Tag Archives: Nalini Singh

Resonance Surge by Nalini Singh

Overview

Title: Resonance Surge
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling Trinity #7
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal romanceShapeshifters
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

This might not necessarily be my favourite Psy-Changeling novel, but it was still, like all of the others, very good. And cute. And just fun in general. I think one of the things that would’ve made me love this and bump it up my “enjoyment list” would’ve been more Arwen and Pasha. I mean, they’re touched upon in so many other Psy-Changeling Trinity books, and then their mating is only kind of mentioned in this novel. Instead, there is far more focus on Yasha (Pasha’s twin). He’s fun, but not as fun as Pasha and Arwen.

As much as I’m obsessed with Pasha and Arwen, I did still enjoy the mating of Yasha and Theo. Plus, Theo’s presence makes you understand a little bit more about Pax (who is kind of cast as a villain throughout the series). I love that although Theo is considered “weak” because of her low power gradient, she is actually incredibly tough. And completely able to kill others due to the way she has shaped her powers. Plus, her toughness carries over to protectiveness of Yasha, and even the bear clan.

The Centres, which are mentioned from the very beginning of the series in Slave to Sensation, are definitely a bit of a boogey man. The fact that Theo’s journey actually provides a bit of an insight into just how terrible these places were. Honestly, they remind me of asylums in the past where the mentally ill are sent to basically die in the shadows. It’s a bit of a reminder about the darkness of our own pasts, and it is pretty dark. Made all that much darker by the abuse and horrors that Theo has faced at the hands of her own father.

The Scarabs are also gaining in their insanity throughout this – a nice parallel to the past insanity of the Centres. In fact, the ending, which was adjacently related to Theo and Yasha, was a bit of a surprise. And made me think that the terrors the Psy are about to face because of the Scarab instability is just going to increase… now I have to wait goodness knows how long for the next book in this amazing series to be released!

<- Storm EchoPrimal Mirror ->

Image source: Amazon

Storm Echo by Nalini Singh

Overview

Title: Storm Echo
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling Trinity #6
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal romanceShapeshifters
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I really enjoyed Ivan and Lei’s relationship. It is wonderful and gives you a whole lot of joy as you dive through this story. Yet, their story is also a great way to further drive the discovery of the Architect’s machinations. And also letting you know their identity. All through a twist of fate, and some pretty unique genetics. I’ve been trying to guess just who the Architect is since Silver Silence (the beginning of the Psy-Changeling Trinity), and this instalment in the series actually gave you that answer. Even if it is also about a great couple that I found truly adorable.

Ivan’s history and the way he spent the first few years of his life are really sad. Jax as a blight upon the Psy is mentioned multiple times throughout the whole series, but this is the first book that truly deals with it. Mothers trying their best when they are addicted to drugs isn’t exactly something that’s uncommon (sadly), so it was interesting to have that touched upon in this story. I also found it interesting that this drug use may have influenced his unique gifts. Plus, the way he is able to find a new life for himself also highlights just how amazing the Mercant clan is. And just how truly good they actually are… even if they are also predatory and brutal at the same time.

The SkyElm clan’s story and history unfolds in another Psy-Changeling story (I can’t remember which one). I didn’t realise that there would be more to that story until I realised that Lei was part of this family. Her drive to find justice for her loved ones and heart break at losing them is truly heart wrenching. Particularly when you realise that Lei is a healer. Yet, I love that it brings her in the orbit of some seriously loved DarkRiver characters. And that there is a happy ending to not only her search for justice, but hers and Ivan’s need for a happily ever after.

I have, so far, loved all of the healer romances in this series. Something about being tough and maternal tends to make me really enjoy these story lines. Plus, there’s the fact that although they may be caring and kind, they’re also completely able to kick other people’s asses when they think it’s beneficial. A bit like Lei decides to drag Ivan into the light and realise that he’s not just a killer… whether he likes it or not. The dynamic between the two, whilst different to the other healer partnerships still has some of those similarities. Mainly in the fact that the damn healer is willing to kill themselves for others, so sometimes needs a reminder to just stop and slow down.

As always, I absolutely loved this Nalini Singh novel. Now that I’m almost to the end of the published Psy-Changeling books, it might be time to start doing yet another reread…

<- Last GuardResonance Surge ->

Image source: Amazon

Last Guard by Nalini Singh

Overview

Title: Last Guard
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling Trinity #5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal romanceShapeshifters
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

The role of Anchors in the Psy-Net are briefly touched upon in Bonds of Justice, but then that was kind of it. It may be MUCH later in the series, it was nice to find out a whole lot more about this designation. Every time I pick up a new book by Singh set in this world, a whole new layer of discovery is opened to me. And I am loving every minute of it. The nuances of the Anchor designation was kind of unexpected, and most definitely fun. I found the description of their experiences on the mental plane to be oddly beautiful, probably one of the easiest moments in the series thus far for me to picture in my mind’s eye.

Aside from the expansion on the Anchors, I also loved how the Mercant clan is being expanded upon. Particularly because Canto is absolutely awesome. He is one of the few Psy to have a physical disability (actually one of the few in the whole series), but he is also whip-smart and driven. The background of how he was bought into the family fold and what he went through as a child was even better. Especially when you realise that the person who wreaks revenge on those who wronged him is not who you expected. So many more characters and layers to get to know there.

The Raos contrastingly were not a family that I necessarily loved getting to know – or loved to hate getting to know them. I mean, they have been a peripheral power player throughout the series. But getting to know the psychopaths? It was kind of scary, but also amazing. I kind of wondered if the Architect came from this stock earlier in this Psy-Changeling Trinity, but now that it’s clear she doesn’t… I’ll have to continue guessing and trying to figure out just who they are. I feel sure we’ve already heard mention of them or met them… Maybe it’s Tatiana? Though surely Kaleb would have an inkling of that… but I digress. Back to the awesomeness of Last Guard.

I love that for all of the drama and battles that Payal has to face, ultimately her loyalty and care is actually rewarded at the end of this story. She overcomes a heck of a lot throughout this story. But the fact that at the final hour of fear, her kindness and wonderful behaviour are what helps her to survive. That, and the fact that Canto and Payal are now this incredibly scary power couple, everything had a nice karmic ending. At  least for some of the characters, for others, well, it’s clear that the story is just beginning.

It was intriguing to see how the PsyNet is continuing to unravel and the many ways that their livelihoods are being threatened. This is definitely a very psy-heavy book and series at the moment, but man do I love it. And now I can’t wait to pull out Storm Echo and disappear down this happy little rabbit hole all over again.

<- Alpha NightStorm Echo ->

Image source: Amazon

Alpha Night by Nalini Singh

Overview

Title: Alpha Night
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling Trinity #4
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal romanceShapeshifters
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

For all of the different types of romance throughout the Psy-Changeling books, this is the first love / mated at first sight story. And I absolutely loved it. Ethan and Selenka are a wonderful couple. They’re just so damn cute and fantastic together. And I love how it’s a story of understanding that they’re meant for each other, but they also need to learn how to get to know one another.

Yet, like all of the books in this big, wonderful, epic series, this novel isn’t just about the romance. The death of a packmate and the threat of Blaise all make this a heart thumping, can’t put down kind of read. You kind of guess whereon of the threats to the wolf pack comes from. But you also need that confirmation, Singh can throw in some curveballs.

Another wonderful curve all thrown into Alpha Night is the unravelling of Ethan’s powers. You understand that he (most probably) won’t die, but that threat seriously messes with you. The moment you find out more about his power all of those hints that Singh has thrown in start to make total sense. I look forward to my reread and all of the hints and moments being even more obvious and findable.

The brutalities of changeling law, Arrow training and the particular brutalities of Ethan’s past all combine beautifully in this novel. I love how both changeling and arrow law dovetail nicely together. Which, obviously makes Ethan (like Sienna) the perfect mate for a wolf alpha. The fact that Memory and Alexei also have their own significant moments in this further connects this world happily.

