Forged in fire, Holly Chang (A.K.A. Sorrow) was first introduced in book one. The victim of the demented archangel, Uram, Holly was irrevocably changed by his blood and no one knows the full scope of those changes. But someone dearly wants to...and is willing to pay good money for the rare treasure they see her as...Finding out who is behind the price on her head, will take Holly to the gritty underworld of the Angel's and Vampires, a life far outside of the Tower. Good thing Holly knows all about the darkness within. 
 Venom, one of Raphael's illustrious Seven, has been charged with helping Holly uncover the one who hunts her, and protecting her from not only those anonymous players, but from the darkness she carries. A darkness that not only calls to him despite how hard he fights it, but one that he shares. An otherness that he can relate to. 
 Archangel's Viper spans the time that Elena and Raphael are in Morocco for the Cadre meeting during Archangel's Heart. Holly and Venom are uncovering who is hunting Holly while also discovering her burgeoning powers. The story takes readers on a smart and sexy thrill ride though the streets of New York. I loved all of the little intricacies woven into the plot. The breathtaking action and the irresistible characters, inside and outside of the Tower, kept me turning the pages. 
 Individual, I really liked Holly and Venom, they challenged each other nicely. Venom always seemed to be one of the more darker members of the group, so I was glad to see that Holly could bring out a lighter side in him despite her own internal demons. I enjoyed learning more about his character, his making, and the consequences of it. I would have liked to see more of the growth that Holly/Sorrow experienced in the background of the first nine books though, her acceptance of the person she is today. Holly's power and potential has been a mystery until now, and she truly is a bad-ass. 
 As a couple though, and I hate to say this considering Singh is usually such a master at balancing action, intrigue, and romance... However, I found Archangel's Viper to be lacking in the romantic department. Venom and Holly were a fun 'enemies turned lovers' couple. The snarky banter and lively dialogue between the two were potent, and I think they really complemented each other. Their relationship was slow burning though and I never felt that spark between them. Yes, there was an attraction, some minor tension, and definitely a few hot sexy times, but it was missing that true soul-deep connection. That, "I can't live without you" vibe, which kept me from falling head over flip-flops for them. 
 The plot took an unexpected twist that called Raphael and Michaella onto the pages as something is pulling Holly away, an entity that is so gruesome I found myself cringing while reading. It seemed crazy but totally understandable knowing the history between Uram and Michaella. I apologize if I am being a little vague in my review but I don't want to spoil anything. Just know that while unexpected, it totally isn't and fits into the over-all series arc well! lol 
 Bottom line; The Guild Hunter series from author Nalini Singh, is a series that I always eagerly anticipate the releases to. With dynamic world building, vivid characterizations, and compelling story-lines, I know that Singh will deliver a story that will stick with me for a long time to come and Archangel's Viper was no exception. I recommend that you read this series in order, and it will very-much be worth it. Pinky swear. Because while this book focuses on one main couple, there is so much going on in the background, and with other characters, you're going to miss some substantial story-line if you just jump in here. I encourage you to pick up this series today!