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Archangel's Blade (Guild Hunter #4)

by Nalini Singh (Goodreads Author)

4.26 of 5 stars 4.26 · rating details · 8,698 ratings · 947 reviews

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

Mass Market Paperback, 310 pages

Published September 6th 2011 by Berkley Sensation

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Community Reviews

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Sep 02, 2011 Mandi Schreiner rated it 5 of 5 stars

If you’ve read the first three Guild Hunter books, you’ve met Dmitri. The dark and dangerous vampire that is Archangel Raphel’s second in command. He loves to wrap his strong arousal scent around women and has had many, many go through his bed. He teases and seduces Raphael’s mate, Elena, but this is allowed to happen because Raphael trusts him with his and his mate’s life. But Raphael also knows Dmitri’s secrets and what happened so many years ago that broke him.

Dmitri has not always been a col...more

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Apr 18, 2012 Ren rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Paranormal fans who loved and addicted to angel

Shelves: alpha-hero, i-m-not-sure-about-this, buy-it-online-at-fb-and-book-site, cant-wait-the-new-release, drooling-cover, favorite, immortal-warrior, make-me-nosebleed, paranormal, reccomended-to-translated, special-ability, there-are-hot-men, vampire, wow-fantastic-baby, top-read-2011, reviewed, own-paperback, own-and-read

I will love you even when I am dust on the wind

Archangel's Blade is the last book I read for 2011 and I'm happy to end 2011 with a great book. Kudos to Ms Nalini Singh who again delivered a masterpiece with her new installment of the dark, gritty, cruel, lethal and sensual series,Guild Hunter. Yet its beautiful and romantic, make me don't want to stop reading her books.

I'm never like Dmitri since the beginning, and prefer his sire Raphael (sigh). But I'm glad Ms Nalini do him justice at his own...more

17 likes · like · see review

Sep 11, 2011 Catherine rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: angels-guardians, series, fantasy-paranormal-sci-fi, contemporary, crime-police-mystery-private-invest, fiction-vixen-reviews, first-reads-arcs-won-a-copy, prisoner-slave-kidnapped, rape-abuse, ptsd, read-2011, romance, psy-changeling, reincarnation

I’ve tried to figure out how to write my review honestly without giving spoilers, but I just can’t. My major dislike involved a plot point that I would consider to be a spoiler, so be wary and don’t read it unless you really want to know.

Dmitri, I’m happy to say, is still the same guy we first saw in Angels’ Blood. He’s wicked and naughty, and still has that disturbing vein of cruelty. He was, I have to admit, one of the members of the Seven that I was least interested in, but I really got to kn...more

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Jul 29, 2011 Katie(babs) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: i-want-to-have-babies-with-the-book

Let me start by saying that Archangel’s Blade may be Nalini Singh’s best work to date and quite possibly her best hero she's created with the vampire Dmitri. Yes, ladies and gentleman, while I read Archangel’s Blade I forgot about my favorite Singh character, Kaleb, from Nalini’s Psy/Changeling series. Now that’s something astonishing because out of all Nalini's male characters, Kaleb is the end all and be all for me (Lucas Hunter from Slave to Sensation comes in a close second). Dmitri is unlik...more Let me start by saying that Archangel’s Blade may be Nalini Singh’s best work to date and quite possibly her best hero she's created with the vampire Dmitri. Yes, ladies and gentleman, while I read Archangel’s Blade I forgot about my favorite Singh character, Kaleb, from Nalini’s Psy/Changeling series. Now that’s something astonishing because out of all Nalini's male characters, Kaleb is the end all and be all for me (Lucas Hunter from Slave to Sensation comes in a close second). Dmitri is unlike any hero I’ve read this year. He’s been an important character in the Guild Hunter series since the beginning as the archangel, Raphael’s second in command. Dmitri is a dark, almost villainous creature who uses sex and violence to get what he wants. Some may say he doesn’t have a soul from what we’ve seen of him so far. When I heard Nalini was going to give Dmitri his own book, I really thought it wouldn’t work. How could she make Dmitri stand on equal footing all her other wonderful heroes? Dmitri is one slick, and at times, slimy mo fo. Well, Dmitri is a cut above all her heroes and more so. Dmitri will slip deep into your heart and not leave. What you think you know about him is so very wrong, and when you figure out who he really is and why he acts the way he does, you may end up in tears because it’s so heartbreaking.

Archangel’s Blade is not an easy book to read. Nalini throws everything and the kitchen sink in here in regards to Dmitri and the heroine, Honor. These two have gone through hell and back and have barely survived. Their pasts are full of torture, violence, death and disturbing acts placed on their person and their psyche. Only when they both come together and find love and understanding with one another is where they’re able to fully heal. This is a powerful story that shows how love can heal all wounds.

Honor is a member of the Guild Hunter just like Elena, the vampire hunter turned angel who is mated to Raphael, the powerful archangel of Manhattan. Honor is recovering from a horrific vampire attack, where she was held captive for months and was drained of her blood, raped and tortured for no reason. She lives in fear and can barely function, going as far as blaming herself for her attack because she was forced to feel pleasure from some of the tortures she went through. Her boss, as way to push Honor to stop hiding, orders her to investigate a possible serial killer targeting vampires. Honor will have to work alongside Dmitri, who frightens her to her very core not only because he’s a vampire, but one who’s seductive and close to amoral as you can get.

