This has to be my most anticipated book in years and years. I kept hope alive throughout the series that these two would end up together, and then celebrated the first book in their story, even knowing that it would have to continue on in a later installment. I will admit that I read this book as soon as it hit my Kindle back in December of 2024 and writing a review seemed like a goodbye of sorts, so I’ve put it off. I wasn’t even sure how to write this review in way that would encapsulate how much I loved this couple, and the way this author delivered a love story for the ages as well as a glimpse at what is to come in the future. This is a love letter of sorts to the Guild Hunter readers who have been aching to see Sparkle and Bluebell’s romance play-out on page but were also worried about the break-up of the Seven and how the world would change once Illium ascended.

The continuation of Aodhan and Illium’s story is told in two time periods. Before Bluebell’s ascension and after. Yesterday and today. Yesterday being the current timeline and today being 700 years in the future. I wasn’t expecting the jumps in time, but this method of storytelling really did have maximum emotional impact to me as a reader, as just when the world of Guild Hunter seems to be evolving so much, readers are taken back in time to see how Bluebell and Sparkle’s romance and love story unfolded. There are also lovely scenes of beloved characters reinforcing their bonds and loyalty to each other. I adore each and every member of the Seven and so many of the Archangels (looking at you Titus and The Humingbird), and I always, always want to catch up with them and witness their care and love for each other. I want those slices of life and seeing secondary characters find love and a vital place within the community.

I’m absolutely not going to spoil this beautiful book, you really must experience it for yourself. For me it was perfect. Exactly what I hoped for, and my expectations were extremely high. After finishing I felt like this would be the perfect send-off if this were to be the last book of the series, but I could also see all the wonderful possibilities of where this author could take this world and these characters. One door seems to have closed, but so many were opened that my heart is happy.

As soon as they walked on page it’s always been Bluebell and Sparkle for me. Illium and Aodhan. Best friends and lovers. Now an Archangel and his Second. Where this series goes now, I have no idea, but wherever Nalini Singh decides to take this world and these characters next, I’ll absolutely be along for the ride.

Two of the most popular characters of the Guild Hunter series were brought to the forefront in Archangel’s Light, book fourteen, but, their story wasn’t complete and an ominous threat of early ascension to archangel power might take Illium’s life at any time. The superb author Nalini Singh steered away from their story to other series story plots for a few books, but eventually she returned to beloved Bluebell and Sparkle. And, what a tale was to be theirs teasing out gently that which held them back as a couple and rousing suspense with Illium’s fate come upon them.

Archangel’s Ascension is book seventeen of the long-standing, must read in order Guild Hunter series. This one should be read particularly following Archangel’s Light, the first half of this romance pair’s spotlight story.

Archangel’s Ascension began with a framing scene taking place 700 years in the future. It ends on a suspenseful moment and then drops back into the present series time line taking up the moment when Illium is recently returned from helping clean up China to his duties as one of Raphael’s Seven. He and Aodhan have kept quiet about their decision to be a couple. They still have personal issues to hash out- Aodhan is still recovering from physical and sexual abuse and Illium is startled to learn that he has abandonment issues that go beyond his father’s abandonment, his mother falling apart and emotionally abandoning him for a time, but Aodhan had also, not purposefully, had to be distant emotionally as he survived and recovered from his ordeal. So, the pair are taking things slowly and working through these matters.

In the meantime, the aftermath of the great Archangel War is a clean up effort of New York that involves taking care of matters that got shunted to the side until the more immediate priority issues were dealt with. All is coming back online and now there is time to deal with things like a cold case murder involving non-humans. Demetri assigns one such case to Aodhan and, of course, Illium insists he will be the partner investigator. What seemed like the incidental deaths of a vampire and his human girlfriend in a fire sparked from a stray archangel’s energy bolt that burned them up in a building, has sense been determined that this was not the case. A fire was deliberatively used to cover up a double murder.

And, between times of working to strengthen their relationship and get to the bottom of this murder case, there are leaps to the future time line to follow the course of Illium’s ascension to archangel.

