Angels of Darkness
by Nalini Singh, Ilona Andrews,
Sharon Shinn & Meljean Brook
(Guild Hunter # 4.5) (Alpha Prequel)
(Samaria #1.5) (The Guardians # 7.5)
Urban Fantasy
This book is one of the few anthologies that I've read in which I've actually liked every story. Some definitely more than others, but they are all good! I'll review them individually.
Angel's Wolf by Nalini Singh - 4.5 Feathers
Noel, a vampire who used to work at the Tower for Raphael, and who was one of the victims in a previous Guild Hunter book, is sent to New Orleans to serve Nimra. At first he thought he was being cast out because of his weakness. He is still dealing with the emotional aftermath of his past, he feels almost dead inside. But then he realizes Raphael sent him here to help and protect Nimra. Someone close to her wants her dead. It's his job to make sure they don't succeed and to figure out who is responsible. But Nimra somehow manages to wake him from the state he's been in.
The story, as always, is amazing. Nalini Singh can weave an intricate web perfectly. Even for a short story there's so much going on it felt like a complete story. All the characters were pretty well developed, the relationships between all of them was very real, and the chemistry between Noel and Nimra was amazing. Excellent story!
Alpha: Origins - 4 Feathers
We are introduced to a brand new world where there's a long going on, a bit sci-fi, with a splash of paranormal. A group of genetically modified species, "people" with special abilities, separate realities or levels or worlds. I'm still a bit confused as to how everything works and what everything means, but it usually takes me a while to understand an Andrews world. Seems like the beginning to a really interesting series. A lot of action, some sexual tension.
Kate, along with her daughter and a group of kids on a field trip make the wrong pit stop for bathroom and stumble upon a group of supernatural creatures. She's taken as a slave for Lucas, part man part beast. He needs to feed on her regularly to fight the venom in his own body. There's a bit of Stockholm Syndrome going on, which I didn't necessarily like, but Lucas actually likes Kate, and even though he wants her, he respects her. I am very curious to see where this story will go from here.
Nocturne by Sharon Shinn - 3.5 Feathers
My rating on this might be a bit because I wasn't too familiar with the series (Samaria) or maybe just because it got a bit boring half way through, or just that it was slow to get started. But in general I actually enjoyed this story and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author. A bit of angel politics at work, one sexy, brooding and blind angel; the daughter of an angel with a human who has been running away from angels for over 4 years. Corban was blinded by lightning and has been living secluded from everyone. Until Moriah shows up, and actually stands up for herself, confronts him about not facing his demons, and helps him to fly again.
Ascension by Meljean Brook - 4 Feathers
I've only read one book in The Guardians series, but I have to say I really like this world. There was one thing mentioned in this story which was a bit of a spoiler for me (has to do with Michael!) but other than that it was a very enjoyable read. And I mean, how could you NOT like a book about two guardians, one hot male who has been in love with the same girl since his training days and the guardian he's in love with has indigo blue skin, dark black hair to her butt, gold claws and dresses with scarfs tied around her body. I thought she was pretty smoking hot! LOL
Marc is in the middle of nowhere Illinois investigating what might be a demon wreaking havoc in the town. He hasn't spoken to Radha for 140 years, and all of a sudden she shows up and offers to help him. I liked that they didn't beat around the bush with their feelings for each other. After years of miscommunication, they laid out all their issues and cleared any misunderstandings. Sparks were flying right away.
Angel's Wolf by Nalini Singh - 4.5 Feathers
Noel, a vampire who used to work at the Tower for Raphael, and who was one of the victims in a previous Guild Hunter book, is sent to New Orleans to serve Nimra. At first he thought he was being cast out because of his weakness. He is still dealing with the emotional aftermath of his past, he feels almost dead inside. But then he realizes Raphael sent him here to help and protect Nimra. Someone close to her wants her dead. It's his job to make sure they don't succeed and to figure out who is responsible. But Nimra somehow manages to wake him from the state he's been in.
The story, as always, is amazing. Nalini Singh can weave an intricate web perfectly. Even for a short story there's so much going on it felt like a complete story. All the characters were pretty well developed, the relationships between all of them was very real, and the chemistry between Noel and Nimra was amazing. Excellent story!
Alpha: Origins - 4 Feathers
We are introduced to a brand new world where there's a long going on, a bit sci-fi, with a splash of paranormal. A group of genetically modified species, "people" with special abilities, separate realities or levels or worlds. I'm still a bit confused as to how everything works and what everything means, but it usually takes me a while to understand an Andrews world. Seems like the beginning to a really interesting series. A lot of action, some sexual tension.
Kate, along with her daughter and a group of kids on a field trip make the wrong pit stop for bathroom and stumble upon a group of supernatural creatures. She's taken as a slave for Lucas, part man part beast. He needs to feed on her regularly to fight the venom in his own body. There's a bit of Stockholm Syndrome going on, which I didn't necessarily like, but Lucas actually likes Kate, and even though he wants her, he respects her. I am very curious to see where this story will go from here.
Nocturne by Sharon Shinn - 3.5 Feathers
My rating on this might be a bit because I wasn't too familiar with the series (Samaria) or maybe just because it got a bit boring half way through, or just that it was slow to get started. But in general I actually enjoyed this story and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author. A bit of angel politics at work, one sexy, brooding and blind angel; the daughter of an angel with a human who has been running away from angels for over 4 years. Corban was blinded by lightning and has been living secluded from everyone. Until Moriah shows up, and actually stands up for herself, confronts him about not facing his demons, and helps him to fly again.
Ascension by Meljean Brook - 4 Feathers
I've only read one book in The Guardians series, but I have to say I really like this world. There was one thing mentioned in this story which was a bit of a spoiler for me (has to do with Michael!) but other than that it was a very enjoyable read. And I mean, how could you NOT like a book about two guardians, one hot male who has been in love with the same girl since his training days and the guardian he's in love with has indigo blue skin, dark black hair to her butt, gold claws and dresses with scarfs tied around her body. I thought she was pretty smoking hot! LOL
Marc is in the middle of nowhere Illinois investigating what might be a demon wreaking havoc in the town. He hasn't spoken to Radha for 140 years, and all of a sudden she shows up and offers to help him. I liked that they didn't beat around the bush with their feelings for each other. After years of miscommunication, they laid out all their issues and cleared any misunderstandings. Sparks were flying right away.
Thanks for a great review! I just got this antho and I can't wait to start it :)
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