Dmitri is not impressed with Honor at first because he can sense her fear and loathing. He really doesn’t have a high opinion of woman because they fawn all over him and allow him to use their bodies for sex and other degrading acts, or so we’re led to believe. His heart belonged to only one woman back when he was mortal and he will never love another with such devotion again. But as he gets to know Honor, the walls around his heart break down. He wants to avenge Honor for what she went through while he comes to terms with his own guilt over the senseless murders of people he loved before he was changed into a vampire. Honor begins to see the true Dmitri and how he’s scarred like she is. Honor wants to take what Dmitri is offering. She begins to heal also and comes to the conclusion that Dmitri is her salvation, and so much more.

Archangel’s Blade is a book where revenge and forgiveness go hand in hand. This is also a very dark and angst ridden read. What Dmitri and Honor have gone through will numb your heart because it’s so disturbing. I raged alongside both of them when they tell one another about their suffering. Dmitri makes no excuses for what he does. But the one thing that makes him redeemable is his undying devotion not only to Raphael, but the memory of a woman who was once his entire life. To explain why this is so important would be a big spoiler and is better left unsaid. I will tell you this, when Dmitri loves, it’s unlike anything you will have read before. Watching him and Honor first as adversaries who eventually become each other’s yin to their yang is a thing of beauty. Their love and passion is an accumulation of two souls who have been searching for one another for far too long.

There’s a big twist regarding Honor that may seem ridiculous and too convenient, but it works when all is said and done. When it’s revealed, you may break down in happy tears because it’s the ultimate happily ever after.

Awe. I am simply in awe of this book, with Nalini’s imagination, characterizations and over storyline and plot. Kudos, big big Kudos to Nalini for Archangel’s Blade. I announce my favorite phrase with this one- I want to have babies with this book it’s so damn good.

I bow down to Nalini for writing Archangel’s Blade. I had tears in my eyes, which doesn’t happen very often. Archangel’s Blade will be in my top 5 for 2011 and a book that will stick with me for years to come.
PS- I still heart Kaleb from Nalini's Psy/Changeling books, but for a short moment of time, he took a backseat to Dmitri.(less)

26 likes · like · see review

Sep 13, 2011 Shawna rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: PNR fans

Shelves: nalini-singh, pnr-angeldemon-fae-magic-witch-misc, pnr-vampires, series-guild-hunter, urban-fantasy, paranormal-romance, scifi-futuristic-fantasy-misc-pnr, favorite-romance-series, hh-warrior, rt-book-reviews-top-pick, 2011-reads, 5-stars, angsty-dark-heavy-lotsa-drama, assassin, badasses-hunks-in-leather, bdsm-kink, best-faves-of-2011, enemies-to-lovers-opposites-attract, favorites, hero-bad-boy-playboy, hero-brooding, hero-cold-cruelbrute-dark-dangerous, hero-dom, hero-expert-skilled-voracious-lover, hero-or-heroine-russian, hero-stalk-me-baby-possessive, heroine-abused-traumatic-past-rape, heroine-i-adore, heroine-kickass-spirited-strong, hh-disfigured-injured-scarred-ill, hh-sweet-nice-paired-vs-gruff-cynic, i-read-kindle, i-read-own-faves-keepers, kindle, favorite-romance-couple-hh-pairings, hero-abused-scarred-tortured-angst, hero-alpha‎, hero-antihero-gamma, hero-attractive-handsome-heartthrob, hero-or-heroine-exotic, pregnancy-fertility-baby-kids-drama, steam-3-hot, why-do-good-girls-like-bad-boys, captive-kidnapped-hostage-slave, revenge-deception-secrets-lies, reunions-are-sweeter-second-chances, hh-post-traumatic-stress-disorder, hero-bad-guy-ruthless-villainous, hero-hot-car-sexy-costly-ride, hero-dark-scary-cool-dangerous-dude

5 stars – Paranormal Romance

WOW! Once again I bow at the altar of Nalini Singh. Seriously, she is an author goddess who has created not one, but two amazing, unique series that I love. Archangel’s Blade is another phenomenal read that I devoured in one sitting and savored like the finest dark chocolate, which is fitting with a complex hero like Dmitri.

Vampire Dmitri is in two words...sexual chocolate. He’s dark, alluring, enigmatic, seductive, dangerous, addictive, powerful, ruthless, sensual,...more

21 likes · like · see review

Sep 13, 2011 Suzanne the Mighty ~Satin Seductress~ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: author-goddess-nalini-singh, angels, va-va-voom-vampires, urban-fantasy, 1-series-i-am-rabid-about, action-adventure, horror, lover-the-cover, romance, best-of-the-best-2011, mad-bad-and-dangerous-to-know, rake-man-whore

I am amazed by this book. I had been looking forward to it but Dmitri was actually my least favourite of Raphael's Seven so it was more a case of reading this one to get to the next one. Which me brings me back to the amazement. I loved this book and it is actually my favourite in the whole series so far.

Dmitri in the previous books is lethal and beautiful, sensual and cruel and in this book he is no different, he is all those things, but he is also more. You see a different side and you see how...more

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Sep 08, 2011 ~♥*Marianna*♥~ rated it 5 of 5 stars

09/07/2011 It was great!

