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

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

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.