The books in this series build on one another but there is quite a bit of info repeated for a new reader of the series not to be lost on the what and why of the story. Events that happened in the first book shaped Holly one of the two main characters this book focus on. The other one is Viper, a vampire that his creation made him different than other vampires. Because of how Holly was turned, Viper has been working with her training even if most of it has been long distance. The two of them are oil and water in the beginning but he does help her with developing her power set and finding out who has put a bounty out on her capture.

Overall a good story and ties into the first book which makes for a good overall story arc in the long run. One of the things I like the most about this writer. She creates interesting settings and has good use of a large cast of characters that are featured in different books. Can’t wait for the next one.

Excellent! I wished for a few more chapters. I can recommend this to lots of readers.

One of the many things I love about Nalini Singh is that she is able to weave together such compelling stories with truly diverse characters that always pull on your heartstrings. She managers to create a truly unique story time and time again regardless of how long a series may be getting. I will never tire of her books and I will never tire of the Guild Hunter novels.

We've slowly been working our way through Raphael's seven and Archangel's Viper brings us the story of Venom and Holly Chang. Both outsiders in their own way and both marked by something that makes them other.

Holly is one of the only surviving victims of a brutal assault from another archangel and Uram left his mark. Venom has been marked by his creation and change with snake like reflexes and reptilian eyes. Holly and Venom drive one another crazy and seem to take every opportunity to goad the other into a response but seeing these two come together was like watching magic unfold. This is one of those love stories you go back and reread, knowing that it will give you all the feels again and again.

Archangel's Viper continues Nalini Singh's wonderful world of angels and vampires, and long-time readers of the series will not be disappointed. Two characters fans have longed to have get together, Holly and Venom, are forced to work together and discover the secrets hidden in Holly. Intrigue, suspense, and romance are blended perfectly to create a fast-paced, "can't put it down" story. The storyline of the series as a whole, including insight into Micaela, Raphael, and the cascade is also pushed forward in a satisfying way. For new readers and old, this title is an amazing read.

Great writing and great job bringing the characters together without making less of either the differences in the characters abilities or character.

I never start a series at book number ten but I’m glad I made an exception for Archangel’s Viper.  I took to for review because I’d seen Singh’s name numerous times and I was looking for a new paranormal to read.  I definitely wish I had read the entire series because there was much I wanted to know more about but the book was thoroughly enjoyable even without knowing the back story.  I especially would have liked to have known Holly’s story since her making as a vampire and/or archangel is obviously highly unusual with very abnormal results.  Because Viper’s own origins were unusual he’s the perfect partner for Holly.  Her lack of fear of his snake eyes and amusement with him when most are terrified is a welcome change to Viper.

Singh creates a very detailed and interesting alternate world with fascinating paranormal situations and forces, both good and evil.  The detail in this book was beyond sufficient to bring the reader up to speed.  Viper is sexy and strong and his treatment of Holly is endearing.  Holly is complex with a lot of mixed emotions and so much to deal with.  The angels and archangels are an interesting twist and added stressors and depth to the vampire story.  The story is face-paced with lots of action and complex, interesting characters.  I definitely will read more from Singh especially others in this series given the chance.

reviewed by Jem Stone

Another of the Archangels Nine has found a mate. The discover that not all venom is poisonous, at least to this couple.

It’s already been made abundantly clear that I’m a Nalini Singh fan, and needless to say I’ve been curious about this story for a while as the Guild Hunter series has developed and her amazing cast of characters has been brought to life. Holly Chang was introduced in the first book Angel’s Blood as the lone survivor of a horrific attack, changed in ways she is only just beginning to figure out in this 10th novel of the series. She’s not fully vampire, angel, or human. As one of the Archangel of New York’s Seven, Venom is a unique and powerful young vampire with unnerving snake-like qualities marking him the blood child of the Archangel of India (aka the Queen of Poisons and Snakes) and the person with the clearest understanding of Holly and her abilities. As Holly’s uniqueness tempts dangerous foes, Venom will do everything in his power to protect her from them and the monster within her. This was an interesting story including many delightful moments with characters I’ve come to enjoy revisiting.

Review goes live on the blog on Sept 22 2017 at 00.00 am gmt+2 and will show up on Goodreads sometime later.