I thought it was an interesting choice to pair these two alternating timelines. The past-present lays the groundwork for seeing Illium’s rise to become a power in a natural way. I enjoyed seeing Aodhan, Illium, and their nearest and dearest in what felt like a long good-bye as this would be the last of the Seven when that 700-year future moment took place. And, as far as the romance, the focus was more emotional and working through issues, but the sizzle of attraction was there. Sweet moments with their actual families and found families were also welcome.

There is one plot thread that was present in a few of the past books, like a silent insidious evil and it was left unaddressed in this book. Archangel’s Ascension lacked much of the physicality, though yes, the murder case was edgy at time, and high impact moments of others, but had a strong emotional kick that was a satisfying interlude in the series. Series fans will rejoice for a satisfying delve deep with Bluebell and Sparkle.

Another masterful tale to whisk a reader away to a world of angels and vampires. In Archangel's ascension, we are treated to another delightful story featuring Aodhan and Illium aka Adi and Blue.

I loved this story because it shows the bursts of growth and how life changes even when you think it is at its peak. Illium's life has been filled with heartbreak and strife. He finally has it together and with the love of his life. He loves being part of the Seven and his relationship with his mother is awesome. Things could not be any better. Except... Illium's potential to be more is a little thorn in his side. His potential is more than becoming a better warrior. His next step is a quantum leap to Archangel.

This doesn't sound so bad? To be the badass who can rule over a region and run it how they like? Until the drawbacks are exposed. What I liked about this story is how it explores what truly could happen in a powerful leader position. Friendships and certain comforts that need to be sacrificed or change. I like how it is more than just dictating to people what they must obey. This is a journey for Blue and Adi. This pivotal moment which defines the next millennium or more. To create their style for their people. It is energizing for me and I love it.

I love seeing how the two negotiate through the conflicts of their new role and their personal life. How friendships have to morph because of this new power level up. How others will view them. How the people of a war torn land will respond. So many new and exciting beginnings for them and those who want to try something different to build from ground up. Basing their experiences and lessons learned from previous Archangel reigns to make their reign - their own.

The entrepreneur and project manager in me is excited by the prospects of all the logistics needed to make this new reality work. It may seem boring and tedious but the creation of something totally new is exciting. I love reading about it in different applications. This story of character growth is recommended to paranormal readers who enjoy new beginnings.

Such a beautiful romance, one of my favourite couples in this series! 😍 The way the story was told showing future and past storyline of them being together for so many years and then starting their relationship was really interesting. The second chapter blew my mind, what a way to start the book! Cannot wait for the next book. Perfect for PNR readers, make sure to read the previous books before starting this one.

As a devoted fan of the Guild Hunter series, I’ve followed Nalini Singh’s world of angels, archangels, and hunters with loyalty and awe. Archangel’s Ascension is everything I hoped for and more.
This book is a deeply emotional, breathtaking journey that finally brings Bluebell’s story into full, radiant bloom. Illium has always been one of my favorite characters; his golden heart, loyalty, and the sorrow behind his brilliance have captivated me since the beginning. Watching his transformation here was both painful and exhilarating. His story is raw, intense, and perfectly paced. Nalini Singh doesn't hold back, and the result is one of the most powerful character evolutions in the series.
The bond between Illium and Aodhan is explored with exquisite tenderness, and I honestly loved their connection, whether friendship, love, or something more; feels earned after all these books. Longtime readers will feel the full weight of every glance, every word, every shared memory.
Ms. Singh’s world-building continues to shine. The political tensions, the divine power struggles, and the ever-present danger are interwoven beautifully, but this book is truly about heart. About grief, growth, and choosing to rise.
Archangel’s Ascension isn't just a continuation, it's a culmination. It rewards faithful readers, and especially those of us who’ve loved Bluebell from the start. I laughed, cried, and at one point had to set the book down just to breathe.
A stunning installment. A gift to the fans. And a long-overdue spotlight on one of the series’ brightest and most broken stars.

I’ve been reading the series for a long time and reading this feels all the nostalgia. It was beautiful and you can feel that the author is planning and the series soon. Loved it

Archangels Ascension is the 17th book in the Guild Hunter series and its Aodhan and Illium's story. I had mixed review reviews for this novel.

