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Guild Hunter #5.5
Knives and Sheaths
Free short story in Nalini Singh's Newsletter.
What she writes about this story:
"The original version of this short story was meant to be a scene in ARCHANGEL’S STORM, but I deleted it in an earlier draft and the information shared here about Lijuan eventually became part of chapter 8 in the book.
However, I thought the scene offered a nice glimpse of Elena and Raphael’s relationship, so I decided to edit and extend it into a short story. I hope you enjoy!"
What she writes about this story:
"The original version of this short story was meant to be a scene in ARCHANGEL’S STORM, but I deleted it in an earlier draft and the information shared here about Lijuan eventually became part of chapter 8 in the book.
However, I thought the scene offered a nice glimpse of Elena and Raphael’s relationship, so I decided to edit and extend it into a short story. I hope you enjoy!"
5 pages, ebook
First published November 6, 2012
20 people are currently reading
2432 people want to read
About the author
Nalini Singh
246 books26.9k followersI've been writing as long as I can remember and all of my stories always held a thread of romance (even when I was writing about a prince who could shoot lasers out of his eyes). I love creating unique characters, love giving them happy endings and I even love the voices in my head. There's no other job I would rather be doing. In September 2002, when I got the call that Silhouette Desire wanted to buy my first book, Desert Warrior, it was a dream come true. I hope to continue living the dream until I keel over of old age on my keyboard.
I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page (updated every month).
So far, I've worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher and not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency but I call it grist for the writer's mill.
I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page (updated every month).
So far, I've worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher and not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency but I call it grist for the writer's mill.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
May 11, 2017
Re-read: 12.09.2016
Adorable! I love Raphael and Elena's relationship! They have come so far! They are indeed one of my favorite couples out there. This short little Intel we get is a perfect way to show how great Raphael and Elena is for each other. I want my own Raphael!
Adorable! I love Raphael and Elena's relationship! They have come so far! They are indeed one of my favorite couples out there. This short little Intel we get is a perfect way to show how great Raphael and Elena is for each other. I want my own Raphael!
October 31, 2016
Short and sweet, this is a "slice of life" type of story. It showcases the love and harmony between Raphael and Elena and plays with the common for them theme of knifes and sheaths ;) Nothing spectacular but still something worth reading in between the full length novels.
September 8, 2020
1st read - February 2014
2nd read - October 2016
3rd read - September 2020
I just can't get enough of Raphael & Elena! I wanted it to be longer but you can't really complain about the length of a free short story :-)
2nd read - October 2016
3rd read - September 2020
I just can't get enough of Raphael & Elena! I wanted it to be longer but you can't really complain about the length of a free short story :-)
August 19, 2025
Este fue un capítulo extra que fue borrado del libro anterior, y que nos muestra cuando Rafael le dio las nuevas fundas de los brazos para los cuchillos de Elena.
Una escena tranquila, dulce y doméstica entre ellos dos.
Una escena tranquila, dulce y doméstica entre ellos dos.
July 20, 2022
Another short out-take from the Guildhunter series, this didn’t do much for me as I don’t know who all the characters mentioned are.
September 17, 2017
Raphael me enamora cada vez más.
March 15, 2024
Original read 2015,
April 22, 2020
“You know me”. Her fingers brushing his cheek. “You see me. Thank you”.
This couple😍
A delicious little deleted scene with the two best angels in New York.
So sweet and enjoyable.
Read: 22/04/2020
1st rating: 4 stars
Genre/sub-genres: Paranormal/angels/romance
Cover: 🤷🏻♀️
POV’s: Single- 3rd person- (Raphael)
Will I recommend: Yes
This couple😍
A delicious little deleted scene with the two best angels in New York.
So sweet and enjoyable.
Read: 22/04/2020
1st rating: 4 stars
Genre/sub-genres: Paranormal/angels/romance
Cover: 🤷🏻♀️
POV’s: Single- 3rd person- (Raphael)
Will I recommend: Yes
March 1, 2020
a great novella with the epic Raphael and Elena.....just love how well they see and understand each other in the little ways that mean the most. Left a smile on my face reading this.
