Archangel's Viper

Nalini Singh

Sept 2017 · A Guild Hunter Novel Book 10 · Sold by Penguin

About this eBook

Enter New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s breathtakingly passionate Guild Hunter world with the story of a woman who isn’t a vampire or an angel…or human…
 
Once a broken girl known as Sorrow, Holly Chang now prowls the shadowy gray underground of the city for the angels. But it’s not her winged allies who make her a wanted woman—it’s the unknown power coursing through her veins. Brutalized by an insane archangel, she was left with the bloodlust of a vampire, the ability to mesmerize her prey, and a poisonous bite.
 
Now, someone has put a bounty on her head…
 
Venom is one of the Seven, Archangel Raphael’s private guard, and he’s as infuriating as he is seductive. A centuries-old vampire, his fangs dispense a poison deadlier than Holly’s. But even if Venom can protect Holly from those hunting her, he might not be able to save himself—because the strange, violent power inside Holly is awakening…
 
No one is safe.

Ratings and reviews

***5 ‘Menace & Trouble’ Stars*** ~ Audiobook review ~ Here are a couple of truth’s before starting this review. I’m a total fangirl of Nalini Singh’s. The Guild Hunter series is that series I listen too at least twice a year. I’ve listened to Archangel’s Viper three times in a row and will probably continue to listen to it a few more times before my mind decides to give it a rest. So with all of that stated it’s pretty obvious that I absolutely ADORED this book and all that happened in it, even crazy parts, but then again I knew I would. Ever since seeing Holly and Venom together in Archangel’s Blade I had that gut feeling that they would make the perfect, snarky, ‘other’ pair...as long as they didn’t kill each other in the process and when it was announced that there were going to be each other’s mates I swear I did a full on happy dance and I wasn’t disappointed in any way. It was all kinds of snarky and sassy fun with a huge dose of heart and drama that could only work in the intricate and deadly world of the Guild Hunter. I was pleasantly surprised by the Holly I got to know in this book because when we last spent any time with her she was still pushing boundaries and trying to come to terms with what Uram had done to her and what her future would hold. In AV, she is still working on coming to terms with it, but she is more focused and grounded and not lashing out like a hormonal teenager. The snark and sass are still presented, and I thank the powers that be that they were, but I loved seeing the compassionate and thoughtful side of the woman who had a purpose beyond simple survival. While I’ve always been intrigued with Venom, I will admit that it never got to the same level as that of Bluebell and Sparkle because while I loved his verbal barbs the emotional gut punch was never there to learn more about him but that all changed with this book. I was totally sucked into the vortex that is Venom. I loved how he never pulled his verbal punches and how much of the time they weren’t meant to wound, but to force their target to acknowledge the truths that he could see much more clearly than others expected and ones they were trying to avoid. But more than that it was the opportunity to finally get to see the heart that lay behind the sunglass and viper’s eyes, because that heart was much more compassionate and genuine than I ever thought possible. As for their journey to their HEA. I expected the snark and was very happy that even as their antagonistic relationship evolved it that aspect never went away, but changed with them. What I was surprised by, pleasantly so, was the mutual respect they gave each other and how much they simply enjoyed being in the others company. That made it so easy to see how well they fit together and really needed to spend eternity with one another because there really was no one else in the world that could put up with either one of them. Their romance is a slow build one, but absolutely satisfying in every way possible. I loved hanging out with the unique and crazy cast of characters that make up the Guild Hunter world whether they be members of the Seven, the Guild or those that are aligned with them in a mish mash of ways. It was fun to get a deeper understanding of the ties that bind them all together and getting updates on almost everyone. I’m quite interested to see where Ms. Singh will take the series with the way that both Archangel’s Heart and Archangel’s Viper ended since a couple of main storylines have been either ended or at least paused for now. I, like most, am dying for Bluebell and Sparkle to get there own books, but I’m all for making sure it’s the right time for their stories to be revealed. As for the narrator, Justine Eyre. She is absolutely fabulous. I love the cadence and tenor of her voice and how she brings each character to life. She is spot on with each accent she performs and truly brings the emotions the characters are feeling to life.

I love Nalini, but I am not going to lie, some of her books are hard to start. This was one of them, I kept starting it and putting it down, then picking it up and starting it again. It was HARD! But it was worth it! This was a huge advancement after Archangels Legion, which takes place at the same time as this one. Venom is such a intricate character (I honestly always saw him as the sideline guy) but she reveals so much about him in this book that it is so hard to put down. With the exception of Nassir, most of her male characters are very serious and it was nice to see the other side of the spectrum. Although Venom still retains the seriousness, she does a good job of incorporating his humor and his love for the world around him.

He may be the youngest immortal in the archangel Raphael’s elite guard, but Venom is just as dangerous as the rest of the Seven. Having been Made by the Queen of Snakes, Venom is a unique and deadly creation. He’s also been a mystery to us and I’m so glad we finally have his book! I’ve enjoyed Venom’s snarky banter and his ruthless wit throughout the series. He’s forbidden fruit and could tempt the most divine immortals to fall. He may look like a gorgeous supermodel you’d happily be seduced by, but beneath Venom’s skin lies a lethal creature with poison so virulent, you’ll be begging for death. Holly was just a young and carefree twentysomething when she was kidnapped with several of her friends by a crazy madman. Having been tortured in unspeakable ways, Holly was changed on a fundamental level. Trying to find her new place in the world, she’s starting to be happy again. But she’s hiding a deadly secret. Not only that, Holly’s got this big a**hole with stupid sunglasses who’s made it his life’s work to forever be a thorn in her side. Whether it’s calling her annoying nicknames or making fun of her “kitty fangs," Holly loathes Venom with every cell in her body. If only he’d find someone else to torture 😊 As with all Nalini Singh books, ARCHANGEL’S VIPER is exciting, thrilling and brilliantly put together! I loved every page of it! Holly and Venom love to hate each other and their constant ribbing had me laughing every single time. The ultimate antagonists, their banter was the comic relief that balanced the heavier aspects of the book. I love Holly. She’s a survivor and I loved watching her grow into her maturity. She constantly battles adversity and NEVER stops fighting. Holly is a kick-ass heroine and I admired her greatly. Venom is the same old Venom. He’s infuriating, aggravating and devastatingly sexy. Even though I’m not a big fan of snakes, Venom started to grow on me as the story went on. It was interesting to learn about his past and why he’s become a jaded, cynical vampire. ARCHANGEL’S VIPER exceeds all my expectations and I never wanted it to end! However, I am looking forward to the next Guild Hunter book. Could it finally be Illium’s book? Or maybe Aodhan? Or maybe a secondary character gets a chance to shine… or it could be another Raphael and Elena book. Whichever way the series flows, you better believe I’ll be a ride-or-die reader until the end! I whole-heartedly recommend this and every book by Nalini Singh! ***I voluntarily read a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own**

About the author

Nalini Singh is passionate about writing. Though she’s traveled as far afield as the deserts of China and the temples of Japan, it is the journey of the imagination that fascinates her the most. She’s beyond delighted to be able to follow her dream as a writer.

Nalini lives and works in beautiful New Zealand. For contact details and to find out more about her series, please visit her website.