This was one of my highly anticipated reads for the year, so my expectation were really high and I can't believe I'm saying this but unfortunately they were not met.

Don't get me wrong, this was a wonderful MM, friends to lovers slow burn romance which took up about 70% of the story.

Aodhan and Illium admitted in their last book that they loved each other and in this novel we see them trying to navigate what that means. The story was filled with tender moments and shows the love between these two friends.

However, there mystery aspect was pretty basic.
The Ascension storyline felt a bit rushed although watching Illium say goodbye to everything and everyone he knows ripped me apart.

There were some emotional moments that did make me tear up and we got to see many of the series favorites make a cameo appearance.

You could tell the series is winding up, which makes me sad. This was a wonderful tale but it wasn't my favorite. It will be interesting to see if the next book stays in the present or jumps to the future. It's still my favorite series and I will still recommend it.

This was good but not great in my opinion. I had such HIGH hopes for the continuation of Aodhan and Illium's love story. Their book left us knowing they were together but left the rest to our imagination. While Illium and Aodhan were at the center of their story, there was also a LOT of other things going on. I felt like their story got a little lost in the shuffle. There were several POV changes. It seemed like Nalini was setting this up as a wrap to the series to be honest. Lots of things were tied up in pretty bows. People were having babies, and of course Illium ascended. There was also a mystery that the two were trying to solve so it just felt oddly not about them if that makes sense? I also had such a hard time with the spice scenes. There were a lot of insinuations about what was happening, but it was very fade to black, which doesn't really jive with the rest of the series. All that to say I do love the characters in this series, and I am just SOO happy that Aodhan and his Bluebell are living their best happily ever after as an Archangel and his second/Consort.

Illium thought he was safe from ascending until the day that all changes. And now he is an Other. A being larger than life literally. The one thing that matters to him the most still though after all of this time is his Aodhan. Looking back on how they finally realized their true feelings brings Illium such joy. Despite also recognizing the pain it took for them to get to that point. They had made a life together. Enjoyed working together. Just enjoyed being together and now things have shifted dramatically. It feels like a part of Illium's heart is being left behind in New York. Two archangels can't live in the same territory. But the showing that Illium gets for people that want to work with him is unreal. It makes him feel beyond loved and excited to see what the future brings.

Aodhan has always know that his Bluebell is special. Though it took them a long time to finally realize what they really meant to each other, Aodhan doesn't think he would trade that journey for anything. Because now that he has Illium in his corner, he feels safe enough to deal with his demons. Safe enough to venture out more. Safe enough to be the one that stands proudly next to Illium as an equal and his lover. But then Illium ascends and Aodhan finds himself wondering if this power shift will change their dynamic. They have always been on the same footing and now they aren't. Before Aodhan can slip into the loneliness of his anxiety Illium is there to reassure him that their love has not changed. This is a new adventure that they will get to do together. And though it hurts to leave what they know, together they will be able to build something totally new.

The pacing here was also a little hard to follow. Today would be post ascension and then yesterday seemed to range SEVERAL years (like hundreds maybe if I read right?). All that to say, there was a note at the back that there will be more of the series to come. I feel like there is too much that is going to happen between Illium and his dad having territories right next to each other. I will continue to read and hope this one was just a glitch. I do really recommend this series AND the Psy-Changeling one if you haven't read them. Her Psy-Changeling books are some of all time favs!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book one exchange for an honest review!

This was not my favorite. It was nice to learn about the other species of changelings, but I was not as invested as I was with her earlier arcs. I will need more books to sink into before I bond with this new group. Singh's writing and world building is great.

Really? REALLY? What a wonderful love story. But this part of the story ended much too soon. I want to know what happens afterward! This has been a story in the making for eons, and the story of Aodhan and Illium was well worth the wait. If you are a fan of this series you will not be disappointed. You will want more of the story, and hopefully that will come soon! Thanks to net galley and the publisher for the opportunity to give a fair and honest review from one of my favorite authors.

As the title suggests it is now time for Illium to ascend. But this doesn't come without a reflection of who he has been & how those he loves will inform who he becomes.

An almost direct sequel to Archangel's Light which, shockingly, came out in 2021 (Book 14), we see Illium and Aodhan reunited after their respective time aiding Suyin in setting up her territory in China after the war.

In a surprising twist at the beginning (so something I don't consider a spoiler) we find that Illium's ascension is occurring roughly 700 years from the war. Which means we get a lot of back and forth from "today" to "yesterday" in alternating timelines to setup this rather bittersweet and heartbreaking story that is a long time in the making.

Starting out, I began reading this series soon after Book 3 was released in 2011. Now we're at Book 17. This book has probably the biggest shift for this series that we've seen. Even though the build up has been happening for the past five books or so, I still have this overwhelming sense of change upon finishing this book.

It's strange for me because while I love reading with my whole heart, I do not tend to get super emotionally involved with the fiction. Yes, things can make me laugh and cry or feel frustrated, but when I'm done with a book, I let those emotions kind of float away.

This one hits a little different because it is such a long running series and these characters have become. That's it. These characters have become. We've seen the facets of their personalities from every angle and now there's a huge shift. It's not often in a series that you get to experience age and time and loss and love in such a succinct way. All the emotions run deep.

Besides what is a gentle good-bye to what was and leading a hopeful path forward, there's not a lot more going on in the story. It's a snapshot in time of Illium and Aodhan solidifying their relationship (as if we have any doubts about them at this point), and then it's the aftermath of Illium's ascension and what it means for the future.

I can say unequivocally that I wanted to stay in the story longer. I appreciated how the past sections continued to deal with healing and moving forward from the traumas of our past. As with other things about this series, trauma can be long-reaching and isn't always easily moved passed, and this series acknowledges that but also highlights never giving up.

I'm very curious about where we'll go from here. More than anything, this book makes me want to do a re-read of the series. Almost like checking back in with old friends.

I'm not sure how to write this review. I've been deep in a Nalini Singh comfort read but that's been Psy-Changeling so it took a while for me to read my ARC of Archangel's Ascension. Illium and Aodhan first book, Archangel's Light, was so beautiful and this book continues that story. I wasn't expecting the time jump though. This book jumps between post Archangel's Light and 700 years in the future. In the current timeline, Illium and Aodhan are moving their relationship from a lifetime of friendship into romantic love. It's not just Aodhan's past hurts that they have to navigate but also Illium's abandonment issues. The ways these are handling is so caring and beautiful, my heart smiles even as I cry. And man, did this book make me cry. In the future, we're faced with the eventual ascension of Illium to archangel and what that means for his relationship with Aodhan and their mutual relationships with the people important to them. The time jump was initially jarring but once it settled, it was just heartbreaking. We were forced to confront what we've always known, that the mortals in the series won't be around forever. In such a long running series, characters like Sara and Deacon are so important and now, we feel Elena's grief, Illium's pain over his lost mortal friends. Those scenes really broke me. But we also got heartwarming scenes as the story took us through Illium and Aodhan's growth as a couple and gave us snippets of other favorite characters in the future. It was a heartbreaking and heart-building story. In the previous book, Archangel's Lineage, I felt that the series was winding down and Archangel' Ascension solidifies that feeling (I've also heard that the next book is going to be Raphael and Elena's and that it's the last book).

Book #17 in the Guild Hunters series brings Aodhan and Illium together where they learn their biggest challenges are yet to come. Another great story with a world and characters like no other.

Wow, I have just literally finished this book, and I have to say that this book doesn’t pull any punches with the emotions and impact. While, Archangel’s Ascension tied up loose ends for Raphael and Elena’s personal story arc, for this book this it ties up plot threads for Illium, and cements his slow burn romance with Aodhan. The book opens up with a literal bang and although it is a bit of a spoiler, Illium’s long hinted Ascension happens but with a bit of a twist that was unexpected but links with the new hints of a new beginning which the last instalment had alluded to.

Just like the previous book in this series, the focus is more personal character growth and development. Although there is a secondary plot with a cold case file, that Aodhan and Illium is tasked to investigate. I found the case, which is a murder investigation, moving and heart-breaking which really fits into the overall tone of the story. This book was full of emotion and poignancy, along with the relationships that Illium and Aodhan have with the rest of the cadre, and the people that surround them. It really illustrates how much development and healing Aodhan had undergone over the course of the series which was gratifying to see especially to see how he opens up and explores his romantic relationship with Illium.

And I have to say that this one of the most sensual, sweetest and sexiest romance that Nalini Singh has written. The long slow buildup with Aodhan and Illium’s romance was wonderful to see how they finally consummate and commit to their relationship which had a wonderful seduction and healing overtone. It was well worth the wait for the tension and buildup over the course of the series.

Archangel’s Ascension felt more like an epilogue and a prologue for a new beginning for this series. It is not a new story arc, but a new birth for this world and for these characters. I love the epic scope, and the otherness of the archangels, vampires and the hunters. This series is one of my all time favourites and it never fails to engage me. But I am loving the new characters that Nalini Singh has introduced in the last few books like Dulce and Lady Katrina and what they will bring to Illium’s circle and future stories.

However, it was sad and bittersweet this was an end for an era for the Guild Hunter series. These last two books have sewn up the story threads of the epic saga from the first book, but I am eagerly waiting for what happens next. Because the promise of the new beginning that is being set up is new, thrilling and exciting!

Archangel’s Ascension is a love letter in many ways to the readers that was rewarding to read to see how all these intricate and relationships played out through the series. But this book is also an epilogue but it is not an ending, it ends with a fresh beginning that I know that will introduce more surprises and twists for future books and I can’t wait!

I give Archangel’s Ascension an A!

4.5stars-ARCHANGEL’S ASCENSION is the seventeenth instalment in Nalini Singh’s adult GUILD HUNTER paranormal, urban fantasy romance series focusing on Archangel’s, angels, vampires, shifters and hunters. This is the continuing story of Aodhan and Illium, whose story has been developing throughout the series, and is told in book fourteen ARCHANGEL’S LIGHT. ARCHANGEL’S ASCENSION is the start of a new series arc but some background knowledge is recommended.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives following a non-linear timeline, ARCHANGEL’S ASCENSION advances the series approximately seven hundred years in which the world of Archangels and Angels has been in recovery since the Cascade that destroyed so many lives and the infrastructure of Archangel Raphael’s New York. Illium has never wanted to ascend to the status of Archangel but the heavens have chosen our story line hero. As Illium and his lover Aodhan struggle with Illium’s new status as one of the most powerful beings in the world, time flashes back to the early days of their relationship and the betrayal of one of their own.

The world building follows several timelines jumping seven hundred years, back and forth. Illium and Aodhan are members of Raphael’s Seven but now must forge ahead to establish their own center of power in the world of the Archangels, with the help of their family and friends.

ARCHANGEL’S ASCENSION is another riveting, complex and comprehensive story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, madness and jealousy, friendships and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is intricate, emotional, entertaining and thorough; the characters are determined and charismatic.



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Great backstory letting us know more about Blue and Sparkle. Not that much about the Ascension. Just laying the ground work for next book. Must read for fans of series. Ok as intro to series

Archangel Ascension by Nalini Singh

I have waited for these two to get their happily ever after, in whatever form it may come in. Aodhan and Illium are probably my favorite characters in the series, with Nassar being a very close third. So my anticipation was through the roof!!

The story of what happened to Aodhan, when he was young, was told in an earlier book, and it was heart breaking. But with Illium as a best friend, he’s finally starting to heal. He has come a very long way from the angel we met in the first book. He couldn’t handle touch at all, let alone intimate touching.

Illium had a difficult youth also, with his dad being an archangel that was dismissive and down right mean. His mom’s mental state was precarious for the majority of Illium’s life. But she finally comes out of it and feels so much guilt for her actions.

Throughout the book, Illium and Aodhan work together to solve crimes and mysteries in the past and in the future. And of course they share Smoke the cat. Their friendship started when they were children and went on for centuries before either of them decided to take their relationship to the next level. Their love has a strong base to grow on for the centuries they plan to be together. Never without difficulties of course, but solid.

