After I devoured the first book in the Guild Hunters series titled Angel's Blood, I could not take a break. The first book ended in an exciting way that made me crave for more. More of the thrilling, epic world created by Nalini Singh. I immediately downloaded the second book titled Archangel's Kiss.
In the alternate universe upon which this series is built, we have about ten archangels that make up the Cadre Ten who split the territories between themselves and rule the world. They are the most powerful beings in this world. Next in the rank of power are the angels based on their age and connection to the archangels followed by the vampires (who are made by the angels). The humans are at the bottom of the hierarchy.
In the first book, the main heroine, Elena Devereaux, a guild hunter with the inborn ability to scent vampires and angels alike, was commissioned to find an archangel who had become insane and was filled with blood lust. In the course of her assignment, she and the Archangel of New York, Raphael, spent a lot of time together and fell in love.
I love how the first book ended with action scenes that involved the main hero, Archangel Raphael who had the backing of the Cadre Ten to execute the rogue archangel, and Elena. It was thrilling! After the battle, Elena was wounded beyond help and almost died. It was heartbreaking. Raphael would not let her go, so he gave her (for lack of a better term) the kiss of life!
Now you understand why the second book is so titled.
The second book, Archangel's Kiss, continues right from where Angel's Blood ended. In this book, readers are introduced to the unexpected - the making of an angel, a very rare occurrence among the angelic race. Archangel Raphael saved Elena's life by making her an angel and consequently, an immortal. For this distinct act unheard of in history, Raphael is envied by his fellow archangels.
Elena came into the line of fire when an ancient archangel within the Cadre Ten hosted a ball in her honour to showcase an angel-made to the world. It was a power-play event targeted at exposing her as Raphael’s weakness.
I'll say this second book is dangerously intriguing and seductive. It takes us through Elena's journey of growing into her immortal body, understanding the politics and power plays of the Cadre Ten, using her inborn ability to investigate spree killings and fighting her inner turmoil and childhood trauma that sprung to life to haunt her.
I was spellbound all through the 352 pages of the book for two days. There was not a single dull moment.
This author is quite a fantastic writer. She has a way with words. Her writing is rich and convincing, the settings vividly descriptive in a smooth and sophisticated way. If a reader is not careful, he or she may be deluded into thinking that Singh's epic make-believe world is real. Or maybe it is? Haha!
I'm onto the third book in the series. Again, I'll recommend this book to all paranormal fiction lovers.
Thank you for visiting my blog.