Archangel's Enigma (A Guild Hunter Novel)

Nalini Singh's Guildhunter books are always great! Naasir's story not only gives us a wonderful couple to love but reveled the amazing story of what & who Naasir is and continues the destructive path of Lijuan. While awakening another Ancient Archangel

This may have been my favorite installation of the Guild Hunter series. Naasir is one of my favorite characters so I was thrilled to see him finally have his own book. And I'm now impatiently waiting on the next book!

I enjoy Nalini Singh's stories. She's a wonderful writer and I really enjoy these series. I've reviewed the story in comparison to her other books which just wasn't as strong. The writing was still good I just didn't fall in love with these characters nor did I feel the story progressed the general plot line of the series. Still an enjoyable read though.

This is a five star book. I couldn't put it down! I love Naaisar he is wild and funny and strong! I hope their are more books about him. I would recommend this book to everyone! This is one of my favorite series!

Awesome book by Nalini Singh - as always. I read her books in one sitting and then kick myself that I read so fast since I have to wait for the next book. Love all her series and can't wait for another new book!

I tried and tried to finish this book, especially after reading all the glowing reviews, but I finally gave up. I am a fan of all kinds of romance and fantasy. I enjoy being swept away to implausible worlds and rarely critique authors who venture there. But this book drove me crazy, and not in a good way. I found the storyline tired, boring and completely absurd. I couldn't develop enough interest in the characters to care about them or their story, which was buried in overdone details and seemed to drag on and on and on. I was irritated by their predictability and annoyed with the simpering heroine and the passe chauvenist attitude of the hero. Perhaps I've been premature and they will evolve throughout the story, but I will never know because I won't waste another moment reading it.

The story followed the same pattern as the other books concerning Raphael's Cadre. It was a good story, but even if you didn't know where it was going you knew where it was going to end. I did expect a bit more entertainment with Naasir being the main character.

Archangel’s Enigma is as utterly captivating and wildly exciting as its hero! Nalini Singh has outdone herself in this eighth Guild Hunter novel. Naasir and Andromeda are complex, fascinating characters and their love story shines bright against the dark, dangerous, and equally intriguing backdrop of the Guild Hunter world.

As the title suggests, Naasir is the most enigmatic of Raphael’s Seven. His past is shrouded in secret that precious few know, and it was fantastic watching the pieces fall together as we learn about Naasir alongside Andromeda. Whatever his past may be, the man Naasir is today is utterly irresistible. He’s so fun and playful that you almost forget the predator underneath. Naasir is truly unique not just in terms of what he is, but in personality. I can’t count the number of times he made me grin because his thought patterns are different and this charmed the hell out of me. Like Andromeda, I was drawn to Naasir’s wildness and unique perspective… and of course his innate sensuality, deep sense of loyalty and family, and refreshingly honest nature didn’t hurt either. Over the years Ms. Singh has created a variety of memorable, intriguing, swoon-worthy heroes, each one as appealing as the next, yet Naasir stands out from the pack and that thrilled me.

It takes a strong heroine to match such a complex hero and Andromeda is up to the task. She’s a brilliant scholar with excellent sword skills and secrets of her own. Her warrior-scholar nature made her interesting, but it’s her innate curiosity and hidden wildness that ultimately endeared her to me. Andromeda also bears scars from her past and fears the future that seems to be set for her in her sadistic grandfather’s court. She’s torn between wanting to give her heart to Naasir and not wanting to break his when he learns what will inevitably tear them apart. Through all this intensity, Andromeda and Naasir’s love story is one that is both wildly sensual and surprisingly sweet, with humor, heart, and hope woven into it.

Andromeda and Naasir’s romance takes place during their hunt to find the Sleeping Archangel of Persia, Alexander (previously mentioned in the novella “Angels’ Dance”). They must outwit the “big bad” of the series, Lijuan, in their quest – not an easy feat by any means. I won’t spoil what happens, but I will say there is action, danger, and horror aplenty that Naasir and Andromeda must face as tensions between good and evil rise. Ms. Singh’s gift for intricate and flawless worldbuilding continues to fascinate me. I cannot begin to say how exciting each new piece of information is and I love that there is no easy answer, no magic wand to wave in the world of the Guild Hunter series.

Naasir and Andromeda are the heart and soul of Archangel’s Enigma, but that doesn’t mean Ms. Singh forgets the other major Guild Hunter players. I absolutely loved seeing bits and pieces of Naasir’s relationships with his family, particularly Raphael and Dmitri. And as always (for me anyway), the scenes with Illium and Aodhan threaten to steal the show (and I meant that in the best way) and have me begging for more. Each member of Raphael and Elena’s chosen family is near and dear to my heart, and as the Cascade heats up the threats to each member of that family mount. In Archangel’s Enigma our beloved characters get one heck of a shock, and it is sure to have readers practically begging and crying for the next book.

Archangel’s Enigma is the eighth full-length Guild Hunter book and I highly recommend reading the series in order. Trust me, you won’t regret it, for Ms. Singh is a singular talent. Every book in the Guild Hunter series is brilliantly crafted and endlessly entertaining and Archangel’s Enigma is a shining example of this. I absolutely loved Naasir and Andromeda and I cannot wait to see where Ms. Singh takes readers next!

Kimberly
Review courtesy of Wit and Sin

Alternate universe. This is the 8th in the series. Do not start with this book. It will totally lose you. Start at the beginning.

This is Naasir's story & he finally finds his mate in Andromeda, a scholar angel. Lijuan also is busy causing trouble & frankly it's getting kind of old.

There were some things I liked about this book. A lot that just hit me wrong. Not my favorite in the series so far.

Looks like maybe Illium may finally be getting his story next.

Nose rubbing for affection is understandable but I can't even read a chapter without them rubbing their nose together it turned from tender to sickening. Please Nalini, enough rubbing noses. It's overused, annoying and tiring.

Archangel's Enigma (Guild Hunter #8) by Nalini Singh

Naasir is the most feral of the powerful group of vampires and angels known as the Seven, his loyalty pledged to the Archangel Raphael. When rumors surface of a plot to murder the former Archangel of Persia, now lost in the Sleep of the Ancients, Naasir is dispatched to find him. For only he possesses the tracking skills required—those more common to predatory animals than to man.

Enlisted to accompany Naasir, Andromeda, a young angelic scholar with dangerous secrets, is fascinated by his nature—at once playful and brilliant, sensual and brutal. As they race to find the Sleeping archangel before it’s too late, Naasir will force her to question all she knows...and tempt her to walk into the magnificent, feral darkness of his world. But first they must survive an enemy vicious enough to shatter the greatest taboo of the angelic race and plunge the world into a screaming nightmare

My Review:
Every once in awhile there's just a certain book that doesn't jibe with me, unfortunately Archangels Enigma is it.
Definition of Enigma:
1. A puzzling or inexplicable occurrence or situation
2. A person of puzzling or contradictory character
3. A saying, question, picture, etc., containing a hidden meaning
The definition itself is Archangels Enigma summed up into a tidy little package from beginning to end. Andromeda is everything a man could want, everything every woman would want to be. Andromeda is everything that would set fire to a man like Nassir, give us readers passion beyond any book that has come before it, there's only one problem. Miss perfect has taken a vow of celibacy.

Seriously. And I could have respected that if I actually believed in why she'd chosen to do that, but there was no real conviction or belief that was expressed honestly enough to make me believe in her decision.

And Nassir, our dangerous smoldering warrior turned into a naive, boyish and all too gullible person around her. I felt absolutely no chemistry at all aside from the possibility of opposites attract but this was like two strangers being mashed together for the sake of being paired to get to the next point.
How did we get from steamy, adventurous, exciting to this lull and drag out pointless half hearted installment?

I felt the book could have been dissected into a novella that left out the relationship between Nassir and Andromeda and just focused on the journey and the cameo guest spots and saved Nassir and his potential to shine for a much better female partner that suited him more appropriately.
Sadly for me Nassir and Andromeda went through the motions and developed their ... friendship? Relationship? Whatever it is despite their purposeless involvement.

My Rating:
3 Stars

Reviewed By: Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/

Archangel’s Enigma is book eight in the Guild Hunter series by Nalini Singh.

This series needs to be read in order. Each book builds on the other. Going deeper into the world and characters.

Up until now we haven’t gotten much on Naasir. So, it was a pleasure to dig deeper into this wild, beautiful, and lethal character. He has earned his place among Raphael’s Seven.

In Archangel’s Enigma we get to go on a search for a secret sleeping place of an Archangel; before an enemy destroys this Angel. Naasir gets help from Andromeda a scholar, but she is much more. I liked Andromeda. She is knowledgeable, but also has a backbone and it was nice to see this.

I fell for Naasir. He’s playful and inquisitive. He started out looking for his mate. Like it was the next logical step in his life. So when he meets Andromeda, it was a very fun and playful scene. One thing I really liked about him is his unshakable devotion and love to his family.

The romance was a nice slow build bring Naasir and Andromeda together with a loving connection; before a physical relationship starts. The slow build was perfect for this couple. The search for the sleeping Archangel takes these characters on an adventure into different continents. We also get to see new and familiar faces. The Cascade is still doing it’s scary thing and no one knows what will happen next.

As always their is no shortage of action and adventure. The characters are vibrant, gritty, and unique. The plot is exceptional and unrivaled. I’m curious to see where things go from here and who will be matched next.

Rated: 4 Stars

Naasir is tasked with bringing an angelic scholar, Andromeda, on a hunt for the legendary archangel Alexander's place of rest in an effort to wake the him before evil Lijuan can kill him in his sleep.

If you're a Naasir fan you'll probably love this book (more power to you) but I've always found Naasir to be the least exciting of Raphael's Seven and unfortunately, this book didn't change my mind. It's not that I dislike him, it's just that to me, he's always read like the Rain Man or a little kid. I really wish I could see what everyone else sees in him and Andromeda and their boring romance but I just didn't find either of them to be very compelling characters. Naasir is like a little boy and there didn't seem to be much else too him (even the reveal of his origins felt anticlimactic to me).

There are some SPOILERS AHEAD:
Then there is Andromeda. Andromeda is a 400 yr old virgin. I thought this was silly and her reasons for it seemed too contrived to me. I love that she's a warrior but my brain just can't get over the fact that she's supposed to be 400 yrs old and yet somehow still too embarrassed to take her shirt off in front of someone (even when she's got zombie brains all over her). How does this even happen? Is she a grown woman or not? Then there's all the sexual sadism. Any time this author needs a bad guy or she wants to give a character a tortured past she just throws in some scenes of gratuitous sexual deviance and there you go. I feel like she relies on it WAY TOO MUCH to develop her characters. Andromeda has had 400 yrs to get over walking in on her parents playing their deviant sex games so I felt largely unmoved by her past trauma (why can't there to be more to her than this?!). The whole thing with Dahriel and her grandfather was way more interesting; I wish the author had developed these plot lines more! Would've been way more interesting.

Luckily, this book isn't just about Andromeda and Naasir. I swear, every time I read another book in this series I start to think well maybe I should just stop reading it bc maybe i'm just not into PNR anymore (I always seem to find the romance part of this series boring) but then the author cuts in with scenes of what's going on in the rest of the world and with the Cascade and all the other archangels and I'm hooked again! The scenes of Andromeda visiting Lijuan's creepy lair were good (i liked Xi), and I really liked seeing Alexander (i want more of that!). So even if I didn't find the main characters very interesting I was still able to enjoy this book.

First of all, cover! Isn’t it striking? I thought it was perfect for this story once I started reading. This was Naasir’s book and as such needed to reflect something of him.

The Guild Hunter series has been a favorite since I picked up the first book. Most of the stories were unputdownable even many of the short stories and novellas. It is pretty much a series that must be read in order as the series story arc and several lesser ones advance as you go. I have long since stopped trying to figure out if its Urban Fantasy or PNR. It’s a little of both depending on the plot thread you are on at the time.

I have waited through a few books now to get this particular member of Rafael the Archangel’s Cadre- his inner seven. Naasir is not an angel. He has certain traits of a vampire, but he is not entirely a vampire either. He is stealthy and somewhat feral, but he is loyal and has a strong sense of family. Of late, he has both been spying on the crazy yet evilly powerful archangel, Lijuan, and looking for his mate.

As this story opens, Rafael gives Naasir a mission. Lijuan is hunting down an ancient angel who is in his immortal sleep so she can destroy him. Rafael doesn’t know why, but he knows that it must be prevented at all costs. An ancient’s place of sleep is well hidden so Naasir is given a scholar as his partner. They are to seek out Alexander and warn him as well as protect him from Lijuan. The task will be dangerous with the crazed archangel and her lethal army on their tail, but Naasir is up for any challenge particularly with the female scholar who smells like mate to him even if she took some silly vow of celibacy.

Andromeda is now coming of age. For a few hundred years, she has been left alone to study, but now her grandfather, the Archangel Charisemnon, is calling her in to serve the traditional family duty. Andromeda has distanced herself from her depraved family who are aligned with Lijuan, but in just a few days, she will be stuck in service and forced to do unspeakable things until her duty ends. She doesn’t regret this more than when she encounters the enigmatic Naasir who honestly tells her that he wants her and wants to be with her. Between his mysterious origins, his wild nature, his protectiveness, and his treating her like someone special, she soon yearns for the sensual male tracker, too. She keeps it a secret from him that she must return home after their mission. A mission that grows more dangerous with the knowledge that Lijuan knows that she as expert knowledge in the locations of the Ancients’ resting places.

The story has the overarching series theme of the Cascade affecting both natural events and angel kind, creating chaos and upending everything. Within this, the Archangels of the world vie for power and allies. Some work for the good while others have selfish motivations, but the whole world is affected. I love the intensity this creates alongside the more personal plot threads. Naasir searches for his mate, finds her, and then finds that she is not, in turn, looking for a mate. She has secrets, but he will get answers. They share the mission adventure together. Weaving through Naasir and Andromeda’s story is time with Rafael and Elena and also the curiouser and curiouser Illium and Aodhan situation.

Naasir and Andromeda are both interesting characters and I liked their personal stories, particularly the mystery of Naasir’s past which was quite the eye opener when it was revealed entirely. I enjoyed the adventure and partnering they did. Both are strong well-drawn characters.

Naasir has always been one of a kind, different, and even scary to most others outside his close knit group of friends and adopted family. He longs for a mate who will be his and will accept him just as he is. Andromeda might have been startled many times, but she definitely accepted and wanted Naasir. She saw him as a person with splendid abilities rather than a freak of nature. I loved that. Andromeda is the kind of adventure heroine I like. She is more of a warrior-scholar, but she doesn’t let it go to her head. Naasir is better trained and more powerful so she wisely lets him lead. Just as Naasir doesn’t discount her abilities and skills so he trusts her to fight and think for herself.

Their romance was more of a moderate interest, however. Andromeda ends up blowing hot and cold because of her infuriating vows and need to keep her family duty secret. It wasn’t her that I was unamused with per se, but I found the barrier not one that intrigued me. I thought of a few ways to work around the duty thing and had to sit there waiting until it all played out. As for her celibacy thing, that was laughable. She took the vow because she didn’t want to turn into her parents who were so sensual and depraved. I chuckled when she learned really quickly that she wasn’t the one with the power because of her vow. She was practically begging Naasir and trying to seduce him, but he was determined that she keep her word at least until they were mated. And that would bring her up short because she was lying to him and didn’t tell him that she had no plans to be his mate, but must go home and serve out her family duty.

But truth be told, I was more interested in the story running alongside theirs. I loved the time spent with Rafael and Elena. They had some powerful, pivotal scenes. I like the sense that things are setting up again for something huge.

And then there was that tantalizing Illium plot thread. I really can’t wait to see that one teased out. Illium has been a favorite of the series.

In summary, this was a good, strong installment of the series. The action, the continued amazing plot development, worldbuilding, and large cast of intriguing characters was marvelous stuff. The romance wasn’t my favorite of the series, but it was still pretty good. The tone of bubbling and sizzling excitement waiting to explode into action is just what I want to keep me hooked and looking for the next installment. For something creative and different in an urban fantasy series, I would definitely suggest this series.

4 Stars... Overall, I enjoyed this read in it's individual parts... Naasir and Andromeda were both unique and fascinating characters that demonstrated courage, strength, loyalty, and honor... Both captivated and intrigued me as to their backstories and ways in which they overcame trauma and obstacles in their life... The interspersed telling of the overall storyline as well as moments hinting to storylines pertaining to other characters (Aodhan and Illium) were powerful and, for me, maintained my attention more so than Naasir's and Andromeda's love story... I struggled with experiencing their deep connection as mates; there was always an unknown element that was missing for me in their chemistry that prevented me from fully immersing myself in their relationship... That aside, I found myself on yet another fantasy filled journey in this compelling world of immortality:)

Another great read in this series! As with previous books, I listened to the audio of Archangel's Enigma and all I can say is the narrator is magnificent and adds so much to the entire experience of this series. I will admit I was a little wary of Naasir as the hero in this one - for no reason. I should have just trusted Singh to work her magic as she does each & every time. I actually found myself laughing at the childlike, pure innocence of some of Naasir's thoughts & words as they almost seemed out of character in the beginning even though they quickly endeared him to me. It soon became obvious that it was all part of the whole that makes Naasir the unique, funny, yet powerful, protective alpha creature that he is. I loved that Singh wove in some of his background, giving us glimpses of him growing up and of Raphael & Dimitri taking part in his guidance & training. There are some great moments there. I also liked that Andromeda is a strong and intelligent heroine worthy of Naasir's attentions - one willing to fight by his side and accept him as he is - what he is. The character relationship/development is the heart of this book as Naasir & Andy battle all odds to be together with the aid of an impressive supporting cast. Some of the other Seven make cameo appearances in Archangel's Enigma, and indications are that something big is coming up with Illium. Another Must Read in this series!

Archangel’s Enigma by Nalini Singh is the 8th book in her wonderful Guild Hunter series. As I have said before, just when you think Nalini can’t beat the previous heroes, she blows you away once again.

I was looking forward to reading Naasir’s story, especially after the last book. With all the wonderful heroes in the Guild Hunter series, I shocked myself by falling hopelessly in love with Naasir. In Archangel’s Enigma we learn so much more about Naasir; his fierceness, loyalty, determination to get what he wants, his somewhat childlike mind, ability to love with all his heart, as well as finding out what he truly is. Naasir was such a delight, as he was so much fun with his teasing and banter, and within a moment’s notice, he can turn into the fierce being that he is to fight the enemy and protect those he cares about.

Raphael finds out that Lijuan is secretly trying to kill Alexander, an archangel who has been sleeping for many years. He decides to send Naasir to meet Andromeda, an angelic scholar, and together they are to find and warn Alexander of the impending attack. Naasir isn’t thrilled having to go on assignment, since he is anxiously looking for his mate, especially when he discovers that Andromeda cannot be that mate, since she has a vow of celibacy.

Andromeda (Andi) was the perfect partner for Naasir. She is smart, studies and knows everything about all the Archangels, not mention she can handle a knife or sword, since she was secretly trained how to protect herself. Andi is determined to help Naasir before she is sent home to become part of her family destiny of being on another Archangel’s Court, which no one knows about.

Before they begin to travel, Andi is kidnapped by Lijuan’s warriors to help her find Alexander first. But Naasir, who is unstoppable, works with Jason to rescue Andi, and the adventure is on to find Alexander before the evil Lijuan kills him. This is an exciting pulse pounding story, that Nalini does so well, but the best part of it all was watching Naasir and Andi together. They made an awesome pair, with their teasing and banter; not to mention them protecting each other as they fought many battles. I got a kick out of Andi early on telling Naasir that she will give up her celibacy if he can find a fabled long lost book. He agrees to the terms, determined to find it, so that they can finally “rut” together. So much fun in between all the tense action.

The world building continues, as we watch the effects for all as the Cascade continues to get stronger. I loved being able to see Raphael, Elena, Dimitri, Jessamy, Aodan and Bluebell, among others. The climatic ending was not only exciting and tense, but also wonderful. Archangel’s Enigma was an exciting, non-stop action filled, and a fun beautiful romance, with a fabulous couple. If you have not read Guild Hunter, you are missing a wonderful series. If you have never read Nalini Singh, you need to start soon, as she is one of the best authors, with two sensational series, Psy/Changling and Guild Hunter.

I can't recall the name of the book I was reading before I started this one and stopped because it wasn't capturing my attention. I had no problem immersing myself in the Guild Hunter world Nalini Singh has so skillfully crafted. I read 16% in 45 minutes while walking on the treadmill at the gym and stopped when it was time to leave, mid chapter. Fast forward to midnight, about two hours later when I decided finishing the chapter was a good idea before I went to sleep...I finished the book at 3:41 am. There was no way I could put it down.

I've long wondered about Naasir's origins and the special gifts and skills he brings to the trusted Seven, the trusted men in Archangel Raphael's circle. I had some feelings but nothing could've prepared me for his story. I was fascinated and spell bound. I loved that the story was told both through Naasir's eyes and Andromeda's. It really allowed me to get a great feel of what was going on in their hearts and minds, as well as what motivated their behaviors.

Naasir is mostly feral and slightly civilized. I loved how he knew who he was and how confident he was. I loved how he wasn't willing to change for anyone, even if he was tempted to. He knew his value and didn't pay attention to those who didn't. I loved how he was respected for that as well. Naasir might have been alone and looking for his mate, but he was loved and respected by the men and women he worked with. His friends truly loved him, so he wasn't completely alone but he was still lonely. There were a number of scenes with Elena, Ashwini, and Honor that made me both happy and sad for him when he was reminded of this fact.

I loved Andromeda as much as I did Naasir. While Naasir was quiet and observant, so was Andromeda. I loved how she was dedicated to her craft. I will also admit to loving she was bookish. I loved her thirst for knowledge. I really didn't like how her family treated her. I also didn't like how her life was placed in jeopardy for what she may or may not have known. I loved how she handled herself in these dangerous situations and finessed a way out of them. The only thing she really couldn't get a handle on was Naasir and her attraction to him. The two complimented each other beautifully. I loved watching them try and figure out each other while they tried to avert certain disaster from happening.

Archangel's Enigma is more than just Naasir and Andromeda's story, even though it focused mainly on them. The story itself is phenomenal. There are twists and turns one could never imagine. There's action and intrigue. I loved seeing the other members of the Seven and from the Guild. I especially can never get enough of Raphael and Elena. I enjoyed seeing what was happening across the Refuge and in the other territories, even if it was nerve wracking at times. Nalini Singh stole my heart in this book, as she has with all the previous Guild Hunter series novels. She manages to write descriptively and with passion, making new worlds spring to life before my eyes. If you're someone who doesn't read paranormal, like me, she'll convert you to one and you'll be glad you did.

This series continues to deliver everything I want in paranormal romance. Even after eight installments, it is still engaging, exciting, and emotional. I read this book all in one sitting, then got mad at myself for my inability to savor it like it truly deserves. Nalini Singh completely satisfies with Nassir’s story, giving us the answers we’ve been waiting for, and finally allowing us to know this man who has been such a mystery all this time.

Nassir is simply a wonderful character. He is more than 600 years old, but there is still this …not innocence, but… lack of artifice to him. Unlike so many other long-lived entities in the series, he is not jaded. He’s not naive, but he is pure in a way. He is also sexy, intelligent, practical, honorable, and loyal to those he considers family. Now he finally considers himself grown and is looking for a mate.

Enter Andromeda. She is a scholar Raphael has tasked Nassir to work with in order to track where the Archangel Alexander sleeps. She is also the granddaughter of Charisemnon, one the most powerful and most twisted members of the Cadre. Andromeda is devoted to her calling, but an old blood debt to her family is about to come due. Saving Alexander from the plotting of a murderous Lijuan is likely one of the last good things she can do before she must return to her grandfather’s clutches. Falling is love is the furthest thing from her mind.

The chemistry between these two is powerful and immediate. Nassir knows Andi is his mate, but the mission to save Alexander must come first. Not only that, but there’s Andi’s pesky vow of chastity to contend with.

There’s a lot going on, as you can always expect in these books. The romance is fantastic, but it’s only part of the bigger picture happening with the Cascade. We get to spend some time with Elena and Raphael, which is awesome, but there is also big stuff happening with our beloved Bluebell –and with angel politics. The pacing makes the book fly by.

Singh does such a good job crafting her characters, not just the ones we love, but the villains as well. They are multi-dimensional and fascinating. The world-building continues to expand, making the story richer, pulling me in deeper and deeper. And then, of course, is the big reveal on exactly what Nassir is. It takes some time for it all to unravel, but by the end of the book, you’ll understand everything and root for him all the more.

The story is exciting. The romance is satisfying. And I’m already excited for the next book. It can’t come soon enough.

Rating: A-/B+

4.5 stars---ARCHANGEL’S ENIGMA is the eight installment in Nalini Singh’s amazing Guild Hunter’s adult, paranormal romance series focusing on Archangel’s, angels, vampires, shifters and hunters. This is Naasir and Andromeda’s storyline.

Naasir is an enigma-part vampire part beast; his origins are unknown to everyone but the Archangel Raphael. As part of Raphael’s group of seven Naasir is an unknown whose own history is that of fairy tales and legends. With his ability to blend quietly into the shadows and hunt his prey as a lion hunts a gazelle, Naasir cannot be tamed; his wildness endears him to others and to his own survival. Naasir is determined to find a mate, and his introduction to the angel scholar Andromeda finds Naasir dreaming of plans for the future with Andromeda by his side. But Andromeda’s future has been stolen and is no longer her own; she is blood oathed to servitude for the next 500 years.

Told from several third person points of view ARCHANGEL’S ENIGMA continues to focus on the Cascade-an apocalypse of sorts-that will see the Archangels at war and the destruction of mankind. As one of their own sets out to destroy the former Archangel of Persia, Andromeda will find herself a prisoner in a gilded cage when she is targeted for information regarding the whereabouts of Archangel Alexander. Naasir, believing Andromeda is his mate, goes in search of the woman that calls to his inner beast. But their journey is far from over when our couple must venture into enemy territory in the hopes of preventing the destruction of another Archangel who sleeps the Sleep of the Ancients.

ARCHANGEL’S ENIGMA is fascinating and revealing storyline with an ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters who play pivotal roles throughout the story. When I say ‘revealing’ I mean there is a vast amount of history revealed with regards to the Archangels, their history, and the power with which they rule. Illium aka Bluebell will struggle for his life, while Raphael’s powers grow exponentially in the face of the upcoming Cascade. No one is safe when an Archangel lost to the dark side seeks revenge and total control of all of the Archangel’s dominions.

Nalini Singh is a master storyteller. Her ability to weave an intoxicating tale of Archangels and angels, vampires and shifters is a wonderful testament to the magic that is Nalini Singh. Her series are addicting, breathtaking and dramatic.

Let me start with this: You'll want to read the entire series.

Naasir is a 600 year old mystery. We've seen glimpses of him in some of the other Guild Hunter books, but never a clear picture. In Archangel's Enigma, Ms Singh finally gives us Naasir's story. And oh what a story it is. Naasir is sent on a mission to protect Alexander, a Sleeping archangel and for that he'll need the help of the scholar Andromeda. Of course, this is a Nalini Singh book, so you know it can't be as straight forward as all that ;) Naasir has been looking for his mate for months, and he's sure he's found her in Andromeda. Andromeda has been hiding in the Refuge for hundreds of years to escape her time in the court of her grandfather, Charisemnon, she's also taken a vow of celibacy (as you can imagine, this doesn't sit well with our wild Naasir). Will they make it in time? Will the Cascade interfere with their plans? What is happening with the rest of the Cadre? Will Naasir ever RUT with Andi???

Enigma is the perfect word to describe Naasir. He can seem child-like one minute, then ruthless and cunning the next. I loved seeing a first hand glimpse of how his mind works, especially when it came to the relationships he's formed. In seeing him meet, fall for, and woo Andromeda; we get another little slice of what makes up the whole of one of the best written characters in paranormal romance today. Without spoiling things for you, I can tell you this: When all is revealed, Naasir makes complete sense.

Andromeda has a few secrets of her own, and of course there were times when you just wanted to shake her, but she has really good reasons (don't they all?) and plays out so beautifully. She's much stronger and smarter than anyone (including herself) ever gave her credit for being. She has a fire inside that is the perfect compliment for Naasir. Andromeda comes from a truly awful family and sees this quest as her last chance to do something worthy before satisfying a blood debt to her grandfather.

There is a lot going on in this book as it continues the story arc from previous installments. More of the Seven, more of the Cadre, and unfortunately - more of Lijuan. If ever there was a character to hate, it's her! The world building is as extensive as it is brilliant. As you read, you can picture Singh's landscapes in place of what you're already expecting from your own knowledge of the areas. The story arc is compelling and doesn't feel stale or disjointed. You get a satisfying conclusion to the current scene while waiting to see what will happen next. This isn't always the case with long story arcs and such expansive worlds in paranormal romance; however, this is where Ms Singh's talent shines.

Ms Singh gives us tantalizing glimpses into the lives of Rapheal, Elena, and their ever expanding circle. She pens characters that stay with you long after the cover is closed.

Archangel's Enigma was one of my favorite reads this year. I recommend the entire series to PNR, Urban Fantasy, and romance readers. You'll laugh out loud, you'll gasp in shock, you'll fall in love, you may even clutch your pearls. Will they make it in time? Will the Cascade interfere with their plans? What is happening with the rest of the Cadre? Will Naasir ever RUT with Andi??? Read it now :D

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review purposes, review originally posted here: http://wickedlilpixie.com/2015/09/02/kindle-jo-arc-archangels-enigma-by-nalini-singh/

Archangels Enigma is book 8 in Nalini Singhs Guild Hunter series.

Lijuan is down but not yet defeated, so when rumours start surfacing of a plot to murder a sleeping ancient, the former archangel of Persia, Raphael is determined to not let that come to pass. Only Nassir is powerful enough of Raphaels seven and possesses the necessary predatory tracking skills to find the sleeping ancient.

Andromeda is a young angelic scholar, enlisted to accompany Nassir in his search of the sleeping archangel before it is too late. Fascinated by his nature, Nassir will force her to question all she knows and tempt her into the feral darkness of his world.

But first, they must survive an enemy vicious enough to commit the greatest of angelic sins and plunge the world into turmoil.

I loved Nassirs story. There has always been something about him and was glad we got this book to uncover his story.

As feral and unrefined as Nassir is, it was fabulous that Andromeda understood him as she did but didn't back down either. I thought they had a great chemistry and story together. My favourite parts were when Nassir kept bringing up the 'rutting' so innocently, I couldn't help but grin for most of the story.

What I enjoy about Nalini Singhs stories is that as the whole series continues, each book in that series has a satisfying ending for its 2 main characters which allows it to focus on another 2 in the next and I cant wait for the next instalment.

Naasir has always been an interesting character with unique and unknown origins. He left Archangel's Shadows having declared he was on a hunt for his mate. He finds it in a woman that on the surface, after his initial meeting with her, believes her unfit to be his mate so she isn't. But when they spar late at night and one of her many secrets are revealed he starts to reconsider that this scholar could possibly be his mate; he just has to persuade her to give up her vow of celibacy. When she is kidnapped he rushes to her aid and their adventure to save a sleeping Archangel begins. Their story is filled with great dialogue between the two, Singh succeeds in making his mannerisms appear not quite human, and when passion finally overcomes them damn was it explosive! That scene was intense! Their story was fun, full of adventure, near death experiences, and witty banter. The secondary characters' aid in moving along the story rather than slowing it down. I enjoyed this one and am happy that they were able to find a way to eliminate the blood vow that forced her to leave Naasir's side. It was beautifully done.

I’m going right in and what I love most about this book… I loved how each and every one of the previous characters were included in the story. It was as if I was being reunited with old friends! Even if each of their stories has already been told it was still nice to see how the members of Rafael’s Seven were progressing. It was amazing to see just how close the relations were between them. I never considered them as Rafael’s underlings rather they can be defined more as a brotherhood. It is proven again and again the extent of what each would do for the other.

“Archangel’s Enigma” focuses more on Naasir. He is well-known to be a skilled tracker and this is why it is a given that he was chosen to find the sleeping ground of a powerful Ancient, Alexander. As a part of this mission, he is tasked to take the scholar Andromeda with him. At first, I was puzzled as to how she even fits in all this but as the story unfolds we find that she is the driving force for this important mission to become successful.

Another confusing factor was how the pairing between Nasiir and Andromeda would even work. Nasiir isn’t like any creature that we have ever seen before. He is a ground being while she is an angel. He is wild and she is refined. He is a seasoned fighter and she is but a scholar (or so we think). Nothing about them make sense at all, BUT yet again Nalini Singh completely convinces us that they were created for each other. It was a trying journey for them to be with each other but one that was well worth it.

