From the first book in the Guild Hunter's series by Nalini Singh I was hooked. Her characters Raphael and Elena and the love between them can capture your romantic heart and hook you to follow, support and root for their unusual life. The story of the archangel and his human born mate is a romance you don't want to end but will the war coming and the strange things happening bring it to a close. Archangel's War brings to the highest level the danger that the Cascade has been warning, the voices constantly questioning. Raphael and Elena have been changed and still changing. Who knows what the future will bring. Can Raphael keep Elena alive let alone the city of New York - and boy can archangels play nasty. What I love about Singh's books, besides her marvelous characters ,is her descriptions and details. Where some authors go into so much detail they can bore you,. Singh 's way of telling her stories brings you into the world of the paranormal where you feel you a part of the action wishing you were sitting with the characters as the story unfolds.

While this book starts off in a tedious and slow fashion it does pick up and get back into the story I have been waiting for.

4.5 STARS

This is the 12th installment in this series and it's still going strong. Can you believe it? In ARCHANGEL'S WAR Nalini Singh picks up seven months after the cruel cliffhanger she threw at us after which Raphael and Elena wake up fundamentally changed.

"Elena P. Deveraux, Guild Hunter and consort to an archangel, was not about to let the Cascade twist her personality to bitterness and despair. She was going to fucking own this new chance at life."

You can't help but worry about them, how this will influence their relationship. Our favorite couple and the people close to them are going through a challenging time and the worst is yet to come. The first couple of chapters show us Raphael's anxiety, with him being not sure if Elena will be the same or if she has become the mindless power reservoir for the archangel that the Cascade intended for her to be. We follow Elena coming to terms with the loss of her wings and then evolving, finding her new powers and how she doesn't know how they are supposed to help her in the looming war.

"Wings do not make you my lover. That has always been your heart, your spirit, your courage—and your fury.”

And then there is the breathtakingly beautiful love between Raphael and Elena that just tugs at your heart. These two, gah. If there was ever a doubt (there wasn't) that they were supposed to be, Archangel's War will rid you of that.

We get to spend time with our favorites Bluebell, Aodhan, Venom and Dmitri. Don't you love Raphael's second and Elena's relationship and how they pretend that they hate each other but secretly totally dig one another? I do. Their banter is funny AF. I also loved getting a little more details about Montgomery and how Raphael accepted and even delighted in his butler's quirks.

"War was a certainty."

This installment concludes Lijuan's story arch which culminates in a full blown war that plays out on the pages. While it is action packed I found that it went on a little bit too long and I found myself wishing for it to be over.

Nalini Singh's love for details is stunning - ARCHANGEL'S WAR just shows how much thought has gone into this world, how complex and flawlessly designed it is. And let's not forget this author's remarkable and exquisite writing style - that alone makes this book worth reading and I marked so many passages, I'm sad that I can't quote all of them here.

"He brushed his hand over the near-white silk of her hair, what he felt for her such a huge violence inside him that it had no name. “To the end and beyond, hunter-mine.”"

So now that this story arch is over I'm a little directionless. I know there is still a lot to tell about the vast cast of this series but the author doesn't give us much to speculate. We still have to see Bluebell fall in love and find his match and then there is broken and sweet Aodhan, who needs someone to make him a little less broken. However, I have no clue what is going to happen next so I hope Nalini Singh writes fast because I CANNOT WAIT to find out what she has in store.

OK...she killed me with that cliffhanger in Archangel's Prophecy...and holy hell!!! WOW! Wanting not to give anything away, all I can really say is WOW!! Singh has done it again...I live for her books, characters and the diversity of her body of work. She NEVER disappoints. This was the penultimate installment. Just WOW

Singh still manages to surprise even after all these books in the Archangel's series. And while this entry wraps up one story arc, there are still so many characters left to explore!

I’m speechless. Well, okay, maybe not completely speechless, because I am writing this review. But this will probably be the shortest rave review I have ever written because there was a big cliffhanger at the end of ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY, and I refuse to spoil any of ARCHANGEL’S WAR for readers of the series. I will say, this book is AMAZING and unputdownable, so prepare yourself accordingly.

