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The Soul Summoner

The Archangel: An Azrael Story

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The Archangel of Death is the master of taking human life. But keeping mortals alive? Not exactly Azrael's forte.

For thousands of years, Azrael’s greatest enemy has been silent. Leaving him in relative peace for the first time since the great angel war.

Now that silence has been broken, and the Morning Star has returned with a dangerous ultimatum: Azrael can join, or watch everything he loves be destroyed.

Two lives hang in the balance—Azrael’s beloved human wife, Nadine, and their unborn, part-angel son...Warren.

The Archangel is a standalone story that happens three decades before The Soul Summoner begins. It can be read in any order, but it is recommended for this novella to be read later in the series.



THE SOUL SUMMONER SERIES ORDER:

Book 1 – The Soul Summoner 
Book 2 – The Siren
Book 3 – The Angel of Death
Book 4 – The Taken
Book 5 - The Sacrifice
Book 6 - The Regular Guy
Book 7 - The Soul Destroyer
Book 8 - The Guardian
Book 9 - The Daughter of Zion

THE SOUL SUMMONER COMPANION STORIES:
The Detective: A Nathan McNamara Story
The Mercenary: A Warren Parish Story
The Archangel: An Azrael Story

163 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 20, 2019

151 people are currently reading
197 people want to read

About the author

Elicia Hyder

29 books1,122 followers
Elicia Hyder is a bestselling author of paranormal suspense and contemporary romance. You can get a FREE eBOOK by clicking this link: Get The Detective for FREE.

When I'm not writing, I can be found sipping craft beer in my blow-up swimming pool or beating my children at Harry Potter ⚡ trivia. I am married to a superhero and have two dogs with severe separation anxiety. I suck at CAPTCHA puzzles and firmly believe that heaven will have heavy metal music. ✌

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5 stars
183 (67%)
4 stars
63 (23%)
3 stars
23 (8%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Madison Warner Fairbanks.
3,444 reviews495 followers
December 20, 2019
The Archangel by Elicia Hyder

A backstory of Azrael; a Soul Summoners Companion story. Book 3. Should be read as part of the series.
This story is of Azrael in the past with pregnant wife Nadine. Warren’s mother.
Not a happy story. In fact, sad.
It does explain and clear up questions from the series. It gives us a clearer picture of Azrael.

A urban fantasy series of angels, demons, death, and the struggle for power and life.
Unique and unmatched. More cliffhanger as part of the series.
Profile Image for Lucie V..
1,228 reviews3,658 followers
April 3, 2025
❗️❗️This is a companion novella, and it does not say when to read it in the series. Still, I would recommend waiting until after the fifth book to read it, as it shows us Azrael's past and Warren's birth, but it also gives spoilers about things that are revealed/explained in the fifth book of the series.

This novella follows Azrael and Nadine during the last stretch of Nadine's pregnancy. They are both living happily in Chicago, but we can see from the start that The Morningstar is circling around Azrael and wants to get his hands on Warren.

It was interesting to get more background on Azrael, and it also showed us a more emotional and human side of him that we do not get to see as much in the series.


0.5 The Detective ⭐⭐⭐
1. The Soul Summoner ⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. The Siren ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. The Angel of Death ⭐⭐⭐.5
4. The Taken ⭐⭐⭐.5
5. The Sacrifice ⭐⭐⭐⭐
6. The Regular Guy ⭐⭐⭐⭐
6.5 The Mercenary: A Warren Parish Story ⭐⭐⭐


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488 reviews7 followers
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June 10, 2020
The Morning Star is a dick. Holy hell, "died in childbirth" is an understatement. And yet I love this story. I totally dig the portrayal of angels and the idea that grief makes us all do drastic things. Even the super powerful angels get messed up in the head over grief.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kathryn.
1,009 reviews14 followers
December 30, 2019
What sacrifice would you make to save your child, to save the world? This is how I started my review for book #5 in The Soul Summoner series. These questions are still pertinent to this short story in the series as well. This is the story of Azrael, the Archangel of Death, and Nadine, his human wife just prior to and just after the birth of their son, Warren Parish. Azrael is making preparations that would enable him to remain near his family after the baby is born, and to keep them all safe from Satan, a.k.a. the Morning Star. We learn: how Claymore Worldwide Security came to be, about Flint McGrath’s relationship with Azrael, about Azrael’s relationship with his in-laws, how Azrael became a fallen angel, and why Warren grew up not knowing his father.
There was so much happening in this short story. Like with any other Elicia Hyder book I hated it to end. I am amazed at the great tapestry Ms. Hyder has woven with the Soul Summoner series.
A little warning; even knowing what happens in the future, the ending of this story made me very sad. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

This book is not a stand alone. You must read the other books in the series first to understand what is going on here. I can’t wait for The Daughter of Zion, the last book in this series, to know how all of the good guys get to live happily ever after.
Profile Image for Deborah.
Author 11 books115 followers
December 30, 2019
This precursor novella to the Soul Summoner series fills in the back story of Warren’s parents – the human woman Nadine, and the Archangel of Death, Azrael.
It’s a pleasure to finally get inside Az’s head, and at the same time heart-rending, because you know the final outcome, and yet you still can’t help but hope it might turn out different this time.
It’s a quick read, but really well worth it as ever with Hyder’s stories – well written, great dialogue, super characterisation. Yes, I’m a fan (have been from the first book), but I always read new work with an open mind, and I’m thrilled to say I haven’t been disappointed yet in any of this series.
Profile Image for Melissa Hongisto.
280 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2020
This book was helpful insight into his character. I actually think this, the Mercenary and The Detective should be read first and not in publication order. None really give away any critical information, they all help with knowing characters later. It helps you understand some of The Fathers decisions as well.
Profile Image for Linda.
189 reviews13 followers
December 21, 2019
4 stars instead of 5 for calling this story a "book." I would classify this less as a book and more of a long short story or novelette. I mean, I read it in about 2 hours. Nevertheless, it's very good as part of Elicia Hyder's wonderful Soul Summoner series.

The Archangel: An Azrael Story is classified as a "companion story" to the series. In each of her three companion stories, Hyder elaborates on a particular main protagonist's back story, taking place before the main series events begin. It's always interesting to fans of the series, because, as I've mentioned in earlier reviews of actual series books, these characters become almost like family over time. Going back to learn about formative events in character's lives - events that are only vaguely mentioned in the main books - is enjoyable and serves to round out your understanding of the character.

Not a stand-alone novel, don't start with this or any of the companion stories if you're interested in the series. But definitely read them once you're well into the series, because, by that time, you'll most likely be in love with the story and the amazing angels, humans, and others who live in these pages.
Profile Image for Cynthia Wu.
8 reviews
December 20, 2019
Soul Summoner series is a totally nail-biting whirlwind of supernatural events surrounding three main characters Sloan, Nathan and Warren. Though within the series, "the supporting cast" gets a fair mentioning, most of them, such as Azrael, lurks in the background with a mystical aura around him, leaving much room for readers to speculate the reasoning behind his hidden agenda and plans. A massive thank you goes to Elicia for gifting us The Companion Stories, providing us insights into the life and background of individual characters, in this case, The Archangel himself.

Once again, the story is gripping and thoroughly entertaining, satiating our appetite for Azrael's complexity, pains and secrets. By revealing and expanding on his hidden story, Elicia has truly brought Azrael to life. He's no longer just a mysterious yet overbearing father-in-law / dad / granddad. He's no longer just the cloaked puppet-master pulling strings behind the curtain. He's now a full-fledged integral character of the series, who will undoubtedly play a big part in the next instalment(s) of this fascinating series. For any fantasy readers, this is definitely a series you do not want to miss!
2,555 reviews23 followers
December 20, 2019
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "THE ARCHANGEL" "AZRAEL'S STORY" I loved getting the beginning and the background on Azrael the Archangel before he had his son Warren whow was one of the main characters in the "SOUL SOMMNER SERIES"
It was how he came to Earth with other fallen to be in service of humanity which angered the Angels, he never was going to be a father but when he and Nadine's his wife became pregnant he was thrilled, she had the ability to see Angels and knew who what he was.
Morning Star wants Azrael son to start a new army of angels which would destroy the spirit line giving him free reign to do as he please including destroying the humans bur Azrael will fight him.
This was such a good read so many unanswered questions about Azrael in "Soul Sommner Series" come to light it was absolutely a fantastic well written story by Elicia Hyder and tbe characters were awesome it's a must have book you don't want to miss.
I definitely recommend so well worth the read I Soooo can't wait for book 9 in the Soul Sommner Series "THE DAUGHTER OF ZION"
Profile Image for Evelyn Dotson.
2,066 reviews17 followers
December 26, 2019
This is the story of Azrael and Nadine when she was pregnant with Warren. They were happy and in love. He never thought he would get a human pregnant with his child. Nadine had the ability to see angels, a gift she inherited from her father. Her mother and father are in town for the birth of their baby. Their friends Flint and Sheryl are expecting as well. The Morning Star has appeared to make Azrael an offer, but Azrael keeps refusing. The consequences of the refusals are huge and horrid! The punishment Azrael suffers for finally meeting the Morning Star’s terms will forever create a huge problem in the Earth and Heaven realms. To save his son, Azrael must part with him and let him grow up among the humans. He has lost Nadine but must save Warren. It is a tale that will bring tears to your eyes and make you look upon Azrael differently…he is now human with free will. It is nice to know how human Azrael became and the sacrifices he made to keep his son safe! You do not want to miss this one!
Profile Image for Sussan.
54 reviews
December 15, 2019
This is a lovely little fact filling in piece, answering some questions and filling in backstory and details giving a fuller understanding to the overall story.
I really enjoyed find out more information about Az, his journey and his powerful ability to love and nurture which is not always apparent in other books.
There are no spoilers in this, per say, this could be read before the other books but it just gives a greater clarification for some of the events and decisions made later. I have greater empathy for some of the decisions but my love / loathing for some characters have not changed.
I trust this review will inspire you to read it as it is worth the effort, although no great effort is actually required. The story flows effortlessly and logically. No double-checking of facts to determine who is who or what is going on. I found this to be a most enjoyable read, I actually cried in a couple places, but laughed in more.
64 reviews
December 20, 2019
Is Elicia Hyder actually an Angel???

The bad news? You really need to have read ALL of The Soul Summoner series and the other two companion books, in publication order, BEFORE you read The Archangel.

The good news? You really need to have read ALL of The Soul Summoner series and the other two companion books, in publication order, BEFORE you read The Archangel.

Even given the bits and pieces of Archangel Azreal’s past we’ve picked up over time, this book fills in so many blanks, and explains so very, very much about why Az did as he did, and is as he is.

You’ll be tempted to break out every swear word you know, including some to aim at author-extraordinaire Elicia Hyder, while reading this book. Just give in to the temptation and do it. Then say a prayer (if that is something you do) that Ms. Hyder actually IS an angel, and can therefore write books for all eternity.
Profile Image for The Mysterious Reader.
3,589 reviews66 followers
December 27, 2019
Yes, Elicia Hyder’s The Archangel: An Azrael Story (The Soul Summoner Companion Stories Book 3) is indeed a prequel to her Soul Summoner series (though I think reading it as I did after the current 9 books of that series is the best approach), but it’s a perfectly great book even for those who haven’t read that series. (Scattered thoughts aside here: you really, really should read that series if you have t yet.). This is the story of Azrael (yup, that one: the Archangel of Death) and Nadine when she was pregnant with Warren (who grows up to be the Warren Parrish of the Soul Summoner series). It explains why Azraek has to leave Warren - so great backstory for fans - but is also just a really finely plotted and well written tale that anyone will enjoy. On that basis alone it’s easy to recommend.
Profile Image for Denise deGregory.
78 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2020
The true beginning

I have been a fan of the Soul Summoner Series since I accidentally stumbled across the first book in the series which was free. I hesitantly read it although not being a genre I ever really liked... supernatural and angels and such, but am so glad I did because one book and I was definitely hooked. (Led me to reading other books by Elicia, to which I am so glad)

Although all fans of the series have debated over which of the lead males they are routing for Azreal has always intrigued me, and reading his story kinda broke my heart and made me love him all the more.

Well written and beautifully sad, his story was so very important and I am happy to have read it.

Now anxiously waiting for the conclusion of the series (although nobody really ever wants it to end)
Profile Image for Annette Miranda.
129 reviews3 followers
December 18, 2019
This is almost where it all began, Azrael and Nadine and Warren. The Archangel had never planned to fall in love, had sworn to the Powers That Be that he wouldn't father a child. He did. And now he is gathering the troops, literally, and his Heavenly connections to keep his son and the woman he loves safe. The Morning Star seeks the power his son will wield. The Heavenly Council fears that same power. Even Azrael is a threat to the life that is growing in Nadine's womb. The threats build as fast as Azrael can build an Angel proof home, as fast as he can plan and scheme. The question....will it be fast enough?
And who will know as Azrael places the stone he wears in a safe, locked away, hiding what he doesn't want anyone, doesn't want his son to know.

loved it, lots of background story!
Profile Image for Crystal P.
734 reviews10 followers
December 23, 2019
Az’s Story...

Gave us so many answers, but also raised some more questions. My favorite part of this series is that I can easily entertain myself with musings until the next book is released. I have always loved Az, even when I was worried he wasn’t to be trusted, but I have never truly understood him. This companion book from the series starts to fill in some gaps. It was good, but heartbreaking... thankfully, I went in knowing it would be!

If you haven’t read this series, I suggest going back and reading starting with book 1, Soul Summoner — you will not regret it. While this book can be read before the series, it will make so much more sense further into the series!
Profile Image for Linda Carlson.
483 reviews
December 20, 2019
Oh.My.Gosh!

It can’t be helped, you will read this story in just one sitting! You won’t be able to put it down, it’s that good!

No spoilers just advice, take the day off work, get a babysitter, order food in! This book needs your complete, undivided attention, and it may take some wine, in order to absorb this enlightening, but chilling chain of events!

If you have read the Summoner series, you already know that each and every book is better than good, they are mind-blowingly creative! Up until now, you have a general idea of Az’s story, it’s troubled and kind of vague. Know that this book is intense from start to finish and ends on an epic note!
Profile Image for Connie.
176 reviews16 followers
December 20, 2019
The Archangel is a standalone story that happens three decades before The Soul Summoner begins. Azrael is about to become a father even though he swore that he wouldn't father a child. His love for Nadine and baby Warren starts a ball rolling that's carried out through The Soul Summoner series. If you enjoy The Soul Summoner, this is a must read...Elicia Hyder is an awesome writer and The Archangel: An Azrael Story (The Soul Summoner Companion Stories Book 3) hooked me from the start...it made me laugh, cry and curse a blue streak. I can't wait to see where Elicia Hyder takes us next!
Profile Image for Christine.
100 reviews4 followers
December 20, 2019
What happens when an Archangel falls in love with a human - and a fallen angel has evil plans for the couple and their child? Fans of the Soul Summoner series know the answer, but like Jeopardy, the nuance is in the questions that arise. As a stand alone, this is a satisfying read. As a supplement to the series, it’s an important element in this fascinating world. I finished The Archangel torn between diving into it again, re-reading a particular book in the larger series, and getting at least a small amount of sleep so as to minimize the effects of my book hangover at work the next day.
Profile Image for Leisel.
750 reviews4 followers
December 28, 2019
An excellent background story on Azrael which nicely fills in any spaces in the Soul Summoner series.
Not that there have been any but it gives you a nice overview of characters which crop up along throughout the rest of the series, for example Flint and his family.
Recommendation would be to not read this first if picking up Elicia Hyder's The Soul Summoner series as I think you might be confused but it sits excellently as a nice in filler within the series.
Again Elicia Hyder does not disappoint her Soul Summoner followers.
Profile Image for Heidi Pergolski.
210 reviews1 follower
January 5, 2020
The Archangel gives us a glimpse into Azreal’s past; his life just before Warren. We see the main characters on a deeper level; with a greater understanding of why Azreal is the way he is earlier in the series. Some answers are given to questions asked previously, example, what exactly happened when Warren was born and why did he end up in foster care? Once again I was blown away by the ease of Elicia’s storytelling ability! I could feel the raw emotions pouring from the pages. It is as if I can see her stories unfolding in front of me. Truly a brilliant novella!
Profile Image for Tracy.
55 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2020
I literally have no idea how Elicia Hyder continues to amaze her readers with this series. This was the back story of Azrael and it was 100% perfect!! Everything about it was great. It tied up some loose ends and filled in some gaps. It gave me a little glimpse of his life with Nadine and before Warren. And I loved that we got to hear a little of Flint's back story as well. PURE PERFECTION!
Getting to the point in there series definitely makes me want to go back and read the entire series again. It is such a spectacular series.
Profile Image for Kathy.
5 reviews
December 19, 2019
I absolutely loved this story about Azrael. It really explained the beautiful love relationship between Azrael and Nadine and the emotional birth of their child, Warren. This story filled in some gaps of the hierarchy of angels, their responsibilities and relationships in Eden and here on earth. It was an emotional read without sacrificing Azrael's sense of humor that we have come to know and love. A great background story to one of the main characters of the "Soul Summoner" series.
81 reviews1 follower
December 30, 2019
Oh my heart

Knowing the ending of this book, from reading the Soul Summoner Series, made it easy yet hard to read this book. My heart breaks for Azreal & Nadine. I enjoyed reading about their love for each other &their unborn son. To enter this world from the beginning was insightful, raw &passionate for me as I relish each book Elicia Hyder has written for this amazing series!!!!!!!
Profile Image for Suzanne Giorgione.
522 reviews19 followers
January 3, 2020
This is a backstory of Azrael and Nadine. You need to read it as part of the entire Soul Summoner Series. A fantastic story to fill in all the blanks of what occurred when their son Warren was born. So much love and loss, good vs. evil. Heart-wrenching but necessary to let us know how it all happened and why. As usual Elicia Hyder hit it out of the park and gave us another fantastic story that makes me continue to love this series and I never want it to end.
Profile Image for Stephanie Villere.
1,401 reviews7 followers
January 28, 2020
This is The Archangel: An Azrael Story, of The Soul Summoner series, written by Elicia Hyder. I love this series! It’s fast paced and all consuming, filled with Angels, Archangels, Demons and more. Don’t start with this book though...start with the first one and make sure you have plenty of time, since you will not want to set it down! Come get sucked into the soul summoner world with the rest of us!
Profile Image for Marissa.
1,189 reviews7 followers
September 12, 2020
Azrael's story.

This was a good background to explain Azrael's love for Nadine and why Warren grew up the way he did, but it didn't make me love Az really. I could see his desperation in the moment when he had to make a difficult decision, but his decision did not save the one he intended to save. So he fell and failed.
It was a good background to help understand some other things in the series, so there is that...
Profile Image for Amber Todd.
627 reviews6 followers
December 13, 2019
Another heartfelt and fantastic book written by Elicia Hyder. I knew Azrael's story would be emotional, but I wasn't prepared to be so touched. I love reading these back stories because they can really change your perspective, which makes re-reading a series so much fun. Azrael has always been so in control and closed off, but now I feel like I know Az so much better now.
1,221 reviews36 followers
December 20, 2019
And she has done it again! Elicia Hyder creates characters and worlds you become completely invested in. This is part of Azrael's backstory. It explains a lot and throws in a couple shocks for good measure. I laughed, had a clenched stomach, and a few tears too. If you haven't read the Soul Summoner series you are seriously missing out.
198 reviews
March 19, 2020
What a way to leave you hanging.

This is the highest rating I could give. Read the whole
Series .The only thing I didn't like was the technical things about the downstairs & how it was built. The rest was good. It kind of sucks to have read the whole series & then read the book about Azrael .I recommend people read the series.Author very imaginative.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

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