It wasn’t the romance that stole the show in this one, however. I would have to say that it was the narrow escapes, the nail-biting battles, and the tension brought on by the erratic Cascade that drove and will continue to drive this series.

Eight books later and I don’t foresee “The Guild Hunter Series” slowing down anytime soon. What makes it timeless is the fact that Nalini Singh not only continues to surprise us with the magnificent world that she created but the continuous evolution of her characters.

I immensely enjoyed this book and I wouldn’t doubt that the league of Guild Hunter fanatics would agree with me.

liezelsbookblog.net

Eighth in the Guild Hunter paranormal romance series set in an alternate New York City (usually) and revolving around those loyal to Raphael, archangel of New York. The couple focus in Archangel's Enigma is on Andromeda and Naasir. If you're interested, there is a chronological listing of the Guild Hunter books on my website.

My Take
All the teasing Singh has dribbled out along the way about Naasir's makeup is finally answered. And it's well worth waiting for. It explains, well, everything from the honesty of his speech to his playful bites and attacks to his abilities in the field.

I have enjoyed Naasir's perspective on people, on life, so Archangel's Enigma was even more of a treat with its focus on Naasir. He's both so very innocent and so very knowing about people. He does know himself, which is more than can be said for most of us, but he is missing that socialization knowledge. It's information he has struggled to learn. Other struggles come out in his interactions with his friends as they prompt him through the how and why of future actions. That bit about the money card was a crack-up. I think it was Archangel's Shadow , 7, where Naasir took Elena a gift for a dinner party that had all his friends on tenterhooks, wondering what he would take her. It was indeed perfect, and perfectly weird! Now Naasir comes up with the perfect gift for Andi's parents…*ohmigod, it's too funny and too perfect!*…

Singh does just enough to keep Lijuan less powerful after events in Archangel's Legion , 6, and still remind us how terrifying she is as Andi stands in fear, watching as Lijuan cycles through the possibilities. We do get some insight into Xi's back history. It makes me understand why he supports Lijuan, but there is a scrap of hope in there that he may change his mind.

It's sweet and sad all at once with the flashbacks Naasir has about the people who matter the most to him. Dimitri who told him that he was a person, one he would miss so very much if he were gone from this world. Honor who loves him, accepts him as hers. I did appreciate Dimitri's tactics in encouraging Naasir to go to school, lol. Yep, the way to a young man's heart *more laughter*.

I have to laugh at Naasir's approach to the mate thing. He's ready, so where is she? He has a list of what he requires from a mate, and that includes secrets and game play. He does love to play. It's his honesty and forthrightness that makes this story so much fun. It's part of the spark in Archangel's Enigma that Naasir thinks of courting, such an old-fashioned term, and how he believes that courting should be done. And how convenient is it that Andi is so perfect for him *eye roll*. Almost as convenient as Naasir remembering where he last saw the Star Grimoire. …did Andromeda really think her grandfather would respect her vow?

No, seriously, it really is a match made in heaven what with Andi's upbringing. It just seems too easy right along with Andromeda's personal conflict: that fifteen-day deadline her parents have laid on her that feels so contrived. Maybe it would have been more believable if Singh had strung out the friction between Naasir and Andi for a bit.

Finding Alexander will prove to be like an episode from Indiana Jones with all those traps. When they do wake him, wow. An excellent scene. Less excellent is the encounter between Rohan and Lijuan.

Either Singh is confusing us on purpose or she's got a lot on her mind. She's back and forth on who actually killed Osiris with three contenders in the mix. Fortunately, there are only two up for the stronghold burial claim.

Singh gave us a nice rationalization on why Andromeda won't ask for sanctuary with Raphael. And an even better resolution to Andromeda's problem, even if it was too easy. But it's Laila's comment to Andromeda as she's preparing to leave that leaves you hanging in wonder. A sad thought of what might have been.

I love that Singh incorporates the characters from previous stories into the current one. That it's one long story that keeps us up to date on what's happening in the characters' lives while the focus changes from one installment to the next. I suspect it keeps me more involved with the series. Something for writers to consider.
And the women "all accept that Naasir is too wild to be held by any one woman".

The Story
I suspect Andromeda is hoping her vow of celibacy will help her survive in her grandfather's court. A prison for the next five hundred years of her life. A cesspit of sexual excess and violence.

Then rumors surface of a plot to murder the former Archangel of Persia, now lost in the Sleep of the Ancients. It will need the combined abilities of the feral Naasir and the knowledge Andromeda, the warrior-Scholar with her own dangerous secrets, has discovered to find this formidable Ancient.

As they race to find the Sleeping archangel before it's too late, Naasir will force her to question all she knows…and tempt her to walk into the magnificent, feral darkness of his playful, sensual, yet brutal world. But first they must survive an enemy vicious enough to shatter the greatest taboo of the angelic race and plunge the world into a screaming nightmare…

The Characters
Andromeda "Andi" is a Scholar with a specialty in Sleeping archangels who has worked and lived at the Refuge for the past three hundred and twenty-five years. A joyful time that is coming to an end. Her grandfather is Charisemnon, a pedophile archangel whose vampire virus got the better of him and who is in league with Lijuan. Her parents are officially Lailah and Cato; Dahariel, Astaad's second, is her actual father, and he taught her how to fight.

The feral Naasir is one of Raphael's Seven, a six hundred-year-old immortal Made by Osiris, and something other with a primitive outlook on life. Socially inept, those who love him have taught him how to blend. And he is refreshingly honest with the soul of a prankster.

Raphael is…
…the Archangel of New York, the angel around whom the series revolves, along with his Consort, Elena, a former Guild Hunter who became an angel in Angels' Blood , 1. Wildfire is the new power the Cascade has brought Raphael. While they have an apartment in the Tower, their home is in the Enclave. Montgomery is their vampire butler.

The Seven are…
…a group of vampires and angels who are Raphael's trusted men. Dmitri is the most powerful vampire in the world and Raphael's second; Honor is his wife and both adore Naasir (see Archangel's Blade , 4). Illium, a.k.a., Bluebell, one of the most beautiful angels and renowned for his blue wings and his pranks, is struggling with a sudden power increase caused by the Cascade, growing away from his friends. Aodhan, a.k.a., Sparkle, is worried for his best friend since childhood. Jason is the spymaster; Princess Mahiya is his mate ( Archangel's Storm , 5). Keir is an angelic healer. Janvier is the Cajun vampire mated to a Guild Hunter, Ashwini ( Archangel's Shadow ).

Izak is one of the wounded angels and still healing from events in Archangel's Legion . He's studying hard for his position in Elena's Guard. Sharine is Illium's mother and known as the Hummingbird. Love is her greatest strength…and weakness, and something happened that has sent her into a retreat. Losing Illium could break her.

The Legion is…
…a repository of earth power that woke during the battle in Archangel's Legion . Powerful, with wings like bats, they are led by the Primary and enjoying their new home of a re-purposed skyscraper turned into a gigantic greenhouse. They all speak together as a single voice, see themselves as a single entity, but are coming to understand that Elena sees each of them as unique.

Amanat is…
…the city that Caliane, an Ancient and Raphael's mother with power of the earth, put to sleep under the sea so long ago. She's recently awoken, and she and her people are coming to terms with the changes in the world since she went into Sleep. Isabel was Naasir's partner when he was on long term loan to Amanat. Avi is one of the angel guards and mated to Jelena; they are some of Caliane's most trusted. Kahla was the woman Charisemnon had infected.

Nadiel was Raphael's father who went mad, and Caliane had to kill him. After Caliane and Alexander, there are six Ancients who still Sleep.

Alexander is…
…the Sleeping archangel, an Ancient with an affinity for metal. I think Nadiel and Alexander were both courting Caliane back in the day. Rohan is Alexander's son and a great general ruling a section of Favashi's territory, territory that was once Alexander's. He and his mate have had a son, Xander, who is being fostered at Titus' court. Osiris was Alexander's older brother with the ability to meld things.

The Wing Brotherhood is…
…a mercenary group created by Alexander. Tarek is the vampire leader of the village that protects Alexander's Sleep. Shavi had been a new brother when that explorer got in.

The Refuge is…
…a neutral retreat, a home for angels to heal, teach, and work as well as a sanctuary for their young. Each archangel has a compound there for their people. Jessamy is an angel Historian who teaches there and is married to Galen, Raphael's weaponsmaster ("Angels' Dance", 0.4). Venom is the youngest of the Seven, a vampire with deadly poison in his blood, and currently based in the Refuge. Sameon "Sam" is the young boy who gives the warning.

The Cadre consists of…
…the other archangels in the world who rule territories. Titus, the Archangel of Southern Africa, has gained power over the earth. Astaad, the Archangel of the Pacific Isles, dominates the sea. Michaela is beyond arrogant and could be pregnant for reals although Raphael also thinks it could be something Uram did to her — think snotty top model. Neha is the Archangel of India. Elijah is an ally. The Archangel of Persia, Favashi, can control the winds.

Jariel was on the verge of becoming an archangel.

Zhou Lijuan is…
…the Archangel of China, a.k.a., the Goddess of Death who spews a poisonous black rain from her hands, and is the world's enemy. Xi is her second and is interested in Andromeda; Philomena is another of her generals. The Scribe has been researching a prophecy by the Archangel Cassandra. Hmmm, any relation to our mythical Cassandra? Suyin, Lijuan's niece, was a gifted architect who is said to have died, although her body was never found. Heng is one of Lijuan's trusted courtiers of the inner court. The Reborn are Lijuan's horrific creation. Chaoxiang had been Lijuan's beloved. A mortal who adored her.

The Cascade is a supercharging event that increases an archangel's abilities or powers. It's not always a good thing. The Enclave is a "suburb" just outside New York where many of Raphael's angels have a home. Janvier has a small place there as well.

The Star Grimoire is rumored to exist, an angelic treasure lost for thousands of years. It is the key that will unlock Andi's vow of chastity. Hbeebti , is Raphael's pet name for Elena; it means beloved in the language of Elena's grandmother. Lijuan created the Reborn, who are the shambling, living dead who hunger for flesh.

The Cover and Title
The cover is so very Naasir, lol. The forest of trees, albeit with bare branches, and a leaf-strewn ground in an orange haze has four slashes torn across the cover, revealing an intent Naasir, his gleaming eyes starting back at us. That background feels like a metaphor for Naasir's having grown up, mature enough to seek his mate. Snap….

The title is Naasir, the Archangel's Enigma, the vampire-like being few can understand.

4.25 Stars!

This series is wonderful and I have enjoyed the ride from the beginning. The author creates characters that are mysterious, dangerous and of course very sexy, plus the world building is amazing and I am always happy to visit.

Naasir is one of Rafael’s Seven, a six hundred year old being that is a tad feral but very appealing to the women who meet him and although many have speculated, only a few know what he truly is. Some believe he is tiger-like while others believe he is more like a vampire, a mystery he is not revealing and yet he is the only one of his kind in the world. Rafael has sent him on a quest to find the sleeping archangel Alexander before it is too late but in order to accomplish this task, he must visit a scholar who knows his location.

Andromeda is a scholar who leads a quiet life. She is biding her time as she knows things will change soon when she must fulfill a promise to her family to serve several hundred years for Charisemnon, a ruthless man who also happens to be her grandfather. When Naasir asks her for help in finding Alexander she is willing and prepares herself to spend several days alongside a man who affects her more than she likes and calls her his mate. Yet before they leave she is kidnapped by Zhou Lijuan, an evil Archangel who is more dead than alive, but Naasir is not far behind.

Archangel’s Enigma moves the series forward with a fast paced storyline. The world is becoming more dangerous and the Lijuan is threatening to destroy everything in her path. The Seven have their work cut out for them.

Andromeda is a wonderful heroine; she is sacrificing herself for the good of the world. Her personality is perfect for someone like Naasir, and she accepts everything about him when they meet, she treats him like a normal person and they are so playful together as she matches him in both humor and wildness. She is intrigued by him but has taken a vow because of her duty to her family, yet she is very tempted by this enigmatic man, I like their teasing and the looks he sends her are steamy and intense.

Naasir is all I expected; he is an innocent yet deadly hero who knows others are unsure of him but he tries so hard to make people feel comfortable around him. When he decides he is ready to find his mate he is so cute about it and when he meets Andromeda he believes she is the one, but he wonders why she is hiding. He treats her as someone so special and honors her commitment to herself, yet plans for their future, I love how they interact.

The Guild Hunter’s world is changing fast, it is on the brink of destruction and Rafael and his Seven will have to stop the annihilation. Each character also has a lot going on, their own personal demons they must work through while trying to save the world. This book has it all, danger, evil and of course romance, not only between Naasir and Andromeda but also continued romance between others who have found their mates in past books. This is the eighth book in a series that has a huge backstory, and while the romance between Naasir and Andromeda is focused and could stand on its own, the entire storyline is complicated and intricate and I would recommend reading from the start.

Review also at Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind

Copy from the publisher for an honest review

The Cascade has started and no one is safe from it’s effects as it begins to change the world and it’s inhabitants in ways never seen before. Archangel Zhou Lijuan is now more determined than ever to rule the Cadre of Ten and the world, stooping to unimaginable depths of depravity in order to secure what she feels is hers by right. In order to thwart her, Raphael sends his more trusted and capable tracker, Nassir, to find the sleeping place of the Archangel of Persia and wake him before Lijuin finds him first and makes his resting place his grave. Helping Nassir is a quiet angel whose scholarly nature belays the fire that flames within her.

While I adore everything Nalini Singh writes, her Guild Hunter series has always held a special place in my heart. The tempestuous world and dynamically constructed characters Ms. Singh has created continues to hold my attention as I am forever gleaning new and often entertaining bits of information that only adds to my love of the series. This glorious alternative world of supernaturals and humans is ever expanding and evolving with nonstop action, suspense, and mystery yet balanced nicely with deliciously intense romances and lovely light hearted moments that help to offset the tension and darkness of the story. It’s perfect blending and consistency is what makes Nalini Singh a continuously best selling author.

This 8th installment of Singh’s powerful and diverse urban fantasy Guild Hunter series keeps readers on their toes as she balances the rich tension filled ongoing storylines with an intriguing and quite humorous romance. Singh offers us two people whose secretive natures and compelling differences are the driving forces in what becomes a race towards fighting to save their friends, and their love.

Nassir is an anomaly in the angelic world. Rescued as a child by Raphael, he is now one of his trusted Seven. Though his exact species is unknown, his nature and personality is a delightful combination of childlike innocence and fierce protective instincts. Raised by Dmitri and Raphael- they, their mates, and the entire Seven are his family-a family he will go to all lengths to protect. An interesting juxtaposition is made as we see his wonder and delight at the everyday things we take for granted collide with the cold eyed animalistic side of him that demands the world take notice of his predatory nature.

Andromeda is an angel and has been resident of the refuge where she has studied under the tutelage of Jessimay for almost 400 hundreds of years. The grand daughter of the archangel Charisemnon, her childhood was a never ending lesson in deception, fear, and betrayal. A small quiet unassuming woman with the heart and spirit of a warrior, she has taken a vow of celibacy for reasons important to her, putting all her time and energy into locating and mapping the sleeping ancients that reside all over the world.

While Nassir and Andromeda’s romance is straightforward, the journey is anything but as Singh uses humor and the playful sensuality of Nassir tohelp push this couple towards their happily ever after. Nassir wants what his family has-mates. He has been searching for a long time. however it seems his mate isn’t being cooperative. Nassir sees Andromeda as a roadblock to his goal of finding his mate in the beginning but soon begins to see the face Andromeda shows the world is nothing more then a false front she built to protect herself from her family and their deviant lifestyle. Nassir sees Andromeda as a challenge and uses their time together to unwrap and discover all her hidden and fascinating facets.

Andromedia has secrets that must never be told and obligations that have been promised in blood. She cannot under any circumstances default on these obligations or she signs her own death warrant. A relationship with someone on her own terms is not possible but Nassir intrigues her. His untamed mannerisms call to the hidden wildness that resides within her.

The non stop action of this road trip adventure plotline speeds the story along as you frantically absorb all the various nuances of this ever shifting world. Intriguing plot elements and clues towards future storylines kept me riveted as the story revealed itself. With each scene we watch Nassir and Andromeda flirt, charm, and battle their way to love. They face their fears and overcome internal obstacles while dealing with external factors that try to stop them. Neither plot nor romance is sacrificed. They balance and complement each other through the entire arc.

As always, Singh leaves me both satisfied and wanting more. In Archangel’s Enigma she takes a seemingly incompatible couple and wields her magic on them to produce a romance worthy of the series while amping up fans' excitement for book nine.

Naasir is a true original and one of Raphael’s Seven. He is also very protective of those he calls family or has accepted as family to him, and he needs to be around them as much as possible for several important reasons. Naasir is beyond loyal to his Archangel and to Dmitri, the vampire who is Raphael’s right hand man. Lately, Naasir has been on a very private hunt; he is looking for his mate—a mate he knows is out there waiting for him to find her. While Naasir has no idea who she will be or if she is a human, a vampire, or an angel, Naasir knows that he will know her by her scent.

Andromeda is a young angel who left her home and traveled alone to the Refuge to seek a job in the library and to learn more about those that preceded her. Andromeda was accepted by the head of the library, but she kept a family obligation secret when telling about herself. It was bad enough that she had to admit that her grandfather is an Archangel that many are not crazy about—

Charisemnon. Andromeda has been very happy during her many years at the Refuge and now her time to do as she wishes is about over. But before that, Andromeda has agreed to help one of Raphael’s Seven locate one of the sleeping Archangels.

Naasir knows instantly upon meeting Andromeda that she is his mate. Now he needs to convince her of this and then show his Andromeda just what she means to him. Andromeda isn’t at all sure of Naasir when she first meets him, but she is very intrigued. Just as their search is about to begin, Andromeda is kidnapped by a deadly enemy of Raphael and of several other Archangels. Rescuing Andromeda is Naasir’s first priority, and he does so in style. Andromeda and Naasir immediately start their quest, but for Naasir it has become a double hunt, for Andromeda has said that she will mate with him once he locates a certain object. During their hunt for the sleeping Archangel, danger is their constant shadow because others also want to find this sleeping spot and not for a good reason. In order to complete their task, it will take their combined strengths and intelligence to come out on top. Now it is time for Naasir to complete the task that Andromeda gave him and to find a way for them to be together forever. This is going to take every sneaky instinct that Naasir has to pull this off. However, there is NOTHING that Naasir won’t do to have his mate with him forever.

When you are a very special person it will take an equally special person to be the one you mate with forever. Naasir finally finds his special mate in Archangel’s Enigma. I have waited forever to discover just what Naasir really was and how he became what he is, and then I really wanted him to find that special person to be his mate. I definitely got all of that and more as I read Naasir and Andromeda’s journey. Their hunt for the sleeping Archangel was fraught with danger and also gave them the time they needed to discover each other and to finally fall in love. That might have been enough to make this a wonderful book, but there was yet another hunt that Andromeda put Naasir on that gave so much more texture and depth to both Naasir and to their love. I can honestly say that I didn’t want their story to end, and yet I did so that I knew they had found a way to be together even with Andromeda’s grandfather.

Archangel’s Enigma is so full of suspense, humor and passion that it just over fill’s the pages. I can tell you that I have written this review twice because I wanted to say so much, and yet I want everyone to discover the wonder of just who Naasir is and the love that springs up between him and Andromeda. Archangel’s Enigma is more than a must read and a keeper—it is a book that you will re-read over again just to discover what you might have missed the previous times. By the time I turned the final page, I knew beyond a doubt that I had to Joyfully Recommend Naasir and Andromeda’s book and for you to truly find out why you will have to open up the first page yourself.

This book was reviewed by Jo for Joyfully Reviewed (JR), and was provided by the publisher/author at no cost to JR for the purpose of being reviewed.

Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy

ARCHANGEL'S ENIGMA has a lot going on in its over arching plot which is to be expected with the Guild Hunter series books. Like its predecessors this book continues to expand on the Cascade storyline hopefully bringing it to a conclusion eventually as I don't know how much more destruction the earth and people can take before the earth implodes on itself. This is not to say that I don't enjoy the story but it's a little bit concerning with all of these powerful, godlike angel fighting eachother. Aside from my concerns at the ultimate destruction of the world the plot is engaging and entertaining with tons of action and has a really neat romance in it between Naasir and Andromeda.

Naasir has always been a character that has intrigued me each time he popped up in this series. Who is he? What is he? In ARCHANGEL'S ENIGMA we find out and it is a really unique and satisfying answer. I loved his backstory and how he came to be. One thing I like about Naasir is his directness and his almost child-like literal responses and seeing things as being either black or white. While I use the word child-like, he is by no means naive or innocent. He's fiercely loyal, honorable, and really good in a fight. I also liked how he decides that since he is an adult (at 600 years old) it is time for him to find a mate so he goes looking for her only to assume she is hiding because he hasn't found her yet. Andromeda, his not hiding mate seems like an odd choice for a mate as she is a scholar but they fit so well together and I adored their interactions. Most of these interactions were pretty hilarious as they play on Naasir's literal take on situations.

The characters, both the heroes and villains, are multi-dimensional and complex. The world-building continues to fascinate and expand with ARCHANGEL'S ENIGMA. When I pick up a Guild Hunter book I know I become ensnared in it's beautifully complex world for the next few hours.

The fight with Lijuan continues, only this time she is seeking a sleeping ancient instead of our beloved Archangel Raphael. Raphael tasks his best tracker Naasir to find where Alexander sleeps before Lijuan and kill the ancient, and to assist on journey will be the angel Andromeda, a scholar who studies the ancients.

Once Naasir was introduced, he quickly became my favorite of the series. We finally find out exactly what this semi-vampire is! His simplistic view on the world is a result of his animal nature, and it was utterly beguiling. I loved the way he played with his friends, and talked about his mate. The narrator did a fabulous job with his character and accent as well. As Naasir has been hunting his mate for the past seven months since the last book, he doesn't immediately desire to go on this hunt with Andromeda. However once he meets her and takes his first whiff, he can't wait to bite! There is a problem however - Andromeda has taken a vow of celibacy which cannot be broken unless Naasir can find a "stupid grimoire book."

Andromeda has been working as a scholar at the refuge with Jessame. However she has just received word that she has to begin serving 500 years in her grandfather's court within the next couple of weeks. So this hunt with Naasir is her last hurrah before she endures a half-millennium of servitude and punishment. Andromeda is a little scared of Naasir, not really because of his feral nature, but because of the way he makes her feel. While I liked Andi's character, she was upstaged so much by Naasir that I didn't focus on her that much.

I have a feeling Bluebell's book is up soon, and I can't wait to read about the fun-loving Illium. 5 stars / 3 flames.

Archangel’s Enigma picks up the story of angels, vampires, and Hunters roughly seven months after the conclusion of the previous book. Readers learn that Archangel Lijuan is, in fact, alive, yet not whole. Still viewing herself as a goddess, she seeks to act on a prophecy by killing one of the Ancients while he Sleeps. It is up to Raphael, with the help of Elena and his Seven, to prevent Lijuan from finding and harming Alexander.

As a scholar and an expert in Sleeping Ancients, Andromeda is Raphael’s best bet to stop Lijuan. However, she is also Charisemnon's granddaughter. (Charisemnon is the one who caused the Falling and a deadly vampire disease, and was aligned with Lijuan in the past). Since Andromeda has cut all family ties, Raphael trusts her and sends one of his Seven, Naasir, to protect her from Lijuan and assist her in her endeavors. When he meets Andromeda, Naasir, who has been on the hunt for his mate since the conclusion of the previous book, decides she may very well be his hidden mate.

There are so many wonderful things about Archangel’s Enigma. Both the romantic storyline and over-arching plot of the brewing war between the Archangels, are entertaining and completely engrossing aspects of this tightly woven story. The two parts are well balanced, creating an almost perfect reading experience: urban fantasy action and intrigue together with a sensual paranormal love story.

And once again, Ms. Singh proves how she is the master of character development. I’ll admit that I didn’t know how she’d be able to pull of a romance for Naasir. A little known and rarely seen member of the Seven, Naasir came across child-like, innocent, and almost feeble-minded in his actions and dialogue during the previous book. Yet at only the 12% mark of Archangel’s Enigma, I saw Naasir as a viable sexual being while maintaining his curious and innocent persona that made him feel childlike. Reading how his mind works and how he sees the world on a large scale and in ranging situations from lust to vengeance, sincerity to hurt, created a genuinely lovable character.

Similarly, Ms. Singh creates the perfect match for Naasir in Andromeda. Both a scholar and a warrior, she understands and sees more than most others, and values Naasir for the person he is under the enigma of his species. She’s patient and kind, despite her upbringing. The fact that she has required so much discipline from herself to set herself apart from the actions of her family, gives her honor, fierceness, and sincerity that few seem to possess.

Additionally, the author does much to move forward the overall plot revolving around the oncoming Cascade, Ancients, and feuding Archangels. Rather than continuing to spread out the story, Ms. Singh seems to twist and evolve the entire plot, keeping it moving forward rather than allowing it to grow too large and unruly. Although there is a lot of complexities tossed our way, it all flows seamlessly and logically. By the end of the book, I was already jonesing for the follow-up story!

Overall, I really enjoyed Archangel’s Enigma. The character development, world-building, and storytelling are, once again, amazing, and the plot has few negatives. The romance between Naasir and Andromeda, while slow-burning, is everything I could have wanted. I found the overall politics of the Cadre utterly compelling. The Guild Hunter series continues to be one of my Top 5 must read series.

My Rating: A- Enjoyed A Lot
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by publisher.

NUMBER OF HEARTS: 5
Naasir!!!! Really do I need to say more? No I don’t, but that would make for a very short review. So here it goes.
In Archangel’s Enigma we finally get to see, understand and unravel the mystery that is Naasir. He is a very complicated creature that wants nothing more than to be loved. We know that Raphael, Elena and the seven love him, Naasir wants a mate. Someone who is just his.
I loved that Naasir went around smelling women to see if they are his potential mate. The first meeting between Naasir and Andromeda had me laughing out loud. As the Guild Hunter series has grown I have wondered what or who would be able to be Naasir’s mate. I have to say I was a bit surprised that his mate was going to be a shy, young scholar. But Andromeda shocked me. She is fierce, loyal and the absolute perfect mate for Naasir. I loved their journey to save Alexander. I loved how these two played together. I loved how they fought for a future together. I loved this book. I loved Naasir and Andromeda and I hope that Nalini will write a follow up novella for these two. One that includes pups. :D
I will say that the parts about Illium broke my heart and brought many tears to my eyes. I can not wait to see what is in story for everyone’s favorite Bluebell.
As always I had the amazing honor to have the very talented Justine Eyre read this story to me. Justine is so wicked talented it seems a little unfair. I have loved reading/listening to this story from the very first book. Justine does such a great job with the voices both male and female, that you don’t need to be told who is speaking. I have found that if you have a great narrator like Justine they can take an amazing story like Nalini’s and bring it to life. If you have not tried an audiobook I would pick up a copy of Angel’s Blood (bk1) and give this series a try.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Reviewed by Annie and posted at Under The Covers Book Blog
4.5 Stars

I’ll be honest. I wasn’t expecting much from Naasir. Though he intrigued me in the past, I never thought that I would end up loving him as much as I did with ARCHANGEL’S ENIGMA.

Naasir is one of the Seven and when he is tasked with finding Alexander, he gets the help of Andromeda, an angelic scholar who has more to her character than what you first see. Again, I wasn’t expecting to enjoy Andromeda as much as I did. I expected her to be frail and knowledgeable, perhaps a bit uptight, but it was nice to see her steel backbone and her personality show through.

The series has changed from a strictly Urban Fantasy series to more of a Paranormal Romance and I think this is one of the better romances in the series. Naasir is quite the hero. He’s playful and I loved the fact that he started out looking for his mate as if it was his next mission. So when he first meets Andromeda, it goes a little like this:

“Hello,” he said, on his best behaviour now. “I just wanted to smell you.”

“Oh.” Lines between her eyebrows, the tone of her voce making him want to close and his and just listen. “Do you sniff everyone you meet?”

Smiling inside at the curiosity she couldn’t quite hide, he said, “No.” He drew in her scent again, careful to make it appear he was simply breathing. “Only women.”

“Why?”

“I’m hunting my mate.”

I love how playful this scene was. It brought a smile to my face simply by reading it.

Another thing to note about Naasir is that he sometimes takes things a little too literal. Again, it’s a nice way to make fun of his character so I loved that Singh decided to do this. I feel like I could go on and on about what I loved about Naasir but that would probably get boring, wouldn’t it? So if you want to experience it yourself, do yourself a favor and read ARCHANGEL’S ENIGMA. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

4.5-5 stars

What a great addition to the Guild Hunter series! I have to admit that in previous books I was ok with Naasir but there were other secondary characters I liked better and wanted read stories about. However, once I started reading this book, I found that I loved Naasir as a hero and really enjoyed his and Andromeda's story.

Andromeda is the granddaughter of an Archangel (one that isn't a friend of Raphael) but she doesn't like her family and escaped to the Refuge at a very early age to pursue her calling of being a scribe. She's spent over 300 years there but there are issues with her family that she might not be able to escape. When a plot is uncovered to kill a sleeping ancient Archangel, Andromeda is asked to help Naasir find the Archangel so that Rapheal can protect him while he's vulnerable. Naasir has seen his friends find mates and how happy they are so he's decided that he wants his own mate and is out to find her. When Andromeda and Naasir meet, he feels like she might be his mate but there are some issues that they have to get past. The mission they're on bonds them quickly and it's quickly apparent that they're a very good match and should be together. Making that happen is a bit easier said than done but with some work and a little help from some friends, Naasir and Andromeda do end the story together and starting their HEA.

I enjoyed this story greatly. Andromeda and Naasir are a wonderful couple and I loved seeing them get together. As usual, Singh did a great job with the story and added to the overall series storyline without making it seem like a cliffhanger at the end (even though there's obviously still more to deal with in the future). The action and romance storylines melded together well and I loved the story and had no real complaints. I'd highly recommend both the series and this story. :D

* note - I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator did a really good job.

Ever think to yourself 'all I really want from a man is real honesty, someone who just says “I think you’re it for me” and then does everything in their power to prove that and make you happy?’ Even if you didn’t know that's what you wanted, you will after this beautiful page turner!

Nassir isn’t like any hero I’ve ever read about, not just in his origins, but the way he moves, see’s the world, and especially in the way he thinks about love. To my estimation, he seems to see love almost as a child would with a completely intuitive understanding of it, not cosmo’s latest pick ups or idealized Rom-com theorise about how to get the girl. He just knows who belongs to and with him and what he is willing to do to keep and protect them. It's beautifully simple and yet some people will never understand it in truth.

The women of Nissan's dreams is no slouch either she is a well rounded and strong female character who have both brain and brawn on her side as well as bravery and an innocence that makes her a perfect mate for our fine feline friend.

Aside from this wonderfully original romantic perspective we get to see all of our old Guild Hunter series friends. We don’t spend quite as much time with them as we have in previous books, but we do get to check in with them in moments throughout.

And OK this is just my personal opinion and to be honest it’s more like a hopeful fantasy at this point, I just want it to happen so I may be reading things into it, but there seemed to me to be something happening between Aodhan and Illium, like maybe romantically?.... AM I crazy Maybe, but Maybe you need to read this book, not just because “Archangel's Enigma” is a wonderful original book but also because you might just glimpse a new side of everyone's favorite Bluebell!

Nalini Singh’s Archangel’s Enigma, in the Guild Hunter series, is as exciting and creative as the very first book. She continues to expand an intriguing world and takes us on each step of the journey.

The enigmatic Naasir of the Seven, a powerful group of vampires and higher beings, is entrusted to find the Archangel of Persia. His predatory tracking skills are infamous. Nassir is also ready for a mate and continues to seek her. The honesty and even playfulness in this warrior makes him hard to resist.

Andromeda has also been assigned to accompany Naasir on this mission for reasons that are slowly revealed throughout the book. Andi is a four-hundred year old beauty with brains, a scholar that knows how to fight and she has taken a vow of celibacy.

These two complex opposites have to learn to work together to locate the Sleeping archangel. Naasir will need all his skills to find Andi after she is kidnapped by an ‘Angel Gone Wild’. And Andi will have to face her past and her future for a chance with this riddle of a man.

The complex relationship shouldn’t fit so easily, yet Ms. Singh is able to make us believe the smoothness of which they actually complete each other. The romance is part of a thrilling and emotional story that pounds your senses in different ways.

There is a multi-cast of characters included so it’s best to start with book one and look forward to Naasir and Andromeda’s story!

--Annette Maynard, ReaderToReader.com

Oooooohhhhhhh holy crap! A new Guild Hunters Book! EEEP!!!

Now that is out of the way, Naasir was honestly an enigma until the last book. Readers were left wondering what in the hell kind of creature he was? A vampire? A shifter? A new kind of angel? The mystery surrounding him made me want the next book even more. Nassir is almost childlike and basic in his line of thought. He’s more animalistic than he is human. But, then again, he’s not human at all! I divulge into just exactly what he is, but ooooooh buddy, you won’t see it coming!! He cracks me up with his stories of his troublesome youthful fun.

Andromeda is a strong yet vulnerable female character. Coming from sex crazed parents, Andromeda takes a vow of celibacy to allow herself to focus on her work instead of her loins. Everything she holds dear will be tested by Naasir. He’s everything she could want in a mate, but her damned vow isn’t something she’s willing to break.

The romance between these two characters isn’t anything fancy. The backstory takes more of precedence than their romantic entanglement, which is quite different from other Guild Hunter books. Some fans of this series may not like the sudden change to Nalini’s writing style, but I loved it. I like it when author’s give us something just a little bit different in a seasoned series.

The Cascade wreaks havoc all throughout this book. There are certain parts with Illium that will leave you shocked and nearly in tears. Illium has to be next.. PLEASE Nalini!!! PLEEEEEASEEE! I NEEED IT!!

Oh, Naasir! He is quite the monster, isn't he? As the loner of the Seven, he's been the most puzzling piece for me. He's been so elusive and playful, but danger clings to him. My heart belongs to Dmitri so it's obvious that Naasir would be dear to me. Learning about this feral man was such an honor and I fell deeper in love with this series for it! Singh made my views of him change so completely that I see the past interactions in a different light. He's young, in comparative to the vampires playing a major roll in the books, and you don't really understand until you read it through. Another one down and my heart still beats for this world!

~ Courtney Shockey

I cannot express how much I loved ARCHANGEL'S ENIGMA, so much so that I don't know what to say in this review past a lot of fangirling and squeeing. There's many times where a book knocks my socks off, but I can't remember the last time where I finished the book and wanted to immediately re-read it.

I always loved the mystery behind Naasir in the previous books, but I have to admit I was a bit unsure how he would work as the hero. There's something just so feral and sometimes childlike about him, that make for a really interesting character, but I just wasn't sure how that would translate to the romance department. I shouldn't have worried at all. Nalini did an utterly amazing job at bringing his character truly to life. Naasir stole my heart from the very first page. Instead of his feralness and sometimes childlike wonder detracting from his attractiveness, it actually enhanced it. I wish I could describe just how incredible Naasir were, but to keep from spoiling I'll just let you find out for yourself.

Easily my number one read for the year, ARCHANGEL'S ENIGMA is an absolute must read. Run, do not walk to your nearest book store and snatch this one up. Just make sure to set aside enough time to devour it uninterrupted as you will not be able to put it down once you start.

Nalini Singh never ever disappoints. I have read every book in the Guild Hunter series and i fall in love each time. Whether it is with Raphael, Elena, Dmitri, Honor, Jason Illium (my all time favorite of them all), Nassir, Andromeda and number of others that will take me to long to mention. There is a beauty to the way she tells a story. I feel as if i am flying off of the rooftop of the Archangel Headquarters with Raphael or running light the speed of light with Nassir. You get so into the reading you feel as if you are part of the story. You feel their pain and/or love with each sentence you read.

Nassir must save Andromeda, his feisty yet celibacy vowing mate. She is captured and brought before Lijuan because of the knowledge she possess. She is a devote scholar with the potential to bring any outcome to the war between Raphael and Lijuan. It all comes down to her knowledge of the whereabouts of Alexander. He is an ancient who has been in a state of sleep for centuries. What will happen. Will Lijuan get the information she seeks? Will Nassir rescue his mate?

This to me has got to be one of the best stories in this series. I recommend not only this book to others but the entire Guild Series. Happy Reading!

Naasir almost took over Archangel's Shadows so I was ecstatic to see him get his own story so fast. I loved the action/adventure element of Naasir and Andromeda trying to find the sleeping place of Alexander, an Ancient who formerly ruled Persia. I thought this couple was a fun mix of intelligence and physical strength. I liked the way that Nalini Singh played with first impressions especially when it came to Andromeda. They were separated from each other more than I would have liked and I think that made their romance feel slightly underdeveloped. The overall series storyline is becoming more complicated which I didn't think could happen and I like the way that the other territories are getting involved. I can't wait for the next book to be released and, like many other Guild Hunter fans, I am dying to see Illium get a story soon.

What's not to love in this book???!!!

I was blown away once again!! I just love this series, ALL the characters, good and bad, weak and strong, young and so old!!

We finally get to know what Naasir really is, who and what he came from, how he thinks, has lived, grown up and fights for his future. The less human among the Seven, he is the most natural, raw, honest and simple. Protecting his family his all that matters to him. And now, so is finding his mate.
Who would have thought his mate would be an angel hiding so many secrets, hiding her feral nature under books and studies?

I totally fell in love with Andromeda. She is complex, deep, smart and strong. Let's not forget she is as wild as her tiger is and stands on equal to him where no one really ever could.

Their story is a passionate one, full of strong attraction, emerging feelings and deep sense of belonging. It is also a fast passed one, never stopping in suspense and surprises, taking us from one side of the globe to the other.
We discover new characters, learn more about others.

The Cascades keep happening, changing everyone and everything.

I cant't WAIT to read what comes next!

Naasir is my favorite of the Seven. His playfulness and childlike innocence won me over in Janvier & Ashwini's book. I love his mysterious heritage and started this story with high expectations. Not once was I disappointed. Naasir's desire for a mate is hilarious as he decides after seven months of futile searching that she is hiding from him. The way his mind works is refreshing and so darn funny. His background was hinted at but the truth of it is heart wrenching. That Raphael found him so young, that Dmitri taught him how to live and Jessamy nurtured his mind was a miracle. This unique feral cub becomes a fearlessly courageous, strong member of Raphael's Seven who loves the others and their mates as his family. Naasir's courting of Andromeda throughout their adventure highlights his true character, a man of integrity, honor and caring. The scene in Antarctica was especially moving. The story arc was continued, woven through Naasir & Andromeda's story, overlapping in places and keeping me breathless. This is a creative masterpiece that Nalini Singh has going on. Great stuff!

After finishing ARCHANGEL’S SHADOWS last year, I burned, I pined, and I perished for the next installment to be about Naasir, an almost unknown quantity prior to that book.

An almost unknown quantity who very nearly stole the spotlight from Janvier and Ashwani, whose book I had been waiting years for.

How did she do that?

I'd have to shake my nonthreatening fist at Singh had she not indulged my (and multitudes of other fans, I'm sure) need to learn more about this strange creature, this enigma.

But she did. So the world is once more safe from my fists and their (non)threats.

This installment opens with a frustrated Naasir b/c his mate is hiding from him.

Hiding. *giggle snorts*

B/c, you see, Naasir has decided that he is ready to find his mate, and he has been searching for her for months, unable to find her. So she is hiding.

There’s a childlike directness, a black-and-whiteness to Naasir that is both adorable and intoxicating.

But Naasir is not a child. *fans self* <------b/c necessary.

Andromeda is the only grandchild of Charisemnon, ally of Lijuan (who needs to die). She fled the abuses and depravities of his court for the Refuge when barely more than a fledgling to pursue her dream of becoming a scholar.

Her main area of study is the Ancients for the wisdom they can offer, and, secondarily, she has made a study of mythological creatures b/c she is fascinated by them.

It's her knowledge of the Ancients that causes Raphael to send Naasir to protect her while she searches for the Sleeping Ancient Alexander who they have cause to believe Lijuan is also searching for that she might kill him when he is helpless.

Like I said . . . B*tch needs to DIE.

There are the characteristic hurtles that prevent Naasir and Andromeda from being together: a vow of celibacy (*snickers* three guesses as to how Naasir feels about that) and a Big Secret.

Several times I found myself frustrated with Andromeda, screaming in my head at her to just TELL HIM THE TRUTH!

But as it turns out, it really was as hopeless a situation as she was making it out to be, and it's only a byproduct of their mission that provides a solution.

So have patience. It's legit. FYI.

Beyond Naasir and Andromeda’s romance, the main storyline is continued at a steady pace, with a potential key to Lijuan’s eventual (*grumbles*) destruction being revealed, as well as several more consequences of the Cascade, one of them absolutely heart-stopping.

*heart palpitates in remembrance*

All in all, ARCHANGEL’S ENIGMA, the eighth installment of Nalini Singh’s GUILD HUNTER series is everything I've come to expect from this auto-buy author. Technically a paranormal romance, there is both action and relationship development enough to satisfy lovers of both PNR and Urban Fantasy, and if you haven't already started this series, I highly recommend that you do. It is fantastic and completely worth the commitment.

Why is there not a 10 star rating? Hmmmmmmm...Loved, Loved, Loved Loved this book.. I don't even no where to start.....What an amazing story for Naasir and Andromeda..Ms. Singh did not disappoint..Her word building, character description and possible location of the Refuge? Excellent..All of our characters come in this story and seem to play critical roles for future stories..Even new characters that my be paired with some of the Seven?
I downloaded the book around 12:03am and finished around 8pm this evening..Loved every minute and second of this romantic and action packed story I promise you will not be disappointed.. I could not get enough of Naasir..He is beyond adorable and I want to take him home with me forever..Love this story..Kudos to you Ms. Singh on another beautifully written story and looking forward to finding out out what happens next.

Nalini Singh's Archangel's Enigma gets a STANDING OVATION!
This book is a MUST READ no matter what genre you are into!
I cannot express just how magnificent this book is. You are pulled into a world that is beautiful & brutal. Filled with characters and situations that are mesmerizing and exotic. From the very first word you become one of those characters, a part of this world. The writing flows with perfection and is absolutely flawless. The story is NEVER boring. Every word a credit to the story.
There is Action, Adventure, Mystery, Horror, Romance, Love, Eroticism. Your heart will beat faster. You will find yourself going holding your breath. Your muscles will tense with anticipation. You will laugh out loud suddenly without meaning to.

Nalini Singh is hands down my favorite paranormal romance author ever! Her story arcs are stunning. This book was amazing. I loved everything about Naasir and Andromeda. I loved their courtship and how they got to know each other. I loved that Naasir could be himself around her. And i loved that Andromeda was a historian AND a warrior. I didn't want to put this book down. I could've read it in one sitting, but i also wanted to go slow and savior every word. And the Epilogue!!!! My goodness my heart was pounding. I can't wait to read what happens next in the series. All the developments with Lijuan, the Ancients, the Cascade and Illium.... I'll be sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book. This series is phenomenal.

