3.5Archangel's Consort is the eagerly anticipated third book of The Guild Hunter Series. Raphael and Elena are back in New York after defeating Archangel Lijuan and her legion of reborn (zombies). Elena is realizing that her life has changed. She hasn't had a chance to settle down into her new life when she is called to her half-sister's school to investigate a murder committed by a possible bloodlust vampire. And to make things even more chaotic, there have been rumblings, literally, around the world that hints that Raphael's mother, Caliane, is waking from her Sleep. In previous books, Elena was dealing with her daddy issues. This time the shoe is on the foot and Raphael is dealing with the atrocities of his mother.Raphael and Elena's relationship has faced adversity from the beginning. When they're not dealing with outside forces that are against them, they are trying to make their relationship work. Raphael is an Archangel and is used to being obeyed. Elena is fiercely independent and strong in her own right and doesn't take kindly to Raphael ordering her around like she's one of his Seven. Elena is getting stronger physically and is exerting her independence more. Besides the external happenings around them, the main conflict in Archangel's Consort is Elena's freedom versus Raphael's protection. The Archangel is not used to anyone defying him but realizes that he may push Elena away by trying to change her. She is a warrior. He made a warrior his consort. As they continually butt heads, they slowly concede and compromise. This leads to very hot and very steamy sex. Archangel's Consort is the steamiest of the Guild Hunter Series.Archangel's Consort is a great addition to the series. I love the progression of Raphael and Elena's relationship. Two fiercely powerful and independent people are trying to find equal footing in their relationship. Some light is shed more on Elena's family, especially her father. Elena's relationship with Illium (Bluebell) makes me smile. Illium is a great character and I hope he gets his own book. I'd love to know his story regarding his mother, Hummingbird, and his haunting past.When I started reading Consort, it took me a long time to get into it. I felt the pace was slow until the middle of the book when it started to pick up more. Singh's writing is descriptive beyond belief and it draws you in. She touches every detail with her words. Archangel's Consort may not be my favorite of the series, but I still enjoyed reading it. I'm looking forward to reading Dmitri's book in September. I'd love to see how much of a role Raphael and Elena play in the plot.
