Archangel's Consort by Nalini Singh: A Review

Urban Fantasy

Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter, #3
Publisher: Berkley (Imprint of Penguin)
Published: January 25th, 2011
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♡

Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux and her lover, the lethally beautiful archangel Raphael, have returned home to New York only to face an uncompromising new evil…A vampire has attacked a girls’ school—the assault one of sheer, vicious madness—and it is only the first act. Rampant bloodlust takes vampire after vampire, threatening to make the streets run with blood. Then Raphael himself begins to show signs of an uncontrolled rage, as inexplicable storms darken the city skyline and the earth itself shudders. The omens are suddenly terrifyingly clear.An ancient and malevolent immortal is rising. The violent winds whisper her name: Caliane. She has returned to reclaim her son, Raphael. Only one thing stands in her way: Elena, the consort who must be destroyed…

My Review:

What I’ve always loved most about this series is the romance between Elena and Raphael. I can’t get over how seriously beautiful their relationship is. It’s very real in that they have problems and need to make compromises like any other relationship. But, at the same time, their love for each other is so powerful and clear, that it’s hard not to dub them one of my favorite couples ever. What I loved most about this book is that it focuses mostly on their relationship and romance. While there is a larger story going on, this book is mostly about them as characters, and as a couple.

Now, while I absolutely love that aspect of the book, that is also the same reason I couldn’t give this a full five stars. Mostly the books in this series are slower-paced, which can be good or bad depending on what you’re looking for at the time. But, I found this one to be the most slow-paced book of the series. There wasn’t too much action, which is a bit of a downer when it comes to being a page-turner. But, this can also be good if you’re wanting something to read over a longer period of time (like a vacation). It’s also a good thing because I can’t stress enough how much I love this couple. So it was extremely nice to get double the dosage of their love in this book.

As far as the story-line and conflicts, I was extremely taken back by the ending for this one. I did not expect what happened at all and so that was a nice surprise. But really this story is about Raphael and Elena, their relationship, the issues they’re dealing with individually, and the family issues both of them have, and continue to struggle with. It really is a good look into a solid relationship where, when going through tough times, they’re both not afraid to lean on each other for support.

Overall, if you’re looking for a series with a seriously beautiful romance, a couple who will quickly make it to the top of your favorite couples list, and not to mention an extremely sexy (and at times surprisingly sweet) hero, then these books are for you. On a side note, it’s kind of sad to be ending this book, because it feels like an ending to the series. While there will be more books in the series, it looks like they won’t be in Elena’s POV anymore. After reading this, I can understand a bit why the views are switching, but I still find myself mourning the loss a bit.

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