Angels' Blood (Guild Hunter, Book 1) Mass Market Paperback – March 3, 2009

I like to read books unspoiled, so most often I don’t read the except or “about” section of a book if I trust the author or it’s come recommended. Both circumstances were the case with this book – I have devoured the Psy-Changeling series and many in my romance groups on FB said this series was even better! My enjoyment of being surprised caused a problem this go round.There is one HUGE difference between the Psy books and this one, the Guild Hunter Series. This series follows ONE couple Elena and Raphael over many books. (Although it looks like there are a few side books with other characters).This is very reminiscent of Kate Daniels from Ilona Andrews. Actually, the entire thing reminded me of that series very much except for the having to wait five books for Curran and Kate to get together. (Which was very annoying in the Andrews series). Elena and Raphael, the hero and heroine, get together in this book.I did not know this was a continuation series going in. I thought it was like the Psy series – different couple each book. Finishing the book, I still didn’t know. At the end of my kindle version there was NOTHING to indicate their story continued. No blurb about ‘find more about Raphael and Elena’ - nothing. When I got to the end, I was annoyed at the major plot holes still left open. Irritated at the lack of sex scenes (only one and not much described) and lack of declaration of their feelings to one another.Singh often does not have her heroes say I love you (a MAJOR pet peeve of mine) so I was steaming about that.After investigating and finding out that this is a series following the same couple, I realized that their story continued on, so the plot holes left open made more sense. So, if you are reading this review – for this book, understand that this is the first book of many and that there will be questions unanswered at the end of the book. I do believe that the emphasis on Elena's backstory and the trauma it caused and how present it was in this book, should have had SOME resolution though (reflected more below).My scoring for the book reflects what I thought about this book as the first in the series and not my annoyance at how left in the dark I was that this was a series.The tone here is different than the Psy series - less levity, definitely a hero that is more alpha, more domineering, and a bit cruel initially.I’ll start with the things that bring this book to life. First off, per the usual, Singh brings great diversity to her world in her breadth of characters. The heroine is strong, capable, and I loved seeing this. The world itself is interesting and engaging, and the secondary characters are lovely. I always enjoy Singh’s writing and her use of dialogue.This series features Angels, Archangels (the highest class) and how they are powerful and cruel overlords of society. They are emotionless and rule with an iron fist. This was a bit tough to get used to initially. But the oddest thing for me to wrap my head around was that they create vampires. You understand why by the end of the book, but to me… this really didn’t fit. It felt to me like it was just an excuse to write more vampire stories. I didn’t understand the presence or need for vampires at all, other than that this is the heroine’s profession (tracking down wayward vamps). Again, I didn’t read anything about the book before I bought it, so I was surprised to see vampires show up.Angels and vampires don’t seem to mix. It’s definitely an interesting premise and an interesting twist that you learn at the end of the book… but it still seemed to me like just a way to jump on the vamp wagon. Not saying this is good or bad, it just was odd to me personally - but I still enjoyed the characters I met.I’ll start with the things that I found problematic. (I am not revealing plot, but I am discussing elements in the book, so if you want to be completely unspoiled, don’t read further).1. Even with this being the first in a series – there is a major backstory plot element brought up MANY times that is not addressed by the end of the book at all. It affects Elena in a major way and the reader gets no real info on it. I get that this will get resolved in a later book… but it was difficult and frustrating. It triggers negative push back towards the hero several times and he picks up on it and wants her to talk to him about it and she refuses. I believe there should have been some insight given to the reader on this in this book as it was so much a part of this story it was jarring to not have this addressed by the end of the book. It was strange.2. The hero is very unlikeable initially. I wasn’t sure if I’d come around actually. This is different than how Singh normally writes her characters. They may be unlikeable to others, but they are still soft towards the heroine. (Thinking of Kaleb in Psy series Book 12). Raphael, the hero, is not likeable towards the heroine at the start of the book. He actually fights with her a bit and shows his strength in ways that I found a little over the top. (Two scenes in particular). I did end up liking him though.3. The progression of the relationship between the two. This didn’t move smoothly. All of a sudden it went from -ok I’m attracted to him but I don’t want to be his pet plaything to – BAM they are fighting a battle and she cares about him. The pacing here was poorly done in my opinion. Even on his side, it was really choppy. There was confusion when she started affecting him, to over the top gifts, to I’ll have to kill her when we’re done, to BAM ok she’s mine. Again – I didn’t see the progression here. If this was going to be a series, why not draw this out in a way that was believable? This made no sense to me in this book.4. Wish there was a little more from the hero’s POV. It was probably 70/30 in her POV. It would have helped clarify what he was feeling and helped with the progression of his feelings from amusement to wanting her.I bought book two to give it another chance, but I actually do not like continuation series with the same couple. I have no interest in their story after a HEA (didn’t read Kate Daniels series after she got with Curran either). I wouldn’t have started this series if I knew this was a one couple series. I will go to book 4 and read Dimitri’s book because he was a cool character.If you do like following one couple with a vibrant world and complex characters, this is definitely for you!

`Angels' Blood' is the first book in Nalini Singh's paranormal `Guild Hunter' series.`Angels' Blood' came out in 2009 and has been sitting on my shelf all this time. I don't know why. I read plenty of enticing reviews of the first two books in the series, and I have enjoyed Singh's 'Psy-Changeling' series (if only Hawke's book would hurry the heck up!). But for some reason I stalled in reading her Guild Hunter series.But then the kind people over at Hachette Australia gave me an advanced copy of `Archangels' Consort' and it was the final kick in the pants I needed to get stuck into this series. And it's about bloody time!Elena Deveraux is good at her job. She may be single, estranged from her family and overly invested in turning her apartment into a hermit's haven . . . but she at least excels in her line of work. Vampire hunting. Elena tracks the fanged felons and returns them to their rightful owners, the Archangels. For in this world, Angels rule. Countries are divided by the Cadre of Ten - ten Archangels to rule over each country and maintain peace and order, via their iron fist. But when one of the European Archangel's goes on a killing rampage, Elena is inexplicably called in to help.Archangel Raphael insists that Elena help in tracking the crazed Archangel, Uram. But Elena is a vampire hunter - and only an Archangel can kill an Archangel. Elena doesn't know what help she will be in stopping Uram's maddening rampage, especially when she seems helpless against Raphael's intoxicating danger. . .I have to admit, I initially rolled my eyes at this being `another angel novel'. . . But Singh is writing Angels like you've never read them before. Her angels are base and lustful creatures - inhumanly beautiful and proud of it, these angels wear cat-suit outfits and take human lovers when it pleases them. These are angels who make and mingle with vampires - a sensual race who treat humans like amusing playthings. These are a completely new breed of angels - ones who have human faults and lusts, but are above reproach for their wing-span and impressive powers (invisibility and mind control among them). Singh's angels have houses in New York and keep human servants. . . Really, these angels have little to no connection to their biblical roots whatsoever. And that is one of the many clever tricks that Nalini Singh writes in `Angels' Blood'.Conspicuously missing from Singh's world-building of the Guild Hunter universe is talk about God and religion in relation to the angels. Sure, characters throw the words around - heaven and hell - but Singh never goes into any explicit detail about the inner religious workings of the Cadre of Ten. It even seems as though the Archangels are the highest order - with no God above, commanding them. Raphael himself has a place in the Bible as we know it - Saint Raphael the Archangel - but he bears little resemblance to his healing role in `Angels' Blood'. I kept waiting for the obligatory filler-information about the angel's background and connection to God. But it never came. Perhaps because Singh's angels bear so little resemblance to their benevolent good book characters. And there's no mention of the most famous (fallen) angel of all, Lucifer.I was quite impressed by how Singh completely departed from the religious connotations of angels. She has really made them her own; a new breed of supernatural beings to be dissected and imagined. Impressive, to say the least. Admittedly when you mention `angels' a whole plethora of images and references bombard the mind - and it is hard, at first, to distance yourself from those holy relics when reading Singh's book. But at some point you just have to accept that Singh is using the bare bones of the angel characters to build a whole new mythology.And even if you are clinging to the common conception of angels, the character of Raphael and his relationship with Elena will soon banish such connotations. Raphael is lust personified, and erotic danger. He is a frightening being, powerful and old beyond comprehension. Elena is equal parts terrified and drawn to him - and it makes for a spicy and complicated romance.Elena is a wonderful match for Raphael's cocksure self. She is a fiery heroine who doesn't back down and never gives in. . . and Raphael is utterly perplexed by her. I loved these two together; Nalini Singh writes a heated duck and parry between them, a complicated tango that reaches a romantic crescendo by book's end. . . while also creating a whole new cliff-hanger for them. Brilliant.I found it interesting that, throughout the book, Nalini Singh offers little information on some major aspects of the story. As I said before, there is no information given on the Archangel's religious connections. Furthermore, Elena is haunted by a nightmare from her childhood that Singh literally delivers in drips and drabs - a menacing `drip, drip, drip' permeates Elena's memory in moments of distress. These loose-ends are never tied up (obviously, this is a series after all) but they're not even acknowledged as being open-ended. They are simply dead-ends; if you don't like the lack of religious world-building, tough. I was impressed by how unconcerned I was by these gaping holes in the story - yes, it would have been nice to know if the Archangels are acting on the word of God, but I wasn't overly concerned by the lack of information by book's end. The action and romance is enough to pull you along it the story - heightened enough to distract you from the more nitty-gritty absent details.I was really impressed by this first book in Nalini Singh's `Guild Hunter' series. And yes, I am kicking myself for not reading it back in 2009. The action and romance of the book carries the story, especially when Singh's world-building seems to be a lesson in ambiguousness. Elena and Raphael have a heated and complicated romance, and set amidst angel politics it makes for addictive reading.

I’m not quite sure what to think of the book in the usual terms. What I can say is that this book upends the meaning of Angel and Vampire, and the relationship of the two species. In this extremely complex world a human and an archangel must deal with each other’s pivotal differences in order to stop a rogue that can destroy their world. That basic plot line cannot begin to describe the nuances and subtle complexities that make this a stunning, engaging, un-put-down-able book.I found that for me, I was constantly having to remind myself that all my “instincts” about vampires and angels were totally incorrect in this world that Nalini Singh has created. I could not assume what action any character might take, nor the motive he might have. I had to concentrate totally on the story if I wanted to understand what the author was telling me, hence my comment about “usual terms”. This book creates a world that is unique and absorbing. Too, Ellie and Raphael are wonderfully pleasing characters. Enjoy.

I really do love this series and it’s been quite a while since I originally read this hence me wanted to do a full reread starting with this one.I loved this just as much the second time around the genre is urban fantasy combined with romance and it’s fast-paced and action-packed throughout.The story is so imaginative it’s set in an alternate earth universe where angels rule at the top and the highest of them all are archangels.Raphael is the Archangel of New York and he has a problem. One of the other Archangels has gone rogue killing innocents across the city he needs a hunter to scent him out so he can contain and destroy the threat.Elena is a born hunter employed by the Guild an organisation that bags vampires and returns them to their masters the angels.Vampires are made and part of the price of this is the service of time owed to their overlords.When Elena is summoned to Angel Tower by Raphael himself she knows that to refuse is not an option.This is a graphic one in terms of gory descriptions Raphael and Elena are basically on the tail of a serial killer psychotic angel.This balanced the plot with the romance very nicely but this story is essentially more plot-driven than romance-driven.I liked where we eventually ended up here and that ending was fabulous and definitely makes you want to continue on with Elena and Raphael’s story.The world-building is good and even though certain things weren’t explained fully here I know having read this series before that these explanations do come and the more this series progresses the more we do learn.I can’t wait to dive fully into the next book which again focuses on this particular couple.A well written and imaginative series with Angel's vampires and humans.

Think I might have urban fantasy, strong female MC, somewhat annoying love interest/psycho burnout. I just feel like I’m reading interesting plots, but with very similar characters a lot of the time.Badass female MC – ✔Annoying Love Interest – ✔. Admittedly, why they’re annoying varies. This one is a won’t take no for an answer sort, but there’s a weird reason for that I won’t spoil.The third male, who isn’t a love interest at all, but wants in the MC’s pants too – ✔However, some were flipped on their head, and for that, I’m super happy. It’s what redeemed it for me. I definitely can’t go into detail without major spoilers, but let’s just say, something I’ve wanted to happen in all these paranormal romance books, finally happened!I enjoyed the world that has been built here too. Angels, archangels and vampires are all common knowledge. The unique thing, or at least new to me, is that only angels turn vampires.The thing is, whilst I do want to read on, I also don’t. The book had a happy ending, where I can make up some, they lived happily ever after bs. I really liked the ending, but it’s not encouraging me to read on, so I also don’t know how to feel about it.Overall, I’m giving this a 4.5/5. I think my issues with it are because I’ve read about 10 books along the same lines recently. This might’ve been the best of the lot of them.

I am a big fan of Nalini Singh and her Psy/Changeling series, so I am a bit late to the game in these books! I am not sure why i haven't read any of the Guild Hunter Series but when this came up as a free book, i thought why not?Well......i thoroughly enjoyed this book and could not put it down. Angels are a little new to me but there are also vampires.....with a different spin on them, which was surprising.The characters were great to read about and the world Nalini has created was wonderful.There is lots of action, drama, humorous banter between the characters, excellent side characters which i can't wait to get stuck into their stories. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good para-romance with a strong female character who remains true to her personality throughout the story......and of course a handsome archangel.Now to get the next!

An alternate multiverse that you are taken into that is rich in experience and complexity.Hooks you immediately  - and yes, I have now bought all the existing 9 books despite my internal war against the expense when I get so many free books - and have a library waiting for reading!Where to start?The main area of action is New York (and its surroundings. In this multiverse, Angels and Archangels are real beings. Possibly an alien race but even they are not sure. A race that is effectively immortal, although after many thousands of years they tend to get tired of existence and go to Sleep.No-one knows how many Angels and Archangels Sleep, nor where or even how this Sleep is maintained. It is possible, their history says, for an Angel who is asleep to wake and Sleep again many times but...Archangels, by virtue of their long life, effective immortality (immune to disease, can regenerate limb and wings etc) rule the world in 10 different sectors, divided roughly equally.There are also Vampires ‘Made’ by the Angels mostly as servants. Vampires are also effectively immortal - unless you cut their heads off and incinerate them. But yes, they can walk in the sunlight and perform normal tasks, they just live a long time as long as they drink a little blood.From time to time, vampires get blood lust and start to kill instead of just drinking, and then they are Hunted. Which is where our heroine Elena comes in.  She is our Wonder Woman archetype. She is strong, fast, exceptional at her job of tracking, and lovely too.  And the Archangel ruling New York becomes rather a fan... even if he is rather a frightening character.This is a series that really grips. I didn’t believe the reviews but now I do!

This is an excellent start to a new urban fantasy series which is distinguished by the inventive alternative world the author has created and by the fact that her main character is a strong and competent woman, albeit with a hidden and tortured past. Elena is a vampire hunter with considerable skills. Her role is to hunt down and despatch the vampires who have been created by the angels but who don't abide by the contract they have entered into. The vampires are quite scary but the angels are truly terrifying, cruel and detached from humanity. Elena is employed by an archangel to track down another one of his species and it is unlikely that she will emerge from this task unscathed.I enjoyed the world that the author created fro her characters to inhabit. She sketches it in quickly and everything that then happens is consistent. Elena is a compelling character. She is strong and independent but not stupid and thankfully not one of those female urban fantasy heroines who sounds off at everyone all the time. He growing attachment to Raphael is well done and as we see part of the story from his point of view we begin to understand that what Elena thinks she knows about angels may not be entirely true.This is a story in itself but it is very obviously the start of a series and there are some exciting developments at the end of the book which mean that I have already obtained the next in the series to see what happens !