Nalini Singh - Primal Mirror

Daughter of two ruthless high-gradient telepaths, Auden Scott is not the child her Psy parents wanted or expected, even before her brain injury. Her thoughts are scattered, her memories fuzzy—or just terrifyingly blank. The only thing she knows for certain is that she must protect her unborn baby…a baby she has no recollection of conceiving and who draws an abnormal intensity of notice from her dead mother’s closest associates.
Leopard alpha Remi Denier is a man driven by the primal instinct to protect. Protect his pack, protect his allies… and protect the mysterious woman who has become a most unlikely neighbor. With eerie eyes that see too much and a scent that alters in ways disturbing and impossible, Auden Scott is the enemy…but nothing about this strange Psy is what it seems, Remi’s feline heart as fascinated by her as the human half of his soul.
Then Auden asks Remi to help her shatter the wall of secrets that is the Scott bloodline. What they unearth will reveal a nightmare beyond imagination. This time, the battle is to the death…

Comment: This is the 8th book in the Trinity spin-off series of the broader PsyChangeling series by Nalini Singh, in which case this is book #23. I have liked all the books in this long series, some more than others, but this one wasn't as fully compelling to me as others have been.

In this book Auden Scott, the daughter of two previous  Councilors, is looking for to have privacy so she can have her baby without the interference of others. It is true she doesn't always remember some of her steps and she can't remember why she became pregnant, but she already loves this child and wants to protect her. She is going to stay at a cabin in a propriety that borders a changeling one, and alpha Remi Denier seems to welcome her with some caution. As things escalate on her end, so does their careful approach and subsequent friendship, but can they build up something everlasting when danger and a nefarious plan is following Auden? They have to find out what before it's too late...

I had to go back and read what I wrote about the book before this one because, to be honest, some things are no longer easy to remember. It also feels a little tiring how the overall arc of the issues related to the fall of Silence are still dragging, which I assume is due to the need to keep up the books linked to a major situation, but there are times that, yes, it seems as if not much is really being developed.

Although, since I've mentioned this subject, I have to say that this wasn't the detail in this book that bothered me the most. I liked it in general, as I have liked all the books before, but the romance here didn't seem very convincing. I also wasn't a big fan of Auden as a character, despite acknowledging her worth of having a HEA, and this kind of affected my overall impression of things. I think Remi and Auden weren't a couple I could feel was "destined", so to speak, even though they become mates.

Auden is Psy and has a tough background to be linked with, since she is the daughter of two characters who have been seen as bad in the series. She has been like a pawn in their plans and she is naturally a good person, as we learn, and she is now protective of her baby but I feel I never really got a reading on her. I can't describe it well but her personality was kind of bland and the emphasis of this story was more on what she was going through and the nefarious plans which caused her to be in this situation, instead of focusing in who she is as a person.

Remi was obviously more interesting because he is changeling and he is the alpha of a new pack, is dealing with pack stuff as the story progresses and has all the features of changeling characters, which helps. He is a great protagonist but, again, his connection with Auden felt rather forced. I mean, I understand the circumstances and I do like that his character and personality shine through, especially considering his childhood and so on, but I did expect him to be way more vibrant.

This means that, for me, it was the overall plot and romance that felt like a let down. I wish things could have advanced more on the plot front because, while we do have some new information, things didn't progress that quickly. This would not have bothered me, as it often didn't in many books throughout the series, if the romance had been the larger than life type. Unfortunately, Remi and Auden didn't convince me of their feelings. I still feel happy for them, but it felt not enough attention was given to a romantic relationship as it was to a respectful evolution of one's boundaries.

I know, this sounds unfair, but I wanted these characters to feel the other person was everything. The way things happened, it was almost more a situation that had to happen because this is a romance novel and not an organic feel these two people really had. With so much time dedicated to set up other things, I feel the romance wasn't... well, romantic. I wanted more for them, and thus, I've ended up simply happy, and probably will not re-read any favorite parts in this book as I still do in others.

All in all, still a good addition to the series, but I surely hope the next  book will be more thrilling for me.

Grade: 6/10

Nalini Singh - Resonance Surge

StoneWater bears Pavel and Yakov Stepyrev have been a unit since birth, but now Pavel’s life is veering in a new direction, his heart held in the hands of Arwen Mercant, a Psy empath—and the only man who has ever brought Pavel to his knees.
This is it. A point of irrevocable change. For Pavel . . . for Arwen . . . for Yakov . . . and for another pair of twins whose bond has a far darker history.
A low-Gradient Psy, Theodora Marshall is considered worthless by everyone but her violently powerful twin, Pax. She is the sole person he trusts in their venomous family to investigate a hidden and terrible part of their family history—an unregistered rehabilitation Center established by their grandfather.
Places of unimaginable pain designed to psychically wipe minds, leaving the victims shells of their former selves, the Centers are an ugly vestige of the Psy race’s Silent past. But this Center was worse. Far, far worse. And now Theo must uncover the awful truth—in the company of a scowling bear named Yakov, who isn’t about to take a Marshall at face value . . . especially a Marshall who has turned his dreams into chilling nightmares.
Because Yakov is the great-grandson of a foreseer . . . and he has seen Theo die in an unstoppable surge of blood. Night after night after night . . .

Comment: This is the most recent installment in the Psy Changeling series by Nalini Singh. In the past years I've waited for the release of the paperback edition and that is why only now I've picked this book.

In this story we keep advancing on the world imagined by the author and the focus is on Yakov Stepyrev, one of the twin bears in the Moscow bear clan, whom we met in Silver Silence. Yakov and his twin Pavel are considerate and fun, but as most changelings, extremely loyal to their clan and family. Yakov is now tasked with helping Theodora "Theo"Marshall, a Psy from a family with a ruthless reputation among the Psy and that, as soon as he sees her, Yakov realizes she is the woman he has been dreaming of for years. Sadly, his dreams have not ended well, but as they work together, he can't help but like her and wanting her to be with him. Theo, too, hasn't been Silent and she feels something for this competent but funny bear, but the problem is that this mission has a reason, for Theo believes she is a monster and she is looking for proof. Will they be able to find something about the secretive compound they ate investigating before it's too late for Theo?

Reading my previous summary, I immediately thought to myself that it might feel a little confusing for someone who has not read the previous books. I would say the author does a good enough job, book after book, trying to present plots in a way that makes sense to a new reader but let it be said that it certainly doesn't seem as great, as addictive, if one has not read the previous stories. There are also too many small hints and allusions that a new reader won't fully grasp.

That said, to me - a follower and fan of the series since book#1 - this book was another success. Well, in general terms, for there are always things I'd change to suit my preferences, but I think it provided a cute romance (two if one wants to be kind of technical) and a simple enough plot, with a few little things related to the overall world building that are, as always, fascinating. The main situation here is Theo's investigation of an old compound managed by her family but it seems to be shut down, although money is still being poured into it. At the same time, being there brings back flashes of memories Theo shouldn't have. She knows she is dangerous, despite her low gradient status among the Psy, but why is she this way?

