This is Holly and Venom's story. Holly, who used to be called Sorrow, was attacked by Uram and forcibly made into a sort of vampire. She also has some angelic abilities and still has a human need for food. Since she wasn't made under contract, she has been taken into the tower where she is being watched and trained by the Seven and Raphael. No one, least of all Holly, are sure that she won't succumb to Uram's insanity.

When it is learned that someone has put a bounty of Holly, she is teamed up with Venom to find out who wants her. She and Venom have an interesting relationship. While everyone except his brothers in the Seven are afraid of Venom, Holly isn't intimidated. She finds him fascinating and enjoys teasing him. He returns the teasing. It is while they are investigating that their relationship changes into a romance which neither of them had anticipated.

While they are investigating, Holly also has to deal with the piece of Uram that he left in her and who is trying to take her over. Following where that piece is directing her takes them to Michaela's territory and Michaela's secret. They face all sorts of dangers as they infiltrate and even more dangers when the secret is discovered.

I liked seeing more about Venom and finding out more about his past and his reasons for being the way he is. I liked that Holly was a perfect match for him because she had her own power and stubbornness. I also liked that Holly saw the man behind the Venom persona.

Fans of the Guild Hunters series will enjoy this newest entry. In fact, anyone who loves paranormal romance will enjoy this story.

This wasn't one of my favorite Guild Hunter books (I have a bit of a soft spot for Elena and Raphael), but Archangel's Viper was still a great addition to the series. I have been curious about Holly/Sorrow since book one and I'm glad we finally got her story. (And Venom's, of course) I really enjoyed watching their relationship change and progress. Archangel's Viper is everything you love about Nalini's novels and the Guild Hunter series. There is some gloriously good banter between a lot of different characters, there is great action/plot/characters and there are a lot of sexy as hell moments.

I cannot wait to read the next book. I hope this series continues for a long, long time! I am hoping we get an Illium book soon!

I couldn't get into this book. I didn't realize it was book 10 in the series and I was so lost reading it. The writing was well done and for that I'll give it 3 stars.

I was over the moon when I saw this new story from Nalini Singh. She's one of my all time favourite authors and I love her writing. So imagine my surprise to get the book before release date, I was ecstatic! I know, we are all wondering and waiting for Bluebell and Sparkle's story but Venom's an interesting character, too. I always wanted to know how he got made and what lead him to what and who he is today. We don't see enough of him in the previous books to really get to know him, so this story was great for me, since I got my long awaited answers.

Regards to the plot, as per usual, we get lots of action and I enjoy that a lot but this time I wanted more romance. I didn't really connect with both main characters and I feel so bad for it. I wanted to grow with them in their relationship but since the story starts off with both of them knowing each other for years, I felt a little let down. When I start reading a story, I expect it to have a proper beginning and not start off with characters knowing each other for god knows how long. It just takes away the anticipation for me. I already said, the connection between these two simply got lost for me in between all the angst and action and figuring out what the heck Uram did to these poor people. Not to mention my surprise by what Michaella birthed. That's just so wrong and just no... Good riddance, I tell ya!

Anyway...
Both Holly and Venom are awesome characters that make a great team. They have this love-hate relationship that slowly turns into a great friendship. Of course there are ups and downs, how could there not be but the main point is that they make both of them that much stronger as individuals. Both find something they've been missing and I was so glad fate brought them together. And although I wanted my share of Raphael/Elena POV's, we sadly don't get any of them. I can only hope the next story is about them or about the two best friends ever!

All in all, would I say this is my new favourite book? No. But is a fantastic PNR story that will leave you craving for more!

Archangel's Viper was a whirlwind of plot, action and feels! Fast paced, with a lot at stake, I was taken for a trip I won't soon forget. Holly and Venom needed their own book, and seeing them together was so good.

Truth be told, I don't know how to really rate Archangel's Viper. On one hand I am a little disappointed, as I waited for Sorrow and Venom's story with so much anticipation and yet it was nothing like I imagined, and really impressed, as it was nothing like I imagined!

