Fast moving emotional train ride. Ugly crying snot moments, heart wrenching and the glorious shine of a deep abiding love in Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter World. Blue's irreverent humor Adi's deep love.

I cannot do this book justice on the emotions it touched in my soul. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the advanced copy. Thank you for giving me characters to care about, root for and dislike. This book makes me want to go back and read them all over again starting with book 1. Thank goodness I buy them. I freely share my honest thoughts and opinions. #Archangel'sAscension #GuildHunter #NaliniSingh #Berkley #NetGalley

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Aodhan and Illium have made the jump from friends to lovers... but they are still tentative and unwilling to risk their relationship on trivial issues. When a case from the Tower puts them on the trail of killer, they are confronted with echoes of past hurts.

Why I started this book: I will always request Singh's ARCs. I just love her story telling worlds.

Why I finished it: This was an interesting book, mostly because of the scale. If you are going to have a slow burn romance, with friends to lovers of immortal beings, you have centuries to play with. And she takes that time, but also jumps back and forth between timelines a little to up the drama. Not my favorite of her books, but it was still a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

FINAL DECISION: Anyone who was disappointed with Aodhan and Illium's first book finally gets a sequel where the two develop their romantic relationship further. Anyone familiar with the series might guess at the significant event in the book from the title.

THE STORY: Illium and Aodhan get a book that delves into their developing relationship. Readers of the series know that these two longtime friends recognized that friendship had turned to love. The two angels have become more comfortable with their relationship, but still have challenges, especially regarding Aodhan's past, which is directly confronted in this book as the two deal with building a relationship after trauma.

OPINION: ARCHANGEL'S ASCENSION significantly improves over "ARCHANGEL'S LIGHT. I found that the previous book lacked romantic tension and relied on a weak plot. In contrast, this sequel delivers a compelling story centered on a cold case that mirrors Aodhan's past trauma. This narrative choice allows Aodhan to finally confront his inner demons with Illium's support, creating genuine emotional depth between them.

The ascension threat to Illium adds real stakes to their relationship, creating the tension that was missing before. Their connection feels authentic now - Singh has found her voice in writing these two as romantic partners rather than just friends. The glimpses into their future add intrigue without distracting from the main storyline. This book makes ARCHANGEL'S LIGHT better as well because it completes what felt shallow and unconvincing in that book.

I particularly loved the cameos from characters we've known and loved throughout the series. Singh weaves in appearances from Elena, Raphael, Dmitri, and Naasir without letting them overshadow Illium and Aodhan's journey. These familiar faces enhance the story and reinforce the strong bonds that make this series special.

Things are changing in the Guild Hunter World.

WORTH MENTIONING: Readers should be aware that this book deals with the aftermath of sexual and emotional trauma.

CONNECTED BOOKS: ARCHANGEL'S ASCENSION is the seventeenth book in the Guild Hunter series. This book is really the second part of ARCHANGEL'S LIGHT and should be read after that book. The entirety of the series is just better read in order, but ARCHANGEL'S LIGHT is the minimum.

STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

NOTE: I received an eARC of this book from Netgalley which I 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.

A stunning read! Singh's blazingly bright and colorful mind keeps giving. The creativity and thought she puts into these books are incredible. I am so happy with this series and where it is now. When will we get a beautiful box set? I need hardcovers and beautiful, sprayed edges of every single book!

5 - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I Love you,” he rasped. “More than air and sunlight, more than the sky or art.”

Archangel's Ascension is the seventeenth instalment in the adult urban fantasy romance series, Guild Hunter. You are required to read this series in order but the story follows multiple characters over the course of it. In this book we follow our beloved Bluebell and Sparkles - better known as Illium and Aodhan.

Written in third person POV, Illium and Aodhan enter the next stage of their lives together after 500 years of friendship giving light to something new. Using flashbacks from the past (from the events Archangel's Light ) we explore them navigating what this means as intimacy grows and desire is unleashed. Amidst a murder investigation for the Tower they must confront traumas of the past and fight the fear of a future filled with power that could consume them both.

