Return to Nalini Singh’s darkly passionate Guild Hunter world with this New York Times bestseller, where human-turned-angel Elena Deveraux, consort to Archangel Raphael, is thrust center stage into an eons-old prophecy… she’s regressing. Becoming more and more human. Easier to hurt. Easier to kill.
Elena and Raphael must unearth the reason for the regression before Elena falls out of the sky. Yet even as they fight a furious battle for Elena’s very survival, violent forces are gathering across the world. In China, the Archangel Favashi is showing the first signs of madness. In New York, a mysterious sinkhole filled with lava swallows a man whole. In Africa, torrential monsoon rains flood rolling deserts. And in Elena’s mind whispers a haunting voice that isn’t her own.
This time, survival may not be possible…not even for the consort of an archangel.
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I JUST DON’T KNOW!!!!!!!
I wanted to love this book. I have loved every book she has written. This book, I did not love like the previous books in this series. I don’t have a problem with the books that center around Raphael and Elena, I love these two as a couple. But, this one they seemed to have a bit of a disconnect. They were constantly apart, and they really needed to be together, cause s**t was happening.
THE CASCADE!
Well, the Cascade is hitting big in this book, and hitting hard. The rest would be spoilers, but I don’t know if I like where this is going. NOW, the big issue. I do not like books with huge cliffhangers at the end. Well, guess what, huge cliff hanger at the end! I kept turning the pages to find the rest of the story and it was not there!
All the other books in this series and in the Psy/Changeling series have been a solid 5 star read, this book I rated 4 stars. Ms. Singh writes phenomenal stories. Her world building is incredible. I rated this a 4 star because of the cliff hanger and the disconnect with their relationship.
Thank you to Berkley for the ARC.
ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY represents all the things I love about the Guild Hunter series and also all things that I do not. It highlights Nalini Singh’s incredible storytelling. This book showcases her vast imagination and complex world-building. I appreciate how this world is distinct from her other popular Psy-Changeling series. For me, this series feels a little darker. It is edgier and more violent.
We are dealing with beings with incredible powers, some of whom are hundreds and others who are thousands of years.
This book reaches deep into the heart of the series. Like several of the other books, the author brings us back to the original couple who start the series, Archangel Raphael and his human born consort-turned-angel, Elena. Raphael and Elena must deal with the Cascade, “a confluence of time and unknown critical events that …ignite[es] a power surge in the archangels that rule the world, with a side-helping of random cataclysmic occurrences….”, the potential rise of an evil archangel, Lujan, a threat to Elena’s human family, and finally a threat to Elena’s own life. Yes, there is a lot going on. The Cascade and the Lujan menace are part of an larger story arch that is coming to fruition and is expected, the prophecy that threatens Elena is not. It is a clever plot twist that adds an emotional threat to our beloved couple. Often Raphael is so powerful, it seems as though there is nothing he cannot do. This situation is way beyond his control and it adds an urgency to the story that keeps me turning the pages.
What I find a cumbersome is the language of the Ancients. Whether it by an archangel or by one of the Legion, they are constantly prophesying. Truthfully, it adds too much confusion and frustration to both the characters and the readers because we are left hanging for a long time for the prophecy to come true. It adds to the slow pacing, especially in the first half of the book. There is a lot of set up to the narrative and it bogs down the pace.
This series takes an investment. As a fan of a few long running series, I stick with them because of this kind of payoff. This book is NOT a standalone. The reader absolutely needs the context of the relationships and familiarity with the characters. The author brings many of our favorites back for this story. As much as I think this book is a gift, it is also a curse because there is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end. All I can say is that this story is clearly bigger than what can be contained in one book. I believe that the next book will be out in 2019, so we will not have a long wait and something tells me we are in for something awesome.
I did something I always do at some point before I write my review. I read the 1 star reviews. And I have to say I don’t understand the people who gave 1 star with long terrible reviews. How can you seriously dismiss an author simply because they are making you wait for the next book to see what happens? Talk about your fairweather fans!
