It’s not often that I’ll say this, because I think there’s value in the world-building and character/relationship-building of reading the entire series to date. I do think that you’ll miss some of that depth, HOWEVER, I think it’s possible to read this book without reading the previous 12.

Yes, you’ll get tons of spoilers for the previous books. And you’ll definitely miss out on some of those amazingly well developed characters, and the relationships that bind them. But this story takes place in a new region with a different archangel being the center of it.

Plus, I just adore Titus and Sharine.

The war has been fought, evil vanquished – mostly. All that remains is cleaning up the very deadly messes left behind. The world is in a state of quiet chaos, and everyone is trying to do so much more to make up for the ones that are dead, lost, or injured.

Titus has been Archangel of the southern half of Africa for millennia. Now, in this post-war world, he’s taken on responsibility for all of Africa. The southern half is ravaged by the diseases his enemy brought to the war against him. But the northern half, his enemy’s territory is in almost worse shape. And all of Africa is suffering under the onslaught of the reborn – think vicious zombies that are extremely contagious. Titus fights a never-ending battle to clear the land of these more contagious reborn before they can spread over the planet and accomplish what their enemies didn’t: complete and utter destruction.

Sharine, most commonly known among angelkind as “The Hummingbird,” a title filled with respect and care, has spent several hundred years of her long life lost in the “kaleidoscope” of her mind. Injured greivously she retreated beyond the reach of more trauma. We’ve seen her occasionally before, through Illium, her son, and Raphael. Most recently, as she’s begun to become active outside the spinning kaleidoscope of her mine, she’s been in charge of the angelic repository of art.

Getting to see her spread her wings, figuratively and literally, in this book was a true joy. Sharine is one of those characters that you can’t help but love, I think. She’s so incredibly kind, but also stubborn and smart. She’s also not afraid to challenge an Archangel.

I’ve enjoyed Titus every time we’ve had the pleasure of seeing him in the previous books. With his loud, boisterous, and infectious personality, I knew that I would enjoy his book. What I didn’t know was how much I’d laugh throughout it. Titus is the most human archangel I’ve yet met in these books. Perhaps it’s to do with the close and loving family that still anchors him to the world, or maybe it’s just his personality to be down to earth. But he’s a warrior that has no time for subtle power-plays. He isn’t comfortable with being “cunning,” but change that to “strategy” and he’s right at home.

I was literally texting Sarah while we buddy-read this every few pages with quotes and laughter. It’s not to say there are no high stakes, that there’s no tension, worry, or problems. Titus and Sharine just light up the pages until I was mesmerized and in love.

In fact, immediately upon finishing there was nothing I wanted to do more than pick it up and re-read it. So I did.

The war has been won but battles still rage on in Archangel’s Sun. In the wake of the war that rocked the entire world, Titus, Archangel of Africa, has been fighting a seemingly never-ending battle against a newer, more intelligent strain of reborn. He and his people need help, but with the Cadre few in number and all of them stretched to the breaking point, there is no one to help him. No one but the Hummingbird.

For much of the series Sharine – also known as the Hummingbird – has been lost in her own world more often than not. She’s beloved by all of angelkind, but she’s not exactly who you’d think of first when battling the reborn. Lately Sharine has been awakening and though she is an artist and does have a tendency to get lost in her own world, there’s more to her than most know. She’s an Ancient, though seems so young and of the world that she isn’t called one. I loved watching Sharine find herself over the course of this story. Though she wasn’t to blame for shattering all those centuries ago, she carries such guilt for not being fully present for her son, Illium, or the other angels she has effectively adopted. I loved Sharine’s huge heart and warm nature. Her conversations with Illium and Aodhan in particular warmed my heart (and made me want those two to be each other’s HEA more than ever). I also loved her sass, which was a surprise to everyone. She has more knowledge and power than most could dream of and I hope we see much more of her in books to come for it feels like we’ve only scratched the surface of a character whose depths are unfathomable.

As for Titus, he is one of my favorite Guild Hunter heroes so far. The archangel with the booming voice and marshmallow heart pretty much made me swoon. He’s a fearsome warrior, powerful and dangerous as only an archangel can be. Yet he’s also a younger brother with four older sisters who aren’t afraid to tease him. I can’t count the number of times Titus made me smile. And his heart is as vast as the continent he rules and cares for.

Titus and Sharine are endearing and well-drawn characters and there’s something about them that just “clicks.” Titus doesn’t treat Sharine like she’s fragile and she isn’t impressed by his power; after all, Shaine has had a child with an archangel, is a second mother to another, and is best friends with a third. Sharine and Titus made me smile and sigh, but even after weighing it in my mind I did feel like their romance was a little rushed. I liked where they ended up, but based on their journeys it might have felt more organic and earned if it took two books to get to that end point.

