Title: Angels’ Blood
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunters #1
Pages: 372
Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux has been hired by the Archangel Raphael to hunt a monster who is on a killing spree. Failure isn’t an option and she knows she might be killed, but her biggest concern is being seduced by Raphael.
I have mixed feelings about this book. This whole world is quite fascinating with angels, vampires, and vampire hunters. I really love all the different elements and how they interact with each other. But, while I really loved Elena and the whole concept of this world, I have issues with the relationship part of the story.
My issue is the huge power disparity between Rapahel and Elena for the majority of this book. Elena is terrified of him most of the time, and knows he will most likely torture and kill her at the end of the mission. This is an issue for me because the way their relationship progressed to actual intimacy felt almost like she was just giving in to his demands, not because she actually felt something for him. Later those feelings are there but that first sex scene felt more like she was just tired so she gave into his constant requests.
The reason why this is getting a three star instead of two is because I enjoyed the hunt for the enemy and seeing Elena in the field. Also Elena’s internal monologue, when not obsessed with Raphael, was really enjoyable. I really loved learning more about her and her reasoning for being a hunter, which I hope we learn more about in the next book. Hopefully the relationship will get better in the next book.
Trigger Warnings: dubious consent
Previous books and reviews for the series:
#0.4 Angel’s Dance
#0.6 Angel’s Judgement
#0.8 Angel’s Pawn
Red-Haired Ash Reads 