I loved this book, as I do every book by Nalini Singh. As I said, I wanted these to to have a happy ending, though I wouldn’t have guessed it would be together in this way. The only thing I didn’t care for was the way time keeps going from today to yesterday. I get distracted a bit too easily to have it going back and forth. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone that’s read the rest of the Guild Hunter books! I would say if you haven’t read them, I wouldn’t try this one. There’s a lot of things that it’s assumed you’d know from the previous books. Good news is: the rest of the books are just as amazing!!

5 Stars!!

I received a copy of this ebook from NetGalley for an honest review, but I also purchased the audio version from Audible.

10,000,000 Stars!

Bittersweet kismet

Nalini Singh masterfully pens a beautiful love letter to her readers with Archangel’s Ascension.

Illium and Aodhan’s love story is one for the ages, beautifully fragile, unbending, and stronger than ever before.

Archangel’s Ascension is where our precious Bluebell is catapulted into his destiny. A destiny that he never wanted, but was his path all along.

When the Guild Hunter series began, Illium was in his early 500s. Still pretty young for an angel let alone old enough to become an archangel. As the series progresses, we see signs that Illium is becoming a Power.

When a catastrophic archangelic event hits the world, the powers that be try to ascend Illium into an archangel too soon and almost kills him. Everyone knew it was only a matter of time before Illium began his ultimate ascension.

Now, the youngest angel to ascend in the entire history of angels was Raphael. As the son of two archangels, he ascended at just over 1,000 years old, that’s almost unheard of. Since Illium has been in his fifth century throughout the series, a significant time jump has to happen for Illium to ascend. I know guys, I know. I’m still not ready!

The time jump is what’s most devastating to me about the story. We know that angels and vampires live centuries and millennia and mortals don’t. Their fire burns so bright, yet extinguishes all too soon, shattering our hearts. I have never cried so much as I have while reading this book.

Having loved all these characters from the very beginning of the series, experiencing all these pivotal changes in the landscape and timeframe of the books has me completely shook. I deeply empathized with every character and every scene so much so that I wept uncontrollably many times, and smiled my heart’s smile while laughing at wonderful memories. And also finding it extremely difficult to accept the earth shattering changes that follow such an immense shift in the Guild Hunter universe.

I am fundamentally changed after reading this book.

There are so many parallels in Archangel’s Ascension and so many lessons to learn about life and love. There are also so many lovely surprises in this book that I refuse to say more about because readers need to experience it themselves. I will politely suggest having a BIG box of tissues handy though. The author is gonna take you through some things.

I’m not gonna lie, Archangel’s Ascension is as heart wrenching as it is grief inducing. But it’s also exciting, funny, breathtaking, hopeful, and transformative.

What Nalini Singh has created in the Guild Hunter universe is magical, extraordinary, and beautiful beyond comparison. I’m sure it can be quite difficult for any author to keep track of storylines and characters, especially when you are 17 books deep into a series but Ms. Singh does it flawlessly.

Archangel’s Ascension is THE best book of 2025 and one of the very best books I’ve ever read. Standing mother fucking ovation! Bravo, Ms. Singh! Bravo!

The latest installment in the Guild Hunter Series offers an engaging read, yet it falls short of the high standards typically associated with Nalini Singh. The narrative frequently shifts between the present and the future, which can be disorienting as it requires readers to recall events from previous books while trying to follow the current storyline. A more cohesive approach that focused solely on the future timeline would have enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

Archangels Ascension continues the Guild Hunter's series with more of Aodhan and Illium! Their love is sensational and that is continued in this book. They are 2 of Raphael's Seven so they have important jobs to do, and this time, it causes them some personal changes.

Ok, I'm not gonna lie, this book kind of broke me. It was so sad in some parts! Aodhan and Illium have this amazing foundation of friendship and this book furthers their love. These two are probably my 2nd favorite couple (Raphael and Elena will always be my #1). The story is told in present time and flash forwards, so the timeline is a bit messy. As much as I loved Adi and Blue, the beginning of the book kind of felt too slow. What I have always loved about this series is the scheming-bad Archangels trying to take over the world, good Archangels trying to stop it. Honestly, I think the flash forwards bothered me more than I expected because it felt off-off the story, off the timeline...just off. I still enjoyed this book a great deal, but it wasn't perfect for me. Be aware-you really do have to read the series in order to understand the complexities of this world and this couple!