Sharine and Titus are the heart of Archangel’s Sun and I could read about them for books on end without getting bored. Their banter made the book snappy, but it’s definitely not all fun and games for them. The threat of the more intelligent reborn is a real and present danger for most of the book. Nalini Singh doesn’t skimp on the action at all and the fights are plentiful. I loved how Sharine, Titus, and his people worked together to figure out how to defeat a threat that feels like it has no end.

Archangel’s Sun entertained me from beginning to end, mostly due to the fantastic characters. I hope we get to return to Africa in future Guild Hunter books because there were so many of Titus’s people who I would love to learn more about. I struggled a bit with rating this because I enjoyed reading it so much, but I was definitely left with unanswered questions (ones that don’t feel intentionally left open) and a slight feeling of being rushed in the romance. Still, I truly adored Titus and Sharine and I can’t wait to see where Ms. Singh takes the Guild Hunter series next!

Dear Nalini Singh,

In Archangel’s War, the last book in your Guild Hunter series, Illium’s father, the archangel Aegaeon, awoke from Sleeping. His return caused a seismic shift in Illium’s mother, Sharine, otherwise known as the Hummingbird. After centuries spent in emotional pain and in and out of a fog with little left to hold on to, Sharine was seized by anger at Aegeaon and it snapped her back to reality. Sharine, considered angelkind’s greatest artist, even took over the running of Lumia, a repository of angelic art.

As Archangel’s Sun (book thirteen in the Guild Hunter series) begins, Raphael, New York’s archangel, relays the ruling Cadre’s request that Sharine assist Titus, Archangel of Africa. Months after the catastrophic war between archangels, the world is still recovering and Titus is now responsible not only for his own territory but also for what were evil archangel Charisemnon’s lands. Titus is blunt enough that some of his subordinates have quit and the hope is that Sharine can smooth out his rough edges.

Titus’s territory is infested with the dead Lijuan’s zombies, the reborn. The late, unlamented Charisemnon enhanced them and they collaborate, lay ambushes, and afflict others. Titus and his people are locked in a seemingly never-ending battle with them and have no time to cater to a fragile artist. But the Hummingbird is considered a treasure to all angelkind. Rejecting her would be a great faux pas.

Sharine decides to fly to Titus’s citadel herself instead of taking a plane. It’s only a two-day trip and she wants to fly low to the ground and get a feel for the situation. She dresses in simple, practical clothes, ties her hair back in a ponytail, packs only a couple of outfits in a backpack. She also brings the cell phone Illium gave her though she barely knows how to operate it.

On her way to the citadel Sharine lands in a deserted village and finds signs of a reborn attack. In a pile of half-burned bodies, she spots an elongated, unnatural hand and records it with her phone.

Sharine is annoyed to be given a luxury-filled suite, a studio for her art, and a closet full of frilly dresses when she arrives at Titus’s stronghold. Titus has made the (reasonable) assumption that she is a delicate flower. His attempts at consideration come across (also understandably) as patronizing.

Titus can tell that Sharine is displeased and though it’s in his nature to come out with blunt opinions, he bites his tongue. She is, after all, the great artist and an international treasure. This only irritates Sharine more.

Sharine surveys the battlefield on her own initiative the next day and when she spots reborn, fire shoots out of her hand. Searching through millennia of memories, she realizes that she has had this ability for a long time though she has not exercised it in many centuries. Titus is surprised but happy to find a use for her.

When Sharine shows Titus the video she filmed, he notices that the misshapen hand made a slight movement. She doesn’t have coordinates and he needs her help to locate that village so they fly there together. They frustrate each other, impress each other, and become more aware of one another.

They are much different, though. Titus is a mere 3500 years old, but Sharine is ancient despite her youthful appearance. Titus is widely known to have rough edges and Sharine to be a shrinking violet. He is responsible for Africa and she for Lumia; neither can abdicate these responsibilities. Sharine is just recovering from the horrifying thing Aegaeon did to her. Titus, usually perfectly satisfied with brief affairs, tries to view Sharine as a great but fragile artist, not as a desirable woman. If he hurts a hair on her head, the Cadre will come after him.

At the village, Titus and Sharine discover evidence that the reborn infection may have crossed to angels. If so, it could be catastrophic. Angels must be viewed as invulnerable; their unquestioned power keeps lawless vampires in check.

Has the devastating disease indeed infected angels? Can Titus clear his territory of the reborn? Will Sharine heal from Aegaeon’s betrayal? And can Titus and Sharine find a way to be together?

The best thing about Archangel’s Sun is Sharine. I have never seen heroine like her before in this or in any other paranormal series—an ancient woman with a grown son. I loved the way Sharine’s age grants her wisdom and gives her age-related vulnerabilities: a fuzzy memory, disconnection from the modern, unexercised muscles, unfamiliarity with slang and technology. I loved the way that, speaking to centuries-old beings, she addresses them as “child.” And that none of this prevents her from being capable, insightful and focused.

Titus is fun—a good battle strategist, big-hearted, straightforward and confident. Though anything but humble, he isn’t (unlike some angels) vain or haughty. The first word that comes to mind is cuddly. Titus is an alpha in the leadership sense but also a man who embraces others. He values anyone who contributes skills, whether angel, vampire or human. There have been other diverse protagonists in the series but I believe Titus is the first to be described as having “skin of the darkest brown.” That was great, too.

This is a partial review. You can find the entire review here:

https://dearauthor.com/book-reviews/overall-b-reviews/b-minus-reviews/review-archangels-sun-by-nalini-singh/ is review appeared on our blog on January 27th:

I have yet to come across an installment in this series that I did not love with all of my heart and this is no exception. I love how even this far into the world of the Guild Hunters I can still be surprised!

An excellent addition to Singh's ongoing series. Fans will not be disappointed with the love story of Titus and the Hummingbird. As always there is excellent character development and the book is hard to put down.

Love in the aftermath of war…

Lady Sharine, aka Hummingbird, grows into her own. The Guild Hunter saga continues and I couldn’t be happier at this unexpected pairing. I’m not sure if I should have seen this couple coming but they were honestly a surprise. The fierce Archangel of Africa and the beautiful ancient came together to help rid the continent of evil but to also heal the land and its people. Their courtship was gentle and slow, in direct contrast to the war they and their comrades waged. I loved the strength of Sharine as she continued to hold her head eye, accepting her past while forging a strong future. Little did she know it would be with Titus by her side.

Beautiful romance, a deadly mystery and my heart lived and breathed it… If you haven’t read this series, you must, must, must!

So bloody good! I don't know how Nalini Singh continues to raise the bar with each book!
I was a bit disappointed when I heard who the book would be about as I had hoped for more Raphael and Elena. Despite that I was intrigued to learn more about the Hummingbird.
Archangel's Sun is an action-packed, slow burn romance with a bit of an opposites-attract trope. It was a pure delight to follow Sharine on her journey to come back into her own, and see her confuse and exasperate Titus. Their chemistry sizzled and their dialogue is a lot of fun.
At times I would have liked a little bit more romance and less action, however it did not diminish my enjoyment of the book.
I cannot wait to discover who will be in book 14 and this book doesn't even release until November;).

Another beautifully written addition to Singh's lush Archangel ruled world filled with humans, hunters and vampires. This novel follows the budding romance of Archangel, Titus and the "Hummingbird" aka Sharine. I loved that Sharine broke the model of what Titus expected. Excellent blend of plot and characterization with romance.

I think I will keep this short, I loved it. now with that being said I have to agree with many other reviewers that complain about the lack of romance but at the same time I feel we have 2 characters who have both sworn never to have a romance and so their story was going to be long and slow and yes there is still many battles to be fought and this is a romance trying to bloom while they are both trying to make sure that the world does not fall victim to the zombie-like creatures and add in a few twists and I was entertained from start to finish pretty much even without the high level of romance I have grown to expect so I am giving this 5 Stars since it did not fail to entertain me at all.

I remembered being SO EXCITED when it was announced that Titus and Sharine, better known in this series as The Hummingbird, would be the featured couple in the next Guild Hunter novel. As much as I adore this author’s Psy/Changeling series, I can’t get enough of her Archangels and the world they live in. I simply adore The Guild Hunter world.

The Hummingbird has always been sort of an enigma, loved and revered for her kindness and exquisite artistry, yet fragile and fractured from some unknown trauma in her past. Loved by her son Illium and his best friend Aodhan, they were forced to be her protectors and take care of her even as she mothered them. In this installment readers finally get to know Sharine and discover what exactly happened to her heart and mind, and see her regain her strength as she mends herself and falls in love again.

What can I say about Titus? He’s big and brash and loud and just about perfect. Raised by a warrior woman for a mother and surrounded by four talented and much older sisters, Titus is respectful, yet confident and aware of his own power and intensity.

The events in Archangel’s Sun take place while the world is still in clean-up mode after the events of Archangel’s War. Charisemnon and Lijuan’s treachery has left the world bruised and battered and Titus is still cleansing his lands of the reborn. Raphael sends Sharine to help, and even though she isn’t a warrior, she is an ancient and has knowledge and strength to share.

These two made such a wonderful couple. They complimented each other and worked together from the start, despite the playful bickering and back and forth verbal pokes to test each other. One thing this author does so well is the build-up to a relationship and how small things layer each other to grow into a beautiful and lasting love. I loved watching them get to know each other and discover what turned them into the people they are today.

