Review: Archangel’s Consort

Posted January 28, 2011 by Jen in 3 stars, Paranormal Romance, Rating B, Reviews Tags: ,

Archangel’s Consort
Author: Nalini Singh 
Release Date: January 25, 2011
Publisher: Berkley Group
Guild Hunter Series Book #3
ISBN: #978-0425240137
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): paperback (352 pgs), e-book
I received a ARC copy of this book from the PUBLISHER for the purposes of an honest review.
From the author’s website:
      Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux and her lover, the lethally beautiful archangel Raphael, have returned home to New York only to face an uncompromising new evil…      A vampire has attacked a girls’ school—the assault one of sheer, vicious madness—and it is only the first act. Rampant bloodlust takes vampire after vampire, threatening to make the streets run with blood. Then Raphael himself begins to show signs of an uncontrolled rage, as inexplicable storms darken the city skyline and the earth itself shudders.

The omens are suddenly terrifyingly clear.

An ancient and malevolent immortal is rising. The violent winds whisper her name: Caliane. She has returned to reclaim her son, Raphael. Only one thing stands in her way: Elena, the consort who must be destroyed…

What I’m talking about:
      Picking up shortly after the conclusion of second Guild Hunter book (Archangel’s Kiss) this story opens with Hunter-born-made-angel Elena Deveraux back in her home town of New York. She is a different person than when she left – now an immortal angel, and we are witness to the adjustments she must make as she reclaims her Guild Hunter life and reacquaints herself with old friends.
      As vampires all over the world begin to rebel and take human lives, Elena and her Archangel mate, Raphael, must work together to determine if the cause is Raphael’s millennia-old mother rising from her 1,000 year hibernation. As they investing the growing crimes, Elena is torn between her loyalties to her human friends and her immortal lover.
      One thing that I absolutely love about this story is that becoming an immortal does not give Elena a golden ticket to instantly transform into super-being. The newly-made angel did not gain super-power and an easy life when she was made immortal. She has to train and struggle, learn and overcome with each step.  I also enjoyed Elena’s journey as she learned to balance her former ties with that of her loyalty to Raphael. We witness her emotional struggles knowing the choices she has made, learning when to hold her ground and where her heart truly lies.
      Watching Raphael learn to adjust to having a consort and sharing his heart was also a joy. While remaining the tough alpha male from the first two books, he learned to compromise for Elena – and only Elena. I loved their banter, heated discussions, passionate love (wait until you read how angels dance!) and serious debate.
      As much as I enjoyed Elena and Raphael, I found the overall story not quite as satisfying. The primary focus of the story – the awakening of Raphael’s mother – built for almost 300 pages, with hints of the evil and danger she would bring. Yet when the story finally climaxed, I was a bit let-down by how it played out. In addition, I felt that many of the side stories were left unresolved or had no apparent added value to the plot. I also got a bit annoyed with some of the redundant phrases and ideas that were often used in the story, things like Elena’s “mortal heart” and reminders of Elena’s horrible past.
      Overall I was entertained by Archangel’s Consort, even with some of the issues I had with the book. This story is be a must-read for fan’s of the Guild Hunter series, however, I would recommend newcomers not start with the third book. This series revolves around the connections and love between Elena and Raphael, which began in the first book, Angels’ Blood, and I feel is more enjoyable read from the beginning.
My Rating: 
Liked it, there were a few issues – recommend (B)

7 responses to “Review: Archangel’s Consort”

  2. Marq

    I totally agree with your review! I received the ARC in November and started reading it then. I read 5 chapters and had to put it down. I would read and put it down – over and over. There were so many redundant phrases in this book that it was driving me crazy!!!

    A lot of side plots were unresolved. Mainly what’s up with Illium and his momma, Hummingbird?!? What a way to keep us hanging! LOL!!

  4. Pamela {Spaz}

    OK you just made me feel like I’m not crazy, thank you. I’m only about 150 pages in, and I’m not feeling that magic I did in the first two books. I’m somewhat disappointed 🙁 Not that’s it’s terrible, just not as Awesome as I found the first two books in the series. 😛 Thanks for the review!