Holly Chang is the sole survivor of Uram's carnage back in Archangel's Blood. Little by little we learn more about her through the series but it was in Archangel's Blade that she became Sorrow.
At that precise moment she easily became one of my favorite characters : Will she overcome Uram's madness? Will she succombed to it? What about the spark between her and Venom? I had so many questions about her!
Nalini Singh perfected the art of teasing us with snipets here and there, which is why, at one point, I may or may not have been willing to sacrifice a goat to get this book faster when my prayer have been answered. #IAdmitToNothing #LoveAllLivingBeings #ExceptInsects

Four years have gone by at the start of Archangel's Viper. Though we glimpsed in a little bit about Holly's recovery, it was too fast-paced for me. Hence my disappointment, especially with such a wonderful background story developped from the very first book of the series.
Yet, I overcome it quickly enough as the story took me to some places I wasn't waiting for. I cheered, and laughed and was emotional at times. I even have some WTF and/or OMG moments. Surprinsingly - or not seeing the quality of the whole Guild Hunter series - Holly's badassery, even in her moments of doubts, Venom's strong appeal in his skills and oddness, and the myriad of very interesting second characters made this book an excellent one, even if it was far from my expectations.

So in conclusion, Mrs Singh I don't know how you do it but you did it again, another notch on your belt ! I can't wait for the next one... I don't know who it'll be about but hopefully we'll see more of the universe and all those characters you keep making me obsessed about !

I’ve probably re-read each of Nalini Singh’s books at least once. Between the Psy-Changeling, Guild Hunter, and Rock Hard series she’s written thirty novels and novellas -so... yeah, that’s a lot of time I’ve spent in her worlds. So be warned - unbiased as I try to be, this review of Archangels’s Viper  is definitely coming from a fan. Second warning: it’s the nature of this series that each book builds off of the others; political intrigue is a big part of the atmosphere here, and if you try to begin with this book you’ll miss out on a lot.

In book one, Angel’s Blood, Holly Chang, experiences a life-altering trauma. Specifically, the young Holly was kidnapped and tortured by the maddened archangel Uram. No one, not even Holly, knows everything that happened to her during that time, but when she was rescued by Raphael and his consort Elena, it became obvious that she had been altered. For a time Holly was deeply depressed in the aftermath of her kidnapping, struggling to cope with the strange new abilities and vampirism that Uram cursed her with. Among these new abilities was a poison in her bite, somewhat like that of Venom, which is why he was chosen as Holly’s first tutor in the world of immortals.

Venom is one of the Seven, the elite group of vampires that make up Archangel Raphael's private guard, who, unlike the newly created Holly, is a centuries old vampire. At the start of this story, he is finally returning to New York after spending almost two years abroad. He has kept up with Holly via weekly phone calls, but has been unable to meet her in person throughout that time. The two instantly fall back into their old habit of baiting each other, but it becomes clear almost immediately that something about their dynamic has changed. Holly has gained maturity and control in the time that Venom has been away, and where they were once teacher and student, they are now equals.

That might seem to leave room for romantic attachment - and it does - but Holly and Venom are unable to act on any feelings they may have as it becomes clear that Holly’s condition is getting worse. Whatever Uram did to her four years ago is continuing to cause changes in her body, and it’s not something Holly can control or understand. Together, she and Venom begin a search for answers which takes them far from New York.

Archangel’s Viper is a slow-burn romance, in large part due to Holly’s struggles. Neither she nor Venom is ready to confront their feelings while everything is so uncertain, so they just let things simmer. Eventually the two decide that the only thing to do when the future is uncertain is admit to your feelings, but I liked that they took the time to investigate Holly’s condition before jumping into bed. They even make jokes about people who get amorous at critical moments in an escape, which reinforces that this isn’t just insta-lust; it’s two individuals who truly care about each other and care about surviving in order to be together.