Oh I love these two so much.

In the first book dedicated between these two we saw a friendship develop into something more but it is this book where that more is embraced and formed into something of beauty. Ilium and Aodhan may have lived their entire lives together and know each other's pasts but they each have vulnerabilities that hold them back and we get to watch those be chipped away. They friendship is at the core of this novel as romance deepens this connection.

Illium, our bluebell, loves so fiercely and I loved seeing him fight for him and Aodhan. He takes his time and works to truly support Aodhan in embracing a romantic relationship. Illium's fear instead focuses on the future and how his life would change. He may be used to mortals leaving his life but ascension is a whole other ball game.

Aodhan truly grows into his own in this book. I loved seeing him be active in fighting for the relationship he yearns to have. His past initially haunts him but he refuses to back down. His capacity for love and support for Illium is integral to him and Illium would not be able to continue to be the fun and loving person without the quiet beauty of Aodhan.

“Are you seducing me, Blue?”
“...You’ll have to wait and see.”

The spice is this book I would place at a 1 spicy pepper out of 5 spicy peppers. The spice isn't detailed and is more focused on feelings so while you can infer spice is happening there is little detail in the act. I liked how instead, throughout this book, we get to really see intimacy between our two lovebirds with their caresses, touches, and comfort. I think that focus really tied to romance together for me - even the aftercare got to me more than any spice could. This romance does come across fast burn in this book BUT they embraced their relationship in the previous book so they are an established couple - just they take it to the next level here. There is fun, humour, and a true bonding with these two.

The story follows different stages with the main storyline focusing on an investigation Aodhan and Illium pursue in the past right after the events of Archangel's Light . We also explore the threats of ascension and how that would change their lives both with their friendships and their own relationship. I found the flashbacks were fascinating to see the growth in their relationship. I loved their dynamic and connection between them. I also loved seeing side characters we love and where they have grown (no spoilers but there's a certain tiger who just had me squealing and I need a bonus chapter just for him). In the second half of the book we focus on their present (centuries into the future) and how Aodhan and Illium build their new life. We continued to see our favourite characters and I was honestly moved to tears from some of it. You get a sense how this series is drawing to a close BUT it is not over yet. It felt like a hug after following this series for so many years. Honestly I finished and just had to sit in that moment because I felt so good.

This series is my ride or die and I continue to love each instalment. Nalini has this beautiful gift of creating worlds that keep you in their grip book after book while building romance filled with intimacy and passion. I cannot get enough.

Thank you so much Berkley for this ARC!

Honestly have no idea how I’m going to write this without bursting into tears but Illium’s Ascension has always been an event that Guild Hunter fans have anticipated and dreaded in equal measure. His Ascension signals both the beginning of the end and the beginning of something new and this realization is heartaching to face. It’s an inevitability that we all expected but had only thought of in an abstract time frame but being faced with it now, I was unprepared for how unprepared I actually would be. There was not a single moment I was not crying, whether they were tears of sadness or joy, I was constantly overwhelmed by the events in this book. I have been a fan of Nalini Singh for over a decade and I don’t think I’ve read a more perfect book of hers than this.

ARCHANGEL’S ASCENSION follows the same format as ARCHANGEL’S LIGHT, alternating between <i>Yesterday</i> and <i>Today</i> and just like with LIGHT, Nalini Singh successfully reinforces the bond between not only Aodhan and Illium but the two and everyone else. We get the full account of Illium’s Ascension and its impact on his relationships in the <i>Today</i> chapters while also being complemented by vignettes from the past in the parts of <i>Yesterday</i>. She wrote this book in this format with the intention of delivering the most emotional impact on the reader (from building a completely new world from the ground up to the Ascension to everything that happens before, in between, and after) and it’s something you will not be able to prepare yourself for.

I did not think I could love Illium and Aodhan more than I did (I’ve literally been rooting for them for over ten years) but trust Nalini to give us new parts of them to fall in love with. In LIGHT, we got to see their relationship slowly shift from friends to lovers and a tease of what the latter entails but in ASCENSION, we get their romance, and when I say romance, Nalini gives us the kind of love story that makes you feel <i>kilig</i> and will have you kicking your legs out and squealing. This was so unbelievably romantic, seeing Illium and Aodhan’s love manifest in the form of their love languages had my heart aching in the best ways. They are so, so, so in love with each other and seeing them romance one another was truly the sweetest thing.

Aodhan and Illium’s bond was the focal point of this book, and it was the one constant that Illium relied on upon his Ascension. In a time where loyalties would be tested and new relationships had to be formed and goodbyes had to be said (and god, those goodbyes <i>hurt</i>), Aodhan was there for Illium through it all; he held on and did not let go, and this book just further emphasizes that there could be no one else for Illium than Aodhan, and vice versa. They were it for each other and they would not leave the Seven for anyone else but for the other.

I cannot talk about the conversations that happened between Illium, Aodhan, Raphael and the other members of the Seven (whether in the past or the present) without sobbing my eyes out so I will just say that Nalini delivered them so beautiful and with such gravity and rawness and I do not think it could have gone any other way. Every moment between them and the Seven was tender and joyous and thrilling but also incredibly heartbreaking. I’m going to miss them all together.

Since ARCHANGEL’S ASCENSION is a direct sequel to ARCHANGEL’S LIGHT, there were several callbacks to events and characters that were mentioned in the previous book (and even other Guild Hunter books) and seeing them again in the context of ASCENSION had me crying all over again. This was the first time the reality of what it means to be an immortal with mortal friends really hit me, and it was a hard punch to the gut. But one of the things this book has taught me (especially with how in touch Illium is with humans) is that it’s okay to embrace the grief of losing that friend or relationship, but do not dwell on it, move on to celebrate and be grateful at having been in that dynamic to the very end and to keep them in your heart. This applied not only to Illium and Aodhan but to Elena and the others with mortal attachments.

This does not even adequately express how much I loved this book and how much of a visceral impact Illium and Aodhan and their story had on me but I tried (if I could open my chest cavity and present my heart to show my love for this book, I would). Quite simply, ARCHANGEL’S ASCENSION is a triumph, Nalini Singh tenderly delivers a romantic and emotional closure to a chapter of Illium and Aodhan’s life, one that is worthy of their years of friendship. She establishes that at the end of it all, there is one truth that stays constant: Illium and Aodhan. Adi and Blue. Sparkle and Bluebell.

As a reader of the Guide Hunter series this was a book that I wanted to read but was also dreading because it would mean that Illium and Aodhan would be leaving the seven. I found the book to be bittersweet. Nalini Singh has a remarkable way of weaving complex emotions into her stories, making her characters' growth feel very real and relatable. Illium's departure from the Seven is a poignant moment for us readers, especially given how much we’ve invested in his character over the series and knowing how much he did not want to go.
I appreciated the coming-of-age aspect and the way Rafael has been preparing Illium and Aodhan for their future. Singh's ability to balance bittersweet moments with the excitement of new beginnings is truly special.
Illium's creation of his court and his mentorship of the younger generation is incredibly satisfying to read, especially after watching those characters grow throughout the series. It's a testament to Nalini Singh's skill in developing her characters and their relationships over time.
Seeing Illium step into a leadership role and guide the younger generation is a powerful reminder of the themes of growth and change that you mentioned earlier. It's great to hear that this moment resonated with you so deeply.
It's wonderful to see how the younger generation embraced their opportunity to shine and prove themselves. Nalini Singh's portrayal of their excitement and readiness to step into their own roles is truly inspiring. The theme of growing up and finding one's own path is such a powerful message, and it's great that this book illustrated it so well.

Archangel's Ascension threw a curve right from the start by being broken into two timelines: "Today" which is actually 700 years in the future, and "Yesterday" which is the present for the series' normal timeline. I admit to a moment of panic when I fiugred that out, but I should have had more faith in one of my favorite authors. The majority of the book takes place in the current timeline, so situation normal.

Aodhan and Illium admitted in their last book that they loved each other and in this book we get to see them trying to figure out what that means. Because despite what they think, both men still have some issues they need to deal with. Together in New York they investigate the murder of a young vampire and his human girlfriend that has some similarities to Aodhan's past. Meaning he has to face that past, and we as readers get to learn some more about it.

The murder investigation is pretty basic, but does a good job of helping reset a 'situation hopefully normal' and reminding everyone life doesn't need to be all about wars, zombies and other major craziness, but can be about the more day to day concerns as well. And perhaps should be. It also allows Aodhan a chance to consciously fit more into himself in a way he hasn't before. We see him trying to talk to strangers, to allow physical contact with friends. We see both Adi and Ilium talking to others to try and figure out how not to mess up their changing relationship and hurt each other as they grow. There's plenty of angst along the way, perhaps more than is needed, but readers who have been with the series since the beginning and have been cheering the two on will probably be more lenient with the repetition than they would be otherwise.

The title gives away what the "today" section will be about, and on the whole I thought that was really beautifully done. I did cry a bit in a few places, have to admit. You can tell the series is almost wrapped up, and it will be interesting to see if Singh goes back to the present day for the end, or jumps to her new future and shakes things up there.

This sequel to Archangel's Light is what readers have been waiting for- the conclusion of Illium and Aodhan's story.

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

Illium has finally returned to New York after assisting the Archangel Suyin in rebuilding China. He and Aodhan are pulled into an investigation relating to a vampire and his human girlfriend thought lost because of the great war. Due to the young man’s persistent mother, the Tower decides to investigate the murky circumstances. As they delve into the specifics, it becomes evident that something nefarious has happened threatening Aodhan’s hard won peace and reigniting leftover scars from his own dreadful trauma. An earlier book outlined the heinous and horrific details of Aodhan’s abduction and long torture.

The other major theme obvious from the cover is Illium’s ascent to becoming an Archangel which has been threatening since the Cascade seven hundred years ago. The book begins there with the ascension occurring far in future. This latest addition to the series is really two stories told in chapters divided into two parts: Today and Yesterday. One chronicles Illium’s future as well as what is happening to other major characters during that time while the other deals with their investigation and nascent relationship.

Readers of this series, who are not fans of the M/M relationship, will have a choice to make because the Ascension/Today section has a lot of information about the centuries following the Big Event and what happens to the Seven after such an epic change. Illium and Aodhan’s intimate relationship does not flow as well; it is more abstract than the ones in the author’s M/F stories. While many favorite characters are in the Yesterday sections, the main interactions are between Illium and Aodhan. The most interesting part is the future setting where some long looked for things occur that are very heartfelt for Elena specifically as there are certain losses along with some joys.

Aodhan and Illium are two of my absolute favorite characters from this series. When we got their first book I was thrilled and blown away by their story. But that story was just the beginning for them. And I wanted to know so much more about them and their relationship that was just starting out. We finally get some answers. Slipping between past and present, yes, like the title says ascension is here. Much later in the future, but arriving bit by bit. And in the meantime, we pick up where Aodhan and Illium left off in their first book and of course, have a bit of a mystery to solve. I won’t say much more beyond that because nothing about this story is something you want to get spoiled. I laughed and cried and my heart just ached for these two. I was so scared about how this story was going to go. But the more I read, the more I loved it. Never doubt this author and what she will do. She knows exactly what she is doing. Their story was absolutely beautiful and everything we could have wanted from these two. Conquering their final demons in their pursuit to be together after realizing what they truly mean to one another. To seeing a future bright and scary and great all at the same time. We get SO much from this story and I loved it even when it made me want to cry with joy and sadness. I’m glad to hear this isn’t the end of the series, but the way this story was told, there is just room for so much potential on how the stories are told from her out AND endless choices of who to follow next. I’m not ready to leave this world any time soon. Amazing, amazing job all around. The book hangover on this one is gonna be so real.

