Another beautiful addition to Singh's Guild Hunter series. Illium and Aodhan's story has been a long time coming. Worth the wait and one of her best.

Four strong stars.

*I received a review copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*

ARCHANGEL’S LIGHT was an incredibly anticipated read for me due to my love of Bluebell and Sparkle, but not one I went into without a bit of trepidation as M/M is a departure from my preferred genre choice. However, as I absolutely adore these two characters and their bond, so I figured their story would be the perfect foray into a new style of romance. Ultimately though, a romance isn’t really what I got from this. Perhaps it could be called a slow burn, but that is almost an overstatement. It’s more a very establish friendship going through some rough growing pains, with misunderstandings and stubbornness thrown in. It’s not until the very end that any true romance starts to form, and then the story abruptly ends. Don't get me wrong, there are so many enjoyable moments in this book. I particularly loved all of the scenes from their past. I'm just anxious for more in the present. *g*

In many ways, this felt like part one in Sparkle and Bluebell’s story. Hopefully that is the case, because the romance side felt lackluster and unfinished if not. Time will tell, but it’s hard for me to ultimately decide on my feelings on this book without that answer. I, like many fans I’m sure, will be crossing our fingers for more books featuring this pair. There's just so much potential there, and I'm going to base my rating on there still being an opening for more.

4.5 stars, and I’m truly tempted to round up to 5 because Illium and Aodhan have me deep in my feels. While this wasn’t entirely what I expected, it really hit the mark in ways I didn’t anticipate it would. Especially when it came to the way the relationship between these two shifts and becomes something entirely new and different and wholly entirely sweet. Another brilliant addition to the Guild Hunter series and I look forward to whatever comes next!

Nalini Singh is one fantastic writer! The world building and character development is superb. Not every author can write AU/PNR stories it takes a lot of creativity and ingenuity to develop the details, content, each character with their background and personality, and then decide which characters fit together to be “that power couple.”

I loved the two MCs in this story Illium and Aodhan. Singh does a wonderful job detailing the complex history between Illium & Aodhan - this really hits home the depth of feelings between them. Who else can be your perfect partner than the one who has been devoted to you since the beginning of time? Who else would ever truly KNOW you including all the proverbial skeletons in the closet and still LOVE you, broken bits and all…

“We’re all a little broken. No one goes through life with a whole heart.” 💔❤️‍🩹

“To know a person’s bad habits along with their good ones? To see them at their worst and at their best? To fight and play with them through all the seasons of this life? And to still wake up every morning happy to see their face? This is love.”

While I enjoyed the slow burn between our guys I was disappointed that Singh chose to leave out the physical aspects of the romance. I love that the author was brave enough to have a mm couple star in a book; However, if you do this as an author and make the story completely uncharacteristic in the physical aspect and even the depth of emotion between the MCs, (when compared to the other books of the series)it is perceived as lacking. I truly hope this was unintentional and not a reflection of how the series will go on.

3 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 1.5 Flames 🔥🔥

📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing/Berkley Romance a division of Penguin Random House via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to review. 🦄

I have a soft spot for the Guild Hunter series and have always loved the characters of Illium and Aodhan. While it was interesting to learn both characters back story in great detail, the story felt lacking in peril and the characters spent too much time apart for me to feel they had a romantic connection. Absolutely gorgeous cover (which drew me in) but the story was just OK. Fans of the series will enjoy this one. 3.5 stars.

I have been reading this series now since 2012. (The first book was written in 2009.) A lot has changed since the inception of this series. Originally there was to be a few books about Raphael and Elena and then one for each of the Seven. As the years have gone by I've watched the series grow and become more complex. Throughout the changes it has remained one of my all time favorite PNR/UF series.

I went in to this one with some trepidation though. We've literally been waiting for this book for years and I was worried that my expectations would be too high. Also, in the past, my expectations didn't pan out like I wanted. Venom is my favorite of the Seven but I didn't love his book. Naasir I had never given much thought to but his book has been my favorite (until this one). BUT.......I'm SO happy to say that this exceeded my hopes for this book. It was absolutely beautiful. Every page showed just how much time and thought the author put in to telling this story.

The story goes back and forth from "Today" to "Yesterday". Yesterday starting when Illium and Aodhan meet as toddlers and then showing various major steps along the way. These are important to the story because they fill in not only their younger years but also give us the details of major things as we've not seen them before. These are important stepping stones to how they've gotten to where they are today. For me, one of the best parts of the story was seeing Raphael, Dmitri and Naasir as they interacted with Illium and Aodhan as children and then young adults. There were some really lovely moments. Some really heart breaking ones too. (I had tears rolling down my face at one point.)

The today section starts a year after the last book ended with Aodhan still in China help to clean up the nightmare mess that has been left behind. Raphael sends Illium to help and this brings the guys back together to start working through their problems. They also help to uncover some additional nightmares Lijuan has left behind.

I don't want to say anything else about the plot because it's best you go in with no preconceived ideas. I didn't get what I was expecting but I think what we got was better. I think the author handled it perfectly. I know there is a lot of controversy about this couple. For those who are on the fence and are not sure what to expect I really encourage you to read this. I think all of your questions will be answered, all the pieces will come together and it will all make sense. You're in for a beautiful ride if you just give the book a chance. I truly think you'll love it.

For those who are unwilling to give it a chance I guess there's not much to say. I mentioned how long this series has been going on (12 years now) to point out that things change. Life changes. Author's visions change. The world changes. You're not ancient angels unable to change. You're real people who can choose to step outside their comfort zones. You're people who can choose to support an author who is trying to provide diversity to her characters so all kinds of readers can see themselves represented in her stories. Choose wisely mortals.

*ARC provide by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

Archangel's Light gave us so much packed into one book. We would travel to different times in Illium and Aodhan's life to see the progression of their friendship. All the way up to this year that they have been separated and awkward.

Both Illium and Aodhan regret the way they have handled things the last year. Aodhan has been in China with Suyin so he thought he could use the distance to stop the pain of the rift between them. That is until Raphael sends Illium to help with disappearing people. Raphael is forcing the two to try and mend their rift so Aodhan will decide to come back to New York instead of becoming Suyin's second.

My heart took a beating with this one. So much love between the two. Watching them struggle to be around each other made my heart hurt. Each had their own issues with the relationship to overcome. I felt like there was a lot of miscommunication. If they both had of just opened up and talked the problems could have been resolved much sooner. But when they finally did, I felt so much joy for them. Then to have their friendship to develop even further was amazing. I don't think either of them realized how deeply their feelings went until things just started feeling <em>right</em>. They move forward slowly and each gesture to the other had me smiling.

I loved the emotional train Archangel's Light kept me on. This may be one of my favorites of the series, if not THE favorite. I know a lot of people had issues with this book, but I wouldn't have had it any other way.

We all know Lijuan was a nasty, bad archangel, but holy shit the depravity we experience in this book was absolutely shocking and vile. I wouldn't have it any other way though, and the aftershocks will be far reaching, and I believe will come back into play.

While Aodhan has never been my favorite character in this universe, Illium will always and forever have my heart, so I tolerate Aodhan. So to read the first half of the book where the two are being jerks to each other was both irritating and painful. But, if you've read it, you will know fences were mended, yay!
One of the things I was happy about was the flashbacks to their childhood and seeing how involved other members of the Seven were in I and O's lives as young angels. And we finally got to find out what happened to Aodhan during his years of torment.

Archangel's Light by Nalini Singh is the 14th book in the Guild Hunter series. The friendship that had fractured is being repaired and growing into something new. We finally get an Aodhan and Illium story.

I enjoyed this book. Sometimes friendships are strained and repairing them and letting them grow is scary. Singh was able to bring that through in this story. I mean not all friendships need to grow as Illium and Aodhan's did but it is still an important part of life.

3.75 Stars because I remember the romance nothing about the plot.

Thank you to NetGalley, Nalini Singh and Berkley Publishing Group for the free copy. This was an honest review.

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi


Everyone is still recuperating from all the damage that Lijuan has caused. China is in shambles with a new archangel at the helm. Aodhan is standing in as Suyin’s second while she gets her bearings and figures out her new role. Suyin has enjoyed Aodhan’s help and has asked him to stay on as her second permanently. But can he leave everything he has ever known? New York? Raphael? Illium? Raphael is willing to let Aodhan make his own decision, but he isn’t above playing dirty either. He doesn’t want to lose a trusted member of his Seven and “innocently” sends Illium to China to help Suyin.

The hamlet outside Suyin’s temporary stronghold has been found completely deserted. No people to be found, but all of their things are exactly as they left them. As Suyin takes her people to the location of her future stronghold, Aodhan and Illium stay behind to investigate what has happened.

Illium and Aodhan have had a rocky friendship this past year, both still holding on to their own grievances. But they must work through them to do the job they have been assigned.

And what a gruesome job it is. They find human skins folded nice and neat in a home in the hamlet. However, they also discover that someone was held prisoner underground nearby. And when the child is found, it can be none other than Lijuan’s son. He looks just like her. This child has never had the strength to use his wings, he’s a child that doesn’t know how to care for himself, and a child that appears to be suffering from a split personality. One side of Jinhai is a sweet scared boy, the other a murdering monster. Can he be saved or is this another nightmare Lijuan has left in her wake?

I have been waiting for Illium’s story for YEARS!! I really didn’t expect Aodhan to be his love interest though. I’m not completely sure how I feel about that. This isn’t your typical M/M romance though so don’t let that scare you off, if it’s not your thing. But honestly for a book that I was so looking forward to, it was a bit disappointing.

Like most of the later books in this series, this one had quite a slow start and it was hard for me to get invested in. I had hoped it being about Illium and Aodhan that it wouldn’t be the case, but they spent most of the book fighting, so it was a struggle.

This book switched back and forth between the present and Illium and Aodhan’s childhood, making the story rather choppy, and it made it that much harder for me to get immersed in.

Reading about Aodhan’s abduction was heartbreaking though, and made me at least feel like I understood him more. From then on the book was pretty good.

“We’re all a little broken. No one goes through life with a whole heart.”

Illium and Aodhan finally started working through their issues and the book turned rather sweet and I wish we’d have gotten more of that honestly. Hopefully we’ll get more of this story when Illium finally ascends though.

“To know a person’s bad habits along with their good ones? To see them at their worst and at their best? To fight and play with them through all the seasons of this life? And to still wake up every morning happy to see their face? This is love.”

I cannot tell you how long I've waited for this story and OMG it was worth every second. Archangel's Light isn't as steamy as other books in the series and I think it has to do with this one being MM so not gonna lie, I wish there was some spicier scenes but the story itself was amazing. The relationship the characters, watching their love unfold, gah. It seriously tugs at your heartstrings.
When Adhon realized (finally) why Illium is overbearing at times, why he can come off as smothering, its like this magical moment when the lightbulb finally flicks on. Adhon knows he's damaged and he's so desperate to break out of that shell. He's determined to stand on his own two feet and in his search for strength and independence, he pushes the one person who loves him most, away. But Illium is broken too. He's just so good at hiding it behind his smile. His father left him. His mother was fractured most of his life. His best friend was tortured and abused and he felt like he was to blame. He lost someone he loved and lost his wings for stupid choices. Its like blow after blow comes his way so he clings to Adhon with everything he has, terrified of losing him again.
Ah. I loved it. 5 Stars. Highly recommend. As far as I'm concerned, Nalini Singh can do no wrong.

Loved this book. Only slightly disappointed that Singh played I safe with the m/m aspect. Wish it read more like a romance in that regard (complete with the sex scenes, equal opportunity and all)

I felt like I'd been waiting for Bluebell's story for ages. What I can say is - it was well worth the wait! I loved how the author spent a considerable amount of time detailing the history between Illium and Aodhan. Since the beginning of time, they have been there for each other, which further convinced me that they were the perfect match.

However, the one element missing in this book was the deep and passionate romance that I've come to love in this series. On the one hand, the lack thereof further enhanced the soul-deep connection between the two, but on the other hand, I wish we could have witnessed the physical aspects too.

What can I say? Elena and Raphael have me so spoiled. I wish these two extraordinary characters had what they had as well. Despite the lack of the much-needed romance, I still enjoyed their story and can not wait to see how their relationship evolves down the road.

4.5 STARS

This is the book every fan of Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter series has been waiting for and it didn't disappoint.

The way Ms Singh showed us the beginnings of Aodhan and Illium, their fast friendship and the unbreakable bond, their mischief and their tragedies, it was flawless. We know from the last couple of books in this series that there was trouble in paradise for our most beloved characters. In Archangel's Light both Illium and Aodhan have to face their past, present and potential future amd decide whether they'll go it together.

If you're expecting a whole lot of romance you will be disappointed. This doesn't kick off until really late in the book, yet, this story couldn't have been any more perfect. I loved Aodhan and Illium's friendship, that was so fundamental for each of their lives. Their hearts, decency and purity just made me fall even deeper in love with them. And Raphael! I knew he could be sweet but the love he has for these two of his Seven...gah.

I can't wait to see more of these two and watch them grow into their new connection that isn't as new, really. I hope Nalini Singh writes fast like the wind - I needed the next book yesterday. Archangel's Light was absolutely satisfying and will have every Illium and Aodhan worshipper in delighted bliss.

This may be the first review where it has taken me months and several rereads to write. It was hands down one of my top five most anticipated books of 2021. I have been waiting for this book from the moment Illium and Aodhan appeared on page together. I can't tell you how long I have been shipping them together but I do know that it has been a long time. When I first heard that this book was going to feature them, I may have squealed very loudly in excitement at work. Then we got this gorgeous cover art that I want to have a print of to hang on my wall next to my fave artwork of Charles and Anna Cornick. Once I was approved for the eARC, I read the whole book in one sitting the same day I was approved.

The thing is this book was not what I was expecting. That's not unusual because I can rarely guess what's going to happen in a Nalini Singh book. I'm not going to lie. I was a bit disappointed after my first read through. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad. This book introduced a plotline and a new character that I am intrigued to see what happens in future books. And I adored seeing the flashbacks of tiny Aodhan and Illium and the genesis of their friendship. But it wasn't the romance I was expecting and hoping it would be. After a lot of thought and a couple of rereads, I decided that that was an okay thing.

This book is a very slow burn romance so if you're looking for a hot and steamy m/m romance this book isn't it. But what it is is a very intimate look at a friendship that has spanned centuries and many trials and how they have always been together. After my reread, I came to love this story immensely as we got to see glimpses of Sparkle and Bluebell that I never knew I needed. We finally get the story behind Aodhan's aversion to touch and how he went missing until he was found by the Seven. And that story broke my heart. We even got the story of Illium's fall from Illium and Aodhan's POV and it was heartbreaking as well.

These two characters have a lot of baggage and we know from previous books that they are have hit a rough patch in their friendship. The more I think about the more this book the more perfect it becomes. I can now see Nalini's genius in writing this slow burn of a romance. And every time I reread it this year, I was left with the feeling that this is just the start of their story. Hopefully, we'll get at least another book featuring these two where we can see their romance really take flight and get some steamy bits. I'm really hoping that the next book in this series is about Aodhan and Illium again so I can get more of the romance. Or at least have them be a prominent part of the next book because I NEED to see how Elena, Raphael, and the rest of the Seven react to this romance.

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley

Nalini Singh's writing is always captivating and ARCHANGEL'S LIGHT is no exception. Her worldbuilding in this novel continues to expand the Guild Hunter universe and open the door for some VERY interesting storylines as this series continues to progress.

I'm kicking myself for not starting this much anticipated book sooner. As with all of the Archangel series books. this one hits on all cylinders. Spicy romance, great storyline, and even better characters.

This is a book about love
Mother’s love
Friend’s love
Family’s love
Love that cannot be defined
Love that cannot be measured
Love that has no equal
Love that has no end

So many feels
So much love
Happy tears
Sad tears
Loved it so much

I completely and utterly adored Archangel’s Light! I love that we get flashbacks from the past to show the progression of Aodhan and Illium’s friendship over the years. And we get answers to many of the questions that have plagued readers throughout the series!

Archangel’s Light is a complete surprise. Several surprises actually, filling me with dread and delight! I love how Ms. Singh gave us something we never knew we wanted but we absolutely needed!

I hate sharing spoilers but I feel I must share that there is a male/male relationship in the book and while it is addressed as “gently” as possible, some readers may find it troubling and choose to skip this story.

The Guild Hunter series is an amazing universe full of incredible world building and brilliantly and lovingly crafted characters that are engaging and exciting. I wholeheartedly recommend the entire series!

Aodhan and Illium have been the closest of friends for centuries. Since they were little angels, toddling around they formed an immediate attachement and were inseparable, but recovering from a dark time in Aodhan’s life threatens their bonds. Illium has resigned himself to accept the changes in their relationship. Aodhan seems like he’s pulled away emotionally, and maybe now even physically as Aodhan is offered the position of second to Archangel Suyin as she rebuilds the lands of her people in China. There’s a lot of work to do with all the evil and destruction Lijuan’s rule left, so Raphael sends Illium to help.

At the start of this story there’s a tension and distance between the Illium and Aodhan. It was palpable and I could feel the heartache between them, but I was hopeful that with Illium being sent to help with the efforts in China, it would force them to face their problems and sort things out. To call these two best friends would definitely understate the intensity of their relationship. The story flipped back and forth between the history of their friendship and the present and I was so happy to get glimpses into the past that showed so many important moments together. Some of the stories were so moving showing not only Illium and Aodhan’s connection and past, but their bonds with Raphael and the other members of his Seven.

Illium and Aodhan’s relationship and past were absorbing, but that wasn’t the sole focus of the plot. Archangel Suyin is trying to establish her stronghold and it quickly becomes apparent Lijuan’s space will not do. Too many bad memories, too much possible evil lurking and so they decide to relocate. All this takes work and preparation seeing as the lands are dangerous to travel with still laden in places with Lijuan’s deadly fog and who knows what else. They discover a human settlement empty, like all the inhabitants just vanished without taking anything with them, so Illium and Aodhan must stay and solve the puzzle while Suyin’s people get on their way. I was happy to be rid of Lijuan, but she’s like a bad rash that lingers! I wonder what’ll happen with the newest discovery.

