Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh

Elena Deveraux and Raphael's book 1





Angels's Blood (Guild Hunter book 1)

By Nalini Singh

Book Blurb:
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.

Oh it looks like I'm in love with another Nalini Singh series!

"You want to play, angel boy? Then let's play. Find me." ....and 127 pages in, the field of play really escalated to a heart pumping action urban fantasy novel. Wow Angel's Blood was so good. 

Raphael the Archangel is delicious. His power oozes off the pages and you can really read his transformation of feelings escalate towards the mere mortal Elena. Okay, so mere mortal is a stretch since she is a vampire hunter for the Guild Hunters but still. Compared to an archangel, hunter or not, she is still mortal.  

Elena is a tough hunter but definitely not over the top with butchiness. (is that even a word? *shrugs*) I love that Nalini Singh made her a brave and courageous heroine and yet there was a strong feminine essence. The story really had a unique way to take a hold of the reader and have them become completely immersed in the pages. With the growing attraction that was sparking off the pages between Raphael and Elena, I was loving how their flirtations were escalating page per page.

Angels' Blood takes place in New York City but the world is occupied by Angel, Archangels, vampires and mortals. (at least that is all we've been introduced to at the moment) The Angels "Make" the vampires and most of the vampire lore we know (burning in the sun) etc, are not relevant. One of the things I absolutely adore with Nalini Singh books is that she includes a variety of different cultures in her stories.  Asian, African American, Indian, white etc.; it is a true melting pot of the world that is being represented. I also think Nalini Singh was a genius to only share a few secrets regarding this world. There is still so much more lore to learn and understand about the angels and vampires. The reader is given just enough to get by which leaves room for an awesome future story line. I cannot wait to dive into book 2, Archangel's Kiss. 

The villain of the story is Uram. He is a very old archangel that has gone rouge and has turned to bloodlust. Apparently he had turned himself into 1/2 vamp & 1/2 archangel and the combination has made him lethally mad. Uram goes on a gruesome killing spree that is so descriptive that I'm glad I was not reading a graphic novel. He is beyond disgusting. The acts of abomination and chaos Uram creates is spine tingling chilly. With Elena's hunter gifts and Raphael's power, they seek to destroy the destruction that Uram is creating. 

Thoroughly enjoying the story and I am only stopping long enough so I can type my thoughts in this review before I pick up the next book...and start right now. 

Teasers: A bathroom beyond imagination, Holly Chang, "Bluebell" love, vampire's scent, Angel surprise