I think Theo is an interesting heroine because she is Psy but she doesn't behave as most Psy heroines in previous books. Fans know Silence has fallen but Theo hasn't truly be Silent and her behavior now is adapting. This means that she is a little easier to persuade about her emotions and the validity of them, mainly towards Yakov. I think it was clever that the author decided Yakov would have had dreams about her, since this makes it smoother for us to accept their connection would develop as quickly as it did, in spite of the usual Psy reticence.

I won't talk about the secrets she is hiding, part of it is plot related, but it also relates to her twin brother Pax. Well, nothing super secret is revealed until the very end, and I'm still hoping Pax will have his own book (not the next one apparently), so I'll simply say that the plot is centered enough on Theo and Yakov as individuals and everything else is secondary. I did like, however, that there are conversations and mentions of other characters or things said by other characters, to make it feel as if the world building is really advancing. To be fair, though, this isn't the goal of this book and after other books where so many new things happened, in this one things are definitely slower.

The romance between Yakov and Theo is solid enough, there are enough elements to be convincing of the power of their connection, of how they are meant to be and how slowly in love they fall in such a short amount of time. I would not go as far as to say theirs is a favorite romance, but I feel happy for them and for the family connections they can establish. I think the author does a great job placing the protagonist characters in dynamics where they interact with others and part of our interpretation of who they are and how good people they are is directly related to those situations.

Since Yakov is twin with Pavel, we also have Pavel's romance. Fans are aware Pavel and Arwen (brother to Silver, whom we met in Silver Silence) have been dating but haven't mated. Well, although I still feel we could have had more scenes with and about them, I finished the book happy enough about the developments featuring these two. 

Unlike other readers, I still feel very dedicated to the series, I'm still in love with the world and want to know more and want ore characters having their HEA. But this could be endless... perhaps the author should write a few more novellas about characters who might not need full length books, so that it feels no one "important" is left behind. I suppose one day a book will have to be the last, but I'm hoping it won't be too soon, even if it means we will have more books about less complex plots, like this one.

Grade: 8/10

Nalini Singh - Storm Echo

Silence has fallen. The Psy are free to feel emotion. Free to love. But Silence was never a prison for Ivan Mercant. The biggest threat to his future lies dormant in his brain--a psychic monster that wants only to feed. And now, the brutal leash he's kept on that monster is slipping. He prepared for this day, for the end of Ivan Mercant . . . but that was before he met Lei.
As primal as she is human, this wild changeling brings color into his life, laughter to his soul. Then the dream shatters in a rain of blood, in silent bodies in the snow. Lei is gone. Vanished without a trace . . . until he meets strangely familiar eyes across a busy San Francisco street.
Soleil Bijoux Garcia is a healer who has lost everything. She exists in a world of desolate aloneness . . . till the day she finds herself face-to-face with a lethal stranger. The animal who is her other half knows this man, but her memories are tattered fragments. Sorrow and a need for vengeance are all that drive her. Her mission? To kill the alpha of the DarkRiver leopard pack.
But fate has other plans. Soon, a deadly soldier who believes himself a monster and a broken healer might be all that stand between life and death for the entire Psy race. . . .

Comment: This is the most recent installment in the Psy-Changeling series (or the Trinity spin off, which for me works more like sequels than different aims), although the next one is due to be released soon. However, I've been attempting to get the paperback editions and only start the new books a bit later.

In this book we have the story of Ivan Mercant, another cousin to Canto and Silver, whose stories we've had in previous books. Ivan is an adopted cousin, and he has had a dysfunctional childhood for a Psy, which has affected his brain pathways and influenced him to think of himself as a monster. Still, he is capable of feeling and has never been truly Silent. One day he is in a training and meets a changeling he calls Lei who makes him want to feel normal but one day she simply doesn't show up to their quiet meetings. 

Now, he randomly sees her across the street in San Francisco but she seems to not recognize him but there's no time to ponder this since a Psy attack causes many injured and Lei, who is a Healer, is helping with those hurt. Will Ivan be able to talk to Lei and find out where she has been and why she can't seem to remember him?

This book follows the pattern of so many other books where the main couple is a Psy/changeling pair. Ivan is not as expressive in his emotions but they come across loud and clear if one is used to the series. Lei, in my opinion, wasn't developed as deeply as I would have preferred and it felt as if her personality kept being rather flat but it is true I was happy one more couple found happiness.

What I probably liked the most in this novel was actually the secondary situations, such as the couple's interaction with other characters or of those secondary characters among themselves, and the sort of advance in the plot related to the Scarabs, key pieces among the Psy, who are deeply troubled and being influenced by someone to cause chaos. Actually, if I put aside the main romance content, this was actually a great story and I've found many scenes to entertain me. I also loved seeing beloved characters again, such as Lucas, Tamsyn and her twins, Arwen...

Things aren't fully solved of course, I bet there will more to come in the next books, and perhaps it was simply my personal impression, but it did feel as if things were progressing, that characters like Payal and Canto (anchors of the PsyNet) and even Kaleb had to learn new stuff and correlate with things we already knew, so they could keep informing others of what has to be done to help maintaining the stability of the Net, which is key for Psy people to survive.

This isn't a fully action packed plot, but it felt like that anyway. I liked how the characters seemed to be acting on something, even if it was only Lei learning about what happened to her old pack and why she can't remember those events and why she feels like killing Lucas is her way to obtain revenge. Clearly, the problem is not that simple and we quickly learn as she does, what truly happened. In fact, this ties up some loose threads from another book way back (now, to think which one??) when we learnt about Lucas' actions regarding a terrible alpha and how he helped what remained of that pack...

Anyway, it was addictive to read this book, but the main couple... I liked them individually - as I often like all the characters the author centers the attention on - but as a couple, their relationship is heavily set on that special "bond" when they met and before whatever happened to Lei separated them. I understand the idea, after all they had to connect now more easily, but I was not fully convinced of their feelings and it was not because of Ivan's Psy status nor the "lovers reunited" trope (without the intimacy obviously), but the fact they read as flat as a couple. They're OK but didn't fascinate me as many other couples did before.

Despite this, I liked the path they took to be who they are when the story begins and I liked they were able to be happy and also seeing all the interactions during and after they acknowledge their relationship is beyond special. Still, the romance was not my favorite, no, even though they seem to balance each other and they understand the other's fears and still feel like a balanced couple.

Now, I can't wait for the next book, especially considering who the main characters will be....

Grade: 8/10

Nalini Singh - Last Guard

Termed merciless by some, and a robotic sociopath by others, Payal Rao is the perfect Psy: cardinal telekinetic, CEO of a major conglomerate, beautiful—and emotionless.
For Canto Mercant, family and loyalty are everything. A cardinal telepath deemed "imperfect" by his race due to a spinal injury, Canto cares for the opinions of very few—and ruthlessly protects those he claims as his own. Head of intel of the influential Mercant family, he prefers to remain a shadow in the Net, unknown and unseen. But Canto is also an Anchor, part of a secretive designation whose task it is to stabilize the PsyNet. Now that critical psychic network is dying, threatening to collapse and kill the entire Psy race with it.
To save those he loves, Canto needs the help of a woman bound to him by a dark past neither has been able to forget. A woman who is the most powerful Anchor of them all: Payal Rao. Neither is ready for the violent inferno about to ignite in the PsyNet . . . or the passionate madness that threatens to destroy them both.

