Tori's Reviews > Archangel's Heart

4.5 Stars

Originally posted at Heroes and Heartbreakers-http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com...

Two years after the events in Archangel’s Enigma (book eight), Nalini Singh takes us back to Manhattan and the main protagonists of this tempestuous world-the archangel Raphael and his now angelic consort Elena. Singh has always hinted that we have only scratched the surface of Elena’s complicated family. In here, Singh exhumes Elena’s past, giving readers an intimate look into her mother’s history and fleshes out the secrets that have always linked Elena to the angels and eventually leads her to her powerful and deliciously dominant mate-Raphael.

“No one will take my Elena from me. I’ll destroy the world before I allow that to happen”

Raphael has those under his command and protection on a soft lockdown as the Cascade and Zhou Lijuin both remain unpredictable. The Cascade seems to be set on pause and no one has seen or even heard from Lijuin since the last epic battle. The assumption is she is not dead but has slipped into the deep sleep that often claims those archangels of immense age and immortality. Standing on the edge of the abyss, waiting for the other shoe to drop has everyone on edge. Especially Elena. When a missive comes from a secretive group calling for a meeting of the Cadre, Raphael sees it as a chance to introduce Elena to a rarely seen part of his world. The meeting is to take place in Morocco, the birthplace of Elena’s mother. Elena decides to use this time to gather more information about her ancestry while Raphael deals with the group.

“This group that has the power to force the Cadre to meet, what's it called?”

“The members call themselves the Luminata.”

The Luminata is a cloistered order of male angels who have chosen to withdraw from all the temptations of the world in order to seek and further their enlightenment. Self-governed, the Luminata severs all ties to the world, choosing to be a nonbiased entity in the world. Because of their neutrality, the Luminata is tasked with calling the Cadre when an archangel has not seen for a certain number of years. This helps to stop the vacuum that occurs when a territory is left unattended. Though it’s only been two years since Lijuin went missing, a drop in time in an immortal’s life span, her territory is now being overrun by vampires caught in the bloodlust. Something that affects Elena on the deepest of levels.

“I see memories in your eyes, Elena.”

“They’re a part of me.”

Once again Singh rips open her world and creates her own cascade in such an easy, offhand manner that only reiterates her skill as a true and talented storyteller. From the very beginning, Singh has created an exceptional fantasy that screamed, ‘this is only the beginning.’ She ushered us into a world filled with dangerously complicated supernaturals whose violent-tinged actions are a result of their nature with no apologies offered. The smooth steady pacing, richly developed plot lines, and sublime narrative continues to offer readers a never ending adventure. Alternating the novels between various couples helps to keep the arc fresh and invigorating. We don't grow bored or complacent because Singh doesn’t allow us to. Each novel brings something new to the table.

Expanding on the complex and dictatorial world of her angels, Singh brings various matters to the forefront for our consideration. From the wisdom of immortal rulers to the obvious lack of accountability; the main question being asked in does absolute power corrupt absolutely? And when it does, who will step forward and demand justice?

Allies and enemies are plentiful as Raphael and Elena are drawn deeper into the darkness that surrounds the Lumia; a darkness that has Elena in it’s sights. Though some may be concerned to find the main focus is firmly on Elena and her journey, rather than on the arc, many will find the side path Singh takes informative as she uses it to address past characters and storylines. Aodhan holds a larger more centralized role, giving insight into his past and his future.

“When he is not broken, he is a shooting star caught in mid fall.”

Singh effortlessly blends the romance with the main storyline, using it to give Elena a tether of support in Raphael. While the love between Raphael and Elena remains as passionate and animated as always, there is a sense of peace surrounding them that wasn’t in existence before. The strength of their bond only continues to grow since they first fell together. Deliciously besotted with one another, the chemistry they share scorches the pages. Though we don't get many physical scenes, their dialogue is rich in emotion and intent, with bits of humor inserted to further solidify this couple has reached a state of complete unity.

“Remember when I was terrified of you?”

“You were never terrified of me.”

“Hah! Are you kidding? I was scared out of my skin-but I still thought you were hot. I’m obviously a little deranged.”

Tense action wrapped in a cloak of intrigue and suspense takes us in hand and leads us towards the finale; wrapping up the main conflict in a firestorm of vengeance and justice while giving us a brief update on the arc. Elena is gifted with the knowledge she has been searching for while Aodhan gains some much needed peace. Bits of the arc threads are picked up towards the end, giving readers hints towards the future.

Archangel’s Heart is an entertaining and engrossing story that takes us back into the past and shows us what a warrior angel is capable of when the ones she loves are threatened. I look forward to my our next visit with these dynamic characters and the fascinating world they live in.