***SPOILER FREE***
Publisher: Berkley
Publish Date: 1 Sep
How we got this book: ARC from the publisher via Netgalley
Reviewed by: E & Has
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…
Blurb came from Goodreads
E: What is Naasir? This question has not only been asked by many of Singh’s characters in the Guild-Hunter’s world but also through my mind ever since Elena really noticed him in Archangel’s Kiss. Bits and pieces about Naasir, his abilities, and his differences have been sprinkled throughout the series and in this particular story Singh finally answers that question. The answer made my heart hurt and made me happy at the same time. I absolutely LOVED him in this story. He had grown on me throughout the series and it was fabulous to see him in the spotlight. His unique set of moral rules, his thinking process, and his strength of will not to mention loyalty and ability to care were wonderful to see. Watching him go through this story and learn who he was as he revealed his true self around Andromeda is something I have enjoyed reading and rereading.
Has: Oh, I adored Naasir! He is firmly entrenched as one of the best heroes that Nalini has written and it was great to find out about his past and origins which has gotten me so curious throughout the series, which was unexpected with its twist. I also loved how Naasir was so secretive and playful towards his friends and those he regarded as his family, but he really shone when he interacted with Andromeda who is his long awaited mate. Seeing their interactions with each other was fun and delightful and I loved their humour as well as sizzling with tension that developed beautifully throughout the story.
E: I agree Andromeda was a lot of fun as well. She possessed some very intriguing depths and secrets of her own that I never expected in a scholar. I loved her depth of strength, curiosity, and how she tried to control as many aspects of her life as she could in sharp contrast to her home life. I thought her sense of mischievousness and enjoyment of having and keeping secrets made her fit right along with Naasir and some of the things he demonstrated in previous stories. I really enjoyed how she was an equal partner willing to do what it took to stay alive and to not betray her sense of morals. I would love to be a witness to Andromeda’s induction into the group of women who have infiltrated Raphael’s inner circle.
Has: Oh yes! I loved how she was kick ass, but hid her skills under a quiet and timid scholarly demeanor. I thought this was one of the main aspects that made her such an appealing mate for Naasir because she had so many layers and secrets and so did he which made them connect in a fantastic way. I also liked how Andromeda used her wits and knowledge even though she was outgunned and out powered when dealing with powerful figures and even though she had her limitations she was cool headed and patient in dangerous situations.
I also agree with you about their teaming up as partners, their scenes working together for the quest to find a sleeping Archangel were tense and action packed which made me sad to read the last page because I wanted more of their romance.
E: So did I. I might actually be rereading it for the mumbleth time. Picking a favorite scene is always a challenge and in this case harder than usual because I have to to avoid spoilers and because several scenes really stuck out to me. I think as much as I marked at least three involving Naasir and Andromeda I am going to highlight the bond with the Seven. On two different occasions, Naasir was searching and Jason showed up to find out what Naasir was doing. As soon as he learned, he didn’t waste time asking questions just planned, helped, guided, and did everything he could to help Naasir succeed. Naasir on the other hand knew Jason would help as much as he could and was willing to pause, listen to his advice and then continue. Given what/who Naasir is, his beginnings, and Jason’s beginnings I thought this was one of the best portrayals of the differences in Raphael’s Seven making a complete whole.
Has: I have a lot of trouble thinking of one scene because there were so many scenes that stood out for me. But I think the ones I really loved were the scenes that Naasir sparred with Andromeda for the first time, and he realised then that she was no ordinary scholar and had her own secrets of her own. I also loved their action scenes as their success was threatened on multiple fronts. It was tense and fast paced as well heightening the romantic tension which was flirtatious and sexy. I also loved the tone which had a bit of Indiana Jones vibe which really added to the overall feel of the book.
E: Great points Has. Thinking back over this story I can’t pick out any quibbles or discontinuities.
Has: Ditto! I was sad to click onto the last page because I wanted more of Naasir and Andromeda.
E: *happy sigh* yes. In addition to Naasir and Andromeda’s relationship and finally learning the answer to my central question about Naasir, Singh once again brought in several threads mentioned only briefly early in this series. I love how she focuses on the main romance but shows how that romance impacts the world and vice versa. Things keep happening, certain events come full circle, and the world continues to change. I can’t wait to see how the world changes again as the events in this story continue to settle. There were so many moments when I was practically holding my breath as I hoped things would work out. This is another story I will continue to reread out of sheer delight.
I give Archangel’s Enigma an A+
Has: Archangel’s Enigma, had a fabulous sexy romance with an action packed treasure hunting adventure that also had layers that slowly unveiled long teased out secrets with Naasir and Andromeda. I also felt the ongoing arc which has the Cascade delivering more earth-shattering changes for everyone, adds to build up for a huge confrontation with different factions. I seriously cannot wait for the next installment because I was left on tenterhooks for what happens next. Archangel’s Enigma was an amazing entry to this series which not only had an adorably memorable hero and heroine, this was one of the best books I read this year!
I also give Archangel’s Engima an A+!