In a Flutter: Sizzling hot & entertaining
Fluttering Thoughts:
Worldbuilding: I really enjoyed the New York setting, full of paranormal elements – angels, archangels, vampires -, and it was fun to travel to Budapest too 😀
Characters: Holly was the snarky, uber-spunky, independent, loyal and loving toward her family heroine of my dreams. She kicked ass despite her traumatic introduction into the paranormal world, and didn’t let her issues put her down. I adored how tortured she was throughout the novel and how determined to not let anything put her down.
Venom was the snarky, alpha, super-strong, and sexy dude of my twisted dreams. Let me be honest here, I love male characters with a snake/reptile-like thing going on (like Orochimaru from Naruto, or Scorpios from Farscape, for instance – they were villains too, which made them even hotter, lol!). Other than the creepy eyes, lol, I really loved how he treated her – as a force to be reckoned with, not a vulnerable, breakable thing. So Venom totally did for me on his own, and all the more as Holly’s partner.
They had sexual tension think enough to cut with a single hair, let alone a knife xD
Plot: The story starts with a bang and keeps going strong. I loved the pace of events and there was enough gore and action to please my evil little heart. The slow burn romance was delicious.
Writing: Third person, past tense narrative, his/her POV. I adored their voices and banter. Really loved the fluid writing style.
Curb Appeal: Hot cover, hooking blurb – impulsive buy material for my PNR cravings.

The reason why this baby receives the Bomy Award of Excellence is, aside its awesome entertaining value that I elaborated upon, the fact that it was a 5+ butterflies read despite it containing the pet peeve PNR creature for me: angels. Nalini Singh rocked this baby in delicious and surprising fashion!
I recommend Archangel’s Viper to fans of PNR featuring vampires and non-cringe-worthy angels/archangels, deliciously snarky banter, and to fans of character with reptilian attributes (like venom and uber-awesome snake eyes!). Big, big like!

I think this may have become my favorite book of the series.

Venom always piqued my interest, I wanted to know more about what made him tick. And FINALLY had a book all to him :) (Now to just get Bluebelle his book and I might be happy...but I also don't want to read about a love interest for him just cause I will be jealous of a completely fictional character. yes, my logic is completely unfounded.

Anyway-Venom and Holly.

Something lurks deep inside Holly, who spends each day wondering if it will be her last. But Holly is done being a victim and is no one's little pet or toy or a vampire to be coddled. And I adored that about her! Vemon also does not treat her like a wounded kitten; instead he treats her like she needs to be treated. And I adore him for that! :P

In the end, the characters who are "other" are extremely fascinating and I love how all this series is playing out without the lead characters of Elena and Raphael. Sigh. Now it is time to wait for the next book.

I have been waiting for Venom's and Holly's story and I wasn't disappointed. Fast paced and well developed plot. Venom has always been an enigma and Sorrow/Holly is evolving.

Full review to be published online in late September.

ARCHANGEL'S VIPER is the story of Venom, another one of Raphael's 'Seven'; the trusted and loyal group of guards and advisors who have been with him from his early days. The reader met both Venom and Holly early on in the series, but bit s whole lot is known about either. Needless to say, you can imagine the excitement when the reader finds that they were actually going to be a couple in this one. Venom protects Holly from the danger stalking her, and Holly is just beginning to awaken to her powers.

There was a lot of fun banter and interaction between Venom and Holly; but there was little romance or a general sense of romantic connection for a vast majority of the book. When finally happens, it sadly feels too sudden, like it was there because it was time to wrap the book up.

ARCHANGEL'S VIPER is the tenth book in Nalini Singh's always enjoyable and highly popular "Guild Hunter" series. The book moves along well, especially as far as the overarching plot in relation to Uram; and the writing is excellent as always. Just don't expect too much in the way of a true love story. Highly recommended for the fans of the series.

4.5 Hearts, SJ, Romance Junkies

In Nalini Singh's tenth book in her thrilling Guild Hunter series, ARCHANGEL'S VIPER, readers finally get Venom's story. The vampire has been a steady presence in her previous books, an oddity even among his kind, but his history has never been explored. And Holly Chang, a human turned into something else after being attacked by a crazed archangel, has finally come into her own. We learn what has happened to her since the incident that altered her life, and how she and Venom will come together to deal with the danger threatening her.

Though the characters in this novel have been introduced in previous books, and this is a wonderful continuation of the series, Singh also did a terrific job of making it a stand-alone title. I will say the experience is richer if you start from the beginning, with ANGEL'S BLOOD.

Holly Chang called herself Sorrow after the life-changing ordeal she went through years ago, when she was brutally attacked by an archangel in bloodlust, one who turned her into something not vampire, but something else. But no one is quite sure just what that is. Holly has begun evolving into something monstrous, and she's afraid of the repercussions if she tells anyone. But there's something ugly and vicious inside her wanting to be free.

