Angels' Blood
Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh
Guild Hunter #1
Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux knows she is the best- but she does not know if even she is good enough for this job. Hired by the dangerously beautiful archangel Raphael, a being so lethal that no mortal wants his attention, Elena knows failure is not an option—even if the task is impossible.
Because this time, it's not a wayward vamp she has to track. It's an archangel gone bad.
The job will put Elena in the midst of a killing spree like no other—and pull her to the razor's edge of passion. Even if the hunt does not destroy her, succumbing to Raphael’s seductive touch just might. For when archangels play, mortals break.
Because this time, it's not a wayward vamp she has to track. It's an archangel gone bad.
The job will put Elena in the midst of a killing spree like no other—and pull her to the razor's edge of passion. Even if the hunt does not destroy her, succumbing to Raphael’s seductive touch just might. For when archangels play, mortals break.
Elena is the very best at her job, a vampire hunter. Her natural born skill surpass all others, and make her a target for the deadliest of jobs as her unique skills have caught the attention of the Archangel Raphael. He rules over his territory with an iron fist and no one in their right mind wants his focus on them. Unfortunately Elena has not only caught his attention for how he can use her to stop an utterly mad killer, but also as an entrancing woman. Even though she knows it's potentially suicide, she finds herself drawn into his seductive charms. It will take a incredible fortitude to stand up against him, for to give in would to allow herself to be irrevocably broken.
I have such mixed feelings about Raphael. He was so harsh and almost downright cruel at times. I realize that he most definitely is not human, and never was, therefore he cannot be judged by those standards. His coldness and extreme arrogance made it really hard to see Elena's attraction towards him. Yet as they continued to circle around each other in almost a warrior/mating dance, I realized that they may just be perfect for one another. Elena needs someone who will not be put off by her iron will and strength, and who better for that role than the epitome of strength, an Archangel? Even so, there were still times when I simply wanted to strangle Raphael for one thing or another, right alongside Elena.
The love story, all consuming that it was, made it easy to almost overlook the amazing world building that exists. The roles of vampires and angels were completely unique, especially in how the vampires are made by the angels and then become completely subservient. Typically in books with vampires, those vamps are at the very top of the food chain, and have the arrogance to match. It was really interesting to see them reduced to nothing more than peons. Talk about a role reversal! Also, the angels themselves were quite different than other books have portrayed them, in that they really had absolutely nothing to do with religion. They are supernatural beings that follow a hierarchy system, with each Archangel holding a position of ultimate rule in their own territory. In fact some have considered themselves to be of a goddess position, and considering their power, it is no wonder the humans fall at their feet.
With a romance that is equal parts frustrating and entrancing, and a truly unique world, Angels' Blood was an utterly compelling read from start to finish. Every time I thought I had everything figured out, things would take a different turn, with the ending being the biggest shocker of all. The events were something that I never could have predicted, and I cannot wait to see where things lead. I highly recommend Angels' Blood to anyone who enjoys a romance that burn fiery hot, strong willed characters and a truly unique world.
Rating:
Order from Amazon:
Angels' Blood (Guild Hunter, Book 1)
Other Reviews:
Challenge Categories:
