Angels Of Darkness with Nalini Singh, Ilona Andrews, Sharon Shinn, and Meljean Brook
Paranormal Romance
Trade Paperback
October 4, 2011
Berkley
Reviewed by Tori
Four masters of urban fantasy and paranormal romance explore the rapture of the heavens above and the darkness below in a four story anthology-Angels Of Darkness.
Angel’s Wolf by Nalini Singh- RATING: B+
After the vampire Noel recovers from his brutal beating and torture, Raphael sends him to the Archangel Nimra to serve in her court. Rumors have swirled around this particular angel for years-her cruelty and mercilessness made legend. Noel vows never to be at anyone’s mercy again and prepares himself to fight to the death. Nimra doesn’t want Noel in her court but she has someone trying to kill her and she needs his help to flush out the assailant. As these two dance around their attraction, Noel realizes that nothing about Nimra and her court is as it seems and soon finds himself deeply encased in deception and betrayal as he fights to protect what he is coming to love.
I adore Nalini Singh’s Archangel series. Dark and erotic, this urban fantasy will swept you up and hold you in it’s seductive embrace till you submit. Angel’s Wolf tell us what happened to Noel, a vampire who was horrifically brutalized in Archangel’s Blade. A perfect blending of emotional turmoil and humor, I found myself falling in love with our broken hero and heroine. Each has suffered a terrific loss and it’s only through their own passion are they able to overcome the past and look towards the future.
Alphas (Origins) by Ilona Andrews – RATING: B+
Karina and her daughter are kidnapped and held against their will when they inadvertently step into the middle of a supernatural war. Karina has a special gift that is needed to help one man in this world survive. As Karina gets to know her captor and the world she now inhibits, she has to make a decision. Does she submit to his will or does she bravely step forward and claim her destiny?
A year ago I was reading small snippets of Alphas on Ilona Andrews website and was blown away. A fascinating dark urban fantasy, I was elated to find out they would be putting this story out in novellas. Fact pacing with convoluted world building sets the stage for this addicting storyline. Vibrant characters combined with Andrew’s trademark sarcastic humor and intense action will have you wanting to re read this one over and over again.
Nocturne by Sharon Shinn – RATING: B
When overly curious Moriah accepts a position at a secluded school it’s only a matter of time before she finds herself at the mysterious mansion on the estate. The mystery is solved quickly when she comes face to face with a blind tormented angel who lives there. Not a fan of angels, Moriah can’t help but tease, taunt, and push the angel to live in spite of his injuries. Corban"s faith was tested when his prayers were answered with pain and devastation. Will Corban and Moriah accept this second chance or will their pasts hold them back.
This is my first time reading Ms. Shinn but it won’t be my last. An enjoyable paranormal romance that allows for some serious world building. A character driven novella that pulls you in and submerges you in to the lives of our protagonists. Fast pacing and a steady stream of snarky cheerful humor had me laughing through out this lightweight story. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Shinn in the future.
Ascension by Meljean Brook – RATING: D
When vampires start dying in his town, Guardian Marc Revoire isn’t sure what he is hunting. Tired and weary, he is not happy when he receives a visit from a fellow Guardian and ex lover, Radha. When Marc broke Radha’s heart, she vowed never to see him again, but she senses that he needs her help more then ever if he is to defeat the darkness in his town and heart.
I enjoy Ms. Brook’s Guardian series. A multi layered paranormal romance that pits humanity against the denizens of hell. Action, suspense, and a whole lot of sizzle makes this a series worth reading. This small look into the Guardians world was weak, uninspired, and the romance between Marc and Radha confusing. I didn’t feel any chemistry or love between our protagonists. It drags in certain areas and the ending is anti climatic.
Overall Rating: B
Recent Reviews:
All Things Urban Fantasy – 3/5
Reflections on Reading Romance – 3.5/5
Goodreads
great review! :)
I got this for the Singh + Andrews parts, looks like it’ll be worth it! Now, to find time to read it!!
It’s a good one.
I can’t believe I missed this release! Sheesh! What time does B/N open???
8 am-HURRY!!! lol
I really liked this one too!! I am definitely going to check out the Shinn series, because I thought the world was so different and interesting. Don’t know if the religion thing will annoy me in a full length book, but I’m willing to try!! :)
I too thought Brooks story was the weakest, and I love that series!! :( I hate when that happens.
I was surprised by the Shinn story myself. I am looking into that series too. Angels usually annoy me but this one didn’t.
This anthology was good right? It’s uncommon finding one where all novellas are worth reading. My favorite was Origins, I really hope we get more books in that universe because it was incredible. I agree with your take on Ascension, the romance was a bit flat mostly because the heroine was annoying and the reason they were apart ridiculous, but the hero was dreamy and I didn’t think the ending was anticlimactic, to me it was surprising and very good.
And I’m definitely reading Shinn’s previous work, hers was the most different in tone but I loved the romance and the setting.
I loved it! I guessed early on what was happening in Ascension but the hero and heroine just didn’t click for me. I thought them both annoying and didn’t seem to know each other well even though they had spent years together.
I’m not read Archangel’s Blade yet, but I think Noel brutalized in Archangel’s Kiss, not in Blade =/
I try so hard to read Meljean Brook’s book, but I can’t understand her story, both her Guardian series and her steampunk books
Your right Ren and thanks for bringing that to my attention. This is what happens when I get overly excited. :)
I normally LOVE Meljean’s Guardian and steampunk series…this one just didn’t do it justice.
Ooo I want to read this one purely for the Nalini Singh novella! And the Ilona Andrews one. Not a fan of the other two authors.
I’m sure you’ll enjoy.
Just so many I have not tried, sure I have read the authors but the series are new
These are 3 of my fav authors-with a new author I’m going to try.
I’m so curious about this one, I just know Nalini Singh and Ilona Andrews but I really like the two of them. I think for the other ones it will be a discovery. Thanks for the review