How to Read the Deadly Angels Series
The Deadly Angels series by New York Times bestselling author Sandra Hill is a unique blend of paranormal romance, Norse mythology, and laugh-out-loud humor. The story revolves around the Sigurdsson brothers—seven Norse warriors cursed with the Seven Deadly Sins. To avoid eternal damnation, they are turned into "Vangels" (Viking vampire angels) by St. Michael the Archangel and tasked with hunting down "Lucipires" (vicious demon vampires loyal to Lucifer).
To get the most out of the series' overarching battle against the Lucipires and the brothers' individual journeys toward redemption and love, it is highly recommended to read the books in publication order. This progression lets you see the evolution of the Vangel headquarters in Transylvania, Pennsylvania, and follow the recurring side characters as they help or hinder the brothers' quests.
Deadly Angels Recommended Reading Order
Here is the complete chronological path to reading the series, including the essential holiday novella:
1. Kiss of Pride (2012)
The series kicks off with the story of Vikar Sigurdsson, the oldest brother who is cursed with the sin of pride. Sent on a mission by St. Michael to the vampire-themed town of Transylvania, PA, Vikar crosses paths with Alexandra, a mortal journalist searching for a scoop. Vikar must learn to swallow his pride to protect Alexandra and save his own soul.
2. Kiss of Surrender (2012)
Focusing on Trond Sigurdsson, the brother cursed with sloth (or laziness), this installment sends him on a high-stakes undercover mission. He is paired with Nicole Tasso, a tough-as-nails former cop turned Special Forces operative. Nicole's sharp instincts and no-nonsense attitude force the easygoing Trond to finally step up and fight.
3. Kiss of Temptation (2013)
Ivak Sigurdsson bears the curse of lust. He is sent to assist Gabrielle "Gabby" Sonnier, a brilliant southern lawyer who is fighting to free her wrongfully imprisoned brother. While Gabrielle tries to stay focused on her legal battle, the intense chemistry between her and the lust-driven Vangel tests both of their limits.
4. Kiss of Wrath (2014)
Mordr Sigurdsson is cursed with wrath, making him the most volatile of the brothers. His temper is tested when he is assigned to protect Miranda Hart, a spirited woman who has suddenly inherited five young children and is fleeing a dangerous relative. Mordr must channel his rage into defense rather than destruction.
4.5. Christmas in Transylvania (2014)
This holiday novella is a delightful bridge between the fourth and fifth novels. While the Vangels gather to celebrate their first traditional Christmas in Transylvania, PA, a vangel named Karl Mortensen rescues Faith Larson, a young waitress escaping an abusive relationship. It is a heartwarming and action-packed side story that fits perfectly here.
5. Vampire in Paradise (2014)
Sigurd Sigurdsson suffers from the sin of envy. Working undercover as a physician in a sunny Florida resort, he meets Marisa Lopez, a waitress and therapist desperately seeking an expensive experimental medical procedure to save her young daughter's life. Sigurd must overcome his jealous nature to perform an act of pure selflessness.
6. Even Vampires Get the Blues (2015)
Greed is the curse of Harek Sigurdsson, a vangel who loves wealth. His mission brings him to New Orleans, where he is paired with Camille "Camo" Dumaine, a fierce Navy SEAL who also happens to be his predestined mate. Together, they navigate the swampy bayous and battle demon forces while Harek learns the value of generosity.
7. The Angel Wore Fangs (2016)
Cnut Sigurdsson is cursed with the sin of gluttony—not just for food, but for life and sensory experiences. He is hired by Andrea "Andy" Stewart, a talented pastry chef, to help rescue her sister from a dangerous ranch in Montana. Cnut’s quest for redemption reaches a climax as he learns to control his insatiable appetites for a greater cause.
8. Good Vampires Go to Heaven (2016)
The grand finale of the series shifts its focus away from the Sigurdsson brothers to wrap up the celestial war. The story stars Zebulan "Zeb" ben Judah, a two-thousand-year-old Lucipire demon who has spent centuries acting as a double agent for St. Michael. When Zeb is captured and tortured, Regina Dorasdottir, a flame-haired witch turned Vangel in the 13th century, goes on a daring mission to rescue him.
The Crossover Connections: The Sandra Hill Universe
One of the elements that makes Deadly Angels so enjoyable for long-time readers is its connections to Sandra Hill’s other book series. Hill frequently blends her different worlds, bringing in characters from her Viking II time-travel series (specifically the Coronado-based Navy SEALs) and her popular Cajun series (such as the LeDeux family and the matchmaker Tante Lulu). While you do not need to read these other series to understand the main plot of Deadly Angels, having some familiarity with them will make the crossovers and running jokes even more satisfying.
What to Know Before You Start
- The Tone: Do not expect a dark, gothic, brooding vampire story. Deadly Angels is lighthearted, highly irreverent, and filled with slapstick humor, modern-versus-ancient cultural clashes, and sassy banter.
- The Spice Level: True to Sandra Hill's romance roots, these books feature high steam levels and explicit, passionate romance plots alongside their paranormal battles.
- Standalone vs. Series: Each book features a self-contained romance with a happily-ever-after for the main couple, but the overarching battle against Lucifer's Lucipires and the development of the Vangel community carry over from book to book. Starting from the beginning is highly recommended.