Knives and Sheaths ( Guild Hunter 5.5) by Nalini Singh

Hi!

 So March Take Control of your TBR pile challenge has started but novella and shorts stories don't count for it and i couldn't resist  reading a bonus from Nalini Singh especially since i have been waiting to read it until i had finally finished book 5.

Now that's done, Knives and Sheaths couldn't wait any longer but don't worry as soon as this is posted, i will focus on books for the challenge.


Happy reading

info:
Publisher: Nalini Singh

Publication: 2012

ISBN:  0373277210

Genre: urban fantasy, paranormal, romance
Violence: none
Language: normal
sex: none
Public: 18+

Short description from goodreads :

  Free short story in Nalini Singh's Newsletter.
What she writes about this story:

"The original version of this short story was meant to be a scene in ARCHANGEL’S STORM, but I deleted it in an earlier draft and the information shared here about Lijuan eventually became part of chapter 8 in the book.


However, I thought the scene offered a nice glimpse of Elena and Raphael’s relationship, so I decided to edit and extend it into a short story. I hope you enjoy!"

My opinion:

          I Absolutely love these free shorts that give us an insights on the daily life or relationship of our favourites characters it’s even better that it fit the timeline perfectly.

Elena and Rapahael are among my favourite couples so i was super happy to have this one focusing on them as we do see them in Archangel’s Storm, book 5, but  it’s mostly when they are separated. In this story we can see how they respect each other, Raphael does act as she is her equal and listen to her, Elena is a fighter and won’t change but she is also a woman in love

 I don’t want to reveal too much as this is a short story and it’s better if you have read book 5 before starting this one but i just want to tell you that it’s definitively a great treat that will make you smile or even laugh.

Score:  5/5

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review

Challenge:

Archangel's Storm ( Guild Hunter 5 ) by Nalini Singh

Hello to all!

                      Looks like Winter made a new attempt at settling down  as we have temperatures under zero for this whole week and perhaps will have some snow... quite a constrast with all the spring flowers already in full bloom.

On advantage of such a cold weather thoug is the pleasure we get when we can read a good book near the fire with a cup of tea ( or hot chocolate).....and when you are as busy as i get lately those small break and even more pleasurable.

Today i will share with you my opinion on an installment in one of my favourite series as i try to  alternate sequels and novelties this year ^^. Without more delay here is my view on Arvchangel's Storm by Nalini Singh


Enjoy!

Publisher: Berkley

Publication: 2012

ISBN:  0425246582

Genre: urban fantasy, paranormal romance
Violence: strong
Language: normal
sex: strong
Public: 18+

Source: bought
 

Description from goodreads :

 Enter New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s darkly beautiful world of archangels and immortal power, as a pact is sealed between two souls bound by blood, stirred by desire, and driven by vengeance…

With wings of midnight and an affinity for shadows, Jason courts darkness. But now, with the Archangel Neha’s consort lying murdered in the jewel-studded palace that was his prison and her rage threatening cataclysmic devastation, Jason steps into the light, knowing he must unearth the murderer before it is too late.

Earning Neha’s trust comes at a price—Jason must tie himself to her bloodline through the Princess Mahiya, a woman with secrets so dangerous, she trusts no one. Least of all an enemy spymaster.


With only their relentless hunt for a violent, intelligent killer to unite them, Jason and Mahiya embark on a quest that leads to a centuries-old nightmare… and to the dark storm of an unexpected passion that threatens to drench them both in blood.

My opinion:

          This is a series i keep enjoying a lot as Nalini Singh always manage to spice up the  series' plot with little elements coming to enlighten the investigation and a lot more coming to show us how bigger and more mysterious it will be. I Love that!

Now that the plot running along the series , the " fil rouge" but each book has a main storyline as well and those are also captivating. I was always intrigued by Jason as we only saw from time to time a little and learned even more little. When I discovered he was the main character  in this book i had to get it without delay even if i wasn't that far yet in the series and I'm delighted i did get it.

