Review of Archangel’s Kiss (Guild Hunter, #2) by Nalini Singh
I recently delved into Nalini Singh’s Archangel’s Kiss, a mesmerizing addition to the Guild Hunter series, and my experience was nothing short of captivating. As a long-time fan of urban fantasy, the premise of powerful, ancient angels ruling a dark and dangerous world intrigued me, sparking a buddy read with my friends from the Wednesday UF Support Group at BB&B. We often chat about the complexities of mythical creatures, but the reimagining of angels in Singh’s universe left us enthralled—and questioning everything we thought we knew about these celestial beings.
At the heart of Archangel’s Kiss is the fierce Elena Deveraux, now a newly made angel who must navigate the treacherous politics of her kind while grappling with emerging powers and newfound wings. The contrast between the fluffy, benign angels of folklore and the ruthless beings in Singh’s narrative is stark and thought-provoking. Raphael, the Archangel of the Americas, serves as a formidable mentor and lover, embodying both power and vulnerability. Their dynamic, marked by tension and a struggle for independence, added layers to an already intricate plot.
One of the most compelling aspects of the story is how Singh explores themes of autonomy and power within relationships. Elena is no passive figure; she demands agency and strives to forge her identity amidst the chaos of her new life. This struggle is poignantly illustrated in her declaration: “I’ll give you my hunger, my heart… but my mind is my own.” As a reader, I deeply resonated with this assertion of independence, feeling honestly empowered alongside Elena. Her journey is not just about learning to fly or adjusting to being an angel—it’s about understanding who she is in a world that seeks to define her.
The pacing of the narrative is well-crafted, moving smoothly between tension-filled confrontation and quieter moments of introspection. Singh’s writing is vivid, painting scenes that feel both grand and immediate. The intense depictions of violence and the exploration of existential dread make for a gripping, albeit dark, read—a quality I find refreshing in the genre. Archangel’s Kiss pulses with an energy that keeps you turning the pages, wanting to know what happens next.
There were so many standout quotes that made me pause and reflect. One that struck me was Raphael’s contemplation of cruelty being a symptom of age and power. It layered the story with a philosophical depth that amplifies its intensity. The chilling interactions with the demigoddess Lijuan highlight the stark contrast between humanity and the inhumanity that unchecked power can breed.
In conclusion, Archangel’s Kiss is a must-read for fans of urban fantasy and paranormal romance. Its themes of autonomy, love, and the darker aspects of power resonate deeply, providing plenty of food for thought. I personally cherished sharing this reading experience with my fellow BB&B group members—they enriched my journey through the book with their own insights, a reminder of the importance of community in our literary adventures. If you’ve ever felt the allure of darker myths or the need to question the portrayal of angels in pop culture, this book is for you. Happy reading, and may you never lose your humanity in the face of power!
Discover more about Archangel’s Kiss (Guild Hunter, #2) on GoodReads >>