This book is a beautiful and spicy love story to read as you sit in the dark waiting for the power to be restored. The imagery brings light into your life to chase away the darkness (literally in my case.) I can only imagine how stunning Sparkles must be based on the beautiful descriptions that author provides through this journey. This book is a tale across time and lifetimes with friendship becoming more and love becoming stronger and angels becoming new again. Throughout the romance portion of this story the author mixes sweetness and spice to allow Illium and Aodhan to heal while moving deeper into a changed relationship. Both have triggers that chill them to the very soul of the story but the book focuses on them overcoming the obstacles together and coming out stronger which to me felt important for the ascension. Illium had to be strong of heart which we learn numerous times through the story to survive and I think Aodhan's love only helped build him up. Illium, stunning on his own, is truly the heart of this story and perhaps the seven. He friends mortals following that old saying about better to have loved and lost than not to have loved. However, it is a bit ironic that this man who gives his love so freely fears giving his love to the one true person in his life for fear of loss of being abandoned.
It was cute how they thought they were being so sneaky but their friends knew It was also super nice to see so many characters from previous books being called upon to provide insight and clarity for our love struck couple. I think those friendships built the foundation onto which our pair while build a territory after the ascension.
Guilia is one of the best characters in the book. She is such a fierce mama bear who allows nothing, no matter how daunting, to dissuade her from getting justice for her son and his love. It is there the book looses a star for me. I felt that Marco and Tanika deserved justice in how their mystery was solved in the book, it felt a little simple and flat taking a backseat of the romance and the ascension. I need a bit more mystery. One other small complaint I had with the book is some of the descriptions got repetitious on how broken Illium and Aodhan had been. However, if you have read this story, you will enjoy this tale of two who are heart mirrors.
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley for the opportunity to read this ARC

Archangel’s Ascension is the continuing story of Illium and Aodhan’s transition to more than friends and their personal growth that is featured in 2021’s Archangel’s Light. However, the book also feels like a transition from the existing series about the Guild Hunters, Elena/Raphael, and Cascade into something new, as the book spans over seven hundred years.

Similar to the couple’s previous book, the story is shared between “Yesterday” and “Today” time periods. However in Archangel’s Ascension, “Today” is 700 years in the future and the first “Yesterday” flashback matches with the current series timeline. When I first started the story, I was so upset with the jump in time and the loss of all I knew and understood about the series. But then the story jumps quickly to the “Yesterday” that is familiar to series readers. This large section focuses on the pair’s return to New York and working on a murder investigation. I loved seeing the pair work together solving the case. We witness both angels heal, grow close, and commit without question. And the case itself is interesting and exciting.

The second half of the book is spent bouncing fairly frequently between “Today” where we witness Illium ascend and begin his journey as an Archangel and the “Yesterdays” which are glimpses into Illium and Aodhan’s mutual past as their love grows stronger over the centuries, with each flashback coming closer to “Today.” At first I wasn’t sure I’d like this quickening jump to a new “present day;” however, the bouncing back and forth in time and getting glimpses of the pair and of the Seven over the centuries, prepared me for this new and exciting future. Even those questions I had about the mortals were answered satisfactorily and with beauty.

As much as I enjoyed the front half of the book, I did have a couple issues with the tone and repetitive themes. Yet once the story started bouncing, I couldn’t put the book down. Despite the back and forth in time, it is written just how it should be, giving me just enough time to understand those years without tedium, and helping me get excited about the future.

I didn’t think I’d want a time jump let alone love it, but Singh works magic and I’m hooked. I need to know what happens now that the Cadre is at ten. What will be the challenges and adventures while the world is at peace but this new archangel who likes to cause mischief joins the Cadre?

In the end, Archangel’s Ascension is just what I didn’t realize I needed. I cried tears of sorrow and joy. I was able to mourn those long gone, yet my heart sang with the joy in the hearts of Illium and Aodhan.

My Rating: A-

Thanks to Berkley and Netgalley for providing me with a pre-release copy of Archangel's Ascension by Nalini Singh. Below you'll find my honest review.

More Bluebell! More Sparkle! Murder! Intrigue! Overly lovey-dovey swooning! Ascension! This book has it all.