Jason's story is really heartbreaking, he may be an angel of high power he is broken. We could imagine his past was hard but  not too that level or not that early since we know how precious children are in the angels' culture. I always loved his  relationship with Elena, while protective of Raphael, Jason wasn't outright hostile and  know i understand it even better.

So Jason is Raphael's spymaster, that we knew, however the extent of his talent  and of his means wasn't revealed yet. Discovering that an archangel's consort , Eris, is dead and having an idea of the disaster it could cause, he doesn't hesitate to go to the lion den, or the serpent den is more accurate since he goes to Neha, to try to calm things down by finding the culprit.

As an external agent though, he can't go freely so Neha requires a blood vow, a older practice, to bind him to her niece  Mahiya and as an archangel you can guess she has ulterior motives as well.

Mahiya can be a princess, she is treated as such in name only as Neha hates her and think of her as a tool only. However under the appearances, Mahiya is a dove in a serpent nest. Fragile but not without strengths she is biding her time until she can leave without being killed or worse. Jason isn't what she expected but soon she sees him as an ally because he is the only one giving her  credit and respect.

Those two are a good match and i really loved how they learned slowly about each other and how respect was essential in their relationship.

The investigation is really interesting and kept me turning the page to confirm my suspicions and to get more of Jason and Mahiya. Some chapters though focus on Dmitri and Honor marriage and aftermath. i loved to get more of those but at the same time i admit that at time i was so focused on Jason and Mahiya that  the other couple bothered me ( i'm complicated i know)

All together it's really a fantastic book, i still prefer Elena/ Raphael as a couple but  i want more of the seven as well so it's a series i will follow with pleasure)

Score:  4,5/5

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review

Challenges:

Archangel’s Blade ( Guild Hunter 4) by Nalini Singh

Hello to all,

                      Nearly the end of the week already but i haven't forgotten you, in hope to stay motivated into reading despite all the  problems happening lately i decided to stay on safe ground with an author i've come to love and a series quite addictive

Happy reading!

Publisher: Berkley Sensation

Publication: 2011

ISBN:  0425243915

Genre: urban fantasy, paranormal romance
Violence: strong
Language: mild
sex: strong
Public: 18+

Source: gifted

Short description from goodreads :

 The severed head marked by a distinctive tattoo on its cheek should have been a Guild case, but dark instincts honed over hundreds of years of life compel the vampire Dmitri to take control. There is something twisted about this death, something that whispers of centuries long past...but Dmitri's need to discover the truth is nothing to the vicious strength of his response to the hunter assigned to decipher the tattoo.

Savaged in a brutal attack that almost killed her, Honor is nowhere near ready to come face to face with the seductive vampire who is an archangel's right hand, and who wears his cruelty as boldly as his lethal sensuality...the same vampire who has been her secret obsession since the day she was old enough to understand the inexplicable, violent emotions he aroused in her.


As desire turns into a dangerous compulsion that might destroy them both, it becomes clear the past will not stay buried. Something is hunting...and it will not stop until it brings a blood-soaked nightmare to life once more...

My opinion:

          DIMITRI! Oh my he just got a helluva amount of bonus point with this novel…. Until this point he was really dark, mysterious and we could feel it had more to his story but his attitude with Elena had me not liking him a lot. Now that we learn, part of, his past we can understand him a lot more, his reaction makes sense but we also discover another side of him I knew him, loyal, stubborn, vicious and cruel but protective ( for someone else than Raphael I mean) and attentive….. that’s new and he is so romantic as well….. I really felt his pain.

This story focuses on him and his past via his meeting with Honor, a guild member that was abducted and tortured not too long ago. Honor is loving character but she has been hurt so deeply that he partially changed her, she is terrified and hiding but as an expert in language her talent are needed when a tattoo need to be identified… she doesn’t go happily to say the least but it shows how loyal and courageous she is. The meeting with Dimitri doesn’t start really well as her terror affect her to the point she acts by instinct alone… however Dimitri is able to recognize that situation and he acts accordingly…. . He is surprised to be attracted so strongly to this woman and he doesn’t want to open its heart but her pain remind him of his own and he helps her .. with him we quickly discover the real Honor, the courageous, determined and compassionate one.