January 20, 2014
Oh Rapheal is one sexy angel and he knows just what "gifts" to give to his consort! Elena is truly a lucky girl to have found her archangel! I love their interactions and their emotional connection along with their physical chemistry! Fantastic!
August 16, 2014
I will take every little bit of Raphael and Elena I can get. Though it was a verrry short short story I still loved it plus it was a freebie! Who doesn't love a freebie?
March 4, 2016
Love seeing more of Raphael and Elena. <3
February 18, 2021
A free short story, 5.5 in the Guild Hunter paranormal romance series, revolving around an alternate history in which archangels rule the world. The couple focus is on Elena and Rafael. If you're interested, there is a chronological listing of the Guild Hunter books on my website.
My Take
Singh notes that "the original version of this short story was meant to be a scene in Archangel's Storm , 5, but" was deleted. Singh decided to extend this scene into a short story.
Singh is using third person point-of-view from Raphael's perspective, as he appreciates his consort's dilemma about those cheap sheaths...tsk, tsk, tsk, lol.
It's not of the caliber of Singh's other shorts, but it is a sweet scene that reveals the relationship between two warriors...a warrior kind of flirtation.
The Story
It's a welcome respite from the news Raphael received, as his consort focuses on those shoddy forearm sheaths.
A secret pleasure as he watches and listens to his Elena before his gift.
The Characters
Raphael is the intimidating Archangel of New York, one of the Cadre of Ten. Elena is his consort, a former human who hunted vampires, and became an Angel Made.
The Seven are...
...those whom Raphael trusts the most and includes Dimitri, a vampire, who is his second-in-command and best friend. For the past 1,000 years. Jason, a black-winged angel, is his spymaster.
Janvier, a young vampire who is the dirtiest street-fighter, is not one of the Seven, but could be. Nazarach is one of the powerful angels in Rafael's territory.
The Guild Hunters are...
...an organization of a type of bounty hunter, contracted to hunt down runaway vampires. Deacon is a highly respected weapons-maker sought out by immortals but whose first loyalty is to the guild.
Lijuan is the deadly Archangel of China who is bringing people back to "life" as the reborn.
The Title
The title is overtly about Elena's "Knives and Sheaths"...with a subliminal reference to Raphael's jealousy and preferences.
My Take
Singh notes that "the original version of this short story was meant to be a scene in Archangel's Storm , 5, but" was deleted. Singh decided to extend this scene into a short story.
Singh is using third person point-of-view from Raphael's perspective, as he appreciates his consort's dilemma about those cheap sheaths...tsk, tsk, tsk, lol.
It's not of the caliber of Singh's other shorts, but it is a sweet scene that reveals the relationship between two warriors...a warrior kind of flirtation.
The Story
It's a welcome respite from the news Raphael received, as his consort focuses on those shoddy forearm sheaths.
A secret pleasure as he watches and listens to his Elena before his gift.
The Characters
Raphael is the intimidating Archangel of New York, one of the Cadre of Ten. Elena is his consort, a former human who hunted vampires, and became an Angel Made.
The Seven are...
...those whom Raphael trusts the most and includes Dimitri, a vampire, who is his second-in-command and best friend. For the past 1,000 years. Jason, a black-winged angel, is his spymaster.
Janvier, a young vampire who is the dirtiest street-fighter, is not one of the Seven, but could be. Nazarach is one of the powerful angels in Rafael's territory.
The Guild Hunters are...
...an organization of a type of bounty hunter, contracted to hunt down runaway vampires. Deacon is a highly respected weapons-maker sought out by immortals but whose first loyalty is to the guild.
Lijuan is the deadly Archangel of China who is bringing people back to "life" as the reborn.
The Title
The title is overtly about Elena's "Knives and Sheaths"...with a subliminal reference to Raphael's jealousy and preferences.