I think because it’s in the title and the synopsis, I can say this book is about war. The research Ms. Singh must have done combined with her own incredible imagination is awe-inspiring. The level of detail and strategy had me reading sections more than once, I could picture the battleground in my mind, but I wanted to make sure I captured every part. The world of angels, archangels, vampires, and humans has become increasingly more complex. Ms. Singh doesn’t leave a single detail or character out in her masterful execution of the rising tension that has been growing for years.

The best part about this book was the pacing. It was genius. A rising crescendo of action and emotions that had me turning the pages faster and faster. There were moments of epic conflict and violence that made me gasp and hold my breath, and snatches of peace and love that made me tear up while my heart warmed for the characters I have come to love over so many books.

If you’re looking to start this series, this is not the book for you. Start at ARCHANGEL’S BLOOD and become as invested in the characters as I am. Fans of the series (and there are many of us) have been waiting with bated breath for this installment, and it should come as no surprise that Nalini Singh delivers.

Overall, this series just gets better and better. Ms. Singh knows how to give the fans what they want in her own way, and it’s glorious to read. I’d buy anything with her name on it! So… when is the next one coming out?? I am already dying for it!

**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**

My God, this was an incredible read!

All the things I needed, wanted and hoped for after Archangel's Prophecy. Not only will you need an abundance of time, but you'll also need to close the blinds, lock the doors and call in sick to work. Truly, one of my favorite reads this year. Those of you reading this more than likely have already read the series. It's book twelve for crying out loud. I won't ruin or spoil it for you in any way. I will say that it is one of Singh's finest works to date.

BRAVO!
5 Stars
~Tanja

Nalini Singh is the writer I want to be (if I was a writer). This book, Archangel's War has been anticipated for months every since Archangel's Prophecy came out. We had faith that our questions would be answered in the sequel. And they were! A beautifully written story, wonderful characters that we love. Elena's and Raphael's story is a masterpiece.

I've been thinking about this book for a while now and I don't know what I can even say in a review that isn't a spoiler! I'm extremely glad I re-read Prophecy right before this one so I was refreshed on the plot as War picks up right where that left off. There are details in this one that are almost gruesome at times but as always Nalini Singh pulls it off in a way that just works and I didn't mind it. I mean...Raphael *literally* gives her a piece of his heart! (Which happens at the end of Prophecy so it's nt a spoiler I swear)! So when I say gruesome I mean it.

But from the second the book starts we are on this intense roller coaster ride of Elena and Raphael waking up - as well as a few others, ahem - and the ride just never stops. I loved every second of it. I loved it so much that I read this few weeks ago and now I'm listening to it. And I'll probably re-read again next week.

I loved the reveals. After reveal. After reveal. Nalini writes these so well, it's not even OTT because it's Guild Hunters, what IS even OTT in this world? I don't think that limit exists?

If I had any quibble it's that my attention fades a bit at fight scenes and this fight scene was EPIC so I was a little...lost. But believe me when I say Nalini got my attention. Repeatedly.
I loved this book. I love this world. Nalini is everything.

Archangel's War is the Twelfth installment in author Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter series. The story picks up months after Archangel's Prophecy with Elena trapped inside a chrysalis cocoon but she soon awakens. The Cascade fundamentally changes both Elena and Raphael in ways that readers will soon understand and for good reason. It's all part of Cassandra's prophecy. The cascade still threatens the world and is causing all kinds of weird issues.

Disasters are occurring across the world, ice storms and plagues of locusts, monsoons and wildfires. The Ancients are waking from their centuries-long slumber, and when they wake, chaos tends to follow. But, the one thing that is unavoidable is China's Archangel Lijuan who is up to something so horrific, that it will lead to a massive war. A war that will encapsulate all of the members of the Archangel Cadre as well as Ancients.

Lijuan has become ultra-powerful and absolutely mad. The Cadre must over come past animosities, and come together to face the threat that could destroy everything and everyone. The book has two distinctive parts. The first part focuses on the evolution of Elena and Raphael. When they emerge from the chrysalis, they are no longer the same but I'm not going to go any further than that. Remember that the Cascade has plans for everyone but so does Cassandra's prophecy.

The final part of this book is the best part of the book. Elena and Raphael stand for New York against a horde of Lijuan's impressive enemies that you won't won't want to miss. As far conclusions to a story arc, goes all out with this story. She holds absolutely nothing, and I mean, nothing back. The war is bloody and devastating and unfortunately not all of your favorite characters survive. Raphael, Elena, and the Cadre won't be the same after this war.

Some of the more interesting aspects of the story involve Raphael's past, as well as Bluebell's parentage. One could say that this is the culmination of the past Eleven books and from here, who knows what will happen next? Obviously, there are things that the Cadre needs to deal with. Raphael and Elena’s relationship continues to evolve and grow; their love even stronger for all they’ve been through. I adore Elena's relationship with her sisters, as well as Bluebell, Dmitri, the Guild Hunters, as well as Izzy who has become one of Elena's personal guards.

This book! Oh, the glorious feeling of awaiting a book for many months and not having it disappoint me even a little! I was in raptures over Archangel’s War from the dizzy, effervescent deep love affair between an archangel and his Guild Hunter, to the reshaping of their lives and the devastating changes wrought by the Cascade, and into an unavoidable confrontation for the survival of their world against the archangel who, through darkness and evil, has ascended into the most powerful being alive. This one was for all the marbles and it didn’t disappoint.
Review

Archangel’s War is the 12th in the Guild Hunter series. While it did crossover into paranormal romance territory and delivered some individual romances, it is ultimately urban fantasy and has a strong series arc that needs to be read in order.

In Archangel’s Prophecy, the last book, things looked very dire for Raphael and Elena. There is a strange prophecy from a sleeping Ancient, cataclysmic events, and Elena’s physical deterioration that threatened to unravel her archangel. Raphael makes a last ditch unheard of decision and we were left not knowing what would come of it or the critical intel of Lijuan and the darkness and disease in China.

Because of this book being pretty much a spoiler for book eleven, I want to stop and give no further details of the summary. I would also recommend that readers go into this one without reading the summary because I felt this book was that much more exciting and intense not knowing even those few hints in the blurb.

So, Archangel’s War…
It felt like a grand finale. Is it? I don’t know. Let’s just say the series arc and secondary series arcs have been completed so if it does continue, there will be a new season and series arc. There is room for more when it comes to personal stories, obviously. And, a surprising twist in the family situation for one of Raphael’s seven might very well be where that goes. Whew, yeah, Elena’s ‘Bluebell’ got thrown a real curve in this one.

But, back to the grand finale feeling…
I loved how things got very dire and the Cascade was at it’s violent, most chaotic worst. There is finally an interesting explanation for why the Cascade even happens along with backstory from Raphael’s life with his parents that was neat. The enemy is strong and crosses so many lines into the depths of evil that I wanted each torturous action to be leveled that direction even if it meant making them have to be brought back and destroyed over and over until they felt all their own pain.
Great villain!

And, because there is a horrific evil then it made the stakes high for those who had to find a way to win against the odds. This book builds slowly and then gets rolling faster and faster until that long roiling and building climax that was given all the grandeur it needed to be worthy of archangel’s doing battle and carrying their people into battle with them.

As usual, I loved getting Raphael and Elena as the focus pair, but I didn’t have to miss out on all the regular surrounding cast of her family, her Guild Hunter family, his Seven lieutenants, the Cadre, and more. Raphael might have been a cold being before Elena, but he chose good people and was as loyal to them as they, to him. It never stood out more just what an amazing leader he was even at what was considered a youthful age for an archangel because of his choices. He chose a different path from the other archangels with his friends and people as well as his choice to love a mortal turned angel and this is what helps him fight the temptation to wield the Cascade power for selfish gain and personal power. This is where Elena may be barely into her angel immortality and be much weaker than other angels, but her role in keep Raphael anchored and be a true partner in everything to him is precious and part of their romance.

All in all, Archangel’s War delivered a long, gritty battle with losses and victories as well as personal battles and a romance for the ages. Guild Hunter fans will find this unputdownable as I did, I have no doubt. Urban Fantasy fans need to grab up this series and prepare to binge.

My thanks to Penguin Berkley Romance for the opportunity to read this one in exchange for an honest review.

ARCHANGEL’S WAR is the twelfth instalment in Nalini Singh’s contemporary, adult GUILD HUNTER dystopian/ paranormal/ urban fantasy series focusing on Archangel’s, angels, vampires, shifters and hunters. ARCHANGEL’S WAR is the continuing story of New York’s Archangel Raphael, and his consort, human turned angel Elena Deveraux. ARCHANGEL’S WAR should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events and cliff-hanger of Archangel’s Prophecy wherein the Archangel’s are preparing for war against two of their own.

Told from several third person perspectives including Raphael and Elena ARCHANGEL’S WAR focuses on the prophecy having revealed death and destruction, resurrection and renewal in the wake of Lijuan’s madness, the Archangel of India, as she prepares to take over the world. With fellow Archangel Charisemnon by her side, Lijuan amasses an army of the undead as she slowly destroys the very people she protects, while making preparations to take down the Archangel of New York. Lijuan’s actions have triggered the Cascade (an event that causes massive power fluctuations and other changes among the members of the Cadre) but also an event that will see Raphael and Elena’s powers merge in an effort to protect the people they love. Lijuan’s growing power awaken the ancient Archangel’s from their ‘Sleep’ but an awakening that brings together Archangel’s from around the world.

ARCHANGEL’S WAR is an action-packed, spirited and edgy story about the madness for, and of, power; the dramatic actions of a psychotic and powerful mind; and the desperate fight to protect the innocent and the damned. Nalini Singh pulls the reader into an animated and forceful sequence of events; a character driven tale with epic results; and the mind numbing chaos and capability of the supernatural.



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🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷 #Review of Archangel's War (Guild Hunter #12) by Nalini Singh
Live: September 24, 2019 @ 8:00pm EST

Archangel's War, perhaps the most anticipated book of the series to date, is an all-consuming tale steeped in love, violence, friendship, and the unknown. You won't be able to put it down!

After the events in Archangel's Prophecy, I was on pins and needles waiting to find out what happened to our beloved characters, Raphael and Elena. Talk about a killer cliff-hanger! *gasp* Archangel's War opens with Raphael and Elena exploding from the chrysalis that encompassed them. Weak, cautious, and forever changed. The state of the world that they have reawakened to is an uneasy mystery. How long has it been? Are their family and friends safe? Has Lijuan returned? Or has the Cascade destroyed it all?

"This isn't goodbye, Elena said in reply. It's only until the next time. "

This book slayed me... it was absolutely phenomenal. There are so many character and series developments, as well as plot twists, that I won't be able to get into them all. Just know, that the Guild Hunter world as we know it, will be permanently altered by the end of this story. The Cascade is reaching it's crescendo and it is more viscous then anyone could have predicted. Friends will be lost. (I read this book twice before it's release and was in tears each time.) Alliances will be proven. Destinies will be re-made. And Raphael and Elena's love will shine brighter than the sun. Singh consistently keeps readers on their toes and Archangel's War is no exception.

"... a moment stolen on the eve of a battle where all could be won... or lost. "

With the mesmerizing world that Singh has flawlessly created here, and her deeply poetic, rhythmical writing, I was swept away by this action-packed, masterfully executed, and deeply emotion tale. The entire Guild Hunter world comes together for the inevitable show-down with the Archangel Lijuan. And it is even worse then we thought it would be. The battle will keep you on the edge of your seat. While the plot is precariously faced-paced though, readers still get those crucial tender moments between Raphael and Elena. Humor is sprinkled throughout as well, with amusing scenes between Dmitri and Elena, as well as our lovable Illium, and the Tower's healers. That being said, there are also several important moments outside of the battle that I'm thinking will have a bigger effect on members of the Seven and Cadre in the next book or two.

"You don't want to win. You just want me to fight you naked."

Archangel's War leads to a satisfying conclusion, no cliff-hanger this time, however... this is not the end. Raphael and Elena will always have a piece of each other inside of them, literally. Have we learned everything that means? The last pages whisper with foreshadowing, and I can only guess at what is to come for this powerful duo and the ones they love. If you have not started this extraordinarly unique and enthralling series, I urge you to do so right away. And if you've just fallen behind in the series, this is a great time to pick it back up as the wait between these last two books was torturous, and if anything, you'll be saved that pain now!


Originally read July 2019
Re-read September 2019

***5 ‘For Your Anger and Your Love Both’ Stars***

For better or worse THIS is the book many have been waiting for and Ms. Singh went BIG.

Oh. So. Big.

I mean...74 chapters! True not all of them are long, but 74 chapters and holy hell do they all pack a punch. They brought out goofy, cheek creasing smiles. Utter frustration. Heart melting swoons. Heated anger. Horror. And heartbreak.

But then again. This is war.

War is destruction, chaos, love, hate, pain and joy. It exposes secrets while burying others. And it brings about change.

Now, not everything changes, there are some truths that are untouchable, unchangeable, but lots happen and, in all honesty, I’m still processing it all. The minefield in this one was huge, but it all worked for me. This does not mean that I was happy with all that happened, my reactions were numerous and varied, but I cannot deny that, in the end, they all needed to happen for this series to move forward.

I know this review is vague, but it needs to be. So much happens ~ the good, the bad, the ugly ~ and one needs to go into as blindly as possible. But what I will say is, regardless of how I feel about how certain things turned out ~ at least for now, this series remains one of my ultimate favorites ~ one that I am constantly re-listening to ~ and Ms. Singh my unicorn author. This world and characters draw me in every time and make me all kinds of happy just to hang out with them and leave me wanting more when there are no more words to read or listen to.

Archangel’s War was no different and I cannot wait to see where this series goes from here!

Wow, just wow! Singh, once again, pulls out all the stops in this pulse intensifying addition to the Guild Hunter series. Let’s just say that I can never get enough of Elena and her kick butt ways.

Warning: Sitting on the edge of your seat, you won’t be able to put Archangel’s War down once you start!

It has all come down to this, a war with Lijuan, the insane archangel with a god complex. Millions of lives wiped out, causing cataclysmic destruction and waking the ancients are just a few of the obstacles Raphael and Elena will be facing in Archangel’s War. Then a deadly illness sweeps the lands, even effecting angels. To top it off, betrayal rocks the angel community.

So, put up the do not disturb sign and dive in. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this ARC copy of Archangel's War from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my honest and voluntary review. Archangel's War is set for publication September 24, 2019.

My Rating: 5 stars
Written by; Nalini Singh
Series: A Guild Hunter Novel (Book 12)
Mass Market Paperback: 480 pages
Publisher: Berkley (September 24, 2019)
ISBN-10: 0451491661
ISBN-13: 978-0451491664
Genre: Urban Fantasy

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Archangels-War...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/arch...
Itunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/archa...

5 likes

The Guild Hunter series quickly became a favorite last year when I binge read all the Elena/Raphael books. The romance between Elena and Raphael has been electric and all-consuming, an epic love! They’ve come a long way over the series, and I love that they face each trial thrown their way together as a united front. This is a series that needs to be read in order, the Elena/Raphael books, at any rate. The others center on other couples and can be read on their own, IMO. While this is book twelve in the overall series, Archangel’s War is the seventh Elena/Raphael book.

I think fans will find this an exciting installment especially after the brutal cliffhanger we had with the last book. I know I was anxious to dive in and see how everything turned out! I think this book is better if you can set aside a chunk of time to really dig in and read. I had to stop and start a lot because of real-life and I think it impacted the flow a bit in the beginning. I don’t think I can comment on the plot much, because anything I said would be a spoiler, but I will say Archangel’s War was exciting, full of change and danger! Ancients awakening, joining the fray, and an epic battle that’ll have you worried for the fate of our favorite characters.

Loved learning more background on Illium “Bluebell” and his mother, Sharine “Hummingbird”, Aodhan with them. Izzy, Elena’s beloved “baby” angel and her younger sister Eve all have part in Archangel’s War. We even get a little more of Raphael’s mother, Caliane; her history and a bit of Raphael’s childhood, too. Also, more was revealed about The Legion, and I really have enjoyed seeing them evolve into more than just a uniform sort of collective with the help of Elena.

My review feels so lacking, because it’s impossible to say much that isn’t a spoiler, but it’s more than just the “read it!” I wanted to go with initially, so there is that!

I feel like this series has evolved from a good series to an excellent series to a badass, hell yeah, EPIC series. Archangel’s War is epic in all the best ways and everything I needed it to be.

I know fans of this series were shocked speechless with the cliffhanger ending of the previous book in the series, Archangel’s Prophecy. There were a lot of people upset by the ending and worried that Elena and Raphael’s HEA was somehow tainted and gone forever. But not me, I trust this author implicitly.

Archangel’s War felt like a book that ends a series, even though it’s not. We begin with an EVENT. The world is waiting on Elena and Raphael to wake from their chrysalis and they do emerge. Elena fulfills Cassandra’s prophecy by coming back slightly different, but rest assured she is still the Elena we all know and love. Ms. Singh spends about the first 30% spending time with Raphael and Elena and their core allies, kind of having them examine how they’ve changed, but also reuniting them in a sense. Showing readers just how much they love each other. Something I think readers needed after the uncertain ending of the previous book.

The next 30-35% is Elena and Raphael touching base with the rest of the Cadre and finding out how the Cascade has affected the rest of the world. New ancients are emerging and there are a great deal of changes around the globe. My friends, there is SO MUCH going on and it’s going to take every one working together to defeat Lijuan.

The last third of the book is where they go to war. There are dozens of small skirmishes and hand to hand battles. Raphael and Elena trying outsmart a powerful Lijuan. Fellow members of the Cadre fighting their own conflicts in their own parts of the world. Powers are shifting with the newly risen Ancients and we finally find out what Lijuan has been doing since she disappeared in China. I have to say I was entranced and on the edge of my seat in anticipation of the final battle. Wondering how Raphael and Elena would ultimately to defeat their enemy. Always knowing they would, but wondering at what cost.

I have to say I like how this book ended. I like the sense of hope for the future. The feeling that Raphael and Elena and their Seven and the Cadre and all my beloveds can clean up the mess Lijuan left behind and start anew. There are definitely huge changes in the Archangel world, but I’m glad we can finally move on to another plot arc. I’m still waiting on Blubell and Sparkle to realize they are meant for each other. I’m looking forward to whatever adventure is up next.

Final Grade- B+

Favorite Quote:
He brushed his hand over the near-white silk of her hair, what he felt for her such a huge violence inside him that it had no name. “To the end and beyond, hunter-mine."

Guys! Guys! You are not ready for this book. I thought I was ready and I really wasn't. I'm not sure how I'm going to review this book without spoilers but I'm going to try. I will say now that if you're not caught up on the series, stop reading this post now. There will be spoilers for Archangel's Prophecy ahead.

Dear lord! This book was an emotional roller coaster. One minute it had me laughing and the next I was an anxious ball of nerves on the edge of my seat. I made the mistake of trying to read a few chapters before bed and ended up finishing the book at 4AM. I'm both physically and emotionally exhausted. And honestly, I didn't expect anything less after the cliffhanger of the last book.

I ended up going back to reread the last few chapters of Archangel's Prophecy before starting this one and I'd recommend doing the same if you're able. So to briefly recap. The cliffhanger ending of the previous book was brutal. Elena had lost her wings and was enclosed in a chrysalis. Raphael wasn't in much better shape after trading hearts with his consort. Because of this, he and Elena both are in a Cascade-induced coma state and are getting ready to force themselves to wake-up. The problem is that they don't know if Elena will wake as Elena or the back-up battery the Cascade wants to turn her into.

Archangel's War picks up almost exactly where that one left off. So literally everything from the first page on is a spoiler for this book.

I know that's vague but there's a reason why I always look forward to reading each new Guild Hunter book every year. These books are top-shelf book crack. The characters! The worldbuilding! The big bad! Everything in this series is so amazingly done and is hands down one of my favorite urban fantasy/paranormal romance series ever.

Archangel's War was an awesome addition to an already amazing series! I laughed. I cried. And I about had a nervous breakdown the whole last half of the book when the major battle this series has been building to finally came. I loved how this whole book was set up. It slowly eased us into the battle and then proceeded to drop us right into the fray. I loved that we got to see a lot of the characters we've come to love from previous books in the series again and were introduced to a lot of new ones as well.

Actually, we got a whole lot of expanded worldbuilding in this book that starts to set things up for future books in the series including the backstory of a certain blue-winged angel. To me, it really seems like Nalini Singh has set up the next book to potentially be Illium's book. I really hope it is. If it's not, I can deal with that too but it seems to be where the story is going. And I am here for it.

Nalini Singh proves once again with this book that she's a master storyteller and that I have no chance of ever predicting where she'll take a story. I can't recommend this series enough! Seriously. Go read it and come back and we can yell about all things Guild Hunter together.

ARC provided the publisher via Netgalley.

Ok, listen, there is literally NO WAY to review Archangel's War without spoiling Archangel's Prophecy, so consider yourself warned.

So, the book starts with Elena and Raphael in the chrysalis. They awake with some unique changes. But, the key is they awake-Elena is still immortal and Raphael is still...well badass. The cascade still threatens and is causing all kinds of weird issues. Elena's wings are....super fucking cool, but strange things are happening to her. She seems to have taken on some of Raphael's cascade powers. And she can make trees grow super fast.

In their immediate awakening, they have to tackle a few things: Elena is essentially a skeleton, Raphael is ablaze, they are at the bottom of a giant crater caused by their explosion. But even past those, Raphael has to re-secure his territory or there could be war. I loved getting to see all the gang again-Bluebell, Ash, Elijah, Beth. There is a LOT going on in the story and Nalini Singh weaves it all together and it leads up to the big battle with Lejuan. There is a death that makes me sad, but its not a main character or anything. Its about so much more than just what is happening with Elena and Raphael, which makes the book feel like a super fast read.

Archangel's War is triumphant, just like Elena and Raphael! The plot will answer the questions from Archangel's Prophecy, and hint at more to come. The relationship between Elena and Raphael is evolving and it's a beautiful thing to read.

If you're like me, and you've been waiting for this book since October 30, 2018 when you put down Archangel's Prophecy than you have already guessed- there's no way to avoid at least some spoilers in reviewing Archangel's War. If you are new to the series, put down this book and at least read Prophecy before coming back. You'll be pretty lost on some major issues otherwise.

With that out of the way, Archangel's War does not disappoint those of us who have been waiting desperately to find out what was happening to Elena. The last time we saw her, she and Raphael were fighting a prophecy that would turn Elena into a vessel for Raphael's increasing power. And there was the whole chrysalis thing at the end. Without giving away details, sorting that out is a big part of War (to the surprise of no one. It was kind of a big deal).

The Cascade has awakened new Ancients before their time, China is a horror movie waiting to happen (hopefully I was not the only one seeing the Miranda scenes from Serenity playing in my head when Elena and Raphael were in China), weather across the globe has turned chaotic and deadly. If you thought you'd seen Lijuan as creepy-crazy as possible, think again. It would be easy for a less talented author than Singh to focus on these big picture problems and lose the people along the way. But War balances nicely the personal issues Elena and Raphael face as they settle into their new 'normal' and the global issues the archangels as a Cadre face thanks to everyone's favorite Angel of Death. Archangels whose defining traits before this had been their oversized egos and personalities prove that they are capable of putting their egos aside and fighting together when faced with a terrible enemy. Elena especially helps ground the story and the fighting with the people everyone fights to save. Fans will be happy that Dimitri, Illium, and the rest of the Seven each get some action- and will certainly love one of the personal moments between Illium, Aodhan, and the Hummingbird when we learn that even powerful and deadly angels can be reduced to guilty children by a mom like the Hummingbird.

Once again, Nalini Singh exceeds all expectations for her Guild Hunters series. Her world-building skills are top-notch, her pacing of the story a perfect blend of war and stolen personal moments. Fans will rejoice in this newest, much anticipated, release- Nalini Singh doesn't disappoint!


I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review