comfortable as the main character in a full length novel. Because of Jason’s ability to bend the darkness to his will, you find out that this story is a bit slower than its predecessors.

While Jason's back story regarding his own families’ tragedy and how he came to be Raphael's spymaster was interesting enough, again, it wasn't Dmitri or Raphael or even Illium for that matter. It was almost too easy to guess who the overall villain of the story would be, and what would happen between Jason and Princess Mahiya.

I should empathically state that I didn’t hate either Jason or Princess Mahiya. Both of their backgrounds are stepped in sadness and heartbreak which makes you more willing to allow for more room for Singh to tell her story. I can also see where Elena and Mahiya will quickly become friends which will lead to all sorts of new situations to discover.

Some readers may find the whole Dmitri/Honor situation as a distraction to Jason’s story. I was actually happy that it was added to the book. I was happy to see Dmitri leaving Honor a way out of her agreement to transition to vampire. I found this absolutely awesome in that he firmly loves Honor with all his being, and would give up everything to be with her no matter what the situation is. Of course, I immediately skipped ahead to their parts in the book and read as Honor made the decision of a lifetime. One can only hope that Singh won’t leave readers hanging and will allow us to discover what happens next with the couple be it in a novella, or part of the next book in the series.

I'm happy to see that Singh plans on going back to Elena and Raphael in the next book which hopefully means answering questions regarding Raphael’s own mother Caliane, and her part in the Cadre of Ten gaining extraordinary new abilities which we find in both Neha and her twin sister Nivriti as well as Jason and Mahiya.
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Nov 21, 2012 Bookie | The BookChick rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: angels, nalini-singh, vampires, continue-the-series, recommend-to-others, sweet, 4-star-read

My Rating: ★★★★

Book Description:
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 trus...more

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Jan 05, 2012 Benita Vehnom Ruiz marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: angels, bad-ass-chick, favorite, nalini-singh, reread, sexy-man, vampires

Illium book? Please Oh Please!!!!! THIS IS BS, I want Illiums book or Venom. DOn't get me wrong I love Jason but COME ON!!!!

30 likes · like · see review

Jan 29, 2013 Sarah (Sare) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: buddyreads, paranormal, read-in-2013, vampires, angels-archangels

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the 5th installment of the Guild Hunter Series and finally learning Jason's story.

I would have to give it 4 stars! I really liked it, but could not jusify it as a 5 star since I LOVED the first three so much more than this one!

“Her wild storm had just told her he loved her, the piercing joy of his song branding her as indelibly his.

I’ll be home soon, princess.”

Jason is one of Raphaels Seven. He is a spymaster and angel of the dark. He is sent to Neha's kingdom to f...more

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Sep 06, 2012 Samantha rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: genre-paranormal-romance, hero-is-an-angel, published-2012, setting-alternate-universe

This is going to be a short review. I think I'm in the minority when I say that Singh's Guild Hunter series works a lot better for me than her Psy/Changling one. Primarily, its because the Guild Hunter world, characters, and plot threads feel a lot smoother. I get the sense that Singh knows exactly where she wants to go with this series and despite how much I love the Psy/Changling series I just don't get the same vibe with it.

With that said, Archangel's Storm was probably my least favorite in t...more

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Sep 19, 2012 Negine rated it 5 of 5 stars

Breathtakingly lovely. For me this fifth book in the Guild Hunter series ended up being the most memorable and deeply romantic book after Angels' Blood, the first and still favorite book of mine in this series. Jason, Raphael's mysterious spymaster was a wonderfully drawn character. He is understated and subtle, the epitome of the strong silent type hero and Mahiya complemented him perfectly. Most of the book takes place in the exotic lands of Neha, the Archangel of India. This added yet another...more

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Sep 09, 2012 ♠ Sharon is an emotional book junkie ♠ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012

We finally get to Jason's story and it starts out with him having to help Archangel Neha with the investigation of the murder of her consort. When Jason gets there he is drawn to the Princess Mahiya and while he knows how to investigate a crime, he has no idea what to do about love.

I really enjoyed this story way more than I thought I would. I had seen some lower ratings and I understand where they are coming from. Jason's story is not action packed...it is more subtle. You get to learn the hor...more

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Sep 08, 2012 Kaysi rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Oct 23, 2012 Melanie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: aint-he-sweet, angelic-delights, badass-hero, favorites, guild-hunter, hey-look-what-i-can-do, nalini-singh, once-is-never-enough, paranormal-romance, tortured-abused, warrior-dudes, urban-fantasy

5+ stars - Classic Nalini Singh!

Emotionally handicapped hero with a dark past - Check!

Strong-willed heroine with a backbone of solid steel - Check!

Grisly and macabre events necessitating hero and heroine working together - Check!

Hero and heroine forging a love like no other in the face of overwhelming adversity - Check!!

'Archangel's Storm' was admittedly a slow-burn, yet a truly beautiful story nonetheless - and perfect in all respects for Raphael's enigmatic and emotionally broken spymaster J...more

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Jun 02, 2013 Teresa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Loved the interaction between Mahiya and Jason. Jason who doesn't trust people easily, opened up his heart to Mahiya. Both have painful pasts and have been hurt one way or the other by their parents. Mahiya daughter of Nivriti - twin sister of Archangel Neha. Apparently Nivriti and Neha loved the same man, Eris, and a fight of jealously and pride ensued which caused Nivriti to be chained and punished for having an supposedly affair with Eris behind Neha's back as he was Neha's consort. As a resu...more

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May 22, 2013 Angela rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: science-fiction-romance

As Jason's story is told the sadness in my heart grew for him. His tale is heartbreaking, and as it was told, I pictured the little boy -- fractured and alone -- in my mind. The tears he shed for his mother, his family, I cried for him. It was hauntingly distressful.

I don't want to spoil anything for anyone, but there is a scene with a young Jason and his mother on the kitchen floor of their home that broke my heart. From Nalini Singh's description to the emotion that shoots off the page, it bro...more

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Nalini Singh Fans: Archangel's Storm (# 5)	143	221	Mar 30, 2013 03:49pm
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happily ever afters in Raphael/Elena's world dont' worry: no spoilers for Archangel's Storm	13	79	Nov 21, 2012 11:18am
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About Nalini Singh

I've been writing as long as I can remember and all of my stories always held a thread of romance (even when I was writing about a prince who could shoot lasers out of his eyes). I love creating unique characters, love giving them happy endings and I even love the voices in my head. There's no other job I would rather be doing. In September 2002, when I got the call that Silhouette Desire wanted t...more

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“Her wild storm had just told her he loved her, the piercing joy of his song branding her as indelibly his.

I’ll be home soon, princess.” — 17 people liked it

“Illium says that perhaps I can use them to flutter someone to death.
- Aodhan to Jason, Archangel's Storm” — 13 people liked it

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