January 20, 2019
Cute but not something you have to read to continue the series. However it’s fun if you enjoy this couple. It was interesting to see a scene an author cut made into a snippet for readers to enjoy.
January 4, 2020
Reread!
July 26, 2024
Not one of my favourites as it’s quite similar to parts from one of the books but still a nice short story to add to the books.
September 12, 2024
their love language? knives lolol
February 1, 2024
Un tentempié de Elena y Raphael en lo que llega el siguiente libro. 😍
📖
“You are extraordinary.” And you are my consort. Mine to know, mine to see.
📖
“You are extraordinary.” And you are my consort. Mine to know, mine to see.
August 18, 2021
I can't stop smiling every time I read a behind the scene of Raphael and Elena's relationship. I can't wait to read more of their story.
October 17, 2016
You gotta love a man who knows his woman and just the right gift to give her.
April 8, 2017
Knhebek, Archangel ♥_♥
September 3, 2021
A short and sweet moment between Raphael and Elena. Nothing of significance to the main storyline happens in this. Just an enjoyable little scene.
Elena being upset with a knife sheath she purchased and Raphael being himself and replacing it with something from him and him alone. No one else may get his consort a knife or sheath, as an Archangel, alpha and male it’s his right to get Elena the weapons she needs or wants.
“Careful, Elena. I may decide you enjoy those sheaths far too much.”
Can you feel the jealousy of that one line. 😂
Elena being upset with a knife sheath she purchased and Raphael being himself and replacing it with something from him and him alone. No one else may get his consort a knife or sheath, as an Archangel, alpha and male it’s his right to get Elena the weapons she needs or wants.
“Careful, Elena. I may decide you enjoy those sheaths far too much.”
Can you feel the jealousy of that one line. 😂
August 12, 2019
KNIVES AND SHEATHS is one of the free short vignettes that Singh provides for fans of her Guild Hunter series. This one features Elena and Raphael having a private moment where he gives her new sheaths for her knives and the two discuss various things normal to their lives. I like this peaceful scene between the two. There are few such moments in the novels so it is nice having one here.
October 28, 2014
4-4.5 stars
This is just a short story that shows interactions between Raphael & Elena when they're getting ready for the day. It's a sweet little interaction that's nice to read. :D
This is just a short story that shows interactions between Raphael & Elena when they're getting ready for the day. It's a sweet little interaction that's nice to read. :D
March 29, 2016
Great short story showing a bit of their relationship, of how well they know each other!
August 28, 2018
3 Stars... Short stories are always challenging to rate simply because of their length... This story is between Elena and Raphael as they ready themselves for the days tasks and the presenting "situation" with Lijuan... The piece I enjoyed most is the depiction of their relationship based in the interactions; the connection and respect that they possess for one another is seen in glimpses throughout the dialogue... This story does not necessarily add to the series as a whole but I always enjoy observing Elena and Raphael in their quiet moments:)
January 5, 2019
Per author this was meant to be a scene in Archangel's Storm. (newsletter short story) A nice little short with Raphael and Elena discussing Lijuan, Elena's work and her lament over her shoddy sheathes that had disintegrated and Raphael's solution. Neat peek into the everyday conversations Elena and Raphael have, and the love they have for each other showing in all the little things.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2019
Elena and Raphael together, Elena's knives no good anymore. She is vampire hunting those who try to get out of their 100 years of servitude to angels in exchange for being Made. Raphael gifts Elena with new knives from Deacon the weapons master. Lijuan's is making rogue vampires, trying to move above the Cadre.
April 15, 2021
Knives and Sheaths on Books On Track
A short scene featuring Elena, Rafael and some knife sheaths.
It's always interesting seeing the two of them alone together.
October 6, 2017
I really, really hate Singh's abuse of the word "sheath" in this series. Luckily, in this shorty, she didn't use it to mean lady parts. :P
Decent little story, definitely just filler - it's a conversation!
Decent little story, definitely just filler - it's a conversation!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews