A Book Obsession..: July 2022

Review: Archangel's Light by Nalini Singh

, by Kt Clapsadl

Archangel's Light by Nalini Singh

Guild Hunter #14

Nalini Singh returns to the world of the Guild Hunters for the most highly anticipated novel of the beloved series—a love story so epic it’s been half a millennia in the making…

Illium and Aodhan. Aodhan and Illium. For centuries they’ve been inseparable: the best of friends, closer than brothers, companions of the heart. But that was before—before darkness befell Aodhan and shattered him, body, mind, and soul. Now, at long last, Aodhan is healing, but his new-found strength and independence may come at a devastating cost—his relationship with Illium.

As they serve side by side in China, a territory yet marked by the evil of its former archangel, the secret it holds nightmarish beyond imagining, things come to an explosive decision point. Illium and Aodhan must either walk away from the relationship that has defined them—or step forward into a future that promises a bond infinitely precious in the life of an immortal…but that demands a terrifying vulnerability from two badly bruised hearts.

ARCHANGEL’S LIGHT was an incredibly anticipated read for me due to my love of Bluebell and Sparkle, but not one I went into without a bit of trepidation as M/M is a departure from my preferred genre choice. However, as I absolutely adore these two characters and their bond, so I figured their story would be the perfect foray into a new style of romance. Ultimately though, a romance isn’t really what I got from this. Perhaps it could be called a slow burn, but that is almost an overstatement. It’s more a very establish friendship going through some rough growing pains, with misunderstandings and stubbornness thrown in. It’s not until the very end that any true romance starts to form, and then the story abruptly ends. Don't get me wrong, there are so many enjoyable moments in this book. I particularly loved all of the scenes from their past. I'm just anxious for more in the present. *g*

In many ways, this felt like part one in Sparkle and Bluebell’s story. Hopefully that is the case, because the romance side felt lackluster and unfinished if not. Time will tell, but it’s hard for me to ultimately decide on my feelings on this book without that answer. I, like many fans I’m sure, will be crossing our fingers for more books featuring this pair. There's just so much potential there, and I'm going to base my rating on there still being an opening for more.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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