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… 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.
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I love reading these books. Deep down I do get a little disappointed when I’m reading one that does not evolve around Raphael and Elena but having said that I really enjoyed reading Archangels Storm. Even though this book was mostly based on Jason and Mahiya I really loved that we got to see what was going on Raphael and Elena as well as Dmitri and Honor.
Reading about the ‘spy master’ was a great chance to get to see what Jason really is all about. Having read Archangels Storm it finally answered several questions I had about Jason. Like What was really going on in his head. Jason is not all that disconnected from emotions as I had originally thought of him after the little glimpses we have had of him in previous books.
Once again another fantastic book
4 stars – It was really good
Jason is sent to Archangel Neha’s territory to uncover who has murdered her consort. Unfortunately being in her territory means he has to tie himself to her bloodline with a blood oath, and that tie is through Princess Mahiya. But Jason quickly realizes there is more to Mahiya than anyone knows.
I really enjoyed this one. Jason and Mahiya have a slower paced relationship because they both have extreme trust issues. Jason has been the quiet and dangerous spymaster for Rapahel throughout this series and we finally get a glimpse of his past, which was heartbreaking. Jason was a broken protector and I have liked his character from the beginning. This book just made me love him more.
Mahiya was an interesting character. She has lived as a princess of Neha’s court but knows that she is an expendable hostage. While everyone thinks she is weak, she has a will of steel and is determined to survive. I was surprised by how much I liked her. Mahiya was the perfect partner for Jason because they both have suffered trauma, prefer to live in the shadows, and both know the importance of true love.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable couple and some great story progression for the world. I am really interested in seeing how the future of the Cadre will change and what will happen with Lijuan.
Trigger Warnings: references of domestic violence leading to death and torture.
This was a great addition to the series and not only do we get to learn more about Raphael’s spymaster Jason we also get some more of Dimitri and Honor it was great to catch up with them especially considering Honor’s imminent transformation into a vampire.
We open with a wedding ceremony which Jason is attending when he gets news of a murder.
The consort of the archangel Neha has been violently slain.
Eris Neha’s consort has not been seen outside her court for over 300 years.
A betrayal led to her locking him away out of sight in a gilded prison the evidence of that misstep the princess Mahiya.
Jason is dispatched to investigate but first must swear a blood vow to one of Neha’s own.
Bound by a blood oath to Mahiya Jason swiftly realises there’s more to the princess than she allows others to see.
Having grown up in a den of vipers a vengeful archangel her guardian Mahiya is adept at playing the long game hiding her true face behind a pleasant mask.
Jason is one of the first to see beneath and she, in turn, is fascinated by the spymaster.
Lied and manipulated to her whole life she finds his bluntness and honesty refreshing.
There are no false promises from this angel something she appreciates.
Jason has felt detached from others his whole life a tragedy early on in his existence forced him to learn tools to cope and the end result of this means he feels separate able to mimic but not to fully feel.
Mahiya changes this for him and her easy acceptance without expectations is a gift that pushes past his defences enabling him to take each day with her as it comes rather than push her away.
There’s intrigue and danger and a vengeful angel from the past to contend with so plenty going on.
This was an interesting addition to the series as a whole and I enjoyed it a lot.
I believe in the next book we are back with Raphael and Elena.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
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I have been curious about Jason’s story since he appeared in the series and now finally I know the answers to The Spymaster’s coldness and its a doozy. The story wasn’t exciting in the way of the others before it because it suited the way Jason operated- smoothly, carefully and in the shadows playing a cat and mouse game. Not to say it didn’t have its moments of action though. That finally battle in the sky was pretty impressive stuff. As usual, the fun and surprise over who would be the perfect fit for Jason was probably the most fascinating to me. Mahiya seems to all outsiders as the last person to attract his interest- pampered princess of Neya’s court, silent and submissive even subservient, but is she really?
Neya’s consort has been murdered and the world fears that on the heels of her daughter’s death this might tip her over into madness. Jason has the ability to find justice for Neya and hopefully this will turn the tide of her mental spiral. But even as Neya is so much more complete than she seems so is Jason and his motives. Neya insists on a blood oath tying Jason to the Princess Mahiya while he is at Neya’s court investigating. He agrees to it and thus agrees to Mahiya as his shadow through his investigation. He can slip away anytime he wants and does, but he is also intrigued by Mahiya. He sees that she wears a mask and has skills of observation and intellect that equal his own. He needs to search out her secrets as much as he needs to figure out what that sensation she causes inside his cold, dead heart. Mahiya is just as interested in him, but while he promises her his passion, he also promises that he can give her no more. The murderer strikes again and again and the finger is pointing toward a very dangerous adversary who Jason must outwit to save all their lives.
The plot takes a more laid back pace on this one. It was very cloak and dagger. It was one where you had to pay attention to all the little things. It was also Jason’s story which is told in the present thread, but also through flashbacks and memories. Mahiya’s story is equally poignant and involves flashbacks too though not quite so much. I enjoyed that the story moved back and forth between them. They were a great couple and I liked how things went for them and where the story left them. It was perfect for them. The story also pulled away from Jason and Mahiya to go visit Dimitri and Honor as well as Rafael and Elena. I enjoyed the short little check-ins with the others. It was also neat that though Jason is in India, he gets visited by Venom and Aodhan.
So many bigger things are on the rise and I love how the story wraps up the individual story while still leaving me eager for what is to come.
This is a great story. It’s full of heartbreak and I couldn’t put it down. The things going down in Neha’s court were brutal. Jason and Mahiya’s past are filled with heartbreak and I cried several times while I was reading it. Love conquers all though! The back story going on with the Cadre gets better and better. The story is full of action and intrigue. Definitely recommend this series.
I read the entire Guild Hunter’s series a few years ago and loved it. I’ve just started re-reading them in preparation for the new one coming out in November. This is Jason, the spymaster’s story and Mahiya. I had forgotten what a wonderful book this was. (True of all of them.) Jason has been really intriguing from the start and reading his story didn’t disappoint. Mahiya is a great match for him. There’s so much to both of them that isn’t apparent at first glance. Nalini Singh’s world-building is absolutely amazing. Loved the book. And the series!
I finally got a chance to read Archangel’s Storm by Nalini Singh, which happens to be the Spymaster’s (Jason) story. Jason has been a mystery since he was introduced to the series. I was excited to dive into his book. I wanted to know more about his character and find out who he would end up within the series. Although, I could tell from the beginning that he takes his job seriously and is not all about finding love. He is one of Raphael’s Seven, and he tends to keep to the shadows.
In the fifth novel of the Guild Hunter series, Jason is sent to India to assist with finding out who murdered Neha’s consort. Neha is the Archangel of India, and she has been unstable since she lost her daughter. She blames Raphael for what happened to her daughter, and Raphael knows that Neha could make his Spymaster’s life difficult in India because of it. Jason knows he will have to gain her trust somehow and agrees to a blood bond oath with one of Neha’s bloodline. Princess Mahiya is Neha’s last remaining bloodline, but unfortunately, she’s not loved by Neha. Mahiya is more of a captive that wants to be freed of Neha’s rule. Jason knows right away that Mahiya has secrets, especially with how Neha treats her. Jason will find out why when he is trying to find the murderer of Neha’s consort.
Mahiya is not a kick-butt heroine like Honor or Elena in the previous books. She’s more the damsel in distress since she’s been held captive most of her life thanks to Neha. I felt for her with everything she has gone through and continues to go through in the book. She never loves either and finds it in Jason, but he won’t give love to her entirely due to what he went through in his past. Their love story is more of a slow burn because of Jason being hesitant with being with Mahiya. Believe me, when they do end up being together romantically, it’s steamy.
I don’t want to give anything away for readers that haven’t read this book or any of the books in the series yet. I liked this book but didn’t enjoy it like I did the previous books in the series. Jason is not an alpha male like Raphael and Dimitri in the books, and I love alpha males. Don’t get me wrong; I like Jason for his qualities. He’s mysterious, dark, quiet, and focused. I understood why once Nalini Singh told his backstory. It was a heart-wrenching story, and I felt for Jason.
Nalini Singh has become one of my favorite authors after starting the Guild Hunter series. I love PNR books that have angels/archangels in the stories, and Nalini’s Guild Hunter series has become a favorite. I’m hoping to catch up on the series before she releases her next book later on. The fifth book in the series may only get four stars from me, but it had me in shock after finding out who was behind the murder of Neha’s consort. I also enjoyed the other mysteries that were uncovered in the book, too, with Jason and Mahiya. Nalini is an author who is a master of writing addicting PNR stories.
Story Rating: 4 stars
Steaminess Rating: 3 stars
Standalone or part of series: Part of series and highly recommend reading in order.
Do I recommend this book? Yes.
Will I read other books from the author? Yes.
Tropes/Elements: Slow Burn; Angels/Archangels; Mystery/Suspense; Vengeance
I’ve devoured all the books in this series. They are well written and edited. Nalini Singh has the best imagination and I hope she keeps these stories coming!
I find myself struggling with how these Archangel’s are allowed to torture others under their care and no one steps in to help. Even Jason is not able to prevent abuse towards Mahiya. However, he is clever and was able to get Mahiya out safely through manipulation.
This was good and I have been intrigued by Jason since his introduction into the series. I am glad he has found someone to anchor him. I do think Raphael and Elena’s books are a bit more exciting. This one needed a bit more action I think.
You know for the majority of the series I didn’t have any feelings one way or another about Jason except for curiousity. So to my shock, instead of the blue-winged angel we all love so much, whose book I keep expecting, I found out this one is about Jason. Awesome, but bummer for me!
The Good:
Wow!
The back story to Jason that we do not even get glimpses of through the other books just pops out of nowhere and it is heartbreakingly amazing he falls in love at all!
Also, Mahiya is absolutely perfect for Jason and I loved their interaction. I think these two are now my second favorite couple in the Guild Hunter books!
The Bad:
Was there bad? Well, the bad was I wanted more Raphael and Elena of course!
5 stars!
This is a stand alone book, but part of a series starting with Archangels Blood. Great story line, but some things and characters might not make sense unless you are familiar with this world. Jason is one of the seven for the Archangel of New York.
Jason has been a mystery throughout the series. I was so glad he finally got a book so I could find out what makes the stoic spymaster tick. What I found was a horribly shattered past that has shaped Jason into the closed off, emotionless angel that he is.
In ARCHANGEL’S STORM, Raphael—archangel of New York—sends his spymaster Jason to the archangel Neha’s territory. Neha’s husband has been murdered and Raphael offers his assistance in finding those responsible by sending Jason to investigate. Raphael also wants to make sure that he’s got eyes on Neha to make sure she doesn’t go batsh*t crazy like another archangel who shall not be named.
Since archangels are a ruthless, secretive bunch, Neha demands that Jason swear a blood vow not to reveal any secrets uncovered in her territory. Raphael refuses to allow him to give Neha the vow because he knows Neha would like nothing more than to woo Jason to her side since he is the best spymaster in the world. Raphael and Neha come to an agreement that Jason will give a blood vow to Neha’s niece, Mahiya.
I gotta tell you, Jason is a hard nut to crack. Even knowing his brutal past, Jason keeps everything close to the vest, especially when he starts having some unfamiliar feelings for the princess. I really liked Mahiya’s character. She was a sweet, loving angel that refused to devolve into something cruel and uncaring. Neha has treated Mahiya horribly over the years because she represents a grave injustice done to the archangel and all Mahiya wants is to be free to live a life of peace.
I thought the couple was paired beautifully: Jason, someone who has closed himself off from all forms of emotion and Mahiya, who yearns to give love and be loved in return. You’d think with a pairing like this that Mahiya would be a doormat but it’s not like that at all. She has a quiet strength and spine of steel. Mahiya doesn’t need to be cruel in order to be powerful and I am looking forward to watching her character blossom throughout the series.
The romance was slow in building and definitely took a back seat to the mystery of uncovering the murderer(s) but the romance was no less powerful for it.
I love anything Nalini Singh writes and I would recommend any of her books.
Audiobook, borrowed through the Audible romance package.
Although slow to start, ultimately I think this may be one of my favorites in the series thus far. Of course, both Jason and Mahiya have *tragic* backstories – because how else would a book in this series go?
I’d say the action really starts about halfway through, and it gets so much better. Filled with Archangel/Angel politics and lethal powers (the last half anyway), if you’re wanting a steamy read with some political intrigue – this may be the book/series for you.
Omg it was so totally awesome i loved every second of it,great storyline,kick ass characters and some hot scenes .
Jason is so awesome and hot and i fell in love with him the first moment this series started ,he’s so dark and mysterious ,he just fascinates me, i loved getting to know more about him ,he’s such a strong character and the fact that he didn’t break after what happend to him as a child proves his strength ,i was super happy to seetbhim fall in love with Mahiya even tho he didn’t think he could give her anything ,i loved everything that happens with them.
Mahiya is a pretty cool chick and it was great that no matter what Neha did to her she wouldn’t break, she’s a strong character and she was totally made for Jason ,it was so awesome to see him find someone who could love him no matter what had happend in his past that made him the man he is today, it was nice to see him share his secrets with her ,it showed how much he trusted her and i loved that in the end he sings to her :).
I also loved getting to see more of Dmitri & Honor they were awesome in this book,loved getting to see the vampire turning process, i thought it was great that she added this part to the book.
Nalini Singh does it again ,she makes you fall in love with her world and characters all over again.she kicks so much ass ,i was so happy that jason got his own book and it was toally killer ,great plot and such awesome characters.
i do wish that some of the other characters were in it more such as Illium (aka Bluebell) & Aodhan they are both so interesting that i want/need them to get their own books soon:
Paranormal romance that’s a perfect balance of romance and action, with enough series plot threads to make me want to devour every Guild Hunter book (but done with a finesse that makes this a great stand-alone read).
Buy this series and be prepared to be captivated, enthralled, and to lose hours of sleep. Nalini Singh has added to her stash of fantastic books. Love all of her works!!!
Archangel’s Storm is book five in the Guild Hunter series by Nalini Singh. We focus on Jason, the Spymaster and one of Raphael’s Seven. He has been in the shadows since the beginning and we don’t know anything about him, but here Singh reveals many secrets about the Spymaster in a way that demolishes and dazzles.
Jason and Mahiya are both mysteries. I loved the mystery surrounding both of them and the secrets they have. Neither had a good life and Singh delivers these reveals to the reader in spectacular fashion. The romance between Jason and Mahiya was a slow and steady build. This build was true to the characters and their sexual tension just sizzles throughout the pages.
Mahiya, what can I say, only that she is not like Elana, Honor, or Ash (previous heroines). She’s a shy woman showing more vulnerability then the others, but she has her moments of courage and strength. Singh shows these moments in subtle way’s that add to the characters growth.
Archangel’s Storm had some devastating moments, that took my breath away. Their was also no shortage of action and mystery. Something is happening in the world and know one knows how it will play out.
As always Signh delivers a fast-paced action packed read with well developed characters, a world that is vast and every changing, and vivid descriptions that just add to the enjoyment of reading this series. I’m looking forward to pick up the next installment in the Guild Hunter series.
Rated: 4 Stars