This book was extremely poignant and definitely the precursor to an evolution of the series. If she had kept up with the same old same old it would have gotten boring. This one took us to a whole new place. A place of change, heartache, possible war and a warping of the world as we knew it.
I don’t want to do any spoilers so I’m going to be very careful here. There was a point where I actually had to stop reading to pull myself back together again. It is a rare talent that can make me so emotional that I have to stop reading. From beginning to end, even with Elena’s daddy issues which I admit I could do without, there’s change coming and you can feel it. What is a series if not change? Wouldn’t a series stagnate if there were never any change in circumstances, personalities and world relations? Nalini Singh has made me love everyone in her books. Even the ones that are cruel and evil. I love how vivid they are.
I will always read everything Guild Hunter or Psy Changeling. She wrote books that have captured me to the extent that no matter what the cost, no matter how much her publishers raise prices, I’ll still pay what they want. Because, as is with any extreme talent, she has made me need to know what happens next. To say this book disappointed because it got deeper in language, description and characterization (which these 1 star readers called flowery dialog? Ugh!) is to say we only want simple books. Yes, it got deep. Yes it went into a different direction than it has been going in so far. Yes it seems at first blush a little confusing. But that just made me pay closer attention so I didn’t miss a single thing in what she was trying to portray. There’s real change coming here and you have to pay attention. You have to be willing to absorb what you’re reading and accept that this change is real and intentional and will bring the series to new and interesting places. A chrysalis is a place of evolution. Of change. Of transformation. Waiting for the revelation of what changes are coming is going to be hard, but I’ll do it with a smile because I’m so intrigued that I’m dying for the next book. To me, that is a real literary talent that can make people willing to wait as long as it takes to find out what they have in store for us next. She amazes me with every book.
You, Nalini Singh, are a massive talent. Don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise. So Very Very Well Done! You broke me and that’s a very hard thing to do, so Very Very Well Done!
I love this series, but this book left me with such a book hangover… I need more! Well played, Nalini Singh, well played. 🙂
I do love this series, but I have to say it is getting to be a fairly complicated world, not that’s not true. It’s alway been a complicated world, I am just starting to get lost inside of it. Remembering exactly who is who is becoming more and more challenging.
Archangel’s Prophecy through me for a little bit of a loop because I feel like it completely left me in limbo. Some major things have happened but we have no true understanding of the hows and the whys. The Cascade is running rampant and turning this world of angels, vampires, and mortals upside down. It’s honestly a bit of a scary reflection of our world today, or at least how I can say I feel here in the U.S. We’re surrounded by chaos and turmoil, never knowing what will be coming at us next or if our leaders are or will stay sane. There is something in the air, in the ground that isn’t right and it’s changing the world around us in unexplainable ways.
As always I adore the characters in this series. Raphael and Elena will always be a favorite couple of mine, heck characters in general. ‘BlueBell’, oh ‘BlueBell’, I can’t wait for your story. And sweet Jessamy and Galen…oh my heart, what is going to happen? I know I talk about how hard it is getting to follow along and remember the details of every character, but I will say that I am not looking forward to the day that we have conclusion. I will miss these characters with all my heart.
I know, I know, maybe I am looking too deeply and searching for something in this book to help understand our world in their world, but it truly feels like Nalini is, of course with a lot of imagination, that she sees everything, that it is happening around her too and that confusion and fear we are feeling is the same confusion and fear even the mighty Raphael is feeling too. We are not alone, and neither are Raphael or Elena.
If you are a fan of this series, you need to read this, because every thing is changing. If you have not started this series, don’t start here. This is truly a series I feel like you must read from book one on. I know it sees daunting, this is book 11 after all (and doesn’t include the novellas) but I think you will be lost. You won’t be totally lost, but there is no true explanation of what is happening in this world, you have to have a basic understanding of who Raphael and Elena are and all the challenges that have come before now. Every book is an adventure and while some books focus on other characters and their romances, each books storyline leads us through adventures that have built upon the one that came before it.
I listened to this on audio, and love the way that the narrator of this series, Justine Eyre, ‘reads’ these books. She is so good at switching between the characters voices and it is easy to know exactly who she is voicing even if we aren’t told. She has a distinct voice for each person and I can’t imagine them sounding like anyone else. It is fun to be able to hear their individual accents as well…I mean who would have guessed Illium would have the voice that she gives him, but honestly it is perfect. It is a sweet voice, almost child like, (and considering he is considered a bit of a baby angel, it fits so well) and full of lightness and heart. Raphael a deep commanding voice, Jason, a quiet mysterious voice…honestly she just nails each one perfectly! So if you are an audio ‘reader’ I highly recommend this series as a must listen! <3
~ HAPPY READING ~
Wait… What?
Oh my freaking goodness! I have no words. Raphael and Elena’s story just took a most unexpected turn that had me dreading the outcome. I don’t know what I will do as I wait for the next installment of this series. All I can say is that the Cascade is seriously messing with them all. I couldn’t put it down and now I’m just left wrecked.
I loved this book!!! No one writes like this author and this series is so original. Please don’t tell me it will be another year before the next one is out!
I loved it. Elena and Raphael are strongly built characters that stay true to themselves and grow as individuals and into their love for each other more and more every book. I knew early on in reading that there was a ‘cliffhanger’ so I was expecting it to be something that really messed with my emotions. But it wasn’t your normal cliffhanger, it was just not the way Ms. Singh normally winds things up.
I trust Ms. Singh to wind everything else up in the next book like she always does. With heart and laughter. I’m not looking forward to the long wait but I am looking forward to the next Guild Hunter novel.
I’ve been a fan of this author for years, and I always really enjoy her books, this one not being an exception. This latest in the series (book 11, really?) is just a thrill-ride full of action, heartache, emotions…just everything. I do admit at first it took a little bit to get involved in the book, but once everything settled in place, I was enthralled. And, yes, everything came to a screeching halt with the cliffhanger, and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next. The series isn’t going stale even after this long, and I appreciate the wonderful journey to his point. I received a complimentary copy of this, and I voluntarily left a review.
I don’t really know what to say about this one! I mean, I loved seeing more Raphael and Elena, the Seven, Elena’s family, and the Guild Hunters. Even the mystery absorbed my attention. However, Nalini cut my heart into itty-bitty pieces with the turmoil she put Elena and Raphael through!
And then!
To leave off with THAT cliffhanger!
Seriously?!!
Talk about diabolical planning…
Hot damn. HOT. DAMN.
Who do I have to sleep with to get the next book in this series, because the cliffhanger in this one? It just may kill me.
But seriously. I started reading Archangel’s Prophecy with the firm belief that everything will be OK in the end, I’d get to spend time with one of my favorite couples and I ended up being on an emotional roller coaster that at times had my heart fly out of my chest.
Nothing is right in Elena and Raphael’s world. Elena reversing from immortal to mortal is giving both of them (and everyone else around them) serious grief. The prophecy doesn’t predict sweet things for Elena and the Cascade is back in full effect. At the same time while she is fighting weird symptoms that weaken her our beloved Guild Hunter is trying to solve a case that involves her brother in law being assaulted and in a coma. No rest for the wicked. Or so.
“I will undo the universe for you.”
In all of this, however, we see the deep love the mortal-turned-angel and her archangel have for one another. It is something Nalini Singh excels at – she doesn’t just tell us what her characters feel, she shows us and makes us feel along with them with every beautiful word she writes. You feel Raphael’s despair and fury about his helplessness in the face of Elena’s decline, his endless love for her that can only be described in superlatives. The way he loves her is just breathtakingly sweet and beautiful, they are made for one another.
Elena’s determination and love for life, her smart mouth, her keen intelligence and her hope even when things are hopeless, those are the things I adore so much about her. It’s all there.
ARCHANGEL PROPHECY is one of my top favorites in this series. It kept me on the edge of my seat with its twists and turns, had me holding my breath and shattered my heart and shredded it in the best way possible. And that CLIFFHANGER. Why? How can Nalini Singh leave us hanging like that?
Now the wait begins for the next book and I hope that Ms Singh writes like the wind.
So. If anyone can point me to the person who I need to bribe for the next book…I pay well.
Just kidding. I don’t have money. My offer from the beginning of my review stands.
4.5 Stars!
Man, Oh, Man. What a ride. When I picked up this book, I honestly didn’t know what to expect or what I was getting into. I should start this review by telling you that I haven’t read any of the previous books in the series. I know. I know. After reading this book, I definitely need to. I had never even heard about this series until I came across the Archangel’s Prophecy. And once I read the synopsis for this book, I knew I couldn’t wait to get caught up, I just had to jump right in. So, I’ll be honest with you, in the beginning, I did have a little trouble getting into this story, but that is of no fault, but my own since I didn’t have all the previous stories history. That being said, once I got into this story, I couldn’t put it down. I immediately got lost in the characters and their story. I was captivated. I was intrigued. I was dying for more. Archangel’s Prophecy kept me on the edge of my seat while delivering all the feels. I was not expecting this story to take me on such an emotional ride, but boy did it ever. This story was so unexpected and the ending not only shocked me, but has me dying to get my hands on the next book. And I can promise you, when time allows, I am definitely going to start this series over from the very beginning.
Archangel’s Prophecy was a fabulous read from beginning to end. I loved the world that the this author has created and found her story-telling to be very refreshing. I loved all the paranormal and fantasy elements. The characters grab you from the very first page and their story will leave you riveted. Archangel’s Prophecy left me with a lot of questions that I am excited to get the answers for. I am so glad I went with my instincts and picked up this book. I will definitely be checking out more from this author in the future.
Amazing!!! Ok, call me crazy but I seem to like to jump into series just to see if I’ll like it. I didn’t like it. I LOVED it! Like really, really loved it! I’ve actually never read this author before either. Again, crazy I know. I kept seeing her books pop up with so many of my book friends and I get it now. I’m so excited that I get to go back to book one and enjoy the ride Nalini Singh has created.
What did I love about it so much? I’ll start with Raphael. He was perfection to me. I have this thing for heroes who are dangerous and scary, cold and aloof, but only if he isn’t that way to the heroine. I like the idea that only she can make him human. Now, there were some flash backs that hint at him not being that way to her in the beginning but instead of making me leery, I’m more anxious to see how she broke through to him. And what he did at the end of this book…WOW!
On top of my favorite type of hero, this also had my favorite type of heroine. Elena was awesome! I love a heroine who is tough but soft with their hero. A heroine who can fight and kick some serious butt. That’s Elana. Even during her struggle of regressing back to human she kicked butt in this book. Added bonus was she wasn’t too tough to lean on Raphael. She called him when she needed him instead of stubbornly trying to not appear weak. This couple was fantastic!
Side characters were so interesting and added enough into this book that get me excited to see if any of them have a book of their own. Then the plot had me at the edge of my seat. I had no idea where things were headed and had me pushing to read faster. It didn’t dissappoint.
That ending is huge. It’s a major cliffhanger and I can not wait to see what is going to happen next. I’m so happy I jumped into this series. Nalini Singh has a new fan in me. I want more!
Copy received via Netgalley for an honest review
I am new to the Guild Hunter series (my fault, when I requested this book I read it is book #1 not #11) however I am hooked.
What an emotional ride. I had no idea what to expect as I dove in, as I have not read any of Nalini Singh’s paranormal books. I have enjoyed her other other books that I have read thought.
It felt, to me as a new to series reader, that there were big changes on the horizon, but that could just be me.
And OMG, that ending? Woah.
I will be going back to read the previous books in the series, and am looking forward to reading more in the future.
***5 ‘Fear Will Not Ruin Us’ Stars***
Really? REALLY? That’s where things end off?!?!?