I just wanted the big reveal at the end to be a little more stretched out. There was such a big builtup to it. It deserved something more.

Also I wanted to see Raphael's and Elena's relashionship from an outsider's point of view. There was some of that but in my opinion not enough.

Overall I just always want more more more! So sad that this book is finished.

---------

Soo... Archangel's Consort is the first book of 2011, right?
Then the Psy/Changeling book, a novella, and t...more

8 likes · like · see review

Sep 03, 2011 Melindeeloo rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, paranormal-romance-vampire, favorites

As a fan of Singh's Guild Hunters I am ashamed to admit that I was not looking forward to Archangel's Blade. Raphael's Second, vampire Dmitri, with his taste for pain and the way that he has wielded his deadly sensuality as a weapon in previous books, was just too cruel for me to imagine as a leading man, so I did not expect to like his story. However, the first third of Archangel's Blade was so captivating that even though I still wasn't sold on Dmitri, I found myself turning the pages as Singh...more As a fan of Singh's Guild Hunters I am ashamed to admit that I was not looking forward to Archangel's Blade. Raphael's Second, vampire Dmitri, with his taste for pain and the way that he has wielded his deadly sensuality as a weapon in previous books, was just too cruel for me to imagine as a leading man, so I did not expect to like his story. However, the first third of Archangel's Blade was so captivating that even though I still wasn't sold on Dmitri, I found myself turning the pages as Singh weaves Dmitri's history and the pain he has carried with him for a thousand years into the two hunts that make up the background story. After that point, Singh begins the subtle shift that manages to turn the monster into a hero, still cruel and violent - because that is necessary when dealing with wayward immortals - but a hero still to his heroine, and to those who have earned his trust and protection.

As much as I was surprised by how much I liked Archangel's Blade, and Dmitri himself once we get an idea of 'who' he really is, I was almost as surprised by Dmitri's heroine Honor. Honor, the Guild Hunter who had been held captive as a blood toy and continuously and violently violated by vampires during her imprisonment, starts out so broken and withdrawn that she is barely functional. It is rare that an abused heroine's return to life and sensuality is handled well in romances, but somehow Singh manages it - and she does it without the repetitive torture filled flashbacks that were a bit distracting with Elena. I think that the reason it works so well here is that Singh doesn't hurry Honor through her recovery - there are breakthroughs, and relapses, and defining moments until finally Honor ends up even 'more' than the person that she was before. And I really liked that somehow, as Honor – with Dmitri's help - tracks down her abusers and slowly regains herself, Honor also gains a power over Dmitri in that she truly 'sees' him for the loyal protector he no longer believes himself to be. For me this re-balancing of power was crucial in allowing me to believe in a happily ever after for the pair.

Like the other Guild Hunter books, Angel's Blade is dark, and has the graphic aftermath of extreme violence but in the end it is an excellent entry to the series and makes me glad that Singh has decided to give us more insight into the Seven. As much as I love Elena and Raphael, I don't mind them moving to supporting roles in order to get more of the Cadre's back stories, and it's exciting to see the foundation being laid for future books.(less)

14 likes · like · see review

Sep 15, 2011 BamaGal rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: pnr-uf

4.5 Stars....I liked this book for the most part, but there were a few things about it that gave me some niggling issues. The book reminds me in so many ways of Mencheres story; mostly in that another super bad, strong, long-lived immortal became a little bit of a wuss when his own story was told; and when he met ‘his’ woman.

In the previous books in the series, Dmitri was a cold, calculating, very non-human immortal. This is the same immortal who laughed when Elena cut his throat, and still made...more 4.5 Stars....I liked this book for the most part, but there were a few things about it that gave me some niggling issues. The book reminds me in so many ways of Mencheres story; mostly in that another super bad, strong, long-lived immortal became a little bit of a wuss when his own story was told; and when he met ‘his’ woman.

In the previous books in the series, Dmitri was a cold, calculating, very non-human immortal. This is the same immortal who laughed when Elena cut his throat, and still made sexual advances to her while he was bleeding. His sexual excesses and taste for pain were often remarked on in previous books. I very much enjoyed the story, but I felt that his character in his own book was toned way down from the character he had been in earlier books in the series. Honor was a great h. She had been beaten down and abused, but was fighting her way back. She was stronger for her captivity, and was able (for the most part) to stand up to Dmitri. She didn’t play the wounded dove, or the ‘poor pitiful me’ card. She was a Hunter, and acted like it.

My biggest issue with the book was the (view spoiler) Anyway, this was just my opinion, it may not have bothered other readers at all.

I liked the book and I adored Dmitri. I’m not sure how I feel about the loss of the badass Dmitri for the kindler, gentler version of him in this story; but I enjoyed reading his story nonetheless. He’s still one of the better H’s I’ve read in a Paranormal Romance.
(less)

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Sep 19, 2011 MISS VAIN rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: nalini-singh, series-that-i-m-obsessed-with

"I feel like a moth drawn to the flame."
Contact would hurt, might be fatal, and yet she couldn't stop herself. Obsession or compulsion, she didn't know, but she did know that before this was over, she'd either end up in Dimitri's bed...or one of them would bleed darkest red.

