Archangel’s Ascension
Author: Nalini Singh
Reviewer: Jen
Rating: A-
What I’m Talking About:
Archangel’s Ascension is the continuing story of Illium and Aodhan’s transition to more than friends and their personal growth that is featured in 2021’s Archangel’s Light. However, the book also feels like a transition from the existing series about the Guild Hunters, Elena/Raphael, and Cascade into something new, as the book spans over seven hundred years.
Similar to the couple’s previous book, the story is shared between “Yesterday” and “Today” time periods. However in Archangel’s Ascension, “Today” is 700 years in the future and the first “Yesterday” flashback matches with the current series timeline. When I first started the story, I was so upset with the jump in time and the loss of all I knew and understood about the series. But then the story jumps quickly to the “Yesterday” that is familiar to series readers. This large section focuses on the pair’s return to New York and working on a murder investigation. I loved seeing the pair work together solving the case. We witness both angels heal, grow close, and commit without question. And the case itself is interesting and exciting.
The second half of the book is spent bouncing fairly frequently between “Today” where we witness Illium ascend and begin his journey as an Archangel and the “Yesterdays” which are glimpses into Illium and Aodhan’s mutual past as their love grows stronger over the centuries, with each flashback coming closer to “Today.” At first I wasn’t sure I’d like this quickening jump to a new “present day;” however, the bouncing back and forth in time and getting glimpses of the pair and of the Seven over the centuries, prepared me for this new and exciting future. Even those questions I had about the mortals were answered satisfactorily and with beauty.
As much as I enjoyed the front half of the book, I did have a couple issues with the tone and repetitive themes. Yet once the story started bouncing, I couldn’t put the book down. Despite the back and forth in time, it is written just how it should be, giving me just enough time to understand those years without tedium, and helping me get excited about the future.
I didn’t think I’d want a time jump let alone love it, but Singh works magic and I’m hooked. I need to know what happens now that the Cadre is at ten. What will be the challenges and adventures while the world is at peace but this new archangel who likes to cause mischief joins the Cadre?
In the end, Archangel’s Ascension is just what I didn’t realize I needed. I cried tears of sorrow and joy. I was able to mourn those long gone, yet my heart sang with the joy in the hearts of Illium and Aodhan.
My Rating: A-
Jen
About the Book:
Aodhan and Illium. Adi and Blue. Sparkle and Bluebell. Friends become lovers, their future a wild unknown.
Finally reunited in New York, they must now learn to navigate the monumental shift in their relationship. But for these two members of Archangel Raphael’s legendary Seven, there is no time to rest. As they investigate a case for the Tower that echoes the darkness from Aodhan’s past, they will be forced to confront not only the scars that mark them both, but the promise of a vast power that flickers in Illium.
The threat of ascension has haunted and troubled Aodhan’s Blue for too long, the forces of change immutable and without mercy…and uncaring of Illium’s fierce wish to remain part of the Seven. Change is a constant in an immortal’s life, and this new horizon will bring with it both terrible heartbreak and a joy extraordinary enough to reverberate through time…
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Publisher: Berkley
Series: Guild Hunter #17
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy Romance, LGBTQ
Format(s): paperback (416 pages), e-book, audiobook
Book Source: Publisher/NetGalley