3.5 stars, almost four. I really enjoyed Nasair's story, he's so over the top though that at times it became a bit too much, but he's Naasir so I'll forgive him :) The parts of the book that revealed a bit more of what the Cascade is doing to young and old Angels was pretty much the show stealer for me though. The book gets bogged down story wise a couple of times while Nassir runs and runs and runs while Angels good and bad fly.
I don't want to say more and ruin the story so if you want spoilers you'll l have to read another review.

I do recommend this book, even if you're not a big Nassir fan it was still enjoyable. Nalini Singh has a very fertile imagination.

I have read the word enigma many times and I guess I kind of knew what it meant but usually gave it a situational definition. I decided that maybe I ought to look up the actual definition before writing this review.

Enigma: a person of puzzling or contradictory character

Surprise, guess Nalini Singh is pretty good at vocabulary since the character of Naasir fits this pretty exactly, he comes across as somewhat of a caveman at times and something just short of sheer genius at others.

This follows on the heels of Naasir’s matter-of-fact decision in the last book that he must have a mate, since he has not found her he assumes she is hiding from him obviously (a few of these logical decisions in the book, loved them). So he is on the lookout and as with most good stories, she is not who or what you would have expected but he and Andromeda have one big thing in common, they see the person underneath the face they show to others.

While I will not elaborate on the details of the story, it is filled with things I love, things that made me laugh, things that made me sad and a couple that made me angry (sometimes her bad guys are REALLY bad). While these books are ultimately about 2 people in each book, there is a global overarching storyline that is a major part to this series. The ultimate direction of THAT story is the one that keeps throwing me for loops in the “I never saw that coming” situation.

The imagination of these books that have sprang from that first book keep amazing me, I would never have imagined arriving at a place that we have in this series (gee, maybe it is why I write reviews and not books).

There is humor, there is tragedy, there is evil, there is nobility, there is always a great hook towards the next book and my personal favorite, the promise of revenge at some future date (well-deserved revenge).

Now I know I have told you very little about the actual story in this book, read the synopsis, I can’t really tell you much more without giving spoiler stuff away (I am sure some other clubfooted reviewer will). You just have to take my word for it, if you have enjoyed the other books in this series, this will be one of your favorites.

I am giving it 4.5 Stars only because I did not get my revenge yet but I will be waiting.

I don't like consequences.. like how they needed someone who studied sleeping angels and it just happens to be the mate Naasir has been looking for.. that kinda thing annoys me but I loved that Naasir got his happily ever after and we found out what he was, I feel for Elena bc it's been driving me crazy not knowing. Alls well that ends well.. poor Illium I'm so worried about him. He's my fav of the 7 too

Once again Ms. Singh has brought her readers on a fantastic journey in an incredibly dangerous world, with amazing characters and wonderful events.

I new Naasir's book would be 'different', but I had no idea how 'fun' his story would be once I had his 'voice' in my head (stupid Grimoire book..lol).

Andromeda is his perfect mate.
She's just as wild and free at heart as he is, and with her own secrets.

Wonderful story, and I can't wait to see what else happens next during the Cascade!

Kudos Ms. Singh for another amazing story in the Guild Hunter series!

I don't know how Nalini Singh does it but this series just continues to get better and better with every single book. Out of all of Raphael's Seven Naasir had mostly stayed off my radar until we started to get to know him a little better in Archangel's Shadows but those glimpses had me dying to know more and I incredibly excited to discover that he was going to be the main character in Archangel's Enigma.

Along with Elena I was desperate to unravel the mystery of his background and learn more about one of the most mysterious characters in the series. I'm not going to spoil the reveal for anyone but trust me it was well worth the wait and it completely surprised me, I don't think I could have guessed his origins in a million years! Naasir is such a brilliant character, he's almost childlike in some ways because of the black and white way he looks at the world - he doesn't play games and is very much a what you see is what you get kind of guy - but he's definitely all man where it counts and I loved the contradictions in him. He doesn't always find it easy to relate to people but he's very playful, completely and utterly charming with a hint of danger that is always lurking underneath. I am absolutely fascinated by him and could happily have read a book that was twice as long just to spend more time unravelling his secrets!

It takes a special kind of woman to tame a man as wild as Naasir but Andi is up to the task. She may be a scholar by choice but I loved that along with being smart as hell she's also a trained warrior who is more than capable of defending herself. Naasir needs a woman who is tough enough to fight by his side and Andi was just as protective of him as he was of her. I loved how slow build their romance is, they are drawn to each other from the beginning but thanks to a vow Andi has made they end up taking things incredibly slowly and I savoured every minute of it. I'll admit I wasn't too sure about the vow when I first heard about it (and Naasir certainly wasn't impressed!) but I ended up really respecting both of them for the way they handled everything. My one irritation with Andi was the big secret she was keeping, I desperately wanted her to open up to Naasir sooner even though I understood why she didn't want to and was able to forgive her for it.

Although the romance was sweet and great fun to read about there were so many other things going on in this book that I was on the edge of my seat practically the whole way through. Lijuan has gone so far off the rails that it is pretty much impossible to guess what lengths she'll go to next and her plans to murder a sleeping Ancient are despicable. I can't wait to see her suffer for her actions but I have no idea how anyone is going to take her out considering how powerful she has become! Talking of the Ancient I have to mention how excited I am about the direction things went in here, the Cascade is definitely causing some very interesting developments and I think we're going to be in for one heck of a ride throughout the next few books. Of course we also see more of our favourite characters, Elena and Raphael have some lovely scenes, we get more about Naasir and Dmitri's relationship and there are some wonderful, wonderful moments between Illium and Aodhan. I can't quite decide who I think will be the focus of the next book, there are definitely several possibilities, but I am dreading the wait for it to be published and it'll definitely jump to the top of my to read pile the minute I get my hands on a copy - just like anything else that Nalini Singh writes. She really is an amazing author that nobody else can quite compare to.

Strong beginning. But I found the solution to her blood vow too easy. For all the tension, there was no cost, a false punch. A weak one.

The rest was good. I love Nassir. But admit his childlike affect can at times make it difficult to consider him a sex object, too. I think that could have been handled better. She certainly has the practice of writing animal type people with her other series.

I think this is my second favorite, next to Archangel's Blade. I really felt I got to know Naasir. She did a wonderful job of capturing his primal nature, more man than beast. I also felt she did a good job portraying Andromeda, the warrior/scholar. I can't wait to read the rest.

I loved this book and this author. I have followed this author and this series from its inception and loved every character and every book in it. In my not so humble opinion, anything with this author's name on it is well worth the time and money to read. This book is filled with complex characters, even more complex relationships, and non-stop action. There is a bit of hope for even the most dangerous characters as they struggle through their challenges both personal and situational. Enjoy.

I was so utterly charmed by Naasir in Ash and Janvier's book, and I love him even more now. It's so fun being in his head, and watching him search for his mate, and reading his monologues. He's so funny and shameless, I love him.

I absolutely LOVED this adventure with Naasir & Andromeda!! It was familiar as well as wonderful twists and turns! I love that the beloved characters & the hated ones (lol) all continue to appear! The almost child like attitude mixed with some very clear adult thinking! Very fun guy!! I want to rave about the fast paced & exciting adventures, but I don't want to spoil it... JUST GET THE ENTIRE SERIES AND GET READING!!!!

It has been a while since I have read a book by Nalini Singh, and "Archangel's Enigma" did not disappoint. One of Raphael's seven, Nassir must find the Archangel of Persia, now lost in the Sleep of the Ancients before he is murdered while sleeping. Andromeda, an angelic scholar, is enlisted to aid him. Nassir knows she is his mate, and the adventures begin on the eighth Guild Hunter novel. A definite read for those that love paranormal, romance and fantasy.

So happy to finally learn about Naasir's background. For several books Naasir has been playfully teasing characters about his background. The readers now get to read as all the puzzle pieces fall into place. Beginning with playfully announcing he was ready for his soul mate, to determinedly deciding how he will win her, the reader will easily fall in love (even more) with this character and his new love interest.

While the plot was predictable, it was in NO WAY BORING! If good didn't always triumph, I wouldnt read the authors books! But nonetheless, there were forshadows of coming conflicts that make you want to read more and more! The characters in this book are very well developed, but it would be hard to come in without reading the other stories first. Everyones favorite character, Bluebell, was only dangled out to make you want more, as was the villans fate!

Archangel's Enigma was an excellent addition to the Guild Hunter series. The characters were fascinating. The development of their love was wonderful to read. Nalini Singh certainly is a master at adding twists and turns to her stories. I very much enjoyed the book and could not put it down! I highly recommend it for fans of the Guild Hunter series.

I felt like this was a building block for the series. Somehow I couldn't get into Naasir as much as other characters in the series. An excellent read and goes on the keeper shelf with the others. Waiting for the rest as this series is obviously going to go on awhile like the Psi/Changling.

Just buy it and make room on the keeper shelf.

This book was awesome! It was so page turning and full of details that at times I found myself rereading portions to check for understanding to to ensure that I did not miss anything. Recommend to all fans of Nalini Singh and would read it again! This book definitely advanced the story line for all characters and is one to remember.

I checked Archangel's Enigma out from my local library. This is such a great series, and I was really excited to see who the author would match up with Naasir. Great job. The ending chapters were a little rushed, but I was happy with the ending and the set up for the next book(s). Excellent story arc at the end.

This was Naasir's story as well as moving the overall storyline forward and now I'v bummed that I'm all caught up with this wonderful series and have to wait awhile for the next installment. This is a great series, but by all means start with the first book in the series.

I waited so long for this book and it was worth the wait. Nassir is a wonderful character in all the books and his story makes you glad he found his mate. Every book just gets better and better. I don't want to give any spoilers you have to enjoy it yourself. Can't wait for more.

I came to this series late, but I've enjoyed it and this book was definitely one of my favorites. I love the way Ms. Singh still finds joy in her characters and makes them individuals. This is worth reading trust me on this.

She creates the move unique characters, villains, and political intrigue with such depth that will have you rereading this series before each new book. Love the wild Naasir and the gentle but strong Andi. Illium's brief appearance at the end has me already craving the next book in the Guild Hunter's series!!

Love this book. Nalini Singh can do no wrong. In this book we find out a whole lot more about Naasir as he finds his mate. There is a lot of action (it is Naasir after all). This book is packed with surprises and OMG Bluebell!

I loved this so much I stopped in the middle of reading the book to order the Audible version. The Archangel series is delightful and this is absolutely one of the best in the series. Can't wait for the next book

Another amazing addition to the Guild Hunter collection. I won't give anything away so you need to read the book. Both the audio performance and the book was recorded/written perfectly. Definitely, another must buy.

Ms Singh writes such a rich world. I love her work. She solved the mystery of Nassir so beautifully. I also read her psy-changeling series which is extraordinary. She leaves us panting for more. I loved it.

Another wonderful NS read. You're yanked into Elena and Raphael's world, no gentle tug and fall here. Will have to go back and read to catch the small things I missed in my rush to find out what happened next.