The characters themselves are solid additions to the Guild Hunter world. Venom, like most of Raphael’s Seven, is an almost perfect specimen of a vampire. He has abilities beyond the norm, is strong without being hard, and allows himself to be vulnerable once he’s comfortable with Holly. While I liked all of this, I’ll admit to wanting to mess him up a little - he may have regrets about the past, but Venom doesn’t seem to struggle with anything in his present life. This gave him more time to focus on Holly, which was all to the better, but did leave him feeling a little too perfect for my taste.

Holly doesn’t have this problem. She’s openly flawed, doubting herself after her experience with Uram, and still learning how to balance her human family life and instincts with the new reality of vampiric life. In spite of all this doubt and uncertainty, though, she fairly explodes off the page with her strong personality. Most of the time my mental images of characters are blurry, but I can clearly picture the whorl of rainbow color that is Holly. She made this book shine, both as a character critical to the central plot and as someone who jumped off the page in her own right.

I would definitely recommend this book to any current Nalini Singh fans, and would recommend the series to anyone interested in a good paranormal romance. I can’t conceive of how Ms. Singh keeps coming up with new ideas for her books and all the intrigues within them, but I just hope they keep coming. And until then, I’ll be adding Archangel’s Viper to the reread pile.

Buy Now: A/BN/iB/K

Once a broken girl known as Sorrow, Holly Chang now prowls the shadowy gray underground of the city for the angels. But it’s not her winged allies who make her a wanted woman—it’s the unknown power coursing through her veins. Brutalized by an insane archangel, she was left with the bloodlust of a vampire, the ability to mesmerize her prey, and a poisonous bite.

Now, someone has put a bounty on her head…

Venom is one of the Seven, Archangel Raphael’s private guard, and he’s as infuriating as he is seductive. A centuries-old vampire, his fangs dispense a poison deadlier than Holly’s. But even if Venom can protect Holly from those hunting her, he might not be able to save himself—because the strange, violent power inside Holly is awakening…

No one is safe.

Holly was brutalized by a psychotic archangel, forced to drink his tainted blood and had to watch her friends die in the most horrific way. She survived, however, and now it’s four years later and Uram’s blood is turning Holly into…something. When angels turn humans the humans turn into vampires. Not so with Holly. She’s part vampire and needs blood but she also needs food to survive. She has strange powers and her bite is poisonous. Holly has been hiding from her friends and mentors all of the changes that have been taking place in her and the powers that are getting stronger and changing all the time. She’s scared of what they all mean. Now that Venom is back, however, she can’t hide any longer as he sees her for who she is.

Venom has been at the Refuge for the past two years and only mentoring Holly via phone calls once a week. Now that he’s back he sees that that hasn’t been enough. She’s learned a lot from Janvier and Ashwini but Venom sees the changes in Holly that others might not have noticed. He sees that she’s a lot like him and he tries to teach her how to deal with those changes. When he heads out with Holly to see who has a bounty on her head he gets to know her even more. Though he tries to ignore the attraction between them and the admiration he has for her he soon realizes that she’s the one he needs in his life – permanently.

Wow. Venom and Holly’s story was SO good! I wasn’t sure how this was all going to play out as Venom has been nothing but stoic in the previous books. I wondered if he could fall in love and what that would look like. I now know and it was beautiful!

I loved the banter between Venom and Holly. Even when they fell in love it didn’t end and that was nice to see. Just because they fell in love didn’t turn them into mushy baby talkers. Lol Of course Singh would never do that with her characters, but I still appreciated it. 😊

The story revolved around Holly and the strange thing that was growing/awakening in her. Not only was she freaking out over that but then something new and different gets added to the mix when Holly meets another of Uram’s survivors. I couldn’t believe how strong Holly was to put up with what was going on inside her. Sure, she was physically strong but her mental strength was incredible. She went through some amazing situations that would break a normal person but she got through them like a champ. I was so impressed by Holly, can you tell?

Venom was awesome. I loved him in this book. He was strong and capable, understanding and compassionate, caring and loving, and sexy as hell. Could you ask for a better hero? I also loved how he let Holly do her thing and didn’t try to control the situations. I want a Venom of my own, oh yes, I do. Lol.

Singh’s writing, storytelling ability and world-building were once again AMAZING. I don’t know how she does it time after time but all of it combined blows my mind…every time. I picked this one up and once I started reading I couldn’t put it down. If you’ve been reading the series you won’t want to miss this one. If you haven’t read the series? You’re seriously missing something wonderful.

Rating: 5 out of 5

This will post as a guest review on Book Binge.
http://bookbinge.com/

ARCHANGEL’S VIPER is book ten in the Guild Hunter series. This series has come a long way since the beginning. It waffles between being a Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance where some characters are lucky enough to get more than one book. This book features Venom and Holly Chang.

First off, this book isn’t my favorite in the series. A lot of what I loved about the series has been missing in the last couple of books and I really think it’s due to the characters. I like Venom, but I never fell in love with him, even after reading this book. He just wasn’t a character that I felt drawn too. He has this mysterious vibe and despite falling in love, I feel like something about him is still out of reach and for me, that affects how devoted I am to a romance and couple.

The same can be said for Holly. She has suffered so much yet I felt nothing towards her character. The beginning of the book doesn’t really make me sympathize with her and therefore, I went through the entire book just watching from the sidelines instead of feeling the emotions alongside them. I just don’t think the characters of the past books have enough chemistry or conflict. It feels a lot like filler.

The romance doesn’t heat up until the latter half of the book and from there, it does feel a little bit rushed. There is some banter between them, but it doesn’t feel authentic to Holly’s character who is supposed to be so tortured. In the end, I just wasn’t really invested in this story.

The lush descriptions is another thing that usually draws me into this series. While we still got that, I did feel like it was pulled back a bit. Not sure if that was intentional or not from the author, but I missed that too. I’m really hoping that the next book can win me over.

Want a kick ass read with mystery, drama, action-adventure and a side of snark? Well, look no further my bookish friends.

The once broken girl known as Sorrow is taking her name back. She’s building herself up from within and proving to be on her way to inner peace and self-acceptance. What was once broken is now becoming whole again.

Venom has a soft spot for the girl he helped rescue, yet he shows it in infuriating and antagonizing ways. He’s doing all he can to support and facilitate Holly’s journey, all without judgment or sympathy. It’s a hard, cruel world they live in and each must be ready for what comes. Even if that means provoking the unknown powers swirling within an already volatile Holly.

Perfectly executed and tremendously fun, Archangel’s Viper is a must read for any fan of the Guild Hunter Series.

5 Stars
Tanja

Singh delivers yet another amazing novel in Archangel's Viper. I had sooo been waiting for his story and to learn more about his past. I couldn't imagine a better mate for him.

You'll have to pardon my fangirling for a moment, but with some books/authors it simply can't be helped.  I love Nalini Singh's PNR books!  It doesn't matter if I am in the middle of another book, when a new Guild Hunter or Psy-Changeling  book comes out I immediately start reading it.  PNR worlds can be tricky (especially first books) because so much of the story centers on the building or description of the world and I can find myself struggling to feel connected enough to the main characters of the story because I am so focused on the world.   I am always amazed that given how detailed the worlds in both series are, I didn't feel that frustration or disconnect from the story.  Nalini's world always seems to provide the detail needed to connect you to her characters rather than take away from the.  She does such an outstanding job bringing details like color, texture, taste and emotion to life in her books that you can almost feel the backdrops she describes.  Every description brings you further into the world of her characters and bonds you to them so that you feel every emotion along with them.  Given that, it's no wonder both series are a favorite re-read for so many readers.

Archangel's Viper was such a wonderful installment to the Guild Hunter series.  I have been looking forward to seeing Holly and Viper since Holly was introduced to us as Sorrow.  Their back and forth banter made me hopeful that they would be paired up later in the series once Holly had time to heal, so I was thrilled when this book was announced.

I loved seeing how far Holly came since we last saw her.  Her confidence, determination and attitude were delightful.  The emphasis on her clothing and accessories gave us a glimpse not just into who Holly is today, but who she was prior to being thrust into the world of angels and vampires.  The back and forth between Holly and Viper made me smile because they truly had a dynamic that was simply their own.  When the everyone else was still treating Holly with kid gloves in some ways, Viper never shied away from treating her like his equal.  Whether that meant telling Holly truths she may not want to see, or physically testing her limits, it showed us how much confidence Viper had in Holly's ability to exist in their world.

My favorite elements of this story (without spoilers) were:

Ashwini programming ringtones in Holly's phone.  I love seeing the playfulness between such powerful beings.
All the nicknames Holly and Viper had for each other.  To others these may have seemed like insults, but in the end it was a way for the two of them to establish a subtle intimacy before they even realized what was happening.
Holly's dislike for Viper's sunglasses.  I love that a feature that made Viper seem so alien was something that never deterred Holly.  She was not only fascinated by his eyes and their behavior, but could read his eyes ina  way that other's seemed unable to do.  While Viper didn't believe his eyes reflected emotion in the same way that most eyes do, with Holly that wasn't the case.
The details of Viper's home that called out to both he and Holly.  Given that otherness of Viper I don't think I realized how important it would be that whoever he ended up with would be drawn to some of the same comforts.
Viper absolutely melted my heart when he cooked for Holly.  Seriously, a vampire that doesn't eat who goes out of his way to not just prepare food, but meals that were either centered around dishes that he knew Holly liked based on observing her or those that were a bridge to his own past.  Each one was prepared with such care that it was one of the most romantic scenes I have ever read.
The flavored blood that Ashwini sent with Venom.  This to me is an example of such a subtle detail making a world of difference to the story.  Listening to Venom describe the flavors and the memories associated with them (especially given his taste for flavored blood) humanized him in a way that I wasn't prepared for.
The glimpses into Holly's relationship with Dimitri.  Given his painful past, I love that he has become a father figure to Holly and Naasir.
Holly and Viper playing in Central Park.  That scene did such a good job showing us how alike Holly and Venom were, and it was the first time we got to see Holly let her abilities surface in a playful way.
That Venom gave Holly his true name.  To me it was symbolic of his final wall coming down between them.  It was the moment where I knew that Holly had his heart for eternity no matter what came next.
Fans of the Guild Hunter series will not be disappointed with this latest installment, and I dare say may find Viper their favorite hero in the entire series (sorry Dimitri :-) ).  To those that haven't read any books in the series yet, I have only one thing to say... What Are You Waiting For?!

*Waves* Hey bookish friends, it’s that time again I am taking over the world, ha ha not really… or am I? one blog at a time… kidding, kidding I was graciously asked to review Archangel’s Viper over here at SROKK, I am Ang; if you didn’t know me I own PNR Book Lover Reviews, I love everything that is Nalini and I adore her stories.
 
With saying that, it saddens me to say this but, WHERE WAS ALL THE ROMANCE? *insert sad face* seriously the story is good I was surprised I liked it so much, I mean I knew I would but in the end, I was like loving it. I was freaking out when I started, I was having some major character development issues, I knew in my head that Venom and Holly wouldn’t have an insta- love relationship, no one ever does in these series, I was just struggling with the overall story in the begging but around 30-40% I was all in.
 
This Guild Hunter book is the 10th novel in the series!
 
For me the overall story captivated me, I needed to know the why's and the how’s. I was 100% in love with Venom. He was such an interesting character to get to know more, one of Raphael’s seven, and it was his time to shine.
 
“You make the idea of forever a journey into adventure rather than...”
 
Holly took a little while to grow on me, but she won me over with her sass. It’s hard to explain who she is without going more into the back story of the series, so NO this is defiantly not a standalone, to enjoy the story more I would say start at the beginning of the series. We meet Holly and Venom so long ago now and have seen snippets of them throughout the series, and now it is time for their story!
 