The Sharine on-page in Archangel’s Sun is a strong, brilliant, bright, present force that paired perfectly with the vibrantly compelling Titus.

I wonder where this series goes next. Do we return to Raphael, Elena, and New York? I did miss them. Are we to get to know another member of the Cadre? Or maybe Illium and Aodhan will finally get over whatever they’ve been bickering about for the last couple of books. I’m still ride or die Bluebell + Sparkle, just in case y’all were wondering, although I have a new sense that Aodhan’s future might reside in another’s court.

Archangel’s Sun was a fabulous addition to the Guild Hunter series and I eagerly await whatever journey this author chooses to take her readers on next.

4.25 stars--ARCHANGEL’S SUN is the thirteenth full-length instalment in Nalini Singh’s contemporary, adult GUILD HUNTER dystopian/ paranormal/ urban fantasy series focusing on Archangel’s, angels, vampires, shifters and hunters. This is the archangel of Africa Titus, and Angel Lady Sharine, aka the Hummingbird’s story line ARCHANGEL’S SUN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order. For followers and fans, the Hummingbird is Illium aka Bluebell’s mother.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Titus and Sharine) ARCHANGEL’S SUN picks up in the aftermath of the Cascade that destroyed many of the Archangel’s strongholds and cities throughout the world. At the request of New York’s Archangel Raphael, Lady Sharine has been tasked with helping archangel of Africa Titus in his struggle to rebuild but the war continues in Africa as Lijuan and Chrisemnon’s creations-the reborn- are terrorizing and destroying everything and everyone in their path but a more dangerous weapon and heinous creature is about to be revealed, and with it the possibility of the destruction of angelkind. What ensues is the continued battle with the reborn, and the building romance and relationship between our leading couple.

Lady Sharine is an artist among the angels, the mother to Illium, and a mother –like figure to Archangel Raphael but Sharine’s past is shrouded in heart break and despair, and our heroine has struggled with the knowledge that everyone she has loved has been taken from her or destroyed her faith in the world. Believed to have been wounded, insane and broken, Lady Sharine is a strong woman, and an even stronger ‘warrior’ with a hidden ability of which nobody is aware. Titus knows he comes off as obnoxious and loud, preferring to yell rather than coddle his warriors but with the arrival of Lady Sharine something softens within our story line hero, as they work together to rid his holdings of the zombie-like reborn, and in doing so, search for a possible link and antidote to the flesh eating virus.

The relationship between Titus and Shirane begins acrimoniously as Titus believes Shirane is too frail and sickly to help with the rebuild. Centuries of rumors and innuendo regarding Shirane’s mental and emotional health have weighed heavily amongst the angels and Archanges but Shirane is about to surprise Titus with her abilities and powers, not only as an artist, but an angel worthy of being a consort. The lone $ex scenes is passionate but mostly implied.

There is a large ensemble cast of virtual secondary and supporting characters most of whom we have met in the previous instalments: Archangel Raphael, Sharine’s ex and Illium’s father Archangel Aegaeon, Raphael’s mother Archangel Caliane; Archangels Suyin, Neha and Alexander; vampire Trace; Titus’ spymaster Ozias; angels Tanae, Tzadiq, Orios; as well as Titus’ sisters Zuri, and Nala.

ARCHANGEL’S SUN is a story of betrayal and revenge; recovery and revelations; friendships, relationships and love. The premise is edgy and tragic ; the characters are energetic, colorful, captivating and strong; the slow building romance is sensitive. Another wonderful addition to Nalini Singh’s GUILD HUNTER series.



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Archangel Rafael requests that Sharine (aka the hummingbird) go to Africa to help Archangel Titus after the Archangelic war. Titus must stop the reborn that is starting to surface from taking over his territory. Initially, this causes problems as Titus is not willing to work with Sharine. She has been broken for so long and she is not exactly a fighter. However, she turns out to surprise him.

I would be remiss if I didn’t start off by saying that you need to read the last book in the series to get a general idea of what is going on in the world that the author created. Technically, all books should be read in order but there is some back story and if you want to know more about the war, read the last book.

It is always amazing when an author takes the time to craft a strong heroine. Sharine may not have started that way. She has a long history and most view her as broken but she came into her own. I have to say she is up there with Elena for me in this series. I went in not too sure how I would feel about any of the lead characters but finished with me loving the romantic elements of the story. This is a bit softer than I’m used to but still good.

I like Titus because he is a strong character and that is exactly the kind of male counterpart that Sharine needs. He reveals a tender side when necessary. I can’t wait to see how their relationship grows. The main reason that I couldn’t give this review 5 star is because the ending didn’t tie up their story. Sharine still has a way to go as she navigates this new world.