Fans have been waiting a long time for Illium and Aodhan’s story, and while it’s an epic love and delivered, IMO, it’s not what you’d probably expect from a typical M/M romance. There is a passionate magnetism between them, and anyone looking on probably could’ve figured it out, but I it took a while to register with them. To understand exactly why there were such heart wrenching emotions between them. It was moving and powerful and I thought well done!

THE FOLLOWING REVIEW WAS POSTED ON OCTOBER 26TH:

Illium—playful, loyal, kind, and powerful—has been a charismatic presence in the Guild Hunter series since the first book, Angels’ Blood. Aodhan hasn’t been quite as prominent a character but his light-refracting beauty, artistry, and remoteness give him an almost haunting quality. Their fast friendship was always intriguing and many readers have been waiting for years to see it blossom into romance. Archangel’s Light is that long-awaited novel.

Early in the book, Raphael tells Elena he is sending Illium to help out Suyin and Aodhan in China. Suyin has requested Raphael’s permission to ask Aodhan to remain her second. After all that Aodhan has survived, Raphael will never take his choices away from him, but he doesn’t want to lose him and that’s why he sends Illium.

Ever since the events of Archangel’s Heart, where Aodhan and Illium had a falling out, the two have not been communicating much. Now it’s been a year since the war in Archangel’s War, where Aodhan volunteered to serve as Suyin’s second. In that time their rift has worsened and Illium’s arrival in China raises tensions further since they are already on thin ice with each other.

Aodhan is angry; he feels that because he retreated from the world for so long, Illium no longer views him as someone who can stand on his own and that Illium’s overprotectiveness hobbles him. Illium feels rejected (he also assumes that Aodhan will take the position when Suyin offers it). As far as he’s concerned, he’s worn his heart on his sleeve for too long and if Aodhan doesn’t value his care anymore then fuck him.

So Illium pastes on a fake smile that Aodhan sees through in a heartbeat. Each decides to keep an emotional distance while having the other’s back when they team up–but of course, that’s easier said than done.

Survivors of the horrors that Lijuan unleashed on China during her reign straggle into Suyin’s home base and among the new arrivals is Kai, a descendent of Kaia, the mortal lover Illium once lost his feathers over. Kai bears an uncanny resemblance to her ancestor and at first glance Illium is smitten. Aodhan winces; he never thought Kaia was good for Bluebell but he’s also never said so and never will. Illium feels similarly about Suyin (she and Aodhan are rumored to be an item).

Aodhan wants to confront Illium about his fakeness and Illium is determined not to engage. There are also small misunderstandings and mishaps that wound them. For example, Aodhan retreats from a glancing touch as if burned.

Soon enough, though, Suyin takes her people on a journey to a new location where she plans to build a citadel that isn’t haunted by the memory of Lijuan. Before she leaves, she asks Aodhan and Illium to stay behind (along with a few kitchen staff, Kai among them) and investigate the disturbing disappearance of an entire village. Their hurts come out under danger and slowly (very slowly) they take small steps back toward each other.

These chapters alternate with others set during their childhood and youth. We see them meet as small angels (so cute; they call each other “Spark” and “Blue”). One is shy and the other gregarious, and that makes each the perfect person to grow up with for the other. Illium brings Aodhan out of his shell and Aodhan settles Illium. They practice flying together, discover their dreams together. And when each one is shattered by an emotional blow, his best friend is there for him.

The mystery subplot is one of the spookiest and creepiest in the series, so I don’t even know why I loved it. Possibly because it’s also one of the tautest and most suspenseful.

This book is relatively isolated from the world politics of the Guild Hunter series. The present-day story here takes place almost entirely in China and none of the other protagonists are present for that section. The flashback storyline about Illium and Aodhan’s childhood and youth is set centuries in the past, so while we see some familiar faces there, these sections have even less to do with the series’ political plot.

This serves the story really well, especially once Aodhan and Illium are alone together to investigate the disappearances. The absence of other distractions (except for the investigation, and that brings them together) puts a close focus on their relationship—a friendship that’s a little screwed up and a lot wonderful.

It also makes the book a good entry point for readers who haven’t read the earlier books in the series—Archangel’s Light mostly stands on its own. Of course, reading the earlier books would enhance the reading experience, but if you’re curious about Illium and Aodhan and haven’t read any of those, I think you can read it first and then backtrack to catch up on the overarching larger-world political plot and the other characters afterward–the flashbacks will fill you in on a lot of Aodhan and Illium’s backstory.

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