The overarching villain of this series is most definitely the Architect. I love all of the hints and clues that are peppered throughout this novel. I spent a lot of time trying to put together some of these clues and figure out just who she (I’m of the belief that it’s a she) is…. must keep reading to see how this all unfolds!!!

<- Wolf RainLast Guard ->

Image source: Amazon

Archangel’s Storm by Nalini Singh

Overview

Title: Archangel’s Storm
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter #5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: AngelsParanormal romance, Strong women, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Year: 2012

Thoughts

From the first moment, I completely adored Mahiya. There is something kind of vulnerable about her. But underneath that vulnerability is a core of steel. I also love that although she fits into the world, she’s nothing like the other women hunters in this series that tend to act as the primary protagonist. And since I’ve been feeling a little soft and squishy lately… she made me incredibly happy and content.

There are many hints about Jason’s past in the previous Guild Hunter books. Finding out the actual details were far more excruciating than I had anticipated. But also incredibly rewarding. I love that he has a dark complex past, but is nowhere near as twisted and jaded as one would expect. It also gives him a level of understanding towards Mahiya that otherwise wouldn’t have worked.

The different cultures and worlds that the archangel courts create are part of the reason I love Singh’s writing. Actually, her world building is one of my favourite things about her writing. I enjoyed how she constructed Neha’s court. It is so different to the other two courts I’ve been intimately familiar with, and although I don’t necessarily want to go back there (that bitch is crazy), it was certainly a fun journey.

Yet again, Singh not only creates a wonderful romance filled with action that I just couldn’t put down. She also filled a story with a reality and dramas that I just didn’t expect. The Guild Hunter world and its battles are definitely gaining traction, and I’m looking forward to seeing how much further down this war hole the series will go.

<- Archangel’s BladeArchangel’s Legion ->

Image source: eBooks

Archangel’s Blade by Nalini Singh

Overview

Title: Archangel’s Blade
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter #4
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: AngelsParanormal romance, Strong womenVampires
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Year: 2011

Thoughts

Although I have thoroughly enjoyed Elena and Raphael throughout the first three Guild Hunter books, it was nice to read one with a different lead. Focusing on another couple was definitely a good diversion. Although it still continued the main feelings of conspiracy and plots that have underlined every book thus far in this series. I mean, no matter where you turn… There’s a conspiracy.

Dmitri is all sex. He has been since his first appearance in this series. But, the more I got to find out about this amazing man, the more I fell in love with him. The capacity and loyalty that he has makes the heart skip multiple beats. Plus, he is just so… good dream inducing. Which may be why Singh is one of my favourite authors… she makes very dream worthy characters leap off the page.

Honor is peripherally in other stories within this series. And I knew that reading some of her journey was going to be a little painful. Yet, it wasn’t as horrifying as I expected. I mean, the whole aspect of her horrors and tragedies only come to light as she deals with them. So they’re viewed through a lens that is somewhat less painful to read. But dark enough that you feel pride with every milestone she beats.

It’s been a few months since I dug into a Guild Hunter novel. And as always when I pick up a Nalini Singh novel, I wonder why its taken me so long to pick up another one. Maybe because I find it hard to focus on anything else and be a productive member of society… there is just something so… wow about her work.

<- Angel’s WolfArchangel’s Storm ->

Image source: Amazon

Angel’s Flight by Nalini Singh

Overview
Angels' Flight

Title: Angel’s Flight
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter Companion
In: Angel’s Flight (Nalini Singh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: AngelsParanormal romance, Short story collections, Strong women, Vampires
Dates read: 26th March 2018 – 16th April 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Collection
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: We need to sort this out fast.

Synopsis

In Angel’s Wolf a vampire becomes fascinated with the seductive angel who rules Louisiana. But all is not what it appears to be in her court.

In Angels’ Judgment a hunter must track one of her own gone bad, while surviving the deadly tests placed in her way by the archangels themselves. Unexpected backup comes from a stranger who might just be the most lethal threat of all…

Plus FIRST TIME IN PRINT

In Angels’ Pawn a vampire hunter faces off against two rival factions and the angel manipulating them both, and a vampire whose help is not entirely selfless…

And NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED

In Angels’ Dance an angel trapped in the mountain stronghold of the Refuge finds herself under siege by a warrior angel from a martial court.

Thoughts

I absolutely adored this collection. It took me forever and a day to get through because I wanted to read each of the novellas in the order that they take place in the Guild Hunter series. And, honestly, since I’m a bit of a series slut, I kept picking up other series in between books. Trying to work on that habit this year…

This is definitely a collection that I’ll pick up again and again to fill my happy place in reading. It is fun and wonderful and filled with very fun romances that will make you want to pick up more and more of Singh’s books. Or at least, that’s how it all feels for me.

Many of the cute couples in this story may have a happily ever after, but the part that I love the most about their connections… it’s all about acceptance. Every relationship in this collection is about accepting one another and finding a way to create their own future. It makes the romances feel far more realistic in this story…

I love that I finally got to finish this collection! But I was also kind of sad. After all, it’s a bit of a pity that it’s all over. Now I’ll just have to dive headfirst into Archangel’s Blade

<- Archangel’s SunMore Nalini Singh ->

Image source: Goodreads

Angel’s Wolf by Nalini Singh

Overview
Angels' Flight

Title: Angel’s Wolf
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter #3.5
In: Angel’s Flight (Nalini Singh) & Angels of Darkness (Ilona Andrews, Nalini Singh, Meljean Brook & Sharon Shinn)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Angels, Paranormal romance, Strong women, Vampires
Dates read: 16th April 2021
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: “Thanks, but it won’t be needed.”

Synopsis

In Angel’s Wolf a vampire becomes fascinated with the seductive angel who rules Louisiana. But all is not what it appears to be in her court.

Thoughts

The vampire that was tortured in Archangel’s Kiss had a pretty hard run of things. And he is briefly mentioned in Archangel’s Consort. So I love that there is a novella that is just about him finding a happily ever after. It helps to tie up a few loose ends and brings a whole new angels court to the forefront.

Both Noel’s assignment and Nimra’s court and terrifying-ness are mentioned in Archangel’s Consort and it completely intrigued me and pulled me in. What a fantastic way for me to finish out the Angels’ Flight collection (it may not be the final novella in the book, but it was the final one that I read).

Noel and Nimra gave me that warming of the cockleshell heart feeling. Something about their ability to love one another warmed me up and made me smile. The fact that it’s alongside the race to find out who is trying to kill Nimra… well, that just made me happier and happier.

I may not be a cat person, but there is a total love of cats and pets in this story. They are incredibly important, and the love of pets is something I can completely understand. This whole story made me want to pick up my puppy and give them a huge hug.

<- Archangel’s ConsortArchangel’s Blade ->

Image source: Goodreads

Archangel’s Consort by Nalini Singh

Overview
Archangel's Consort (Guild Hunter, #3) by Nalini Singh

Title: Archangel’s Consort
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: AngelsParanormal romance, Strong women, Vampires
Dates read: 14th – 16th April 2021
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: It was locked.

Synopsis

Nalini Singh steps back into the shadows of her “heartbreakingly original” world where angels rule, vampires serve, and the innocent can pay the greatest price of all…

Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux and her lover, the lethally beautiful archangel Raphael, have returned home to New York only to face an uncompromising new evil…

A vampire has attacked a girls’ school – the assault one of sheer, vicious madness – and it is only the first act. Rampant bloodlust takes vampire after vampire, threatening to make the streets run with blood. Then Raphael himself begins to show signs of an uncontrolled rage, as inexplicable storms darken the city skyline and the earth itself shudders.

The omens are suddenly terrifyingly clear.

An ancient and malevolent immortal is rising. The violent winds whisper her name: Caliane. She has returned to reclaim her son, Raphael. Only one thing stands in her way: Elena, the consort who must be destroyed.