Upon originally learning that this story would focus on Ferociously Delicious Archangel Raphael's second in command Dimitri I was a bit apprehensive to get excited to read Archangel's Blade. However, I have fallen a...more

8 likes · like · see review

Jan 07, 2012 Shelley aka Gizmo's Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-releases, paranormal-romance, borrowed-library

*Rating* 4.0
*Genre* Paranormal Romance

*Review*

1. I loved the fact that Singh did a whole book dedicated to Dmitri. We get a whole new look at Raphael's second in command and Elena's own personal nemesis.

2. I pretty much guessed who Honor was when she started having some weird nightmares. Then, after she and Dmitri hit it off so well, it all came together nicely. It wasn't love at first sight like so many other books.

3. I enjoyed the fact that Singh didn't try to make Honor a perfect character....more

5 likes · like · see review

Sep 30, 2011 Annie the Destroyer *Leather Lust* rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: author-nalini-singh, drinks-on-me, angels-and-demons, king-of-the-harem, books-i-go-rabid-over, my-hottie-harem, genre-urban-fantasy, vampires, favorites, ebooks

Sensual.
Beautiful.
Lethal.

These are the words that Nalini uses to describe Dmitri and these are the same words that I’d use to sum up this book.

Archangel’s Blade steps out of the Elena and Raphael story arc and into Dmitri’s world. While Dmitri wasn’t my favourite of the Seven at first, this book completely changed my mind. I knew that there was going to be something dark about Dmitri’s past. But never would I have guessed that it would turn out the way it did.

For one thing, Nalini stays true to...more

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Sep 26, 2011 Leah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: author-nalini-singh, need-to-get-2011, series-guild-hunter, 5-stars, by-george-thats-awesome, come-here-baby-so-i-can-lick-you, in-my-harem, king-of-the-harem, love-triangles-can-kiss-my-booty, queen-of-the-harem, quotes-quotes-everywhere, scars-and-tats-and-piercings-oh-my, thats-some-funny-shit, half-star-ratings, bad-boy-take-me-away, second-mate, cops-mercs-military

4.5 stars

When I started this series a couple months ago, I knew that Dmitri would soon be getting a book. However, after reading the first one, I wasn't so hot on the idea. Dmitri certainly was not my favorite character and I wasn't sure I wanted to read a whole book about him. As I continued with the next couple of books, I was sure I didn't want to read a whole book about Dmitri. Probably the only one that would have been worse for me to read about is Illium. However, having read Archangel's B...more

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Sep 10, 2011 Mara rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: pnr

I love Ms Singh's books, both the pure pnr romance and UF Guild Hunter series. Archangel's Blade moves the Guild Hunter a bit more towards the pnr romance. But this isn't the reason I gave it a 3 star review (rather than my usual 4).

I loved Honor and Dimitri, even if their love story drowns the already packet plot (we have two hunts at the same time).

Not even the fact I got the Honor/Isgrede connection since the beginning (like - I guess- every other reader :) has cut that star. But it's the tro...more

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Oct 20, 2012 Merve Özcan rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: vampire, witch, romance, immortal

Kitap güzeldi. Arada biraz sıkıldığımı itiraf etmeliyim. Aynı şeyler tekrarlandı ve Bu şeytanlarını avlama işi çifter çifter oldu, sex sahnelerinin uzun oluşuda sıktı. Honor'un reenkarnasyona uğramış bir ruh olarak hikayeye girmesi ilk başta şaşırtıcıydı ama sonra bu olayın uzatılması da olayın ilginçliğinin kaybetmesine yol açtı.O kuması eğlenceli bir kitaptı.. Sonraki kitabı merak ediyorum. Elena ve Raphael iyi bu arada ama hala sorular var. Neyse ki baş edemeyecek gibi değiller zaten.

KISACA Ö...more

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Sep 08, 2011 Anzu The Great Destroyer rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fans of the genre, series, author, etc

Shelves: second-best, lots-of-kisses-and-mushy-stuff, paranormal-fix, zomg-i-must-have-him, holy-winged-ones, fanged-and-deadly, i-am-stalking-you, reviewed-2011

Wow. First of all I have to say that I was a bit surprised to know the series turned into PNR. Silly me for not reading the synopsis (duh). I was a bit worried about this though. I’m a big fan of the Guild Hunter books and giving up another series would get me really angry. The whole UF to PNR twist was two sided for me. I like it because I always wanted to get in Dmitri’s psycho head and I hate it because the series is too cool to be turned into a cheesy PNR. Thank you Nalini Singh for creating...more

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Oct 03, 2011 Ana rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: z-read-in-2011, favourites, vampire, paranormal

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

Savaged in a brutal attack that almost killed her, Honor is nowhere near ready

...more

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

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

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

Wow, the book is amazing.

Dmitri is an incredible hero. Dark, dangerous sometimes even cruel and yet capable of the truest kind of love. His past was horrific, the emotional scars so deep that he couldn't even dream of happiness and peace. And then he met Honor.

Honor has scars of her own. And even though she knows that Dmitri is the last person she should get involved with she simply can't resist him.

I love the way their relationship developed. Dmitri was patient, he never tried to rush her, and Honor, for her part, fought the ghosts haunting her so that she could finally be with the man (vampire) who'd always fascinated her.

And one of the best things - Dmitri didn't suddenly change and become a less intense person. He is the vampire we met in the first 3 books.

(view spoiler)

I love the glimpses we see from the Seven as well as Ashwini. It seems we'll get more from Janvier in the future books, and I really look forward to the fireworks.