Venom is a vampire with snakelike qualities. He was changed by Neha, the queen of serpents and poisons, and she's never made another being like him, no matter how hard she's tried. Venom's more snakelike than vampiric, with slit eyes and an ability to move with serpentine quickness. But that otherness inside him complements the otherness inside Holly. He understands her as others cannot, and he feels more than annoyance when dealing with her. His responsibility to oversee her care, to protect her, slowly turns into an affection that deepens to love.

But someone's put a bounty on Holly's head. And with the danger facing her from kidnappers as well as a threat they'd thought long gone, they might not have a future to look forward to at all.

The journey Holly and Venom take is a wonderful one. They gradually turn from combatants to sniping comrades to lovers, and the pace they take to get there flows naturally. Strength, compassion, humor, and the ability to overcome deep pain are characteristics both protagonists share. It makes them characters to root for, who feel real, despite the obvious paranormal nature of them both.

Fast, thrilling, and sexy, ARCHANGEL'S VIPER is an exciting addition to the GUILD HUNTER series and a book not to be missed. A must for paranormal romance fans.

It isn't a secret how much I adore Elena Deveraux. She is one of the main reasons why I keep coming back for more. Her strong, independent and fearless female character is one of the biggest draws for me. That, paired with the perfect Archangel, I couldn't possibly ask for more.

Unfortunately, however, she isn't in this book and Raphael barely makes an appearance. Did this prevent me from enjoying this book? NOT at all. If anything, it was great to be introduced to someone new. Holly. Originally named Sorrow but perhaps we should now call her JOY.

If you don't remember her... Holly was the one known survivor from Uram's attack way back in Book 1: Archangel's Blood. That seemed so long ago right? But for me, she was unforgettable. As the series went on, I thought about her. Always wanting to know more.

I expected a member of the Cadre delivering a swift execution considering the unstable threat she could potentially become. But nope, she wasn't even close. With the help of the seven Holly is successfully honing her new-found abilities. Sounds familiar right? She is going through exactly what Elena went through and this is why I appreciated her just as much.

She is a survivor - adapting and transforming into something completely new. The negative thing about it is she is a rarity - one that someone is obsessively wanting to exploit. This is completely unacceptable since she is under the Tower's protection.

Venom steps right in to offer his much-needed guidance and protection. And at first, I couldn't predict where this was going. I thought Viper was way out of Holly's league but oh how Nalini Singh proved me wrong! It took them awhile but that slow burn was well worth it.

A downside (perhaps for some) is that the romance part might have been lacking compared to the other books but Nalini made up for it with those "OMG, did that just happen?" moments. Ten books plus later and this author still continues to surprise me. Nalini's creativity literally has no bounds!

Are you intrigued yet? Satisfy your curiosity with this amazing series. One click each one of these books and you will experience such remarkable and masterful storytelling.

I had really high hopes for Venom and Holly.

We met both of these characters very early on in the series and I just knew both of their individual books would be epic.

Needless to say, you can imagine my excitement when I saw that they were actually going to be a couple in this one...

Well.

I don't know if it's a result of too high expectations or - ahem - the fact that a lot of the story felt like an Alien/Body Snatchers horror hybrid mystery...

...but something was just lacking a bit here for me.

And I think that missing piece was the ROMANCE.

There was a lot of fun banter and interaction between Venom and Holly, but there was very little romance - and I don't just mean sex here, I mean just a general sense of romantic connection, sexual tension, just plain INTEREST in each other - for a vast majority of the book.

And when it did finally happen, it felt too late and sudden in the story for me, sadly.

Regardless, I enjoyed this book well enough as far as the overarching plot in relation to Uram, and Holly and I think fans of the series will enjoy it also...so long as they don't expect too much in the love connection department.

I am a Nalini super fan. She's been an auto buy for me, no matter the series, no matter the genre for years. Id been looking forward to Viper's book forever! Holly did not disappoint, however the steam in this book was barely registering. It felt more urban fiction than paranormal romance and that did disappoint me a bit.

Plot, writing- superb. I'd give it a B+!

Another Fantastic installment to the Guild Hunters series. Another of the Seven got his happily ever after. Loved Holly and Venom's relationship. The journey from adversarial to loving was fun to read. And it's always great to learn the backstory of a character you've "known" for so many books. Can't wait to see what happens next!