I think Nalini is hands down one of the BEST skilled story tellers I have ever read, with every story that captures you in a way you can’t not think, “wow, what goes through her mind writing these stories”
 
When I finished this story, I felt that we needed more, like once the end came I was dying to see more of their relationship progress. I’m sure we will see them more throughout the series, I really enjoyed the slow burn of their relationship, once I got my head into the game. This couple, though they have already had this amazing friendship over the years so it didn’t feel weird for them to expand on the feelings they have for one and other, I just wish we had more romance and sexy time!
 
“I’m broken inside”
 
I know I know I want a lot, I just would have liked more…
 
Venom is the youngest of the seven, and he is so mysterious, he has the most unique look and is very loyal to Raphael, I think having Holly as his partner in crime was perfect as they were so much alike with having the same abilities. I enjoyed watching Holly grow into her own, she’s had one hell of a ride being turned by a crazy Archangel, having to watch her friends be murdered and tortured and coming out on the other side strong enough to take back her life!
 
I loved the twist and turns this book provided, oh man! I was on the edge of my seat, up late in the mornings reading the next chapter just to see what was going to happen!
 
I was so happy to see my fav angels in this one, not a lot but enough to be happy, we have moments with Raphael and Ilium and can I just say I cannot wait for Ilium’s story, I really am hoping it’ll be a mm romance!  *PLEASE Nalini, PLEASE*
 
This was an enjoyable read, it was. I loved the banter between all the characters, the story was fantastic. It just left me a little deflated. Just a lot of mixed feelings from this super fan of Nalini’s.
 
What I did love, that we learned so much about Venoms past. Who he is, what he is and his unique abilities. I love that he treats Holy as his equal and vis versa.  This was one story that has left me confused but it’s not bad thing it was just different to every other guild hunter romance, but man that ending what was growing inside her and wait I can’t continue with this sentence because that is a spoiler! Damn, you guys I was shook with what happened! Slightly grossed out, but I am in awe of the writing and the outcome!
 
“Drat. I was hoping if I ignored the crawling sensation up my arms, you’d poof back to the hole you slithered out of.”
 
10 points for the amazing tension between Venom and Holly, it was so good, along with their nick names and so many funny interactions. On that note, I am going for 5 stars, all I wanted was more romance time.
 
“From the tips of my hair to the tips of my toes, from yesterday to tomorrow and every tomorrow we will ever see…”
 
* ARC PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR FOR AN HONEST REVIEW *

Seriously awesome book! Far from satisfying my need for another Archangel book, just makes me all the more anxious for the next.

Oh, this book was absolutely fantastic! Holly's been a part of the series since the beginning, showing up on and off. And Venom, well, he's been something of a mystery, even if he's been a more central figure in the series.

This book focused on two things-whomever wanted to kidnap Holly, and her powers. So not pleasant topics for her, all in all. I think that she did quite well dealing with everything, after all, being tortured and seeing your friends killed, that's pretty awful, but her life was changed so much more than that because of her powers.

We learned more about Venom in this book. But we got to learn about his family, and the story of his making, which while he decided to do so, changed his life more than he thought it would. He really was, and is, a noble guy, he just hides it away, given the pain the world has given him in his life.

I totally didn't expect that ending! And it's funny, this book takes place during Archangel's Heart, and Viper ends just a bit before Heart, because Raphael stops by where they are for the showdown before continuing home to Elena. Which was a funny feeling, but it was such an awesome book!

Absolutely loved reading this book, and I can't wait for more! We have 2 more of the Seven left to find happiness, plus, I still want more Elena and Raphael!

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

This book… GAH!!!! This book!!!!

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

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

OMG!!!!

This book was EVERYTHING and so much more!!

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

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

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

But just how much he changed her had been unanswered.

Until now!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And that’s what I did wholeheartedly!!

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

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

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

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

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



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

Exhilarating! Thrilling! Relentless!

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

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

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

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

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

Rated: 4.5 Stars

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