Rating:

5+ stars(less)

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Dec 20, 2011 Jayme rated it 2 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I can't believe I'm about to do this. Not about a Nalini Singh book. But Archangel's Blade was a HUGE disappointment. So much so, that I nearly gave it ONE star. NEVER before have I given an N.S. book less than 3...and usually she gets 5 stars from me. It makes me sad, but here it goes...

Reincarnation? Seriously? I'm all about suspension of disbelief. After all, my favorite genre is rife with vampires, werewolves, fairies, wizards and sassy, kick-ass women who somehow attract impossibly gorgeous...more I can't believe I'm about to do this. Not about a Nalini Singh book. But Archangel's Blade was a HUGE disappointment. So much so, that I nearly gave it ONE star. NEVER before have I given an N.S. book less than 3...and usually she gets 5 stars from me. It makes me sad, but here it goes...

Reincarnation? Seriously? I'm all about suspension of disbelief. After all, my favorite genre is rife with vampires, werewolves, fairies, wizards and sassy, kick-ass women who somehow attract impossibly gorgeous para-men. And it's not even just because I don't believe in reincarnation (though, I really really don't), but the way it was done.

First off, Honor's story was good. I liked her struggle to get back to her life after being a torture victim. But all that progress, all that strength was obliterated when she got all of the memories from her former life. Totoally overshadowed what she went through. And...okay, if reincarnation existed, does it make sense that suddenly, for no discernible reason, you would get ALL of the memories from your other life? ALL OF THEM!?!?

And what a cheap, easy-out for Dmitri. No internal turmoil necessary. 1000 years later, he can't fall in love with someone new. Nooo, let's make it easy for him. Let's make the new chick his DEAD WIFE REINCARNATED.

BLECH!

The pathetic love story aside, what a strange conglomeration of mysteries they solved. Who imprisoned Honor? It was this guy, no THIS guy, no, blame it on the twisted mother. And then the Isis thing. I guess I just didn't see the bigger picture, the intertwining point to it all. It just seemed like N.S. had all these half-ideas of things she wanted to touch on in the Guild Hunter series, so she put bits of all of them into this book.

ALONG WITH A CRAPPY REINCARNATION LOVE STORY!!

Personally, I want a do-over. Nalini Singh is way better than this. She should take this garbage (which is, like, a National bestseller, so clearly I'm in the minority here) and make it BETTER! Have Ingrede be the villan. Yeah, have her be the one pulling all the puppet strings. Hmmm, how about, Isis turned her into a vamp and she's been plotting revenge on her husband for leaving. Yes, and so she was the one dropping bloody vamps in Time's Square and SHE'S the one who imprisoned Honor...and infected her with something so she would be tortured by Ingrede's memories...to screw with Dmitri's head. Yes...I would read that book.

That is all.(less)

11 likes · like · see review

Feb 05, 2013 Stacey rated it 5 of 5 stars

After a long overdue re-read I've come to the conclusion this is my absolute favorite Guild Hunter book thus far!

5+ Stars

I think some would agree there was a bit of apprehension when it was announced the fourth installment of the Guild Hunter series would not center around Elena and Raphael. The angelic couple Singh's devoted fans have come to love and adore. But would be about Raphael's second-in-command, the cold, cruel and borderline sexual deviant, Dmitri. As intrigued as I was with Dmitri t...more After a long overdue re-read I've come to the conclusion this is my absolute favorite Guild Hunter book thus far!

5+ Stars

I think some would agree there was a bit of apprehension when it was announced the fourth installment of the Guild Hunter series would not center around Elena and Raphael. The angelic couple Singh's devoted fans have come to love and adore. But would be about Raphael's second-in-command, the cold, cruel and borderline sexual deviant, Dmitri. As intrigued as I was with Dmitri through the first three books of this amazing series, I was still apprehensive. That apprehension was unfounded because Archangel's Blade was FREAKING BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

**MINOR SPOILERS, READ AT YOUR OWN RISK**

We are given a glimpse into the last days of Dmitri's mortal life and the pain that caused him to, over the course of almost a thousand years, become cold and inhuman. Throughout the story Dmitri is tortured with brutal and bittersweet memories of his last days as mortal because someone has decided to seek vengeance over the demise of an unforgiving foe.

Brought into to help Dmitri in his investigation is Honor St. Nicolas. A Hunter who is dealing with her own pain and healing after having been captured and tortured for two months, Honor now has to shut her pain and fear out in order be of any kind of assistance to the Tower. What she can't shut out is her growing attraction, admiration and understanding of Dmitri. Likewise Dmitri is drawn to this strong-willed, "little rabbit" of a Hunter and vows to help her track down and punish those who caused her pain.

There was ALOT going on in this book, three and a half storylines. The love story, the mystery deaths the Tower is investigating, the tracking down of Honor's attackers and an update on Holly, the sole survivor of Uram's madness. Singh did a wonderful job of keeping these stories separate while also making sure everything flowed together. Lots going on and not once did I get bored or feel the need to skip an overly descriptive section because it became boring and monotonous. I found myself clinging to every word and not wanting to anticipate anything for fear it would be over too soon. And it was over too soon!!! I loved it and I want to read it over again. Also, I can't wait for the next installment so I can hopefully get an update on this couple and the next steps they take to ensure they have many more lifetimes together :)(less)

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Mar 14, 2012 Aly (Mircea) Basarab rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone!!

Shelves: paranormal, favorites, best-book-ever

5*+++
This book broke my heart. To learn about both their past was heartbreaking!
Dmitri stayed true to his new self, he wasn't that man from the past anymore and I loved NS for not trying to tone him down.
From the start finding out about Honor was very hard. What she had to go through made her more... just more. I loved that she was able to tell him this even after all she went through:

I want a hundred lifetimes with you.

It was unexpected seeing the mortal, ex one, Holly Chang in the book, and...more

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Jul 25, 2012 Bookie | The BookChick rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: continue-the-series, nalini-singh, angels, vampires, bad-boys-you-love, 3-star-read

My Rating: ★★★½

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

Savaged in a brutal attack that almost killed...more My Rating: ★★★½

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

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

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

My Thoughts:
Unfortunately Nalini Singh is hit or miss for me so this was a hard book for me to rate. The first 55% of the book was dull and frustrating and almost got the book tossed onto the DNF pile. I got to 20% and almost wanted to quit. The flashbacks were maddening for me. I understand that they were essential to the story but they should have been italicized to distinguish them as flashbacks. They were just thrown in creating unnecessary reader confusion because you had to back track what you were reading to understand that you were, in fact, reading a flashback. The book actually would have rated a 4 if it weren't for the confusing flashbacks which caused the first half of the story to feel very fragmented.

I have always liked Dmitri as a character...gotta love those bad boys. And I did appreciate him in this book. Singh kept him true to his original character -- a core of steel wrapped in sensuality and predatory grace. But, I love how she created the interactions between him and Honor, the broken hunter. Honor was strong even in her "frailty" and she gave Dmitri just as good as she got from him. It was beautiful seeing them journey from just mere associates to lovers to soul mates, in the truest sense. The last 45% percent of the story was wonderfully written and fluid. There was a cohesion that was missing in the earlier part that made it enjoyable and engaging. I love that Honor discovers who she really is and that Dmitri is accepting of it.

Overall it was a complex and mildly enjoyable read towards the end.

Reading Time: approximately 12 Hours(less)

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Feb 26, 2013 Celia rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: lovers of PNR romance (better than most!)

Shelves: adventure-or-action-filled, my-best-paranormal-and-fantasy, fun-way-to-waste-time, strong-female-lead, what-a-great-love-story, dark-and-disturbing-elements, this-one-turned-me-on

It's probably 3.5-4, but the writing is very average.

First time I read it I thought "oh no, not another series where they make other characters the lead and - Incidentally at the same time that all their friends do - they find true love!"

This time, the second time ... I had absolutely forgotten having read the book (until 60% in! lol)! Apparently I really thought it was blah the first time around. And so having forgotten my first experience I really enjoyed and liked it :)

COMMENTS:

- You have to...more

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Nov 29, 2011 Kaysi rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Okay... so I was "nervous" about this one, being from Dmitri's POV rather than Elena's. But... I must say... I liked it!!! (my nervousness wasn't cause I liked the whole swooning over Raphael - I just wasn't sure where this was going to go).

What I was shocked about, was the amount of time it took to get to the more, let's say "adult" parts of this book. Being Dmitri - the epitome of sex, I was expecting it on page 8 (as far as I know, thats a Nalini record)... but it was not to be. Don't get me...more Okay... so I was "nervous" about this one, being from Dmitri's POV rather than Elena's. But... I must say... I liked it!!! (my nervousness wasn't cause I liked the whole swooning over Raphael - I just wasn't sure where this was going to go).

What I was shocked about, was the amount of time it took to get to the more, let's say "adult" parts of this book. Being Dmitri - the epitome of sex, I was expecting it on page 8 (as far as I know, thats a Nalini record)... but it was not to be. Don't get me wrong.. the sexual "scent" and tension was there pretty much from the get go - but the getting going took a little longer!

I liked the story between Dmitri and Honor... I liked the fact it took off pretty much right after Archangels Consort, but you still got a lot of backstory of Dmitri's life - I found that extremely interesting. I must say, I pretty much got the fact that Honour was a reincarnation right from the start - but oh well - the story getting there was fun!!!!

I must say, Nalini has had some pretty sick stuff in her books *drip drip drip* but some of the stuff in this book, is rather sick. To be honest, I could handle what happened to Honour, I could even handle what happened to Dmitri in the past, but, Amos and his mother... no words for it. And it really was what wasn't said that was just wrong!

I liked the fact that Honor was broken to start with - and I especially liked (well I didn't like it, but I did in some respect) that Dmitri put her back in her "hole" for a few seconds - it showed that she wasn't "cured" but a work in progress - many books fail to bring that to the attention of the reader. And him getting down on his knees??? Well I am sorry, but what hot blooded woman could deny the embodiment of sex on his knee's????

This book still had the likes of the other characters that have fleeted throughout the series, as well as introducing a few new ones. It is good to see that while each book as it's story, all the characters mean something somewhere along the line - and even if they are not a focus, we get to see glimpses of them throughout the whole series. I am glad that Ashwini came back into it, a quick glance at Ransom, Elena, Raphael, even Elena's sister and her horrid husband, "Sorrow", Jason said more in this book than he ever has (the strong silent type is so sexy) and Illium - ooooh Illium - what can be said about Bluebell?? He is still my favourite - and I am hoping that one of the upcoming books is about him - DO YOU HEAR ME NALINI? PLEASE!!!

(less)

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Sep 05, 2011 Mahlet rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: pnr, series, arc, own, vamps

This review assumes that you’re caught up on the Guild Hunters series and that you’ve read the teaser excerpts on Nalini’s website.

I’ve been in complete lust and love with vampire Dmitri, the leader of The Seven (Archangel Raphael’s elite guard of vampires and angels) since his introduction in the Guild Hunter’s series opener. When the nearly 1,000 year old vampire got turned on from Elena slitting his throat in Angels' Blood? And wanted to f**k her before killed her? That sealed the deal.

I alw...more This review assumes that you’re caught up on the Guild Hunters series and that you’ve read the teaser excerpts on Nalini’s website.

I’ve been in complete lust and love with vampire Dmitri, the leader of The Seven (Archangel Raphael’s elite guard of vampires and angels) since his introduction in the Guild Hunter’s series opener. When the nearly 1,000 year old vampire got turned on from Elena slitting his throat in Angels' Blood? And wanted to f**k her before killed her? That sealed the deal.

I always thought that such a vicious and unapologetic killer like Dmitri would be very interesting to pair with a damaged heroine. Especially since we’ve had hints of a painful past and more than meets the surface. So ever since we met Holly Chang in Angel’s Blood (remember crazed Archangel Uram’s damaged and only surviving victim?), I’ve thought that she would be Dmitri’s mate. But then in March, Nalini announced that we’d never met Dmitri’s mate and eventually revealed her name as Honor…let me tell you, this woman is just as damaged as Holly. Honor may not be physically “changed” like Holly, but the extended torture and rape that Honor has recently endured and barely survived? Well, that’s just as sadistic and damaging as spending some QT with Uram. So Honor fit the bill for all that I’d hoped for in Dmitri’s mate.

The first few pages of Archangel’s Blade contain a bombshell confirmation about Dmitri’s past that you’ve probably suspected for awhile. And then we fast forward to present day where Dmitri is examining dismembered and extensively cut vampire bodies with mysterious etchings seemingly tied to his former life as a human and young vampire. To help Dmitri solve the mystery and stop the killings, the Guild assigns Honor to the case, over her protests. Since being rescued by Guild Hunters Ranson and Ashwini, the formerly energetic Honor has been hiding out at Guild Headquarters. Once a confident and sexy dresser, Honor now restricts herself to dull and drab clothes. She hasn’t gotten over the torture, but the Guild gives her a firm push with this job.

Dmitri is immediately taken with Honor, sets out to seduce her, and lets her know in typical Dmitri fashion *grin* Honor is not “hunter born” like Elena (the Guild’s very best vampire tracker), so Honor’s scent susceptibility is weaker. Dmitri’s usual tricks with his chocolate and fur scent lure don’t work so well on Honor. Add to that Honor’s at present extreme aversion to vampires, despite her long-harbored secret crush on Dmitri, and the man’s got his work cut out for him! Can he handle a woman with uncontrollable, violent urges to slice him? My boy’s up for the challenge, and you know he’s always enjoyed mixing “a little pain with his pleasure” ;)

Dmitri and Honor also set out on a second, more personal mission: they begin working together to bring justice to Honor’s tormentors. I was so pleased that Nalini didn’t turn him into a sap, even as he began falling in love. He’s still the man that will cut a few discreet pieces out of a woman’s heart while smiling at you and pretending he’s doing something else. He remained true to character and I loved the story for it.

Mixed within are a few flashbacks into Dmitri’s rich past. He has always been a very sensual, creative and playful lover :) And holy hot hell - Dmitri’s love scene with Honor? Longest love scene in the entire Guild Hunters series…Yes. I actually did a page count comparison :) Let me just say I hope nothing in the ARC landed on the cutting room floor – because that was awesomely HOT!!

We get to catch up with the usual suspects we know and love, including Illium/“Bluebell” and Venom. Where Dmitri seems to have a more father/daughter relationship with Holly, Venom - who she has nicknamed “Poison” – has a more antagonistic relationship Holly, repeatedly reminding her that he’ll be there to put her down if necessary. She’s this pint-sized Asian with pink-streaked black hair, and dangerous eyes…Holly, who kept slipping past her security, was a TOTAL scene stealer with several memorable ones! I’ve got new suspicions about Holly’s mate’s identity *fingers-crossed!*

As a Dmitri fangirl, I was very happy with this installment and I’m very much looking forward to Angels' Flight in March of 2012 - stunning cover art!

SIDE NOTE: I generally don’t listen to music while I read, but when I’m forced into tuning out Howard Stern radio on a very long road trip, I make an exception. While reading Archangel’s Blade, I listened to the track below on repeat for hours!!!! I’ve never done that before. Just like Dmitri, this track is very sensual and exotic so it went incredibly well with his story. Here’s a link to give the track a listen. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dZ6aDTEM...
Album: Putumayo Presents Asian Lounge
Track #6: Artist: “Bali Lounge” Track Title: “Angels Of The Island”(less)

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Sep 10, 2011 Lady Valee rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy, favorites

And NS does it again!
I just can't help but ADORE Nalini Singh. She always gives me what I have been waiting for, I still have to find a book from her which I don't infatuate about. Each and every single of her books have been unique and special and all of them fascinating.