Fans of this series will relish seeing what is going on with other characters in this world. Yes, Titus and Sharine started off as side characters with a minor roles in this series but I think readers will be pleasantly surprised how they stand as lead in their own book.

~ Samantha

This book is a delightful look into Archangels who have been pivotal secondary characters. For those who have missed a couple of books in this series, this is a great one to dive back into the series. For those just picking this book up, be forewarned, it may generate a huge spending spree to read all the previous books in the series. This book can be read as a standalone but would be much more enjoyable reading with more background from previous books.

"I want to help clean up after a devastating war" said no one ever. Titus is now responsible for Africa and it is a cluster of epic proportions. The hideous reborn are causing mortal problems across the continent. When Titus finally asks for help from his other archangels, he did not expect the help in the form of the infamous Hummingbird. The Hummingbird is a fragile and much beloved artist. Her paintings move grown men to weep. She is used to the light side of light and she's a "hummingbird" for goodness sake. She is delicate and used to the finer things in life. Protected by many and loved by all, what possible good can she provide?

I loved how Ms. Singh extrapolates how people who have lived centuries would respond. How they lose their mortality and touch with with human afflicts. How they may forget their past and some of their memories. What I loved most about this book, is a female who has been "lost" and broken for centuries finally finds herself when her people need her the most.

Cleaning up after a war torn country is not an easy feat. When there are active monsters who can bring down even the most power saviours and heroes, this creates quite the plot device. Hummingbird's interactions with Titus as she is recalling her past and becoming whole again is hilarious. Her strength and her position in this world can not allow her to just submit and yield to a warrior who is responsible for millions. Just as Titus cannot forget and toss his responsibilities aside for someone he is falling in love with.

Ms. Singh does a wonderful job in fleshing out these two characters and giving them the voice for their love story. The trials and tribulations they face together from a work and personal front is multilayer and complicated. This world which always held a bit more darkness is desolately grim. With the need for the lighter and joyous side, Hummingbird surprises everyone with her forgotten skills and continues to be a beacon of hope.

This paranormal romance is highly recommended to readers who love second chances and a heroine who finds herself.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the book that comes after the epic battle in Archangel’s War. The focus is on Titus, Archangel of Africa, and Sharine, who is sent to help him as he battles to secure and rebuild his continent.

I was certain that Archangel’s War was the end of this series, but this book about rebuilding the world destroyed by the war makes sense. With the focus on one couple, this book almost reverts back to the paranormal romance stories early in the series. However, with Titus still battling the reborn and the Cadre cooperating to rebuild their world, this feels a little too bloody and too epic in scope to read as anything other than Urban Fantasy. Some of the battles in this story are a little more cerebral than those in Archangel’s War and the pace isn’t quite as frantic, but this is still an exciting addition to the series.

My favourite surprise in this book is Sharine. Throughout the series, we’ve come to know her as Illium’s mother, as a successful artist, and as a woman with fragile mental health. I love that she is so much more in this book and I love that the author gives her a chance for rebirth and growth. Titus is also wonderful. The move away from New York to Africa brings new depth and texture to the whole series. Sharine is the perfect link between Raphael’s New York and Titus’ Africa – and through her perspective, readers gain fresh insights into Raphael, Illium, and Aodhan. Titus is also a wonderful surprise for readers who have only known him as a warrior. The connection between Sharine and Titus builds carefully and tentatively with fabulous sexual tension. This isn’t however, one of the steamier books in the series. The focus of this book is more on the rebuilding of Titus’ territory and Sharine’s personal development than it is on the romance between Titus and Sharine.

I really loved this story. I fell hard for both Sharine and Titus and I loved the shift to Africa. I’m excited for more books that explore the worlds of the Cadre members and I’m excited to see the series focus shift after the Archangels rebuild their world.


Erica – ☆☆☆☆
4.5 Stars

Archangel’s Sun is the thirteenth installment of the Guild Hunter series. Can it be read as a standalone or out of series order? No. While all the books are connected, the past few have been within the same arc, acting as a continuation. It would be difficult and confusing to read Archangel Sun without reading the books before it.

First things first, fingers crossed the mother is the leadup to the son’s novel. Aren’t we all anticipating Bluebell’s novel? The Hummingbird is Illium’s mother, Rafael’s mother figure, and Aodhin’s mentor. Sharine is the perfect viewpoint to show all three of their lives and what is happening around them, the angst of two stubborn males who will listen to their “mother,” allowing the reader to have a bird’s eye view as Sharine learns how to use technology.

Set to the backdrop of devastation, the Hummingbird and Titus band together to help their people, changing along with the landscape.

Adored by all, seen as an artifact meant to be put upon a shelf in a museum. After lifetimes of unimaginable loss and pain, Sharine finds the strength to cast off the Hummingbird label. No longer a wounded little bird, she is putting the facets of her personality back together. The most prevalent is the maternal instinct. The most painful is a fear of abandonment, after her first love and mentor died in their bed beside her, her parents went to Sleep when she was still a child herself, only to never wake again, and for the father of her son to go to Sleep within their bed beside her, sickly toying with her emotions while abandoning their child.

Titus is strong and imposing, a powerful archangel who is clearing out the scourge but not taking time to tend to the people of his land. As a fellow member of the cadre, Rafael suggests the Hummingbird fly to Africa as a symbol of hope, leaving Titus to think yet another person will drag him down in responsibility.

But Sharine is no longer just the Hummingbird, her gifts realized almost as strong as her mothering desire, but equally as important when it comes to both clearing the scourge and soothing the people.

My favorite part of the novel was the slow-burn romance between Sharine and Titus. Most importantly how they brought out the best parts of one another, sassed and challenged each other, but did so in a respectful manner of adults befitting their advanced ages and positions. Their growth was amazing to witness as a reader. Both warm and fuzzy yet inspiring as well.

I won’t touch on the mystery of the reborn and what Sharine and Titus discover, simply because it is both complex and a major part of the novel itself.

The women were an inspiration and focal point, strong and capable and admired for their abilities. Many shown were the mothers to major characters, some within Rafael’s Seven. I appreciated this, appreciated how everyone worked together instead of seeing one another as competition or shown as the villain. Appreciated how their varying strengths were showcased as being just as important as other strengths. They all revealed that femininity isn’t a weakness.

Where I struggled, which is why I couldn’t give Archangel Sun a perfect rating, the story meandered. I don’t mean mentions of the past, which I adored. A ton of name-dropping, with events listed from past novels, which is why I said it was important to be up to date with the series to avoid confusion. However, this slowed the pacing down, dragging what was a quick-paced novel into redundancy, where I had to fight myself with skimming large portions of a few chapters, where it seemed to either be the inane events from A to B or an info-dump that wasn’t necessary “right there,” which either made it confusing or slowed the pacing down.

All in all, Archangel Sun was an excellent addition to the series, giving the reader a new perspective via characters who hadn’t previously had a voice, from a new location set in the universe. I am highly anticipating the next and next and next installments. I absolutely recommend to fans of the series and the author, as I’m positive the novel will hit all the right notes for most returning readers.

Archangel’s Prophecy steps away from Raphael and Elena as the center and instead focuses on Titus, and Lady Sharine, aka The Hummingbird.

Titus, Archangel of the African Territory, is knee deep in dealing with the havoc created by Lijuan and Charisemnon in their attempt at world domination, and to aid in this Raphael sends The Hummingbird to help. At first Titus is put out because he doesn’t see how The Hummingbird will be any great help. Sure, she’s a renowned artist, her works a thing of beauty, but she’s rumored to be a fragile, fractured being. Titus doesn’t have time to pamper and dance around a woman when his land and people’s survival is at stake.

Ha! I had a feeling Titus was about to get schooled and it was going to be fun!

Lady Sharine was a broken creature for many years, but she’s come a long way. She’s even helped restore order and peace to Lumia, becoming their beloved angelic leader. When Raphael asked her to go to Archangel’s Titus’ aid, she’s eager to help, knowing all the territories desperately need all the help they can get. Yes, she’s spent a lot of her life being occupied by creating beauty, but underneath she’s a capable and powerful woman ready to help her angel-kind recover.

It was inspirational to witness Lady Sharine transform into this strong, powerful angel! Much to Titus shock, she’s no shallow woman, expected to be waited on and coddled. She proves a valuable asset to Titus and his efforts. They compliment each other beautifully. Where he’s often brash and like a bull in china shop with the ones inherited from Charisemnon’s territory, she helps smooth the way between him and his acquired people. A surprisingly, she’s a warrior!

Of course, my favorite part is the romance, and this was a slow burn. First with Titus and Sharine getting to known each other, having their misconceptions cleared away leading to respect and admiration, and then the spark of attraction. I loved seeing Titus fall helplessly for this woman, because the attraction is not only based on the superficial, but the knowing of someone deep down. He’s ignited by passion and want every time they’re together! The same for Sharine, but knowing Titus’ past with women she sort of resigns herself to loving and losing, eventual hurt inevitable.

So much to love about this story! The thrilling fights, the mystery of Charisemnon’s deadly creation, Titus and Sharine’s romance, but I also loved seeing the familial support, and their fun exchanges! Titus with his deadly sisters, and Sharine with her son Illium, and her sort of surrogate sons Aodhan and Raphael.