I'm really interested in seeing where the series goes now, as there are some serious waves being made in the world of Guild Hunter, and a LOT has changed because of this book.

I don't want to spoil much, but this one has multiple timelines running through it, and it jumps around to tell different parts of different storylines.

I'm a little disappointed that yet again, the steamy parts are left out of the Illium/Aodhan books, whereas all the heterosexual couples get... details.. and the two Illium/Aodhan books get allusions to things happening. But I guess I understand it.

Anywho, this one has a lot of built up information culminating from a book series in the double digits, so you're doing yourself a disservice if you jump right in with this one.

Definitely recommended for paranormal romance, fantasy romance, angels/vampires, etc.

Veena’s review of Archangel’s Ascension (Guild Hunter, Book 17) by Nalini Singh
Urban Fantasy published by Berkley 06 May 25

Ilium and Aodhan! Blue and Adi, Bluebell and Sparkle, their friendship is legendary, even if they’ve had a few small hiccups along the way. It only took for them to acknowledge their love for the scales to fall off my eyes and acknowledge that the author has always had that thread simmering through the series. It is a bit disappointing that they acknowledged their love and then it seemed like other characters and other stories got center stage. Finally, we get their love story, and what a love story it is.


Aodhan, the beautiful angel who sparkles in the sunlight, we’ve only heard about the mischief that he once got into with his partner in crime, but we finally get to see the real Adhi, who Ilium coaxes back out into the sunshine. The book hits so many emotional chords – Aodhan’s conversation with Raphael, his realization of his place in the world on his own, and partnered with Ilium, the Amber Revel, what a beautiful ceremony, and the mischievous Aodhan who knocks Ilium off his perch. Thank you, Ms. Singh, for this beautiful romance.

As inevitable as their love story is and Ilium’s ascension to archangel, what an ascension and heartbreak as the two leave the seven after centuries of being together, as well as leave New York, which has been their home for a long time. As Ilium meets all the people he knows and loves for the first time as Archangel, it’s reassuring to know that he retains his sense of mischief and the slight touch of humanity that has made him so popular. His first meeting with the cadre and the unexpected alliances in the room that he had never foreseen. His father is a prick and that will not change. We’ll see what that contentious relationship will bring in the future.

This book takes the timeline from the previous book in the series and advances it centuries, even as it stops and starts, giving us glimpses in the happenings of the characters we know and love. The only certainty is that the series will continue, since the author has stated so, but I am totally unable to see in which direction the story line will advance.

Grade: A

To be so real with you I don't even think I need to review this. We are 17 books deep into this series, you know if you'll like this book or not. Do not read this book first that would be crazy.
That being said Nalini Singh made me cry a lot with this book and I, for once, really liked bouncing between the past and present to get a hint of the life of our dear Bluebell and Sparkles had over the years.
I also loved seeing the updates of some of our favourite characters in the "present", including Zoe!!!! As Illium's weapon's master!!!! Ahhh!!!!! As much as I think this series could end after the next book I want a Zoe book so bad so maybe 2 more books would be nice pls 'n' thx .
I think if you're wanting more of Aodhan and Illium you will not be disappointed and I can't wait to see what comes next.

There is happiness and sadness to this turn of event but mostly there is great storytelling.

Back during Archangel's War, the cascade was throwing power at the archangels in order to do battle but what was feared in Raphael's camp more than Lijuan's upcoming attack was the fact that Ilium, everyone's favorite Bluebell, was showing signs of ascending. At only 500 years old, everyone feared that the power of an archangel would tear him apart. So how does an author Assend everyone's favorite angel without killing him? By fast forwarding the story 700 years.

This story is told both in the future and in the past. We begin 700 years in the future with Illium flying home from the Tower and giving us a general update on the status of the city, why there aren't flying cars by now (hint: angels don't want to be hit by terrible drivers) and how the city has recovered and changed since the War with Lijuan. There is something in the air that is hinting toward a cascade or an ascension but nothing indicating where this rising ancient or ascending angel is located until it suddenly blasts out of Illium just as he reaches the home he has built with Aodhan.

We then switch to the past, arriving in this story shortly after leaving Aodhan and Illium in Archangel's Light (Book 14). When we left them, we believed everything was perfect between our new couple who evolved from friends to lovers but as we get to Archangel's Ascension, we find that there is still much that both Aodhan and Illium have to work on in their relationship. Aodhan still has intimacy issues even 200 years after his kidnapping and Illium is still wrestling with is need to protect those he loves which went into overdrive after Aodhan's rescue and subsequent withdrawal from the world. Aodhan is ready to step out back out into his life without Illium standing between him and the world but that desire still leads to moments of fear which then triggers Illium's desire to protect.

As we bounce back and forth between the past and the future, we will meet many people in Illium's past who we will come to learn are important to his future.

Obviously, Raphael and Elena are happy/devastated over Illium's ascension since they lose him as one of the seven but also because Illium and Elena had their own special bond which will now be separated by Illium setting up his own territory.

I think the best part of this ascension is that once we get down to it Illium becomes number 10 of the Cadre, and probably for the first time in the Cadre's history, a new archangel has more friends than enemies in the council. Obviously, Raphael is ready to help him, knowing immediately that he will be losing Illium and Aodhan, as Illium's new second. Titus, Illium's stepfather is ready to help. Caliane, Raphael's mother and the Hummingbird's long-time BFF will stand with him.  Suyin, as Illium and Aodhan jumped in to lend her a hand when she took over Lijuan's territory. Alexander might have a wait and see attitude but his love, Zanaya loves the idea of Illium throwing the Cadre into chaos, so they will be friends.   Elijah is Raphael's long-time friend and has known Illium most his life. Marduk has no animosity towards Illium. This leaves his only person to cause Illium any problems and that would be his own father, Aegaeon, who is still holding a grudge that Illium didn't leave Raphael's side and join his court when he emerged from his sleep.

Illium has been a very amicable angel and while he has been promoted to be Raphael's First General at this point due to his battle prowess and strategic strengths, he has also been the first to volunteer to help another angel, archangel or even a simple mortal.   Illium is an all around great guy.  Everyone knows it and they are flocking to him.  And on top of that, this new archangel gives many an opportunity for growth where they might be stagnating for centuries in lower positions since no one has been killed since the War.    Many people we meet not only in our jumps to the past but also from prior stories want to join Illium's new court and be a part of what will be a wonderful new and exciting archangel.  And they go with the blessings of their own Archangels who are  aware of this opportunity for their best people and who are friendly to Illium.  We are excited to see what comes next for Illium, Aodhan and this new court.

What is the downside of a 700 year jump?  The fact that the author has written herself into a corner for any stories between Murdak's awakening and Illium's ascension since we know there have been no new archangels to join who joined the Cadre as they have been at nine for centuries.  We know there have been no great conflicts.  We know the Legion has not come back.  All the archangel's wounded during the war with Lijuan apparently are still recovering 700 years later as there is no mention of them emerging and re-taking their place in the Cadre.  We have lost all our mortal friends.  I am going to presume that any new stories in the Guild Hunter series, which I believe will continue, will need to go forward from this point as 700 years of peace makes for uninteresting stories.

If anyone deserves an ascension, it is Illium but we will certainly miss his antics in NYC.

First and foremost, 10000/10 stars. Honestly, just 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬.

Going into this book, with the title and knowing what was coming, was honestly worrisome. This was the end of one era and beginning of another. There is a major time jump, but we also get flashbacks right back to where Archangel's Light leaves off. Illium and Aodhan had so much story left to tell, and healing to do in between.

"𝑶𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒂𝒔 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕'𝒔 𝒎𝒊𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒓, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒂𝒔 𝒉𝒊𝒔."

While all of the relationships in this series are beautiful to us, this one might be the most because of the deep friendship these two had since they were young. Nothing is better than having your best friend by your side through the ages (angels live a long ass time), and even better when that best friend becomes something more...and boy did it become more for our Bluebell and Sparkle.

"𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕, 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕. 𝑵𝒐𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒊𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕'𝒔 𝒎𝒊𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒓. 𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒐 𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆."

We've waited so long for this story and it did not disappoint. We didn't know we could love Blue and Adi any more than we already did, but we were proven wrong. The relationship they formed not only with each other, but with everyone around them, and even the fleeting ones that only lasted a blink of time, were impactful and important and stood the test of time.

"𝑰𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕."

We could truly talk for hours about it, but we like to keep our reviews as spoiler free as possible. If you love this series and Nalini, you will love this installment. Thank you SO MUCH to Berkley for this ARC, we know we got annoying with our begging and pleading but we are so beyond grateful 🙏❤️

I’ve been reading this series for four years (I know that may seem like nothing to people who have been here since the beginning) and these characters mean so much to me. I’ve grown with them from high school to college and that makes Illium’s growth feel so relatable. “Leveling up” to the next stage of life is terrifying and anxiety inducing because you don’t know what the world has in store for you. I will admit to crying on numerous occasions while reading Archangel’s Ascension. Watching Illium say goodbye to everything and everyone he knows ripped me apart. However, the bright side was getting to see Illium and Aodhan’s relationship grow and flourish. They are so stinking cute together and are a great balance.

One little note is that the time jumping got a little confusing because angels just live for so dang long. It was hard for me to remember if I was in the present timeline or the past as I was reading, but part of that could be attributed to the fact I was reading so quickly!

I cannot wait for the next book in this series and I will be DEVASTATED when it concludes.

Wow!! I was really scared to read this book, I had no idea where it was going to go. And as we know, Nalini Singh can rip your heart out and stop on it just a little bit. Fortunately, this was a beautiful story with an incredible ending that still was heartbreaking.

Interestingly, enough, there was not a ton of action in this book as you usually see in the series. It was set during peace time and continued during that time it is divided into past and present times. The pastime showed the evolution of sparkle and bluebells relationship and their friendships evolving . While the current time shows how everyone deals with Illium’s ascension to Archangel. The time jump was absolutely needed for the story to move forward. If it had not happened, it would not have made sense.

Present time is occurring 700 years in the future from the last story. It does address the loss of the mortal friendships that the main characters have had to deal with. This is a very sweet and beautiful story, and of course, extremely well written as all of her books are. Absolutely loved it.

Received as an ARC from NetGalley.

I’m announcing now into the universe that Archangel’s Ascension is my TOP Read for 2025, nothing else can compare! I’m feeling a bit lost now that I’ve finished this book. How am I supposed to move on? What can I read that will top this book?

One thing is for sure, Nalini: you made me love Bluebell and Sparkle even more after reading this book (or should I call them Blue Flower and Sparklepants? 😉). I used to think Raphael and Elena were my favorites in the series, but now these two have taken the lead. It’s all because I’ve witnessed their journey of growth together and their friendship blossoming into something more. The challenges they faced and the way Illium evolved really impacted me. I’m a mess right now but in a good way.

The best love truly comes from friendship, and this book exemplifies that with the relationship between Illium and Aodhan. I’m pleased with how everything unfolded in this story, though I feel a sense of sadness as well. I’m feeling sad about the change, but I’m also excited to see where Nalini will take us next in the series.

Get ready because this book will tear you apart, but don’t worry; you’ll be put back together. You may be different, like the characters, but it’s worth it.

I wish I could give this book more than five stars because it truly deserves it. Nalini, you have left me speechless after finishing this book. I have a feeling I will be thinking about this book and the entire series for many years to come, even into my seventies and eighties. My poor husband will have to put up with me sporadically talking about this book and series for years ahead. Please wish him luck; he will need it! 😁

If you haven’t read this series by Nalini yet, what are you waiting for? The number of books might seem intimidating, but it’s definitely worth it. You’ll fall in love with the world and characters that Nalini has created. If you’re anything like me, you’ll wish it were real so you could walk among the characters. Seeing Illium and Aodhan flying together in the sky would be memorizing and magical.

What to Expect:
✔️Friends to Lovers
✔️Archangels/Angels/Vampires