*Takes a deep breath and lets it out*
Ok, so, this book took me on one h$%l of a ride. I mean between the synopsis and the first lines of some of the reviews already posted simply from scrolling through GR, (I refused to read any in full and kept scrolling) I knew it would be intense, but I wasn’t fully prepared for it all. I laughed (super-parasites), I got all kinds of swoony and twitterpated but I also got all growly and even had the whole sniffly, rapid eye blinking pretending I had dust in my eyes thing going on. This hit all my buttons and with that ending? Yeah, I need the next book in the series like…yesterday.
Now, I’m a fangirl of the author and the series, so you can imagine how excited I get when the next book in the series is announced. I don’t care if it’s a book focused on Raphael or Elena or on another couple, I simply adore the world of the Guild Hunter and all the crazy that goes on in it and Archangel’s Prophecy solidified its place in my bookishAF heart. I loved seeing how Raphael and Elena’s relationship has evolved and how strong they are together, even when it broke my heart to see the toll the prophecy was taking on them.
But even more than that, I loved seeing how the relationships between all of the characters I’ve come to know, love and in some cases, tolerate have evolved. Getting to spend time with the Seven, the Guild Hunters, Tower staff and Elena’s family, as well as the Cadre, was a lot of fun and is something always I look forward to whenever I pick up a GH book and this one is chock full of moments. There were a few things that surprised me and a couple of not new, but not well known characters until now, that have peaked my interest and I’m crossing my toes we will see more of them in the future, but overall I got everything I had been jonesing for when it came to this unique cast of characters…at least for now.
I know that this is all vague and verbal vomitty and I haven’t gone in depth at all when it comes to the plot, but that is on purpose. You the reader need to go into as blind as possible, though I think I’ve set you on a semi-knowing path with just my feelings on it. What I will say is that I thoroughly enjoyed how the author wove all the elements together into an intriguing story. She has a way with words that draws me in and leaves me wanting more and in this case she definitely had me turning those pages to see what would happen next, as well as who would pop up and grace me with their presence next.
Note: If you haven’t started this series then this is NOT the place to start, pick up Angel’s Blood and get ready for a wild ride. And if you’re into audio, then I highly recommend the audiobooks, the narrator, Justine Eyre does an amazing job at bringing the characters and world to life!
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY is the eleventh instalment in Nalini Singh’s adult GUILD HUNTER dystopian/ paranormal/ urban fantasy series focusing on Archangel’s, angels, vampires, shifters and hunters. ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY is the continuing story of New York’s Archangel Raphael, and his consort, human turned angel Elena Deveraux. ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY should not be read as a stand alone as the story line continues the series arc focusing on the Cascade, and the growing evil surrounding two of Cadre.
Told from several third person perspectives including Raphael and Elena ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY follows Elena as she tasks herself with uncovering the truth behind a series of attacks and dismemberment against vampires and humans including the near fatal attack against her sister’s mate. As Elena begins to dig deeper into everyone connected with Harrison’s past, strange phenomena and environmental disasters begin to wreak havoc in Raphael’s New York territory, phenomena that directly affects our story line heroine. Slowly reverting back to her mortal self, Elena sees apparitions and warnings of impending danger and doom, doom that the Archangel Raphael is powerless to prevent or defeat.
ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY is a love story wherein one of the most powerful beings is unable to prevent the fall-out of power, death, rebirth and the prophecy. Struggling to stay one step ahead of the approaching destruction of his heart and his soul Raphael learns that the ultimate sacrifice is only the beginning of a new awakening and his chance for a future.
Nalini Singh’s ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY is a captivating story of unimaginable conflict; of pain and loss, of heartache and grief. As our couple battle that which they cannot see, others must battle that which remains to be seen. ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY is a raw, real and powerful story; a startling and staggering look at devotion, love, sacrifice and the helplessness in the inability to stop the inevitable fall.
Another fantastic addition to the Guild Hunter series! I’ve reread the last third of the book 3 times because I just can’t move on yet! There has to be more!