As a devoted fan of Nalini Singh’s Guild Hunter series, I recently embarked on a journey back into her captivating universe, revisiting her richly woven tales of archangels, angels, vampires, and the intricate web of power and politics that binds them.

The latest book re-read is Archangel’s Sun, the 13th instalment in this spellbinding series, and it did not disappoint.

One of the standout aspects of Singh’s Guild Hunter series is her ability to craft multi-dimensional characters, and Archangel’s Sun is no exception. The story centres around Titus, the archangel responsible for the vast continent of Africa, and he’s a character that’s impossible not to like. His strength, power, and the weight of his responsibilities make him a captivating main character.

But what truly sets this story apart is the introduction of the enigmatic and mesmerizing Shari, AKA Hummingbird. Her character is a masterpiece of complexity, an old and powerful being whose mind is a kaleidoscope of broken memories. Watching her evolve throughout the book is a thrilling experience, and her interactions with Titus are filled with both tension and tenderness.

Singh weaves a tale of post-archangelic war consequences that stretches from New York to Africa. The lingering legacy of the Archangels of Death and Disease manifests in the form of the reborn, undead creatures with a chilling glimmer of intelligence. Titus takes on the monumental task of stopping this new threat from spreading, but he can’t do it alone.

The backdrop of a world reeling from war and teetering on the brink of chaos provides an intense and immersive atmosphere. Singh’s world-building skills shine as she delves into the intricacies of the Guild Hunter universe, bringing both familiar and new elements to life.

One of the elements I appreciated most about Archangel’s Sun is how it delves into the aftermath of the archangelic war, exploring the consequences and the challenges faced by the surviving angels and archangels. The portrayal of their struggles and vulnerabilities adds depth to the story, making these supernatural beings feel relatable and human in their own way.

And then there’s the mysterious gift left behind by the Archangel of Disease, a revelation that is as chilling as it is captivating, driving the narrative forward with a relentless sense of urgency.

One of the main, I wouldn’t call it disappointments, more like missed opportunities, is Singh showing the Hummingbird side of Shari. Shari is rediscovering herself after her time in the kaleidoscope – she is finding her wing strength, power, and sense of humour.

However, she is still in an extremely tense situation. It would’ve done her character an amazing service by using her art as a stress relief and maybe leave some of the tragedy on the canvas.  

Nalini Singh continues to prove why she’s a powerhouse in the genre, and I can’t wait to see where the Guild Hunter series takes us next.