Thoughts

I was wondering how terrifying Raphael’s mother was going to be. I mean, she’s mentioned constantly and she’s definitely somewhat terrifying. But, a bit less than I was expecting. Having said that, I’m pretty sure she’s going to become more and more terrifying as this series unfolds… there is just so much potential there. I can’t wait to see how Elena confronts and deals with her!

This Guild Hunter novel really explores the past beautifully. Both Raphael and Elena have a lot of past issues that they have to deal with. And these seriously begin to come to light in this story. Everyone has a past, and everyone has to battle with that in their current relationships – but Elena and Raphael have a particularly bad set of issues that they have to deal with. As do the Seven. So now I want to know more about the past and the tribulations of Raphael’s Seven.

The first two books in this series are the beginning of Elena ad Raphael’s relationship. Particularly Elena finding her place in Raphael’s life and holding her own against his seriously dominant personality. But, in this novel she is really beginning to find her feet and sense of self. Her drive to be able to stand on her own two feet and fight her own battles is beautifully impressive. And impossible to forget and put down. It’s just… gorgeous and glorious. Most definitely the kind of woman character that I love – finding out who you are and where you fit in a decidedly dangerous society.

One of my favourite things about Singh as an author is that her stories aren’t sappy. They’re all romances and they most definitely make your toes curl. But they aren’t sappy. Even the times when there is that love at first sight zing, they still aren’t sappy. And, ultimately, they are about truly accepting one another. And finding a way to work together to achieve your happily ever after.

I honestly could not put this novel down. It was fantastic and wonderful and everything that I love in a paranormal story. Now I can’t wait to dig through my TBR pile (it’s ginormous) and read Archangel’s Blade.

<- Archangel’s KissAngel’s Wolf ->

Image source: Goodreads

Love Hard by Nalini Singh

Overview
Love Hard (Hard Play, #3) by Nalini Singh

Title: Love Hard
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Hard Play #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romanceSport
Dates read: 9th – 13th April 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Nalini Singh
Year: 2020
5th sentence, 74th page: “Do I look like I was born yesterday?”

Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh brings you the next sizzling story in her Hard Play contemporary romance series…

Jacob Esera, star rugby player and young single father, has worked hard to create a joyous life for his six-year-old daughter. After the death of his childhood sweetheart soon after their daughter’s birth, all Jake wants is safety and stability. No risks. No wild chances. And II especially II no Julity Nelisi, former classmate, scandal magnet, and a woman who is a thorn in his side.

As a lonely teenager, Juliet embraced her bad-girl reputation as a shield against loneliness and rejection. Years later, having kicked a cheating sports-star ex to the curb, she has a prestigious job and loyal friends – and wants nothing to do with sportsmen. The last thing she expects is the fire that ignites between her and the stuffed-shirt golden boy who once loved her best friend. 88 Straitlaced jacob Esera versus wild-at-heart Juliet Nelisi? Place your bets.

Thoughts

From the blurb, I was expecting Jacob’s backstory to be far more painful and tragic. And it was quite sad and horrible. But nowhere near what I was expecting. I mean, teenage parent and the death of the love of his life is really sad. But he didn’t dwell on it but found a way to move on with his life. Something that I think is really awesome and important – he found a way to live his life and be happy in the moment.

All throughout this story, Esme just stole the show. She is just too damn cute and, although she isn’t the one the romance is about. I just wanted to give her a huge hug! She’s just a constant, adorable little show stealer. One that makes you grin and want to hug her through the pages of the book. The fact that Jacob is such a wonderful father just makes him an even more dreamy male lead…

Jules was such a great lead female (as is all of Singh’s female leads). Her friendship requirement to a relationship is such a great point. One that I think we all need to make in our own lives and relationships. After all, my partner is my best friend, and it’s the laughter and friendship that bring everything together.

This was another beautiful Singh story. One that uses all of her usual enjoyment and happiness. One that also reminds us that we always should look forward and embrace the future. And the potential for future happiness. It’s such a great journey. One that draws you all that much further into the Esra brothers’ world and makes you believe in true love again and again.

<- Rebel HardMore Nalini Singh ->

Image source: Goodreads