Archangel’s Ascension is a breathtakingly romantic story of friends who have become lovers who are now becoming something even more, something that will stand strong and true through millennia. Nalini Singh completes Aodhan and Illium’s love story in a romance that is tender and achingly beautiful.

Archangel’s Ascension picks up where Archange’s Light - the beginning of Adi and Blue’s romance – left off. Singh takes readers back and forth from the present into the far future as the two men’s lives change and grow together. That Bluebell and Sparkle were made for each other, are meant to be best friends and partners, is never in question. But Illium still has fears he needs to confront, buried wounds from abandonment both intentional and not from those he holds close. And Aodhan…artist, warrior, and survivor, still bears scars from his imprisonment and assault. A case he and Illium take on brings those memories to the forefront and helps Aodhan move his healing forward. What makes this story special to me is how tender and open Illium and Aodhan are with each other. There are so many layers to their love that it makes scenes with them captivating. There are countless romantic moments but also ones of brightness and fun, showing the lightness between the two that comes from their centuries of causing mischief together.

Adi and Blue are the heart of this story, but their hearts contain so many others beloved by fans of the Guild Hunter series. I loved seeing their relationships with their loved ones, from Raphael and the rest of the Seven to the vampires, angels, and mortals who have made this series so wonderful. There’s so much depth to the world and that’s in large part to the connections between all the characters. What the future brings I don’t want to spoil, though the title and everything leading up to this book do tell readers what they’re in for. But uncovering when and how things happen and what goes into it was such a joy that I’m going to avoid spoiling the experience. Suffice it to say that Singh makes the journey a rewarding one and I was enthralled every step of the way. And while this book would make the perfect end chapter the Guild Hunter series, never fear that we’re saying goodbye to the characters we love. Singh has written that the series will continue and I very much look forward to more of this world.

Archangel’s Ascension is a gorgeous story that filled my heart with joy. The completion of Aodhan and Illium’s romance was worth the wait and their love story is one I can’t wait to be swept away by again and again.

this is literally the book in the series that I have been both dying for and dreading at the same time.
Our beloved Blue has finally ascended.

As usual, Nalini Singh does a wonderful job because i was kind of mad that we missed 700 years of this relationship. But i love how she showed us how we got there and everything in between. I loved getting back to this world and catching up on other characters in the series. Can't wait for the next entry!

3.75/4

Nalini Singh does a fantastic job in writing this entry in the series, it had that element that I was looking for and thought this worked well in the series. The characters were everything that I was looking for and was enjoying getting back to this world, it continued the storyline perfectly and was glad it was so well done.

for all that i was prepared for the ascension (the title, the blurb, the excerpt i read before i was able to get my hands on an arc)... it really wasn't about the ascension and its ramifications for a while, but more of the leadup into it. and i think that's a good thing, because it felt so sudden. i remember Nalini mentioned after <i>archangel's light</i> that illium and aodhan's relationship was meant to unfurl slowly, and the first half of <i>ascension</i> feels like that.

i don't know if i loved the way that the book was set up with 2 measly chapters about the present day at the start, and then the next few hundred pages <spoiler>700 years in the past</spoiler>. in some ways, it feels like a sad victory lap. there isn't any major plot happening besides the ascension, but you do get a lot of colored in spots to tell you how adi and blue are growing deeper into themselves and their relationship. there's also a lot of sadness - the kind of time jump that happens means that some people aren't around anymore, and probably will never show up in the books again ):

the ascension is labeled as something that is deeply bittersweet, but ultimately a chance for change and growth. i'm feeling a lot of bitterness though - the characters reiterate that while they will stay family, it will also never be the same again. like illium will never be able to just chill with raphael... for the rest of eternity. and also illium never wanted this??? he says it multiple times in this book, and i can't help but feel like if this was psy-changeling, he would have been able to be perfectly happy as a member of the seven and not as a bloated archangel.

i'm feeling neutral about this, but i did notice that this was a very mild (aka not spicy) book. literally the most mild book that I've ever read from Nalini (and that's saying something when I've read any book of hers i possibly could over the last 10-15+ years since i first found her books). baby blue and baby sparkles are also the only queer couple that she's featured. again, i don't feel like steamy scenes were needed in this one, but that tidbit sticks in my brain.

ARCHANGEL'S ASCENSION is the seventeenth in the Guild Hunter series. It is also a story of love enduring through the ages. Aodhan and Illium are angels who have been best friends since childhood. Over time, their friendship added romance and love but over a long life many things can happen.

The story is told in two time periods: Yesterday and Today. Yesterday is actually about 700 years before Today. It tells of the time after the Cascade and epic wars. It is a time for rebuilding both the world and Aodhan and Illium's relationship. Aodhan is getting over being kidnapped and tortured and then being separated from Illium when they are sent separately to help rebuild China. This section spotlights a murder investigation conducted by the two of them.

