Urban Fantasy
352 pages
Guild Hunter Series #3
Berkley/Penguin Usa
Elena and Raphael have come home from the Refuge, back to New York. Only the weather starts going haywire signaling the awakening of one of the ancients. All indicators point to the ancient being Raphael's mother and the fear now is, if it is in-fact his mother will she be as crazy as she was before she went to Sleep. Will she still have little voices in her head telling her to kill her son, before he can out rule and over-throw her.
Since discovering the Guild Hunter series a few months ago, I have been eagerly anticipating the release of the 3rd book in the series, Archangel's Consort. Elena and Raphael easily became one of my favorite hero/heroine combos with their challenging personalities and the unique situations they find themselves in. Fans of the duo will not be disappointed. Unfortunately for me, and this is hard for me to even type, there was a little bit too much Elena and Raphael time. Fans are asking themselves "and why is that a problem?!" Well, it all felt a little been there done that before. I didn't feel like the story was paced like I've come to expect and felt like there was a little too much filler, coupled with a lag in character development. In my opinion, Archangel's Kiss, the last book in the series, was the perfect book for Raphael and Elena to test the terms and limitations of their new relationship, so I think I was expecting something different this time. And maybe that was my problem; expectations are never fair. Their coupling still remains intriguing and the time they spend together is fun and always appreciated.
When the action does kick in the story doesn't stop. Readers will find themselves on the edge of their seats anxious for answers. I just wish the action would have come a little sooner in the story. At the end of the book I was happy with the progress that was made, and am looking forward to what's next, including Dimitri's story {due out late 2011}.
Bottom Line: Fans of the Raphael and Elena will enjoy the one-on-one time, but action/plot fans will be left a little flat.
3 stars
Wow! Great honest review Jess! I think I'll quite like this one because I am more the romance story chick and you are more the action chick. ;)
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I love that you've been honest that there isn't enough action in this for you as I'm a big action girl too and I think it only works if the chemistry between the two main characters is right.
ReplyDeleteI'm really apprehensive about this series because I adore Ms Singh Psy/Changeling series and it's completely different and I'm worried that it may become repetitive and well... boring. Elena and Raph are great but after a while it can become boring and I can't see how Ms Singh can keep it fresh every time!
I think this may be something Ms Singh has thought of herself as she is writing another in this series on a different character Dante (can't remember if that's the right character!) unless her fans have been asking her for his story either way I think that break would be good especially if this one isn't as good as the previous two about Elena and Raph.
Julie: I will always be a fan of R&E... they're great together
ReplyDeleteAlly: Oh you should give the series a try! And yes I think you're right about introducing additional character's stories instead of always being R&E. I think the series will be better for it, and I am really anxious for Dimitri's story.
I'll probably read this one...am hoping will get more into it as the series progresses...:)
ReplyDeleteYikes. Too bad about the plot. Still excited to read it (cuz I loves me some Elena and Raphael), but I'll be sure to not have expectations flying crazily high.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing!
-Alisha
I love the honest review! I had this series down on my TBR list. I was very interested in the series just because of the front of this particular cover...maybe I'll still give it a go in hopes that the rest of the books will be worth it.
ReplyDeletegreat review. New follower seeing your blog name on My Bookish Ways. Stop by:Fangs, Wands and Fairy Dust
ReplyDeleteemail: steph@fangswandsandfairydust.com
twitter: @fangswandsfairy
Kristin:I really like the series
ReplyDeleteAlisha: I love me some E&A too. For that you'll love
Deanna: Oh please do read them, It's a great series!!
Steph:Thanks for stopping in, hope to get to know you more :)
I agree with you Jessica on the plot/action. I loved the one-on-one time between Raphael/Elena but I'm so used to get a great plot as well from Nalini Singh, which was subdued IMO in AC.
ReplyDeleteLeontine:OMG, I'm glad you agree! I was beginning to think I was crazy. ;)
ReplyDelete