Archangel’s Sun is book thirteen in the series, and I don’t think this would work well as a standalone, because Titus and Sharine are dealing with the aftermath of the previous two books. I will say that you could go back and read the Raphael/Elena books (there are seven) and then this one and get the full effect. Last year I binged on the Raphael/Elena books, getting through seven of the books in less than three weeks by listening to the audios, which are fantastically performed by Justine Eyre. There are seven Elena/Raphael books, each one having a source of conflict introduced that’s wrapped up by the end, but there’s the continuing story arc of the Archangel’s Prophecy weaved through. The other books in the series are like Archangel’s Sun where it focuses on the story and romance of side characters, like here with Titus and Sharine.

*If you want a more in-depth explanation of the series I explain it a little better in my review of Archangel’s Prophecy HERE. Some of it is a little spoilery, but not more than you’d get reading the book descriptions.

In the post-Cascade world, the Archangels find themselves struggling to rebuild their respective territories, and with some of the Cadre recovering or Sleeping, their numbers are spread thin. Titus, Archangel of Africa, inherited northern Africa from Charisemnon and is engaged in efforts to rid the continent of the virulent reborn created by Lijuan and Charisemnon. Sharine, aka Lady Hummingbird, lives in Morocco overseeing Lumia, the repository of angelic art and treasures. Raphael asks his dear friend, Sharine, to join Titus’s efforts.

Readers have long known the Hummingbird as the talented artist and fragile mother of Illium. Although, in the last couple of books, Sharine has been finding herself again. She is old - nearly Ancient - and has forgotten more than she remembers. But now that she’s emerging from the kaleidoscope in which she was lost, we learn that she’s extremely strong, with some powerful gifts. Much of the first part of the book is spent learning what happened to break Sharine and her remembering lost bits of her past, including offensive powers that help in the fight against the reborn.

Titus is fantastic. He’s confident, bold, powerful, and strong, just as an Archangel should be. While Sharine lumps him in with those like the father of Illium, she quickly learns that Titus is generous, kind, and thoughtful as well. I love how he is expecting the Hummingbird, but is thrown by the confident, bold Sharine.

Together and apart, they take on the reborn, discovering new strains and terrors, going through Charisemnon’s notes to discover what horrors he completed before he was killed by Titus. While I liked the adventures, they just didn’t hold my attention. I found I really didn’t care all that much about the evolving reborn, and the battles became unappealing after the first couple. Gaps of time are explained away with “weeks of fighting,” and the two main characters spend more time apart than together. Their romance is extremely slow burn, which isn’t necessarily the issue, but rather, I just didn’t feel connected to their budding romance. I enjoyed their conversations and play, but I never felt fully engaged.

The Guild Hunter series by Nalini Singh is one of my all-time favorites. With that said, Archangel’s Sun, was just okay for me. I didn’t dislike it, but it was slow and sometimes repetitive, with weeks of battles and gaps in time. It reads like a transition story - going from war to recovery, sharing the difficulties of rebuilding. Hopefully by the next book, the world and Archangels will be back to normal, or rather the new normal.

My Rating: B-

FINAL DECISION: This was definitely not a pairing that I expected, but it worked so well. Titus is sweeter than I expected with him playing the long-suffering brother of four sisters. Sharine is a woman who is finding herself with a vengeance, reconciling her past, and showing the strength that she lacked in the past. Loved these two and enjoyed being reoriented to the aftermath of the archangelic war.

THE STORY: In the aftermath of the archangelic war from the last book, the new version of the reborn continues to threaten the continent of Africa. Titus is a powerful archangel, but he cannot stop the scourge alone. Instead of the warrior help he thinks he needs, he is sent the Hummingbird, an unworldly angel known as a great artist. Sharine has only begun to find herself after emerging from her broken mental state. The two must join forces to prevent the reborn from overtaking the world.

OPINION: This book is a lovely mature story with characters who have led full lives. That gives this book depth and interest. This book had the feeling of a woman's journey. It is Sharine who is the focus here. She is finding herself after being the beloved Hummingbird who is vague and not of the world because her mind was broken. Here, she is rediscovering herself, dealing with the heartaches of her past, and building a new life and purpose for herself.

Titus is an archangel who has enjoyed life and then is quickly devastated by an angel he did not expect. Titus is amazingly loyal and strong, but there is an incredible sweetness to his relationship with Sharine. These two have strength and I enjoyed their interaction.

The aftermath of the war is not a pleasant place, but this book has more hope and comfort than I expected. Indeed, while there are still bad secrets, this book feels much lighter after all the death and destruction in the prior two books.

I also enjoyed that his book marks a change in the series as we get a whole new cast of characters whose stories can be told in future books. That bodes well for the series continuing.

WORTH MENTIONING: Raphael and the Seven are not main characters here, they only make small appearances.