Let's talk about the hero...
I must admit I didn't like Dmitri before I started to know him better, not one bit. But then we got to read a whole book about him and I just got so badly obsessed and in love with him. How not to? D...more And NS does it again!
I just can't help but ADORE Nalini Singh. She always gives me what I have been waiting for, I still have to find a book from her which I don't infatuate about. Each and every single of her books have been unique and special and all of them fascinating.

Let's talk about the hero...
I must admit I didn't like Dmitri before I started to know him better, not one bit. But then we got to read a whole book about him and I just got so badly obsessed and in love with him. How not to? Dark & handsome hero with a wicked sexiness and personality. He was alpha to the core, almost a thousand years old and sure of what he wanted in life.
That is until he met Honor...

Honor, a heroine which will surprise you...
While I thought she would be boring because, let's face it, what heroine can be interesting coming after Elena? But boy was I wrong... Not only did she amazed me but I ended up really caring for everything going on in her life. I loved it that from the beginning it was clear there was something strange with her, not that having been raped multiple times by vampires in any way you can imagine wasn't enough, but from before the awful event. Since she could remember a thing she always felt the need to do some weird things, and a big hole she just couldn't fill. She was then ravished and abused in all possible ways and still she was strong enough to get better. She did it though, in a way that helps us believe it. It's not like she got over it and became a mentally healthy person with a strong will, just because. No, she suffered for months, didn't thought she would get better at all, had terrible nightmares and couldn't face even the most easy and everyday situations. But she made it, little by little, and she was proud of it. She stood up against unimaginable fears and enemies and still prevailed. So how not to love a heroine like that?

Now let's talk about the good stuff...
OMG, of course I mean the romance and connection between this 2 astounding characters. There's nothing better than a couple who comprehend each other perfectly, not needing even to say a word. Well, just like this was the connection between Honor and Dmitri. This hero who swore never to love anybody else and managed it for more than 900 years, never stood a chance against a girl like Honor. She just knew him, knew what he was, what he needed and always was ok with it. Not in the yeah, sure, kill anybody you want, I don't care way but in the remember not to get lost in your actions kind of way.

If there's anybody who knows the meaning of SEXUAL TENSION that's Nalini Singh. God, she's just too good to be true. I still remember the day I picked her book 1 in the Psy-Changeling doubting if I would like it, LOL. The good old days, when I was still discovering the pnr-romance genre.
***SIGH, this was amazing. I tried to read it very slow, took me even 3 days to finish it because I wanted to savor it and make it last. But now it's over and I will be dying again to get more from this TERRIFIC author.

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Feb 08, 2012 Alexia Chantel rated it 3 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars!

A man on his knees who knows he did you wrong and is simply asking for a second chance. Could you say no and send him away?

The cocky vampire who taunts an archangel’s consort and gets off on a little BDSM is blindsided when he meets Guild Hunter Honor. Something about her tugs at his heart the way only one woman has ever been able to before. Dimitri has been painted not quite as a villain, but someone who would be willing to take out a beloved character if he believed it necessary. He...more

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

“I will love you even when I am dust on the wind.”

I loved all the Guild Hunter novels so far. I fell in love with Raphael and Elena and was a bit disappointed to find the fourth book being a somewhat spin-off. I wanted back the archangel and his consort even though I've loved Dmitri since that wink in Angels' Blood and knew there was more to him and the beginning was really promising.

Once I was past the first 20% of the book I forgot I was supposed to be missing the winged guys.
I've looked with...more

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Mar 22, 2012 Paraphrodite rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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

2 likes · like · see review

Jan 16, 2013 Jill rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: vampires and angels fans!

Shelves: vampires, angels, pnr, fantasy, favorites, wow-heavy-so-many-feels, paperback-wishlist, adult, 2013-read, ebook, urban-fantasy

I knew it from the start the moment I read that Archangel's Blade summary is about Dmitri's (Raphael, the Archangel of New York's second, first of the Seven Guard) story, that I'm going to like it.. but no, I have come to love it! I have just successfully survived the roller coaster drive, so if you may excuse, I wish to breathe first and get pull myself together. *deep breathe*
before I make a review, ~~so I will post it tomorrow. :)~~

Holding her gaze, he closed the final distance between them and...more

1 like · like · see review

Dec 09, 2011 Heather in FL rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: z-from-audible, mix-m-f, elements-pnr, a-i-own-it, audio

Well I complained in my last review on #3 that the Raphael/Elena story sort of started feeling formulaic. So I was pleasantly surprised to see the focus turn from them to a new pair. And I'm so glad to know that Dmitri really does have a heart (view spoiler).

Aside from that, though, I sort of got bored with this one. The love scenes seemed incredibly long. The flashbacks, too. And while I wanted Honor's tormenters to be punish...more

1 like · like · see review

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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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Quotes from Archangel's Blade

“I will love you even when I am dust on the wind.” — 133 people liked it

“Ever had a woman say no to you, Dmitri?”

“Once.” He turned the corner with a smile that made her want to cup his face, trace those beautiful lips with her own. “I married her.” — 101 people liked it

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Archangel's Blade (Guild Hunter #4)

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