 The investigation about the severed head is done while in the meantime Dimitri goes on a search for the culprit on Honor’s case….it’s something deep rooted in him, he want to makes them pay… and since Honor is a fighter that investigation won’t be done without her, same as the first one… Dimitri perhaps wants to protect her but she wants to be active. I really loved their interactions and how it taught us about their respective past. The fact we get to see some others characters ( illium, Elena but also Ash and Vivek)is something is absolutely love in this series…it help to quick the action moving at adequate rhythm.

This is not my favourite book in the series but it gave me a totally new insights on several characters and just make me want for more. Definitively a fantastic series to be recommended.

Score:  4/5

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review

Challenges::

Archangel’s Consort ( Guild Hunter 3) by Nalini Singh

Hello to all!

                         After a good Easter weekend under the sun, i 'm feeling quite invigorated  and since it seems we will get a few more days sunny with better temperature too spring is finally here and it was time.
What do i plan for my April reading goals? Mostly i will focus on reading as many paperback as i can since i've entered the reading Challenge hosted by Lavender ...so i will try to read some and left them to be reviewed later ( if i can) also i would like to read some of those i received for my birthday..which titles first i don't know i will see what i will feel like reading at the time . For now i started with a gift from last year and a series i've become really addicted to^^.

so Happy Reading!

Publisher: Berkley Sensation

Publication: 2011

ISBN:  0425240134

Genre: urban fantasy, paranormal, romance

Violence: strong
Language: mild
sex: strong
Public: 18+

Source: gifted

Short description from goodreads :

 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 opinion:

        Elena’s story keeps surprising me as Nalini Singh really has created a captivating universe and has a way with words that entice you.

After reading some of the novellas I was happy to get back on Elena and Raphael and see how they were doing,  I love how the novellas helped me to have a deeper  insight on the book without being an obligatory reads either, however Archangel’s consort is the third book in the guild hunter series and to enjoy it I do recommend you to read the series in order. In this one we get a lot of memories of what happened before and some background info I do think I would have been a little lost if I had jumped in the series just now.

Elena is adjusting to her wings and even more to her place at Raphael’s sides and she is ready to fight for that. It’s something i love about her: her tenacity and the fact she doesn’t back down (even if it would mean she would be less bruised). She is keeping up with Raphael really well considering the circumstances all while trying to stay herself and true to her friends. Raphael is also learning but slower… he does recognise Elena’s need for freedom and he do try to indulge her but as a arrogant archangel it’s not so easily done^^ Still I love how he is and it’s part of what make me smile when they banter together.

This time I really appreciated how the author kept giving us news about characters from precedents stories, it helped me to fall back right in track while I had to wait a little bit before reading this book.  The whole series is built around a red line we still don’t really grasp and all events are linked together in way we don’t see immediately which leaves us for more surprises and;  it’s something I love because while we don’t have all the answers for the main story each book offer you some closure.

This time events are happening around the world, vampires loosing it to bloodlust, angels behaviour becoming erratic and lot of natural disasters… all put together  can mean only one thing: an Ancient is awakening and it could be Raphael’s mother Calliane. However it’s not necessarily happy news as before she went to sleep she was so mad she nearly killed him….but part of Raphael wants to hope even if he does not recognise it.

Elena’s presence is really an asset for him because her sheer determination is something that can change the situation.

However while the story focus on the events and Raphael history with Calliane, we also discover more about Elena’s past and family… I don’t want to reveal anything to those who are not that far in the series but let me tell you it sounds really REALLY promising!

I’m really considering jumping immediately on book 4 without any delays but I will perhaps check first if I don’t have novellas that should be read before which it’s not easy as Nalini Singh does have a way to get you addicted to her characters^^

Wonderful new instalment to the series!

Score:  4,5/5

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review

Challenges:

Angels’ Judgment (Guild Hunter 0.5) by Nalini Singh

Hello to all!

                        In my area, today ( oki the whole weekend) we enjoyed a fantastic weather.. sun , no rain and at least 10 degrees above the normal ( up to 25°C!) as a result i tried to stay outside as much as i could to savor it after all.. this nigh teh rain is already back and tomorrow the temperatures drops.
However even the sun did not kept me from reading a minimum and since this month is about paranormal creature i plan to try to read a little about as many as i can. After gargoyle and siren as principal characters i decided today to go back on a serie i really love... the Guild hunter one by Nalini Singh...however with a little twist...because this novella, part of the Angel's Flight anthology, focuses on the hunters not as much on the angels and vampires but don't worry you will get more of those later

 So without more delay here comes my opinion on Angels' Judgement by Nalini Singh

happy reading

Short description from goodreads :

In Angels’ Judgment a hunter must track one of her own gone bad, while surviving the deadly tests placed in her way by the archangels themselves. Unexpected backup comes from a stranger who might just be the most lethal threat of all...


This is a compelling, sexy addition to the Guild Hunter universe.

My opinion:

          Nalini Singh focuses on the Guild Hunter as a whole how it’s structured, directed and how it fits in the Angels’ world and to do so she is telling us the story of Sara and Deacon first meeting. It’s an interesting read if you are new to the series but for once, even if it’s a prequel I would recommend it to be read after book 1 and or book 2

It’s happening before the events of the main series as Sara isn’t the director of the guild yet and Deacon is still the slayer even if he works as weapons master already. In fact we discover the guild depths as Sara does, the fact that there is a intel section, that a slayer exist as a honourable function for when a hunter goes rogue which seems not as uncommon as it was first imagined.

Yes, if you have read the main series you know how it will end but at the same time you are surprised because if you knew the final result how it came to be wasn’t told until now.

Several vampires are being killed and a hunter is suspected. Such a situation necessity the Slayer to come in action since hunting fellow hunters is his responsibility. However Sarah has been nominated as possible candidate for director’s job and that means a lot of trouble ahead. Simon, the current director, knows that alone you can’t win what will come and he decide that Deacon can do the hunt while taking Sara as his partner to protect her if needed. Did he knew more? I like to think so but perhaps it will be matter for another novella.

The investigation is interesting as we learn about the guild at the same time and some characters, like Elena, you met in the main series do intervene.  I never imagined Sara like that either but she was a hunter at first (which we tend to forget) and Deacon is simply too good to be true. Until now in the series he was only in the background, we learn about what he is doing via Sara and via the weapon he made but that’s all. Now we see him as the fighter he can be, and what a warrior.

We also discover that Sarah has a kind of power we didn’t know.

 To resume it was a really good read when addicted to the Guild series you want a little more between each release!

Score:  4/5

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review

Angels’ Dance ( Guild Hunter 0.4) by Nalini Singh

Hello to all!

                      We really need to know what we what because before it was too hot  and now we are under the norm for the season ^^. No need to complain but it has come effect that the more fragile constitution tends to catch virus or at least strong cold with the yoyo ( one day 25°C the next 15 and rain all day^^ hard to know what clothes to pick^^)

Back to the reading part of my schedule, like i told you i'm a little more romantic suspense lately but i can't resist paranormal and urban fantasy; so instead of giving you all the same genre in a row i decided to tend you with the guild hunter novellas between each book ^^ What can i say ? Nalini Singh stories are really addictive^^

So today we do back to another novella , part of the prequel but that can be read later in the series as well...and remember you can get all these novellas in print in the omnibus "Angel's Flight" it's quite the must have for the fan of this series. If you prefer digital, Angels' Dance is available individually as well

Happy Reading!

Publisher: Berkley Books

Publication: 2012

ISBN:  1101606517

Genre: paranormal romance
Violence: mild
Language: normal
sex: strong
Public: 18+

Source: won
 

Short description from goodreads :

 The gentle teacher of angelic young, and the keeper of her people's histories, Jessamy is respected and admired by everyone who knows her. Yet, born unable to soar into flight, she has spent thousands of years trapped in the mountain stronghold of the Refuge, her heart encased in painful loneliness...until the arrival of Galen, warrior angel from a martial court.


Rough-edged and blunt, Galen is a weapons-master at home with violence, a stranger to the sweet words it takes to woo a woman--but he is also a man determined to claim Jessamy for his own, to dance with her through the skies denied her for so very long...even if their exhilarating passion proves as dangerous as the landscape of war and unrest that lies before them.

My opinion:

          Fabulous, moving and funny! This is the perfect prequel for a series as the story feels complete, gives us a insight of a new universe and just makes us want more!

I started with the main series so in book 2 we meet Jessamy and see more of Galen… with the few moments where Jessamy appears I loved her and I wanted to learn more about her. Galen, he is still quite a egnima but at least we knows he has a big heart. I didn’t know at first that Angels’ Dance  would focus on these two but what a great surprise.

This story takes place long before the event in the series so we see a young Galen petitioning to join the Archangel Raphael’s army … we see his reason and how Raphael gained his trust.  I did enjoy to see Raphael young and not as affected as he will be but what pleased me even more was to discover how the Seven, his loyal guards, met each others and created  friendship links. We see that it’s Galen who gave Illium his surname and both are quite funny together.

 Galen is so blunt that he hurts, shocks but it’s not done with malice at all… as a warrior, educated by warriors he simply wants to be direct. He doesn’t see the reason for being subtle as of yet … that in life, in his relation with his subordinate and superiors but also with his romantic interest.

Jessamy has lived a secluded life in a sense, because she can’t fly she didn’t feel confident enough around the other angels and preferred to be alone… not that it was a really her wish but it’s what she thought she deserved.  Still she managed to be respected and really useful by teaching the youngs and keeping the Angels’ history. Alone for more than 2000 years she is surprised when a gorgeous, nearly naked male approach her. His words spoken without any politics destabilise her but despite all her attempt to ignore it she is well attracted to this barbarian more intelligent than he let it on.

When someone tries to kill her, it’s Galen who interferes and as a warrior used to get what he wants he is determined to get Jessamy for him and to protect her even if she doesn’t accept…Learning to know each other and to trust each other while keeping her safe, each of them discover that the other is more that he/she looks and secrets are revealed as the trust grows.

 This is a wonderful romance about acceptance and I was moved by Jessamy suffering and Galen‘s attempts to open her eyes. The characters shows new side of them as the story progress and the heat level goes up steadily. Written by a expert this story is definitively a must read for lovers of paranormal romance.

 Can be read as first introduction to the Guild Hunter series or later, this is simply a fabulous romance not to be missed

Score:  5/5

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review

Archangel’s Kiss ( Guild Hunter 2) by Nalini Singh

Hello to all,

                        Yesterday was our National Day and usually it means rain and a lot of it... for once i was hoping for it after the heat wave we had but sadly  only a few drop reached up and it's still as suffocating as before. Really 30°c and more are too much for my country.

One advantage is that since i had to stay at home i could read a little more and i went on a Nalini Singh reads frenzy... so as to avoid  reviewing two suspense romance in a row  i decided to review the second book in the Guild Hunter series first trying to avoid too many spoilers...later you should also get my opinion on several novellas but  let stay in the main series first. That being said some of the novellas can be read first but  i only felt that one could be needed " Angels' Pawn"  and only to have a deeper understanding the others while set before can wait after this second book.

 Happy Reading

Publisher: Berkley Sensation

Publication: 2010

ISBN:  0425233367

Genre: urban fantasy, paranormal romance
Violence: Strong
Language: normal
sex: strong
Public: 18+

Source: bought

Short description from goodreads :

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh returns to her world of angelic rulers, vampiric servants, and the woman thrust into their darkly seductive world...

Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux wakes from a year-long coma to find herself changed—an angel with wings the colors of midnight and dawn—but her fragile body needs time to heal before she can take flight. Her lover, the stunningly dangerous archangel, Raphael, is used to being in control—especially when it comes to the woman he considers his own. But Elena has never done well with authority.


They've barely begun to understand each other when Raphael receives an invitation to a ball from the archangel, Lijuan. To refuse would be a sign of fatal weakness, so Raphael must ready Elena for the flight to Beijing—and to the nightmare that awaits them there. Ancient and without conscience, Lijuan holds a power that lies with the dead. And she has organized the most perfect and most vicious of welcomes for Elena.

My opinion:

          I love this series more and more but honestly I’m really glad I have read “Angel’s Pawn” before starting this one, it’s not a necessity Nalini Singh is a perfect storyteller and you understand the story in this book without difficult even without having read the novella. However Elena do speak about what Ashwini saw and felt during the events set in Angel’s pawn…so when you have read the novella you can relate to those events and see how it affected the hunter as well as imagine what it could meant for Elena.

One story you can’t miss though is “Angels’ blood” the first book in the guild Hunter series because this one start right after the last one finished and this new adventure is simply captivating. Elena is learning to cope with what she has become which isn’t as easy as it sound even worse because of what is happening she has to speed up the process. That being said, she stays as she was, strong willed, not hesitating to let Raphael knows what she thinks which is why I like her character. We also discover a new facet of her past as she starts to remember.

The Refuge is a secret sacred place where the offspring of the angels can grow up loved and cherished, it’s a place of peace even if it’s divided in different sectors between the common places, and the part of each archangels. No mortals until now knew it existed..  Unfortunately some power hungry being decided to change that and suddenly a vampire is found tortured and nearly dying, Elena is threatened , murders  happens and worse… the most sacred taboo is violated: a young was targeted.

Raphael needs Elena Hunter born sense to track those responsible even if she isn’t fully recovered  but deeply linked to her he also must adjust to all that changed, him being the first ones.  He is starting to open up and he isn’t as sure of himself as he let people think, angels’ politics though gives him a lot of responsibility and he is well aware that he can’t seem weak if he wants to protect those under him.

The Seven, his most trusted followers/ guards are in charge of protecting Elena and to teach her some things as well. I really appreciate Illium, I found him interesting in Angel’s blood, now I’m even more intrigued. This angel really appreciates Elena and perhaps he is the only one but with a Raphael hyper possessive it can be dangerous as well.

Dimitri, Galen, Venom, Jason and Aodhan are obeying Raphael’s orders to protect her as well but they don’t hesitate to show how it displeases them. They still believe she is dangerous for Raphael and since they are loyal to him only she doesn’t feel safe the entire time in their company. Nalini Singh  dropped some hints on each of them so we gradually starts to know them and perhaps even appreciate a few of them ( seeing Galen so entranced by Deacon ‘s works and his reaction at  discovering that Elena knew him made me smile). Each one has its own secrets, the same they drew them into giving their loyalty to the Archangel Raphael and not another one but those we still must wait to discover.

 The investigation has a few twists that really make you turn the pages, not wanting to put the book down since you don’t want to miss any detail that could appear as capital later.  The plot is well built really with a good balance between the action, training time and investigation which alternates with some apparent peaceful moment, some cute and moving scenes or others really steamy .

 At the end, you really feel like for a time things calm down for Raphael and Elena, the investigation are solved, the case of Liujan handled so I’m guessing the next book will see a change of characters and honestly for once I don’t mind. I love Elena and Raphael, I want more of them but  I do want to discover more about Elijah and about the seven, as well as learning more about the others hunters we came across so far. I would enjoy greatly if the next books while focusing on others still gave little insight on what his happening for those we have met and then to later have Elena back in the main role but for now I’m happy to let her rest and adapt.

 To resume this is a really a captivating series but yes the books must be read in order to fully get the whole universe, novella are a good addition not a necessity so far but if you can just read it  Nalini Singh put the same precision and works into her novella and her novels so the quality is really really that good and while you can miss the novella  to understand and have a grip of the story, missing them would be sad as they are great story that can add some bonus in the universe comprehension.

I’m really glad I received book 3 so my birthday because I don’t think I will wait a long time before jumping back in it for more adventures.

Score:  4,5/5

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review

Challenges: