The next great thing in Vampires
This book adds Angels and Archangels into the mix creating a society and hierarchy that stand completely independently of the stories that surround it. This book is anything but typical. It seems like everyone is looking for the next great vampire novel, only to find that the stories and plots become repetitive. This novel is unlike any vampire novel that I have read and the angels create a new and intriguing character structure that compliments the vampire tale and stands alone from it.
The main character, Elena, is strong, independent, and in general a very likeable character. She is by no means a damsel in distress. She is human with the skills of a vampire hunter, which she was born with. Kicked out of her family because of these abilities, Elena relies on herself, creates her own havens and fights her own battles. Raphael, is an Archangel. He is powerful, strong, beautiful arrogant and at times insanely harsh and cruel. Together they hunt for a rogue Archangel that Raphael alone cannot seem to locate. My one complaint about the characters would be that I would have loved to see more banter between Elena and Raphael. Sometimes within hating each other, two people can begin to admire each other, and be drawn to each other. But that initially chemistry and excitement is lacking in the beginning. They become jealous over each other and protective, but the build to those feelings never truly seem justified. Yes Raphael is Archangel beautiful, but it is obvious that it will take more than that to appeal to Elena. And Elena is strong, and warrior powerful, but there just has to be something else that makes her stand out from all the other warrior women and angels that have and could appeal to Raphael. So when the two are finally drawn together, the reader feels it is not as passionate as it could have been. Mind you, Elena and Raphael are still very intriguing characters, and readers will love and hate Raphael as they are supposed to. What I'm talking about would have simply filled in gaps and made their bond seem that much stronger.
As for the storyline, the mix of Angels, vampires, humans, and hunters is handled very well. I am easily able to accept the perimeters of this alternate New York City, where Angels hover around a building in the center of the city, adding a dark, gothic and fantastical feeling to the city I know so well. In fact, the Angels are a welcome edition to the New York skyline and fit seamlessly with the society. I see how Angels would be needed to rule and govern, to help maintain and enforce the peace, even if it is cruel at times. The hunt for the rogue angel is dangerous and exciting, and the secrets of Angels slowly become uncovered as Elena hunts her prey.
Nalini Singh has to be one of the most visual writers I've read. Her colors and descriptions are beautiful, clear and breathtaking. From the details of Angel's wings, to the darkness of the city, to the cruelty of bruised and battered bodies, Singh puts her images into the reader's mind. We see what the characters see, we feel what the feel, smell what they smell, hear what they hear.
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