Today is about Illium ascending to become an Archangel. This is literally a life-changing experience for him that will rip him away from all of his friends and the home he has built in New York. Illium had hoped that the start of the ascending in the Yesterday that was aborted meant that he didn't have to worry about it happening to him. He was wrong. However, Today has him several hundred years older and more able to deal with the stresses of becoming an archangel.

This was an excellent story about two of the favorite characters of the Guild Hunter series. I enjoyed catching up with old friends and seeing how the years have treated them. I can't imagine that this would be a good entry point for someone new to the world and the characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Pub for this earc

I think I’m officially done with this series.
Look, this wasn’t bad but it wasn’t amazing either.

First, I don’t get what was the point of the murder investigation that took 70% of the book. I understand it was supposed to help with healing for Aoadhan but then again, there is exactly one scene when he was having a hard time with Blue touching him.

Second, the 700 year time jumps. Instead of giving us time in the now for them to actually become a couple, we got 30 seconds, 25 year jump and then 700 year jump. I get that they live forever but what’s the point of reminding us of all the human they loved just to moved past them in the last 30%

If she wanted to write a book about a relationship and how Illium finally become an Archangel, she should have written more books in between and gave us time to enjoy the relationship. Not jump. Jumping was not good.
Another thing I didn’t enjoy was super short chapters in the end on how Illium collected everyone. I get. Everyone knows him and loves him but just felt very rushed

Don’t even get me started on how many time it mentioned how many angels knew these two as kids. It was ridiculous

The only worthy thing about this book was Nassir’s cubs

I'm so glad we got the rest of Illium and Aodhan's story! I appreciated that we got to see them taking the amount of time it would probably realistically take for two immortals who have both been through so much to work through their issues both individually and as a couple, and my only complaint is that I would have happily read another 25k+ of Illium as a new archangel establishing his court in a new territory--sorry if people think those are spoilers but the title of the book is literally Archangel's Ascension, come on!--but maybe we'll get to see a little more of that in the next one. That and also that while I admittedly haven't gone back and checked, I still feel like the gay sex here is not written quite as explicitly as the het sex in all the other books, but at least there's more of it this time so that's something (I'm not complaining that it takes them a while to get there, mind you, since that's very in character for them, but when they do). But overall these are minor complaints and I'm delighted the series isn't ending quite yet. I'm curious to see if we stay in the future timeline for the next book(s), and can't wait to find out!

I had the absolute pleasure of diving into an early copy of Archangel’s Ascension by Nalini Singh, and let me just say—fans of the series are in for something big. This book is intense, emotional, and everything I didn’t know I needed. The writing is as lush and immersive as ever, and the pacing kept me hooked from start to finish. There’s a beautiful balance of heart-pounding action, quiet character moments, and the kind of emotional payoff that longtime readers will deeply appreciate.

Without giving anything away, just know that this installment shifts the game in a major way. The stakes are higher than ever, the world feels like it’s teetering on the edge, and yet, there’s a deep sense of hope woven throughout. If you’ve been on this journey from the beginning, this book will absolutely hit you in the feels. Buckle up—you’re not ready.

This series continues to be enjoyable even as the main storyline concludes. I enjoyed seeing the romance develop between Blue and Sparkles in its own full length novel and not just the glimpse we got as a side story previously I look forward to other installments. Like any series that has gone one for a very long time I would recommend starting with earlier works to get a better sense of the world.

I am writing this review as I cry. Apologies in advance.

This book is both the beautiful continuation of Archangel's Light and its own story. This book shows multiple timelines, the two main ones being what I called "modern day" and the "future", which is 700 years later. You see the establishment of the tenuous relationship Aodhan and Illium have made previously as well as how they handle the changes the future brings. The characters are well-crafted and stay true to their previous appearances while also growing before your eyes.

Now why did I knock down a star? Two reasons. One- the mystery aspect is one we have seen way too many times in this series. I just went- ah yes, another basic mystery that is somehow reflective on a painful past. Maybe if I hadn't reread a few earlier books in the series, this wouldn't be so annoying.

The second reason is something I can't say without giving spoilers. It has to deal with intimacy, and I wish I could have a conversation with Nalini Singh to ask some questions. Maybe an author's note will explain it, but the ARC didn't contain that section. I am not saying it was bad or worse, but it did leave me with questions. Maybe once I get a physical copy and see the note I can bump it up a star.

If I had to guess, this is the second-to-last book in the series. You can feel the finale nature in these last two books, and it feels like there is only a little more to wrap up. I love this series and this book is no different. This book just confirms why I suggest this series to everyone.

Utterly brilliant. Soft, sweet, heated, and a lovely tale of defiance, hope, and aching love. It felt like coming home while realizing you aren't really an outsider but part of this beautiful world. And I am SO FREAKING excited to see what's coming next with how the book set things up!!