Comment: This is last year's release in the Psy/Changeling series by Nalini Singh. I have waited for the paperback edition and now finally picked it up.

In this story, the fracture of the Psy net keeps happening, despite the fall of Silence and the joint efforts of so many, who are attempting to make things stable enough for a longer term solution to be found. It's time for another designation to come forward and claim attention, though, especially since they are the support of the whole net. It's time for the As to shine, the role of the Anchors is more necessary than ever and Canto Mercant is the perfect Psy to make it happen, not only because of his family's influence but because he is a strong willed man who never truly embraced Silence. He decides to invite Payal Rao, the CEO of her family's empire, to be their designation's spokesperson for she is good looking but emotionless enough to face any issue going her way. However, Canto has a secret agenda, for he thinks she is the young girl who helped while they both stayed at a terrible place when they were little children. Will it be that their once small but strong connection can be rekindled now they are grow ups and more mature?

Even the books in this series I don't like as much are still good books. This author is truly talented and her stories in this Psy/Changeling world are so imaginative and well structured, it's always a pleasure to read about beloved characters and those connected to them. The most recent books are a sort of spin off, labeled Trinity but to me this is a continuation of the same world and often we have glimpses and cameos of previous characters, making it seem as if life is carrying on in this world and it always feels so good to be part of it.

The main couple in this book, Canto and Payal, have met as children at a facility where they would be tested but most of what was done to them as plain torture. They became friends while they stayed there but never spoke to each other again. Now adults, both have became important members of their families and Canto has researched for years possible clues to lead him to his childhood friend. He believes she is Payal, a known anchor in her region, and under the guise of asking her help for a future Anchor organization, he wants to see if she can be the right person.

Payal has become a ruthless, emotionless person. Her family doesn't give her room to be herself and a medical issue as well as the protection of her more fragile younger sister makes her have a very calculated life, never letting her guard down. She is wary at first, by Canto's proposition, but something about him seems to remind her of something and it's no wonder they become allies once more.

I found the development of their relationship to be very cute and believable. Their childhood connection was very innocent, without enough base for this to be a friends to lovers, but it was a starting point to make them feel they would want to spend time together now too. They have a lot in common and their shared experiences in the past a good place to start. The fact they want to see the Anchor organization to succeed, the importance of them for the health of the Psy net something that makes them work together and find strategies to alert others for the need of help also a good factor.

The plot development is as well thought as always, one could say a long time is spent discussing things that, somehow at the end seem to be solved/presented in a rather obvious way, but I actually like these things, it makes the overall story feel it's necessary, that the characters aren't talking just because, but that there is a goal in all this. 

The romance was cute and it is always fun to watch characters who have a certain feature - the Psy characters are labeled as cold and without emotion so it's fun to see them fall in love - change or improve because they create connections with others and their interactions make them see a side of things they thought they wouldn't have. There were several scenes between Payal and Canto, including information about their feelings and life experiences to make me think of them as likable and characters I'm invested in seeing happy.

Still, my absolute favorite part of this book was the amount of scenes/situations where they interacted with secondary characters. So much to gain from seeing them talk/be with others and what a lovely feeling to see characters we like or want to see more of being important in the big scheme of things. Canto's family is a lot more special than what it felt like when they were introduced, I loved the bears in this story and the wonderfully heartwarming scenes between Arwen and Pavel!! Yay! It was also cute to see Sophia, a previous heroine that I confess I don't remember much of, letting the reader know about a little surprise....

This is definitely a world I wish I could be part of and this book gave a lot of warm thoughts, even though it didn't quite reach favorite status...

Grade: 8/10

TBR Challenge: Nalini Singh - Alpha Night

Alpha wolf Selenka Durev’s devotion to her pack is equaled only by her anger at anyone who would
harm those under her care. That currently includes the empaths who’ve flowed into her city for a symposium that is a security nightmare, a powder keg just waiting for a match.
Ethan Night is an Arrow who isn’t an Arrow. Numb and disengaged from the world, he’s loyal only to himself. Assigned as part of the security force at a world-first symposium, he carries a dark agenda tied to the power-hungry and murderous Consortium. Then violence erupts and Ethan finds himself crashing into the heart and soul of an alpha wolf.
Mating at first sight is a myth, a fairytale. Yet Selenka’s wolf is resolute: Ethan Night, broken Arrow and a man capable of obsessive devotion, is the mate it has chosen. Even if the mating bond is full of static and not quite as it should be. Because Selenka’s new mate has a terrible secret, his mind surging with a power that is a creature of madness and death...

Comment: Time for the first post on the 2021 edition of the TBR Challenge. Again, it is being hosted by Wendy, the SuperLibrarian and it's still time to join! :)

The themes are slightly different this year, to make things more interesting, and January begins with some comfort read, which obviously reads as something people choose to make them feel good. At least, that's how I saw it so I picked the latest psy-changeling book by Nalini Singh, whose paperback edition I've waiting to be released.

In this book, we continue to follow the main plot regarding the fracture of Silence which has been the key focus of the "trinity" stories. In these books, the Psy race have come to terms with what they did so long ago and the repercussions it caused in their people. Now, a new order has been established but there is a lot to be done so people can have peace. Ethan is another Arrow who has suffered while conditioned since he was a child. He now wants to feel useful until the time comes for his life to end, for he knows he will become unstable as time goes by. He wasn't counting on Selenka, the alpha of the biggest wolf pack in Russia, to be his mate and that their bond would happen so quickly. Now the two of them have a new situation to deal with but one thing is certain for both of them, they will both try their best to make the relationship work and for those they care about to be happy with their pairing...

A new reader finding the little text above would probably feel a little lost. It's true all books have a start, middle and end which works for the story itself but these are not books to be read without having read the previous ones too. Also, what a pity if that doesn't happen for the best part is to think about all the characters and their HEAs, the family bonds, the links between them all... more than the romances, I'd say this series and these books are wonderful from the perspective of the connections between the characters.

This is why I feel these books work as comfort reads for me. Each story might be more or less appreciated, depending on the reader, but the overall sense of them is that the characters care about one another and there are several connections among them all which simply make me happy. In fact, many times the main romances aren't the best part of the books for me, and lately a bit more so, but I still love to spend time with these characters in their world.

Ethan is a character who, again, provides a new unique aspect for the Psy race. Now they came out of Silence many adjustments need to be done so that everyone can have the feedback necessary for their mental stability. Ethan, like most children who were raised to become Arrows, has suffered and now only wants to make things right so that new Psy children won't have to be afraid of who they are. I liked Ethan although, like the majority of the Psy characters, he is a little hard to read, he is obviously aloof and lacks the emotional skills which other races use without thought. Still, the beauty of this is in the small things, and how we can glimpse emotions in them as they accept they ae worthy of them. Plus, by the end we discover something abut Ethan which was surprising so I liked his evolution even more.

Since Selenka is a wolf alpha, many of her scenes involve her pack but I must say it wasn't as easily addictive to read about her wolves as it was when SnowDancer was introduced in the early books. I suppose if more books featuring them are coming, this will change but so far, it seems the author is just adding a lot of mentioned characters here and there and giving them stories... how cohesive this can look in the end, I don't know. Selenka's pack also has some interesting novelties regarding pack hierarchies and situations we have not found yet, so it was nice to see different things.

As for the romance, well it was instantaneous. This is also a new look at mating, because usually it would only happen if both partners were in" the same page" so to speak, but this time we have a mating happening pretty much as soon as they set eyes on each other. It's not my preferable way for romances to go, but it was, again, a fresh perspective in this world. When the book ends, I was glad for them but I admit, their relationship was not the amazing journey other couples have had in previous books. It was certainly nothing like the path taken by my favorite couple in the series.

All things considered, this book ticked all the boxes I hoped for: comfort read, captivating world building and characters, satisfying (if not out of this world) romance and a believable HEA. I'll certainly keep on reading this series and its spin offs because even the less than good books (to me) are still good reads. I'm looking for to the next!

Grade: 8/10

Nalini Singh - Wolf Rain

The end of Silence was supposed to create a better world for future generations. But trust is broken, and the alliance between Psy, Changeling, and human is thin. The problems that led to Silence are back in full force. Because Silence fixed nothing, just hid the problems.
This time, the Psy have to find a real answer to their problems–if one exists. Or their race will soon go extinct in a cascade of violence. The answer begins with an empath who is attuned to monsters–and who is going to charm a wolf into loving her despite his own demons.

Comment: This is the most recent installment in the beloved series PSy/changeling (or "psy-changeling trinity" as the new arc is labeled) and although I'd have jumped into it as soon as it was released, some issues with the recent publishing of the books in this series in Europe have led me to wait almost an year until the paperback is out and, perhaps, that might partially explain why I failed to connect with this book in the way I envisioned. 

Alexei is a wolf in the SnowDancer pack who is known or his good looks and the fact he has many challenges because some might think he isn't as able or strong. He has proven everyone wrong but he has not been himself lately, since the death of his brother Brody who has become rogue and murdered his own mate. 

Alexei believes the gene for turning rogue is hereditary and he vows to not be a danger to a mate by not mating at all but everything changes when he rescues psy Memory from a bunker deep in SnowDancer territory.

Memory is a special kind of E, she has been taken as prisoner for most of her life but now she is finally free although her captor has run away and she fears what might happen if he finds her again. The wolves and the other Es will help her but she can't help but feel close to Alexei, someone who keeps looking out for her. Will there be a future for them?

In general, this was as a good book as any other in the series. I've aid many times before, the best feature of these books is the world imagined by the author, the family/friendships dynamics and how well connected all the characters end up being, and how much fun is to see them happy and part of the story, even as the focus keeps moving from couple to couple.

In this regard then, Wolf Rain was/is still a winner.

However, after finishing the book I couldn't help but feeling a little disappointed but, of course, everyone has their own perspective on things. I wanted to be wowed, I wanted to feel thrilled by returning to the SnowDancer pack, from which some of the best stories in the series for me have had its setting on. I was really eager to see the pack dynamics, the mentioning of several beloved characters and, obviously, how they would see Alexei interact with his future mate and find happiness at last.

I feel this didn't happen, I feel the scenes we had between wolves or SnowDancer characters were cute, were there but were not the focus, not even regarding the relationship between Alexei and Memory except for some basic, barely seen scenes closer to the end of the book.

Most of the story was about setting Memory free of her previous captor's influence, to allow her to savor freedom, the connection to others like her and that's fine, she is a worthy heroine but she was found in SnowDancer territory, I really thought more of them would be on the page.

Alexei is a wolf with issues. I felt sorry he was so affected by what happened to his family and how guilty he must feel thinking he might turn out to be the same. He seemed to be quite weighted down by his problems and I thought a steadier heroine, someone who could be more laid back, more settled in her life (no matter if she were psy anyway, used to the end of Silence) could be a good counterbalance for him.

Memory is a great heroine but she has a lot of her own issues and I just didn't get to be fully convinced they were such a good match. I liked her but at the same time I feel bad because part of me thinks too much focus was on her and there was a point or two where I thought she was a little annoying.

I feel this bad because Memory went through a lot, nothing her fault, and she had to find her wings, she had to feel she could make her own choices but... I don't know, I struggled to like to see her with Alexei. I think she could have been a better mate to someone else, maybe a more bubbly wolf if she had to be paired with a wolf or a changeling.

The intimacy scenes between them didn't feel special, I could easily go past them. I'm glad they are happy but their connection surely felt more superficial than other pairs in the series. Part of their connection was only more developed from the second half the book onward and it just felt "convenient", not really as if they couldn't help mating one another.

All in all, this was a good book advancing the psy issues regarding Silence, I liked seeing two characters here gaining a slight importance... I'm curious to see where the author will take them, I of course loved all the references to characters I like in the series but as a whole, this was not one of my favorite books and I'll probably won't feel like re-reading favorite scenes as I do with some of the other installments.

Grade: 6/10

Nalini Singh - Ocean Light

Security specialist Bowen Knight has come back from the dead. But there's a ticking time bomb in his head: a chip implanted to block telepathic interference that could fail at any moment--taking his brain along with it. With no time to waste, he should be back on land helping the Human Alliance. Instead, he's at the bottom of the ocean, consumed with an enigmatic changeling.
Kaia Luna may have traded in science for being a chef, but she won't hide the facts of Bo's condition from him or herself. She's suffered too much loss in her life to fall prey to the dangerous charm of a human who is a dead man walking. And she carries a devastating secret Bo could never imagine.
But when Kaia is taken by those who mean her deadly harm, all bets are off. Bo will do anything to get her back--even if it means striking a devil's bargain and giving up his mind to the enemy...

Comment: Usually I can't wait to read the books in the psy/changeling series which is probably one of the top 5 series I like and devour the most. However, this book was released last year but some complications on my order at the place I got it made it impossible for the edition I pre ordered to arrive on time. I decided to cancel it and pre ordered the paperback, since it had been some time already, I might as well wait for a cheaper edition.

Therefore, only now I've managed to read it but thinking positively, the next one won't take as long!

In this second installment of the Trinity sub series we have the story of Bowen Knight, the most prominent member of the Human Alliance, the group representative of humans in this fascinating series by Nalini Singh.

For the past books it was understood humans have always been the weaker link of the three races in the psy/changeling world and the only threat they posed was how numerous they are but without any sort of power, strategically, they seemed to be overlooked. Bowen has always fought to make certain humans saw their rights acknowledged and, more important, that they wouldn't be easily attacked by those stronger, both physically and mentally. What he didn't count on was a shot through the heart but miraculously he doesn't die because he was rescued by BlackSea members, the water changelings who seem to be more active than never.

While resting and waiting for some tests are done to the lethal chip in his head, he meets Kaia, a BlackSea member who seems to have something against him...can proximity change the way they both think about one another?

As always, the author's imagination when it comes to these plots and characters and even better, the complete world building of the series is amazing. This is one of those fictional worlds where I wouldn't mind living in, if only I could be a part of the community/family of characters we've met in the books.

This book has an interesting vibe because it presents us with another group/family which is the BlackSea changelings and I confess I liked knowing more about the water animals they can turn into. Still a little difficult to imagine but fascinating anyway.

As for Bowen's interactions with them, I think he wasn't as amazed as he should, all things considered but I suppose I can discount the wow factor for his suborn and reserved personality. Understandably, he was too focused on the heath issue he's dealing with and all the responsibilities under his belt. I can respect the fact he wouldn't be believable if he acted silly but sometimes he just seemed a little too serious.

Kaia is a very interesting character but of course very secretive. Her past has some bad memories for her but thankfully she grew up in a loving community. Her attitudes and initial behavior towards Bowen make perfect sense, especially because, as the story progresses, we discover more hints about her fears.

In way, though, the fact both these characters faced complicated situations in their pasts unites them somehow but let it be said they both had a great support system during their childhood and teenager years. Both went beyond their regrets and quick growing up to become very stable people. Some negativity they reveal shouldn't be excused by their past, I'd say. But I guess they are cautious... which means the quick way in which they fall in love can look a little unlikely. I understand why but it wasn't such a positive aspect, even considering the demand to help Bowen in a specific time line.

There's a secondary plot going on regarding some treason and hidden moles here and there. I think this aspect was quite negative because it ended up concerning characters we've come to know and not just some abstract or undeveloped villains like in other installments. In a way, I think this made the book more emotional but, at the same time, made it more difficult to put aside the bad feelings.

There's also some advance in the relationships between the characters and the human factor for the balance of the psychic health of everyone, being it humans, psy or changelings.

I think the author was clever in mixing the different details to explore. It can be a challenge to balance the romance, the bureaucracies, if I can call it that, of how things work, of what characters are accomplishing without making it too stiff of a story or too focused on elements not everyone enjoys. I'm very glad this world the author created is fascinating and feels complete, feels very solid because everything in it gets interesting. I think the romance of Bowen and Kais isn't the best ever in the whole series but I like where the plots are at and I liked seeing them falling in love and be part of a strong community.

Grade: 8/10

Nalini Singh - Silver Silence

Control. Precision. Family. These are the principles that drive Silver Mercant. At a time when the fledgling Trinity Accord seeks to unite a divided world, with Silver playing a crucial role as director of a worldwide emergency response network, wildness and chaos are the last things she needs in her life. But that’s exactly what Valentin Nikolaev, alpha of the StoneWater Bears, brings with him.
Valentin has never met a more fascinating woman. Though Silver is ruled by Silence—her mind clear of all emotion—Valentin senses a whisper of fire around her. That’s what keeps him climbing apartment buildings to be near her. But when a shadow assassin almost succeeds in poisoning Silver, the stakes become deadly serious…and Silver finds herself in the heart of a powerful bear clan.
Her would-be assassin has no idea what their poison has unleashed...

Comment: As many other readers, this is a book much well anticipated by me. I was very eager to read it not only because it would be one more installment in this magnificent series no matter the fact it's also labeled as the 1st in a new arc) but also because it's the return to a world readers certainly love and I often imagine how amazing it would be to actually live in such a world, especially if we could live among the characters we met in the books.

(I bet lots of readers think like me!)

In this new book, we have Silver Mercant's story. She is a secondary character who we know as Kaleb Krycheck's assistant.

This book begins with Silver being poisoned but helped by Valentin Nikolaev, the alpha of the bear changeling group who lives in Moscow, where Silver's house is. Valentin has tried to use subtlety to court Silver but he is very glad he was there at the right time to help her. Since it seemed the person who might have tried to kill Silver belongs to her family, it's decided she will stay with Valentin's clan so she can't be easily accessible by strangers. This is the best news Valentin could have because not only can he keep an eye on her but he can let her see how good the two could be together. The problem is that Silver's Silence is crumbling and that can be the end of who she is...

Before saying some things about what I liked the book and such, I would like to mention that I understand why some readers haven't liked this book much. Let's see:

- This is a repetitive book. Well, in one hand, yes because we have more of the same, the world building is still here and behind details, the type or romance is something we've had previously. Personally, I like that, I love I can trust the author to not go overboard or crazy with the world "rules".

- This is boring. Ok, some scenes and situations aren't very vibrant and there are some non action parts. But it's so fun to simply have daily routines, to have simplicity in character's actions and for me it was just one more glimpse of the characters' lives, which is always a positive.

-The use of "Silver Fucking Mercant" as a nickname for Silver. Yes, it's used often and not always with any necessary meaning except to give us the notion she would always be considered special by those who saw her as amazing and special and powerful in her own right. I confess I didn't like it either but it wasn't such a bothersome...

What I liked the best was the introduction of a new clan, the bears, and as all changelings as a rule, they are amazing. It was even quite the novelty how they were facing a situation we haven't seen portrayed in other changeling groups in the series.

I also really liked how we got to have an idea of the individual bears, they weren't just there to fill up space because Silver was among them for a while. How I wish I could read more domestic scenes in this world, I'm fascinated by the relationships created among characters and their interactions.

It was also fantastic to glimpse the idea there is a gay relationship on the making here. I wonder if this is meant to be further explored or mentioned. 

The main romance is interesting, relatively balanced and I liked to see them together, as a team, to work out towards a common goal and to simple be that special person to the other. The relationship seemed to work out well but to me, Silver being so pragmatic and practical and being more reserved as Valentin, going from that point to the next was a bit too quick. I get back to the fist book in the whole series and how more gradual it felt Sascha gave in to Lucas.

But all in all, this was a positive story and I'm already curious about what comes next.

Some readers also mention the plot, the idea there are better Psy than others, that we are given scenarios to convince us of who is supposed to be a good character and not...I get all this, I understand the clinical aspect of all, the more analytical side of the world but I guess I'm not a in depth reader because all that is secondary to me and I just like to imagine the world and living in it. I don't really care about the politics and the more cerebral issues.

All in all, a great new story, not the best or more romantic, but it still offered enough amazing elements to my POV for me to enjoy and love it.

Grade: 8/10

Nalini Singh - Wild Embrace

The “alpha author of paranormal romance”* presents a stunningly sensual collection of four all-new

Psy-Changeling novellas, in which taboos are broken, boundaries are crossed, and instincts prove irresistible...
Echo of Silence
In a deep-sea station, Tazia Nerif has found her life’s work as an engineer, keeping things running smoothly. But she wants nothing more than to break down the barrier of silence between her and her telekinetic Psy station commander...
Dorian
A changeling who can never shift lives a life of quiet frustration—until he learns how to let his leopard come out and play...
Partners in Persuasion
Still raw from being burned by a dominant female, wolf changeling Felix will never again risk being a plaything. But for dominant leopard Dezi, he’s the most fascinating man she’s ever met. She just has to convince this gun-shy wolf that he can trust the dangerous cat who wants to take a slow, sexy bite out of him…
Flirtation of Fate
Seven years ago, Kenji broke Garnet’s heart. Now the wolf packmates have to investigate the shocking murder of one of their own. And the more Kenji sees of the woman Garnet has become, the deeper he begins to fall once more. But even his primal instincts are no match for the dark secret he carries...

Comment: As a huge fan of the Psy/Changeling series, I couldn't not read the stories in this new anthology, especially because they are all brand-new, meaning they haven't been individually released or were part of other anthology before this edition. As soon as I realized that, I got really interested in all the stories because I really think Nalini Singh has invented one of the best PNR worlds out there and all her books in the series - whether better or not as good - are winners and all show glimpses of the complex but wonderful structure that it is the society in which they belong. There's something about the world that just makes it all amazing and then the interactions and relationships between characters make it all worth it.

I was curious about all the stories and I'm glad to say all were good but nothing is ever perfect and all had their strengths and weaknesses. Each one happens at different moments within the timeline we are familiar with.

I'll go one by one with just a few lines.

Echo of Silence is an interesting story featuring a Psy and a human. This is not a mix we see very often and I was curious to have another story with this pairing. I liked it, but Tazia begun as an incredible character, sort of lonely and shy, sad...I felt empathy towards her and longed for her romance with Stephan. When we realize her sadness comes from a situation in her past concerning her family, things start to go a path any reader ca follow and the conclusion was rushed. I know this is a short story and things must happen quickly but it was still too much and to em didn't reward the connection Stephan and Tazia begun not too long before the relationship was settled.

Dorian is a sweet mix of scenes from Dorian's life, from his childhood, teenage years and now as an adult with his leopard finally free. They were all very sweet glimpses, not exactly a normal story but still very cute. It surprised me how good one is left feeling after reading it.

Partners in Persuasion was probably my favorite story. It features Desiree from the DarkRiver pack and Felix, from SnowDancer. The interesting thing here is how the submissive and dominant roles are what we aren't used to. I was curious to see how a submissive male would treat Desiree and how would he deal with the relationship. Things were complex and I liked it but feel sorry this was only a novella. A book dedicated to this would have enlightened this situation much more, plus the pack's link, the family, the whole hierarchy, the different species...everything was done well, but very superficially and I'd like to have seen more complexity. It was done well, don't get me wrong but I also can see everything that could be more developed. All in all though, Desiree and Felix won me over.

Flirtation of Fate is the longest story, features Kenji and Jem, two lieutenants from SnowDancer who have been in love for a long time but never really got along to admit their feelings. This was one of those stories I don't appreciate much because it's a lovers reunited kind of plot, I know they've never been together intimately but there's a story between them and obviously they keep thinking and talking about it. It works in terms of plot development for a novella but personally I'm not fond of it. The biggest issue here was why weren't they together, they have loved each other, they trust one another, they are friends, colleagues...when we learn the why it makes sense but it's something that shouldn't take years to be discussed which makes this rather unlikely. I loved the pack interactions and the characters but the romance wasn't as powerful as I imagined.

All in all, all stories were good, I still consider them special and wonderful snippets of (mainly) the changeling world because we can gorge on changeling characters and structure but yes, all could be a little stronger in delivery. Still, the writing is as precious as ever, the amazing world is there and all the little details about how the characters live, their work, why everyone matters is reinforced here. I liked this aspect a lot.

Not the best in the series but a great new addition and a way for some characters to have air time.

Grade: 7/10

Nalini Singh - Allegiance of Honor

The Psy-Changeling world has undergone a staggering transformation and now stands at a crossroads. The Trinity Accord promises a new era of cooperation between disparate races and groups. It is a beacon of hope held together by many hands: Old enemies. New allies. Wary loners.
But a century of distrust and suspicion can’t be so easily forgotten and threatens to shatter Trinity from within at any moment. As rival members vie for dominance, chaos and evil gather in the shadows and a kidnapped woman’s cry for help washes up in San Francisco, while the Consortium turns its murderous gaze toward a child who is the embodiment of change, of love, of piercing hope: A child who is both Psy…and changeling.
To find the lost, protect the vulnerable—and save Trinity—no one can stand alone. This is a time of loyalty across divisions, of bonds woven into the heart and the soul, of heroes known and unknown standing back to back and holding the line. But is an allegiance of honor even possible with traitors lurking in their midst?

Comment: This is the latest installment in the Psy/Changeling series by author Nalini Singh, probably one of the best PNR authors of today. This book has been received positively but for some readers it was repetitive. I was simply hoping to be amazed by the story and the possibility of seeing beloved characters consolidate their wonderful HEAs we've read before.

This book is a sort of extended epilogue to all the books we've had before. The book follows several known characters and their actions not only in showing us how they are in their lives, in terms of domestic routines, but also when trying to solve some situations, including the finally here story of father Xavier, a character we've know since book #3...

Trying to help a water changeling and protecting the interests of the friends they have as well as protecting Naya from anyone who might want to hurt her are also plots to follow here.

All the plots have a sort of connection and the best thing is to see how happy our couples have been.

One of the biggest critics this book has is how repetitive the information. It's also too sugary and clearly a fixing of ideas before the next arc begins.

Any fan would have known this prior reading, the author has made it clear this would not be a book like we were used to and would fall more into positive and happiness mode. I can understand how some readers could have still hoped for more advances in the general plots, but the author has explained where this would fit. Personally, I knew what to expect and loved it!

Yes, the story has repetitive moments, especially when we are shown many times how happy everyone is but that's precisely the idea. The fact the author spend hours writing about things most only include at the end of books and for one or two ages was/is incredible. For me, it rocked because there's a purpose in romances for the characters and this just confirmed us all that what we've seen and read is solid. So many times, after a while, things change in fictional world, but this is the assurance we used our time well before. I liked this one a lot.

There are several sub plots going on and a new "enemy" whose identity we don't know (but who will be of importance in the future for sure) along with some issues related to where things are after the fall of Silence for the Psy.

A new reader or a sporadic reader who hasn't been in love with the series so far won't certainly enjoy all the details and nuances of the plot. But I'm a devoted fan and I think that colors my perspective. Things just make sense to me and even the constant switch in POV or sub plots didn't bother me at all.

In the end, I didn't mind the repetition of ideas and how wonderful life was for hose in love, even with little challenges along the way. I can understand how that might have bothered some readers and they thought this book would explain more things but thee are more stories to come. This is full circle for some things but the ideas to further develop are here as well. Of course we wouldn't have everything explained and solved! Then why keeping up with it?

Again, to em this worked out quite well. It's not perfect, I would always change or say some things differently, some parts seemed less interesting as it always happen, but I feel so happy with this. My time as a fan and a reader of the series mattered and this is my reward. I just simply see things this way!

And I'll look for the next book with novellas and a new book (hopefully) next year. I think this series is officially my favorite ever in PNR!!

Grade: 9/10

Nalini Singh - Shards of Hope

Awakening wounded in a darkened cell, their psychic abilities blocked, Aden and Zaira know they must escape. But when the lethal soldiers break free from their mysterious prison, they find themselves in a harsh, inhospitable landscape far from civilization. Their only hope for survival is to make it to the hidden home of a predatory changeling pack that doesn't welcome outsiders.
And they must survive. A shadowy enemy has put a target on the back of the Arrow squad, an enemy that cannot be permitted to succeed in its deadly campaign. Aden will cross any line to keep his people safe for this new future, where even an assassin might have hope of a life beyond blood and death and pain. Zaira has no such hope. She knows she's too damaged to return from the abyss. Her driving goal is to protect Aden, protect the only person who has ever come back for her no matter what.
This time, even Aden's passionate determination may not be enough - because the emotionless chill of Silence existed for a reason. For the violent, and the insane, and the irreparably broken . . . like Zaira.
Rich, dark, sumptuous and evocative . . . bestselling author Nalini Singh is back with a stunning, dark and passionate new tale.

Comment: The Psy/Changeling series by author Nalini Singh is, without a doubt, the best well built and developed world I've read about in terms of fantasy/paranormal fiction. Although some books can have better romance stories than others, they all delivery an amazing story based on the author's imagination and writing talent. Therefore, I was certain I was going to have a great book to read. This is the latest installment and it features a psy-psy pair again.

 

In this book, which starts slightly after the happenings in the previous one, Shield of Winter, we follow Aden and Kaira, two Arrows that have always had a connection since they met as children in the Arrow training.

Aden is the current leader of the Arrows, not only for his natural skills and experience but also because of his dedication and magnetism. Zaira is one of his Arrows but she knows a part of her is unstable. Their connection started of as innocent and has progressed until the point where, now out of Silence, they can try to see where their emotions and feelings take them.

However, someone wants do discredit the Arrows. It will take a lot of courage and proof of Aden's abilities and those that are with him to finally send the message that all psy need about the safety of their people...

 

I was impressed again by how intricate is the world ms Singh has created. If one were to set the romance aspects apart, what would be left is a world and communities and a society that, even with its members' flaws, it would still be well thought and captivating. I think this is one of the reasons why so many readers like them. Sure, the romances are good, the characters interesting, but everything that surrounds them, the way things work, they way their communities are shaped, the way they live... I find all of this fascinating and it's one of the best things about the series.

 

In this book, we keep seeing the development of several arteries in the psy world, something that needs to be addressed after the fall of Silence two books ago. Since Aden is the leader of the Arrows, in his book we also see how the Arrows - as a group - start to mobilize themselves to be a close community and that the methods of teaching small children is going to change. I really liked how the Arrows looked up other species to see how they could change things and start developing a way of letting their members be useful and happier but still with a certain sense of discipline their psychic powers require. In fact I'd have to say I much preferred the plot and world building in this book than the romance.

 

The love story between Aden and Zaira is as beautiful as all the romances before, but it didn't felt as magical, as "inevitable", you know? I think part of it could be because of their relationship as children so they knew each other previously and because they are psy there's also a bit of coolness in their handling of things. I don't think this ruins the romance but it's part of how they were educated. I think I'd have liked more spontaneity and surprise in their finding that love is strong instead of just approaching it as something they thought about but now they realize it can happen. 

Despite all this, much of the joy of reading a book in this series is how important a couple can be and the fact they were together and happy and trying to be strong together for the ones they considered their family was as beautiful and vital to this story as was their relationship.

 

I liked this book and, for me, more important than the little details piled together it's the global idea of what this world is and how special the connections between the characters are that really grabs me and keeps captivating me to read the series. Thankfully, the author knows what she's doing with the PSy/Changelings.

Grade: 9/10

Anthology Night Shift

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh delivers a smoldering story with Secrets at

Midnight , as the scent of Bastien Smith’s elusive lover ignites a possessiveness in him that’s as feral as it is ecstatic. And now that he’s found his mate, he’ll do anything to keep her.
In #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews’ novella, Magic Steals , when people start going missing, shapeshifting tigress Dali Harimau and jaguar shifter Jim Shrapshire must uncover the truth about the mysterious creatures responsible.
From Milla Vane—a warrior princess must tame The Beast of Blackmoor to earn a place among her people. But she quickly discovers that the beast isn't a monster, but a barbarian warrior who intends to do some taming himself.
It’s seer Makenna Frazier's first day on the job at Supernatural Protection and Investigations, and her first assignment is more than she bargained for when bodyguard duty for a leprechaun prince’s bachelor party goes every which way but right in national bestselling author Lisa Shearin’s Lucky Charms . 

Comment: As soon as I realized this anthology would have stories by to of my favorite authors, I pre ordered right away. The book arrived and I started reading it that same day. I know most readers only read and review the two stories I also liked best, the ones by Nalini Singh and Ilona Andrews, because the other two aren't as fascinating, for several reasons. 

Personally, I read them all, this is an anthology after all and my grade is according to it. It's one of those things if we knew, then we could have waited for our favorite stories to be released alone, which they will surely be someday. If the stories by the author I've read were amazing for me, the same can't be said for the other two, which bored me a lot and it took a real dose of patience to go through, although thankfully they were short.

Here's a small comment about each one:

Secrets at Midnight is a wonderful story about one of Mercy's brothers, Bastian. He senses his mate one day and can't let go but of course finding her isn't as easy. When he meets her at last he knows who she is for him but she doesn't seem to feel the same and the story is mostly about they finding out why Kirby acts and smells weird something. I liked the story, it has all the usual ingredients in a Singh's story, with several references to beloved characters. It's like meeting new friends through old friends and the plot, despite short, was still well paced. 


Magic Steals is a short story focusing on Jim and Dali, while Curran and Kate are in Europe. This story is pretty much in the same level as another one featuring them, we see their relationship develop slowly, we get the idea they have been seeing each other, not as much as that, but still, and now they unite forces to fight someone/something that is targeting innocent people. I liked this story not only for the personal development of both Jim and Dali, as they grow to admit things for each other and between them, which is refreshing, but also because Dali recognizes she is worthy of him and together they are stronger than she would think. Loved reading this one, it was actually the one I've read first.

Lucky Charms is hard to explain, honestly. Ive recently tried my first book by the author and wasn't impressed. I'm afraid this author just isn't for because despite the interesting plot and world building, I can't seem to go past the narrative style, which I don't like. This story focus on Makenna's first day on a new job and we get a description of several beings that populate the world, goblins, vampires, ogres, nymphs, etc, which tells me there would be diversity, but the way the story is told, how Makenna is involved with a job and characters that didn't strike me as intriguing, then I wonder why bother. Not close to be enjoyable for me.

The Beast of Blackmoor is a weird story which I still haven't really understood. It's about a man who mocked a god and was punished, then years later he is doing a sort of penitence? and the heroine, a warrior of some sort is doing a god's quest to earn her place at court or something so she has to defeat the warrior they call beast but when she finds him, he lives in a very deplorable place, where everyone is prey to a wealthy and powerful man and the beast is actually the one who helps. Anyway, interesting idea, but the execution felt rushed and sincerely, the world described was boring and too harsh for such a story, I think. I wasn't really focused on it and struggled to finish.

