Review + Giveaway: Archangel’s Consort by Nalini Singh
January 21, 2011 
103 Comments
I strongly recommend not reading this review if you have not read the previous two books, Angels’ Blood and Archangel’s Kiss. It is impossible for me to write this review without including HUGE spoilers for the first book. So, just know that the first two books were five stars for me and I recommend them!
This book takes us back to New York and all the family and friends that Elena hasn’t seen since being Made. I’ve been eager to see the reaction to Elena’s wings since the end of the first book, so this was pretty exciting for me. Unfortunately for her, not everything goes smoothly, despite her new prestige. Her family hasn’t improved—although we do see glimmers of possible better relations—and not all her old acquaintances are pleased with her new status.
I’m very glad that the author hasn’t made Elena’s journey easy. She doesn’t automatically gain status because she’s the consort of an Archangel. If anything, she’s scorned even more for it. She struggles to learn the rules of her new life and to find acceptance, even with Raphael’s Seven. Nothing comes easily for her. She’s used to being the baddest Hunter on the block, but now she finds herself back to square one. She also struggles to master flying tricks and works to build muscle so she won’t be so easily fatigued. Seeing Elena work step by step to adjust to her new life makes any achievements all the sweeter for me.
Elena continues to jockey with Raphael for cooperation and control. Neither of them are really used to a partnership, and trust comes hard for them. The love is there, but there are plenty of bumps along the path to happiness. Elena and Raphael both slowly open themselves to each other and it’s lovely watching them strengthen as a couple. Raphael still has a hard time trusting himself with Elena when he’s in a mood and trusting Elena to protect herself well enough to ensure nothing will happen to her. But Elena values their relationship enough to keep working at it.
We get some nice details about various members of the Seven here. Before rereading the first two books (right before I started this one) I wasn’t that interested in Venom. I don’t know what happened, but all of a sudden he drew my attention like a lodestone. I really liked watching his fighting techniques and hope that we get more of him soon. Illium was someone I’ve been interested in from the start. I like his flirty, fun-loving attitude, but it’s also nice to see a little more depth too.
I had heard that the next book focused on Dmitri before I reread the first two. I paid particular attention to him looking for clues and thought that I had spotted his future love interest, but then I heard Singh had leaked that we hadn’t met her yet. So I suppose I spotted clues where there were none.
Even though I enjoyed this book I didn’t like it as much as the first two. I had to take a while to let it stew after reading it to figure out why I wasn’t as happy with it. I’m still not sure I’ve totally figured it out. Honestly, if I had read this book first I wouldn’t have become obsessed with the series like I am now. The relationship is still good, but it doesn’t have the compelling factor going for it that I’m used to seeing.
I think one of the biggest problems with this book was the pacing. It all felt a bit slow to me. There was a lot of focus on Raphael and Elena—which I definitely do want—but it didn’t feel like the quality time I was craving. It just felt like they were rehashing things when I wanted new development. That’s not to say that it was unsatisfying though. I still enjoyed them together, I just wish there had been more of a spark.
The end fight was a pretty big letdown for me. I wasn’t displeased with the final resolution (because I saw it coming early on) but I did expect more excitement.
Before ending this I do have to mention one thing. We finally get to see Raphael teach Elena how Angels dance! It definitely wasn’t what I was expecting, but I liked it all the better for it.
While this was my least favorite of the series I still think it was pretty good. It also didn’t hurt that there was an excerpt of Kiss of Snow at the end of it! Read that at your own risk though, because I couldn’t resist reading it and then I got bummed and crabby when I ran out of pages.
Favorite Quote:
For the first time in forever, he was stunned to silence. Not by her words, but by the tenderness in her hands, the worry in her eyes. He was an archangel. He’d been wounded far, far worse and shrugged it off. But then, there had been no woman with sun kissed by the sunset and eyes of storm gray to tear into him for daring to get himself hurt.
Archangel’s Consort
January 25th 2011 by Berkley Sensation
Paranormal Romance
Source: Publisher
Series list
GoodReads Reviews
Author’s Website
Purchase Links: Amazon || Book Depository
***GIVEAWAY***
I have an extra copy of Archangel’s Consort to giveaway. Leave a comment for entry. Open to all!
Open until Feb. 4, winner announced soon after.
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Oh this is a great giveaway!! I haven’t read any of Nalini’s work yet but I would love to thanks so much!
I love this series. Great review FV.
Well, I still have to read this book so I haven’t read your whole review yet. But I’m so intrigued, I really want to read it ASAP. And I love the quote, makes me even more curious. Thanks for the giveaway!
LOVE your favorite quote! Thank you for sharing! I’d love the chance to win! Please enter me!
@tori aka ggs_closet: Catherine reviewed this one Tori. But, I’ll be reviewing it on the blog soon. I love this series as well.
Thank you for your honest review. I would like to read the book.
Great review! Can’t wait to get my hands on this book!
Stacie
GeishasMom73 on twitter
Oh what a beautiful quote! I wish I had the book now to read further!! Please enter me in the giveaway.
Chrizette
Thanks so much for offering this book as a giveaway. I love this series!
Miranda
mdwartistry at yahoo dot com
I r really loved the first one Angels blood. Archangels kiss for new was like this was for you. Ill still read it though because I love the world and ms. singh
@Kristen My Bookish Fairy Tale: I definitely recommend trying her out!
@tori aka ggs_closet: Thanks! I really love the series too.
@Deea: I hope you come back to chat after you read the book.
@Kate N (YzhaBella): @debbie: @GeishasMom73: Thanks! I hope you enjoy it when you get your hands on it, and best of luck in the giveaway!
@Chrizette: I loved the quote too. There were a lot of great, quotable lines but some of them gave a little too much away for me to post here.
@Kayanna kirby: The first book was my favorite as well. It was just so intense!
Sounds great. Thanks for the giveaway. Count me in, please.
Great review! I can’t wait to get started on this one. Especially if there are Hawke sneak peaks in the back!! *wink*
@MinnChica: I shouldn’t have read it. It was just torturing myself.
I’d love a copy! Thanks for the contest.
I kept seeing this book pop up on all blogs in “Great new covers” and such posts and I agree, it looks really stunning!
And even if it was your least favourite of the series it got 4 hearties, wow! you amde me curious
stella.exlibris (at) gmail (dot) com
@Stella (Ex Libris): The cover gods have definitely smiled on this series in my opinion. I love the color tones of all of them although the second book, Archangel’s Kiss, is my favorite cover.
Brill review makes me want to read the second one right now and buy this one!
Nice to giveaway a copy too
I love this series it’s one of my favorite series that I’m reading right now. I would love to win a copy of this book.
@Ally: Thanks!
I’ve been on the fence about this one. Loved the first book felt a little ho-hum about the second one.
PS Really excited to read the next book is about Dimitri!!!
Oh this is an awesome giveaway! I just finished reading Angels’ Blood and I’m reading Archangel’s Kiss. I would love to win the third book! And Elena looks FAB and HOT in that cover! Isn’t it awesome?
Great review! I’m a little disappointed that it was your least favorite, since for me, book 2 was MY least favorite so far. Not that it was bad at all, it was still excellent, but i was so WOWed by book 1, you know? Still. I cannot wait to read Archangels Consort! And finally see how angel’s dance! Someone told me there is plenty of Ilium too…I love Bluebell! Thanks for the review and giveaway!
Oooh can’t wait to read this! Thanks for the giveaway!
I haven’t started this series yet so I’m avoiding spoilers but do like Singh’s Psy series, hoping this one will be just as good.
Great reveiw. I’m really looking forward to this installment in the series.
I loveee this series. I want this book so bad, it isn’t at my store!
hehe
Great review, I can’t wait to read this!:)
Tasha
As I usually do with reviews I should not read..skimmed so not to spoil it for me.
Not entering either, need that first book
@KC: The second book was still a 5 for me, but I was really expecting to be wowed with this one now that Elena and Raphael are back in their old stomping grounds.
I’m excited to read about other characters in this world as well, but I do hope we get more Raphael and Elena down the road.
@Kai A.: How did you like the first book?
@Kristin: Well, before reading this book Archangel’s Kiss was my least favorite. It was still a 5 for me, but like you said, the first one just wowed me so much that it was hard to top it.
Who knows, though? You might end up loving this one more than me. Even with it being my least favorite, it’s still a great book.
@Scorpio M.: They’re very different, but I like both series.
@Lynnd: @Natasha J: Thanks!
Thanks for the giveaway!
I’ve got the first book, although it’s currently languishing on Mt. TBR. If I win this one, that would definitely encourage me to move it up!
jen at delux dot com
@blodeuedd: I definitely rec the first one. And it’s a good idea not to read any of the comments or reviews for the later books before reading the first book. People won’t mean to, but they’ll spoil an intense scene for you.
Love this series! Great review. I love Illium too and have been curious on how the book for the 7 will go!
Lisa B
modokker at yahoo dot com
I skimmed the review since you said it contained 1st book spoilers but i really want to read this one and the 1st! Would love a chance to win.
I’d love to win this one. She is one of my all time favorite writers.
scrtbpal at yahoo dot com
wow I am excited to read this book! I love Elena and Raphael!!
natasha AT likeminds DOT ca
I am have been waiting to know how angel’s dance so I hope I am surprised like you were. I like not guessing what is going to happen.
usignolc(at)yahooDOTcom
Nice review Catherine! I’m reading this now. And you spotting clues about Dmitri where there weren’t any. Funny.
(no need to enter me!)
Cool giveaway – I love it when the prize is one the reviewer loves! Count me in!
I love her GH and Psy/Changeling series.
smccar1 at hotmail dot com
i love nalini singh!!! been dying to read archangel’s consort!! would love to win!!
mariannguyen16(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I haven’t read any of this series yet!
kissinoak at frontier dot com
I would love to read this series. Please enter me in contest.
@Lisa B: I’m very curious too. I hope they’re as excellent as Raphael and Elena’s books are.
@cait045: It definitely was different. I’m curious to hear the majority reaction to it as I don’t think it’s what many were expecting. But I was pleased with it.
@Julie: Thanks! I had a “D’Oh” moment after realizing that I was finding foreshadowing where none existed.
Thanks for the giveaway and opportunity to win! Am definitely a fan of Nalini and would love to win this book!
chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com
I enjoy this author, count me in!
I have enjoyed those of Nalidi’s books that I have read although I have not read any of this series.
So please enter me in the giveaway and thanks for opening it to worldwide entries.
Carol T
buddytho {at} gmail DOT com
Great Review! Love that quote!
Great review, sound like Angel’s Consort is going to be good.
I want this one so bad!
Stephanie G
Paranormal Haven
The review is really good and seems like it’s gonna be a good reading!
This series sounds sooooooo good!
Love the author would Love to have this book…thanks for the chance…
I would love a chance to win this book as i have read the first two books.
@Sunscented: @Michelle: @Lucia: Thanks!
I love Nalini’s books, it would be great to win Archangel’s Consort.
I have not read Nalini’s books yet, but I have heard great things about them. I would love to read this. Thanks for the chance.
Can’t wait to read this one! I’ve love all of Singh’s Guild Hunter novels and can’t wait to see what happens next!
Thanks for the great contest!
Sooo exciting to read this!
Please enter me! I loved the first two books, I can’t wait to start this one!!!
Really cant wait for this one. Thanks for the chance!
bacchus76 at myself dot com
I am looking forward to reading this book.
linze_e at homtail.com
@Lucia: sorry forget the mail aliasigirl AT liberto DOT com
Great review, as always, Catherine!!
Please enter me in the contest.
Ooops, forgot the email. *sigh*
Awesome quote! I’d love to read this!
meredithfl at gmail dot com
OMG, I would love love love to win this book!!! Thanks so much for the chance
june111(at)att(dot)net
Oh I own the first book in this series and I have heard wonderful things.
Thanks for the giveaway
apk1princess(at)live(dot)com
I would love to be entered. The book looks great.
I’d love to read this!!!
heatwave96(at)hotmail.com
i’d love to be entered please
I love this series!
I can’t wait to read AC,even more so after reading Mandi and your reviews.
You guys make it even more appealing. Next week can’t come fast enough !
This is one of my favorite series and I cannot wait to read Archangel’s Consort.
Thank you so much for this giveaway.
I love this series and I really look forward to see what happens with Raphael and Elena.
Thank you for the chance to win.
Thank you for this great giveaway I would love to win a copy!!!
Please let me be the lucky one I’d been dying to read this book I can’t wait.
Nice of you to have this giveaway.
I have heard so much about this book.
Please enter me and thank you for the giveaway.
oooooooh count me in please
This looks like a good book!
I love reading Nalini Singhs books.
Elena and Raphael are so amazing.
I’ve been anxiously awaiting this books since finishing Archangel’s Kiss last year. This series has become my all time-favorite.
@Sotheara: The wait is a killer, isn’t it?
I’ve been waiting for this. Finally it’s out! I miss Elena so much
Would LOVE to win this! Been waiting for the release of this book for a really long time.
angeldream3(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi, I’m new here. Thank you sooo much for the review and the contest. I loved the review!!! Can’t wait to read the book, January 25th took a long time to come around…
@DMP88: I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks so much for the lovely review, i’m dying to read this, i’m quite in love with this series
Good review, would love to win a copy.
Another awesome giveaway! I have heard so many great things about this book! Count me in!
BornajhawkATaolDOTcom
I’ve been waiting for this book ever since I finished number two! so exciting:D
I would love to enter!
Thank you for the giveaway. Please enter me – d.septer at insightbb.com
I love this series. I loved this book. I love watching Elena grow as an angel, hunter, and partner in a committed relationship.
I’ve been looking forward to this book, thanks for doing this.
I’d love this to be my first Singh! Count me in!
the writing seems beautiful.
thanks for the giveway
fairy dot morgaine at gmail dot com
Me, Me, me!!! Thanks for giving stuff away!
I love this series and would love to win this book. Anyway to get it would make me happy. Thank you for the amazing review hon, it was fantastic.
drharleyquinn87 (at) gmail (dot) com
I’d love to read this book. Thanks for the chance
jlynettes @ hotmail . com
I would love to enter. I really want to win this!
I’d love to read this!