This book had me in a chokehold from page one. I have loved this series from the beginning and this book really encapsulates all the characters we have grown to love over how many books, and gives some sneak peeks into their futures.

Of course, the main focus her is on our beloved Bluebell and Sparkle, Illium and Aodhan. The back and forth from future to past in this story had my heart clenching and also felt like being wrapped up in a blanket of love and given a mug of my favorite warm beverage. It was so ... indescribable that even now, days later, I am thinking about how they got together and their future. God, and that ending. I cannot explain the joy and pain in my heart. Just look at the title, realize what it means, and think of all that entails, and you will soon understand. I got goosebumps and my throat felt tight and my eyes hurt, and if I was a crier I would most certainly have shed some tears. But they would have been tears of both joy and pain.

This book felt like an end to the series, but the last page said there is more coming and I will hold that promise close to my heart. If it somehow had to end here, I would be all right, but I will eat each and every book up as long as they keep coming and appreciate the gift this series is.

Thank you, Nalini, for your spin on angels and vampires and humans.

Archangel’s Ascension by Nalini Singh is the 17th book in her fantastic Guild Hunter series. We have followed both Illium and Aodhan for awhile now, especially in Archangel’s Light; revealing that their friendship runs deeper. Bluebell and Sparkle now become lovers, in each other’s hearts. Illium and Aodhan are two valuable members of Archangel Raphael’s Seven; and Raphael knows that soon, Illium will finally Ascend.
Blue and Adi investigate a case for the Tower that close family and friends discovered two people who were murdered; which echoes darkness from Adi’s scars of the past. The first half of the book revolves around finding who was behind they murder; bringing them closer to an evil woman who was not liked by many. While they continue to investigate, their relationship continuous to grow, with the love between them escalating.

With Illium finally ascending in the second half of the book, as he is filled with intense and strong powers. It was emotional, when Illium faces Raphael, and tells him that he will always be part of their family, knowing he will always be his sire. Raphael knew he was losing two members of his Seven; as Aodhan will become Bluebell’s second. Though they knew this was coming over so many years, as Raphael and Elena understood, and would always be there for him. Illium was saying his goodbyes as he knew he could never be there the way he was before. Though he knew if anything was serious, he and Aodan would always be there to help.

It was a wonderful story, with so many wonderful characters from previous stories, as Raphael’s people were always considered family and friendship. So many memories, and they all loved Illium; happy for him now an Archangel, but they will sadly miss him (Raphael, Elena, Dimitri, Jessamy, Sharine, Titus, Honor, Keir, Galen, Nassir, Venom; just to name a few)

Archangels Ascension was a fantastic story finalizing Illium and Aodan story, as well as his new territory; with many people joining Illium in his new land. Not sure where Nalini will take us in between Raphael (and Elena) or Illium? Once again, Nalini Singh gives us a wonderful book, that was so very well written. I really enjoyed this book, and loved Bluebell and Adi.

Beautiful love story that took the series in a surprising, but not really surprising, direction. And it’s only surprising in that I wasn’t expecting the time jumps, but I love how the story was constructed going well into the future (or Today) while flashing back to fill in the gaps. Well done.

(Larger review will be posted on Goodreads closer to publication date)

I didn't think it was possible, but Nalini has outdone herself again! How does this series keep getting better and better and better? This is now my favorite book in the series and I can already say with conviction that this will be my favorite book of 2025.

After finishing the book, I was nothing but a puddle of melted candy floss and too many emotions to be contained in a single human body.

This has absolutely everything - great characters, great plot, wonderful worldbuilding, a beautiful lovestory, heart-melting and spicy romance, so many wonderful moments of friendship, family, found family.

This book has such an enormous scope both in terms of time that passes and in how much it changes the world we've come to love throughout the series. I think I have never felt as many different, intense emotions while reading a book.

Everything is just so freaking well done. A masterpiece! I couldn't be happier with it and now I wish the series never had to end. I re-read the book right after finishing it and I haven't been able to think about anything else ever since. I've been painting fanart like a maniac and yelling at anyone and everyone irl and online to just preorder this book already because it is EVERYTING!

Perfection. 10000 / 10, no notes, would read again a thousand times, need five hundered more books about these two and in this series.
Going to re-read it again.
A thousand stars.
A million stars.
All the stars, alive and dead, for this masterpiece.

Nalini Singh in Archangel's Ascension follow the path of angel Illium and his lover Aodhan first in the present as their love flowers and then in the future as Illium ascends to archangel and has' to set up his own archangelic court and territory along with who would come with him. Aodhan hos second in command means that Raphael, Archangel of New York looses two of his Seven angel and vampiric support team. Illium
and Aodhan find justice for Marco. a vampire who is stocked and deepen their relationship. An intriguing continuation of the Guild Hunter series which brings in new characters and moves the timeline forward.

Archangel’s Ascension is such a delightful addition to the Guild Hunter series! I really enjoyed watching Illium's and Aodhan's relationship grow from friendship to love—it felt so natural and genuine. Their affection for each other really shines brightly through on page. I do wish we had gotten to see Illium’s ascension a bit earlier in the book, though, as leaving it for the end significantly disrupted the pacing. Overall, I really loved this couple's journey and definitely recommend it to fellow fans of the series!

It’s hard to tell where Nalini Singh will go after Archangel’s Ascension. This book takes place in both the time we might think of as ‘current’—after the war as Aodhan is healing for Illium—and seven hundred years in the future as the forces that be have Illium ascend to the archangel status he avoided once before.

This is a fantastic story, and readers will get a better sense of how Aodhan and Illium work as a couple. However, I still think Bluebell and Sparkle’s relationship would be just as good had they remained close friends. It just doesn’t feel like it needs the heat. The other relationships were touching, though. Watching Illium’s goodbyes post-ascension was precious.

What is there to say about a book that had such high expectations and just nailed the landing on every single level? Can I give this book more than 5 stars? I sure would like to. I came to this series late, a full decade after the publication of the first book. And in my glomming of this series, I had been shipping Bluebell and Sparkle since the moment they stepped onto the page. Normally friends to lovers aren’t my favorite trope but I think we can all agree that this is not an ordinary series and the friendship of Blue and his Adi is no ordinary friendship. They are, as this book states so beautifully, each other’s hearts mirror.

It's been 4 literal years since Nalini gave us Archangel’s Light which ended with Illium and Aodhan finally (FINALLY!) taking the next step in their very complicated relationship and acknowledging that their feelings run much deeper than those of best friends. We have brief mention of them last year’s Archangel Lineage where they are in a committed relationship but it’s really this book that cements them as a pairing for the ages in the world of angels and vampires.

Alongside their will they or won’t they relationship, there’s also been the question of if or when Illium will ascend to become an Archangel, especially since the events of the Cascade (several books ago).

The evolution of Bluebell and Sparkle in this particular book is so sweet, it almost feels like a love letter to all the fans who have been clamoring for this pining for years. It’s especially bittersweet to me because I came to this series at the urging of my very dear friend, Melinda Utendorf who absolutely loved this series and loved the pairing of Illium and Aodhan. She passed away in 2024 and as I was reading this book, I had this intense urge to message her about it, as I had done with so many of the books in this series. We read several of the later books in this series together and even co-wrote a review for Archangel’s Light and it’s heartbreaking that she will never get to see this pairing come to its fruition in this book.

There’s a lot in this book that I loved, but I especially loved that at its core, it has always been a story of found family. Raphael, his Seven, the relationships between them and then with their respective mates, Elena and her friends, the special connection she had with Bluebell, it all just really moved me especially because this book spans multiples hundreds of years and some of these friends are mortal beings and thus, there’s a lot of loss and grief attached to this story. There are parts of this story that really moved me but none more so than when Illium finally ascends and his first interaction afterwards with Raphael, his Rafa, his sire. I was literally weeping and then again, when he was saying his goodbyes because he could never again be there the way he was before. It’s a big change and it feels like what this series has been building to the whole time but especially since the big war with Lijuan and the Cascade.

I said this with the last book and I’ll repeat myself with this one, I do think Nalini is close to wrapping up the series. Parts of this book felt very final in a way to me, but the final chapter also felt like she is maybe gearing up for a spinoff series that might focus on Illium’s territory. But whatever she chooses to do with this series, I’ll definitely read it.

I absolutely loved reading this book! I love this series so much, and this was an interesting addition to the series, since we have already had a Illium and Aodhan book, but this time it's told much differently, which I had to read!

The way it's told, is it jumps between timelines, one, 400 years in the future, when Illium is ascending to archangel. The other is where the series was before this book, mainly, though once the mystery was solved, it did jump forward at a few points, to showcase some of their moments between the present and the future, which was really interesting.

Both timelines had something interesting going on, the present had the mystery into these deaths, and conversations about having relationships with mortals, which Illium is really good at. The future had him ascending, and all the changes that come of that, because of course Aodhan is going with him, but they're leaving the Seven, and it'll never be the same again, which hurt, but not as much as it hurt the characters.

Their first book dealt more with them moving from friends to also lovers, and this book, it's them being both, and there are some points where past trauma crops up, and I really enjoyed watching them deal with it together, making their relationship even stronger.

My question is what the future books are going to be. Are they going to continue on in the present, or are they going to jump to the future in this book, or somewhere inbetween? I don't know, and I can't wait to find out, because it does say that the Guild Hunter series will continue soon. I just don't know how.

Loved reading this book and I can't wait to see what the future holds for this series!