-> So, after having read the 4 stories, I must say two were great, combining both limited page count and rich story telling, and the other two were weird and not that interesting, but like everything in life, it's all about one's taste.

The anthology offered a good time, despite the less appreciated stories so I don't think this was totally a waste of time, but in the future I'll take a better look at all the titles before buying anthologies.

Grade: 6/10

Nalini Singh - Shield of Winter

Assassin. Soldier. Arrow. That is who Vasic is, who he will always be. His soul drenched in blood, his conscience heavy with the weight of all he's done, he exists in the shadows, far from the hope his people can almost touch - if only they do not first drown in the murderous insanity of a lethal contagion. To stop the wave of death, Vasic must complete the simplest and most difficult mission of his life.
For if the Psy race is to survive, the empaths must wake . . .
Having rebuilt her life after medical 'treatment' that violated her mind and sought to stifle her abilities, Ivy should have run from the black-clad Arrow with eyes of winter frost. But Ivy Jane has never done what she should. Now, she'll fight for her people, and for this Arrow who stands as her living shield, yet believes he is beyond redemption.
But as the world turns to screaming crimson, even Ivy's fierce will may not be enough to save Vasic from the cold darkness . . .

Comment: I've started reading this book as soon as the mail man gave me the package where it was in. It's one of those series I just can't put on hold. I started that same day and once more I was taken to this amazing world with lager than life characters.

This is Vasic and Ivy Jane's story. Vasic has been a recurrent character, he's  a psy known for his special abilities and his heavy Silence.
Ivy Jane is a new character who is given protagonism after the things that happened in the previous book with the fall of Silence. These two are put together with a mission to study the impact of a new discovery to the psy race and the hope they won't die of the infection that seems to be killing more and more psy everywhere...

I liked the story. I liked the tone in particular, which is always a positive for me with this author. Even the stories which I don't like as much are still well structured and told in a way that feels very familiar and well paced, we know what to expect, there isn't sudden changes of the author's "voice". It's noted how consistent the author is since the beginning and that must be part of the series' success.

Some fans may say the author is repeating herself but for me it doesn't feel so because each book features different characters, with different takes on how to behave and even within the psy race, people with severe control on emotions and attitudes, there still are differences and personalities totally unique under the mask they wear. This story has two psy protagonists and their challenges and takes on how t approach life where shaped by different things and those things affected them in a way very opposite the way other psy characters faced their own trials. So, there is always something new, different although the core idea is the same, meaning psy have to learn how to deal with emotions and feelings..

Vasic and Ivy seem to be a good couple, again, author's talent in presenting and developing them. They learn a lot together and each personal challenge and trouble is faced with a new light because they are together. This is the perfect base for a solid romance, where the couple becomes better together because each one has something to add, to offer, to learn. I liked them.

I also liked the presence of known characters and the small tidbits about previous couples. It's always so nice to see love does conquer it all. Being the abundance of scenes with previous characters one of the negative things in the previous stories, I think it wasn't so with this one and it was quite balanced. Oh and the clues about next characters to have a story are tantalizing.

The plot is following an interesting path. Silence is over but anarchy isn't the solution. I'm curious to see where this is going and what will happen with all the others considering who's in line for a book...but this one is full of interesting ideas and concepts about the waking up after Silence and what could happen. I was happy with the way things were done.
Of course there's always things that could have been improved, but overall, a wonderful effort and delivery.
Grade: 8/10

Nalini Singh - Achangel's Storm

With wings of midnight and an affinity for shadows, Jason courts darkness. But now, with the Archangel Neha’s consort lying murdered in the jewel-studded palace that was his prison and her rage threatening cataclysmic devastation, Jason steps into the light, knowing he must unearth the murderer before it is too late.
Earning Neha’s trust comes at a price—Jason must tie himself to her bloodline through the Princess Mahiya, a woman with secrets so dangerous, she trusts no one. Least of all an enemy spymaster.
With only their relentless hunt for a violent, intelligent killer to unite them, Jason and Mahiya embark on a quest that leads to a centuries-old nightmare… and to the dark storm of an unexpected passion that threatens to drench them both in blood.

Comment: I've decided to read this book despite the fact I'm not a big fan of this series. But I already had it and I admit I was a bit curious to see how Jason would deal with falling in love and in which way would the author play the development of the plot.

This is Jason's story, he's one of the Seven, the personal guard of the archangel Raphael. Jason is known as being reclusive (aren't they all?) but he is asked to oversee a problem in Neha's territory. Neha is another archangel and she asked for Jason only if he accepted a vow to someone of hers, to keep things balanced. In comes Mahiya, someone everyone knows as a princess but who has an agenda of her own and she believes Jason can help her. But who is behind all the issues in Neha's court and most important, why?

I really can't say this is a bad book. But to be honest I can't seem to go past the whole tone of the series, even in these books that, although not featuring Elena and Raphael, maintain the development from their books. I think this series feels more serious and more mechanized than the author's other one. It doesn't seem to exist space to deep personal emotions, or the study of them comparing to other characters. The characters change and learn but I don't feel much empathy towards them. Sure I feel for them, but I have the feeling the way the story is told or by the tone the author decided to work with this world isn't the best one to make the reader feel much emotions coming from the characters. I feel everything is mechanic, there aren't any spontaneity anywhere...I guess it's part of the series foundation perhaps, but it's not a personal preference, thus it's hard for me to fully enjoy this.

Another issue is how everyone seems to be built the same way. They all have different backgrounds and experiences but almost all the masculine characters seem to be cold, aggressive, unfeeling and too serious. I thin only Illium isn't like this. All the others seem to share the same behavior. Something on purpose? Very well, but then how is the reader to be expected to actually feel they are changing for real? It bothers me a bit that everyone had dark, bad pasts and is now cold and indifferent to everything but their tasks in the job. Really? Everyone is the same? No one is spontaneous and has a happier personality? I get it, it's a harsh world, pretty much dedicated to power games and appearances, but come on... if this is pure UF why bother saying the romance matters?

As for the romance between Jason and Mahyia, it was sweet in a way, which kind of saved the book, but I thin more emotion wouldn't be bad...if they are centuries old they should be able to deal with their traumas by now...I mean, time has gone by! 
Mahyia was a surprise, I liked her a lot and I think she was the strongest character here. I liked her development, why she wanted to change, why she risked much and why she acted the way she did. Her character is easy to understand.
Jason has a bad past, really awful, but he's really old and smart...well, it's hard to get past traumas for sure...he seemed weird by falling for Mahyia simply because his reactions were always so careful...not very passionate unfortunately, even in the end when the HEA arrived.

The plot was smart, interesting but not concluded...I wonder why, hopeful possibilities or plot devices? Anyway, it's not really what glued me here so...

I liked the overall feel of the story because Mahyia was intelligent and interesting to know about and her character was strongly developed here. But the world still doesn't win me over much...such a pity, it could be so much stronger if a wider range of emotions could actually play a part.
Grade: 7/10