CONNECTED BOOKS: ARCHANGEL'S SUN is the thirteenth book in the Guild Hunter series. The romance here is self-contained, however, the world and the characters assume familiarity with the other books in the series. Do yourself a favor and start at the beginning.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

NOTE: I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley which was used to prepare this review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

Archangel's Sun is finally here! I was a little hesitant about this book because I wasn't sure about Sharine. She made her appearance in the previous book, but she was kind of crazy. I wasn't sure I would believe a romance between her and Titus. I'm thrilled to say I was wrong!

Sharine was once in love, but her love died tragically. She has been asleep for a LONG time, but awoke to help Raphael and Elena. Now, she is off to Africa to assist Titus and things don't get off to a great start. These two have different ideas on a lot of things, but learn to work together. I must say it was really great to see Sharine come into her own (again). She was so fragile (and a bit mad) before, but she really rises in Archangel's Sun and its compelling. Titus is a good hero for her as well-he isn't a push over, but he doesn't dampen her shine. There were a few times when I felt perhaps Sharine was too demeaning to Titus. These two didn't always agree, but sometimes, she was just straight up MEAN.

Ok, so here is my issue. This book felt unresolved to me. The ending was just lacking in my opinion. While part of me understands her determination to keep her "independence", it didn't give me the same satisfaction I typically like in a romance. It isn't anti-romantic so much as not a full HEA. That could be on purpose-perhaps Singh is planning to continue Sharine and Titus' story!

As always, Justine Eyre's narration is superb! I highly recommend this series in audio as she narrates all the books and each is delightful!

4.5

The world is still reeling from what was wrought by Archangel’s Lijuan and Carisemnon. In Africa, Archangel Titus is tasked with not only rebuilding his own territory, but also that of his now gone enemy. The war may be over, but small battles are still raging as nests of the undead are uncovered across the continent. Titus’s patience has been running thin and aide is scarce.

When Lady Sharine, known throughout angelkind as The Hummingbird, is sent to help, Titus knows it’s only because there is no one else available, and doesn’t really expect an angel who has been lost in her own world of memories to offer any real help. The angel who stands before him, however, is not at all what he expected.

Sharine is a beloved and cherished fixture in angel kind known for her beautiful paintings, but a series of past tragedies and traumas left her mind broken. Sharine has finally started to clear the fog. Started to live again. She is determined to not let the past continue to influence the future including dealing with overbearing archangels.

But if Sharine is not what Titus expected, the same can be said for Sharine’s own expectations when it comes to Titus. Sometimes the most unexpected thing is what you needed all along.

Despite the ongoing battles peppered throughout, Archangel’s Sun feels like a cooling off period after the back to back intensity of Archangel’s Prophecy and Archangel’s War. Focusing more on the revelations discovered while people and places are still in a state of recovery.

Sharine and Titus’s story is one I didn’t ever think about, they are a pairing I wouldn’t have pinpointed but they turned out to be absolutely perfect. I liked how Sharine is initially underestimated. Being soft, not a warrior, she’s a “treasure” who should be spared any talk of blood and fighting. She’s a singing example of soft not being weak. I loved how she was quick to embrace modern technology and would offer insights that younger angels couldn’t even think of. If anything, I wish Sharine’s wisdom and experience had been explored further. Titus is constantly forgetting that Sharine is older than him by millennia because she’s learned to live more in the present and embrace changes that come with the passing of time. I always love the idea of these long-lived creatures and the history they each have. I just wish we got a bit more of that this time around.

As far as Sharine and Titus, I just like the ease of their relationship. I like that she pushes his buttons and to a lesser extent he pushes her, but them being together is never about filling some kind of void but rather just something that enhances their lives.

I enjoy when we get this kind of break and in such a long-running series I think it’s important to have. Of course, Nalini Singh always gives enticing indications of where we’ll go next and I’m really eager to see what plays out next.

I absolutely LOVED Archangel’s Sun!
The Hummingbird is a treasure to the angelic race. Her artistry has no equal and her gentle kindness and motherly love has no ending. But her soul was shattered long ago and she lives inside her own world, wholly broken.

Archangel Titus is the archangel of southern Africa. He is a mighty warrior, loud and boisterous with sharp edges. An honorable angel with no time for the duplicitous and is fiercely protective of his people and his lands.

So you may be asking yourself, however would these two be a good match? Yes, yes indeed! Ms. Singh has brilliantly crafted this harrowing and exciting tale of mystery, intrigue and danger. I couldn’t put it down! There’s so much going on! So many surprises! So much action! Steamy chemistry! I loved it!

If you’re a super fan of the series like me or new to the books, you’ll be instantly whisked away on an adventure you’ll most certainly not forget! I don’t want to say anything else because I don’t want to spoil it, but it’s an exciting, engaging, enjoyable, beautiful and heart-wrenching read! And I whole-heartedly recommend Archangel’s Sun, the entire Guild Hunter series and any one of Ms. Singh’s books!