Tag Archives: Nalini Singh

Whisper of Sin by Nalini Singh ReRead

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Whisper of Sin
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #0.6
In: Burning Up (Angela Knight, Nalini Singh, Virginia Kantra & Meljean Brook)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2010

Thoughts

I love reading about Emmett and Ria – they are a great couple, and it’s also really interesting to see how DarkRiver begins to gain power in their city. Neither person features all that prominently in the main series, but, their adventures definitely inform how things unfold a little. Plus, they are just too fantastic and adorable for words. I absolutely adored them.

Ria is kind of a sheltered individual and naïve in a number of ways. Yet, she also has a backbone of steel. She’s ballsy and sure enough of herself and what she wants to fight for it. There’s also the fact that she sees the love that her parents and brother have, and knows that she wants it. Sometimes those that our families think will be our “perfect match” aren’t that at all. Tom and his underhandedness is a perfect example of just how wrong our parents can sometimes be.

Although Ria and Emmett are a great couple, and I really loved reading their story, it’s got to be Ria’s grandmother who is my favourite character. I mean, I love all of the women in this novella – there is something great about Singh’s writing in that she always creates such strong female characters. But, Ria’s grandmother is a whole other level of fun and entertaining. The kind of grandmother that I want to be when I grow up.

This novella was incredibly fun as a standalone novella. But, mostly I love how it gives context to the ways in which DarkRiver acts to protect those who live in their city. And how they first begin to gain power and influence, all before they start to use them to shift the world around them.

<- Beat of Temptation ReReadSlave to Sensation ReRead ->

Image source: Nalini Singh

Beat of Temptation by Nalini Singh ReRead

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Beat of Temptation
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #0.5
In: Wild Invitation (Nalini Singh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance,  Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2013

Thoughts

No matter how many times I read it, I still absolutely adore Tammy and Nate’s origin story. They are just too damn cute and adorable. And their whole relationship is such an important foundation for a lot of stories and couples throughout the rest of the Psy-Changeling series. It’s also a great reminder that even the most solid couples have rocky moments throughout, and Tammy and Nate are no different.

Nate’s reluctance and controlling nature, whilst coming from an admirable place are incredibly frustrating to read about. I mean, I love that he’s originally supressed his urges because the age difference was yucky. But then, he just stubbornly decides that he knows more because Tammy is young and somewhat naïve. Luckily, before you get really irritated, he realises that he’s doing more damage than good. And makes amends…

As with most books / romances that I read, it’s the woman I like to resonate the most with. I absolutely adored Tammy from the first moment I read about her, and that feeling hasn’t changed with all of my rereads. I love that, even if she’s fumbling a little in her relationship, she is actually incredibly confident in her self and own abilities. She’s also, ultimately, confident enough in herself to actually go after what she wants in life.

<- More Nalini SinghWhisper of Sin ReRead ->

Image source: Nalini Singh

Archangel’s Shadows by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Archangel’s Shadows
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter #7
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Angels, Paranormal romance, Strong women, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

I’ve been waiting for Ashwini and Janvier’s story since their meeting in Angels’ Pawn. And in every instance that they have shown up in the greater series. Luckily, I was not disappointed by their tale. I loved every minute of it and didn’t want to put the damn thing down (not the greatest when you need to sleep). Plus, after the chaos of Archangel’s Legion, I wanted to see how New York and the wonderous people who make up this series were faring. The answer is, it’s still chaotic (which is how it should be in a good series).

Ash’s talent is mentioned in multiple stories throughout the Guild Hunter series, but it isn’t revealed until Archangel’s Shadows that Ash’s talent has a potentially lethal side effect. The tragedy of Tanu and Arvi just highlight how short her life could become, and that she’s been holding Janvier at bay for a reason. I did love though that the twins are able to find peace at last, and in doing so are able to give their baby sister the happily ever after that she needs so much. Plus, it’s nice to have a happily ever after moment for a couple that I’ve loved from their first moment.

Lijuan’s tentacles drive a whole lot deeper into this world than I originally realised – and it definitely gives me goosebumps with how insidious she is. The fact that Ash and Janvier are constantly battling to find out just what she left behind is intense. Not only is she evil, but her minions are also evil. The abuse and horror that the female victims throughout this story suffer are really heartbreaking. I also love how it highlights that even if someone enters willingly into a relationship, they can be manipulated into being in a very horrifying situation.

Archangel’s Shadows brings to light more of the differences and uniqueness of Raphael’s Seven. I have loved slowly getting to know them throughout this series. I’m now particularly intrigued by Naasir and just what he is. Then there is Venom, Aodhan, Illium… I can’t wait for each of the remaining Seven to find their happily ever afters, and in doing so, thwart a little more of Lijuan’s evil and the results of the Cascade.

<- Archangel’s LegionArchangel’s Enigma ->

Image source: Feeling Fictional

Archangel’s Legion by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Archangel’s Legion
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter #6
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Angels, Paranormal romance, Strong women, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2013

Thoughts

As with every other Singh book I’ve read, this was just as unforgettable and impossible to put down. I probably need to time when I read these stories a little better – I didn’t get much sleep until this was finished. Because I didn’t want to put it down and actually go to sleep. This is definitely the very beginning of a massive war and series of horribleness that is about to hit the Guild Hunter world. But, I love that, even in the face of certain war, Elena and Raphael are able to stay true to each other and themselves.

Lijuan is a perfect anti-Raphael. Honestly, she’s just as gross and terrifying as every other appearance in the books – but somehow also way, way worse than she was at the beginning. Charisemon is also gross and terrifying – both are wonderful villains in this story, ones that don’t really have much to redeem them. And, as with all of the archangels and their expanding powers – developing in unforeseen ways. They’re just unwelcome and horrible ways. Plus, there’s hints of Michaela being more and more evil as time unfolds.

I love that at the core of this battle, it’s Raphael with the power of love and life, against Lijuan who consumed by death and the greed of power. It’s a great base theme that doesn’t grow old, and it makes it really, really easy to root for Raphael and Elena. I mean, I love villains who have a chance of redemption (and then often don’t take it). But sometimes it’s nice just to have a villain that is outright evil.

Alongside Raphael’s literal battles and the beginning of the war, I love that Elena is also continuing to fight to keep her sense of self and identity. Not only is she faced with a power-struggle that she is so not equipped for, but she’s also constantly having to reign in Raphael’s ego. The fact that she must also contend with his treatment of her friends and protecting them too – I love how it’s all a constant battle that she is waging a really good war against. But, instead of being a major point of conflict in their relationship, it is a point of negotiation and debate.

I kind of guessed how this would end because of hints that I’ve seen in the Facebook groups I’m a part of. Which was a little bit disappointing. However, it was still an awesome moment discovering what the Legion actually is and seeing all of the potential for what will unfold in the future. More characters to love and adore!

<- Archangel’s StormArchangel’s Shadows ->

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Resonance Surge by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , ,
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 romance, Shapeshifters
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 ->

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Storm Echo by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , , ,
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 romance, Shapeshifters
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 ->

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Last Guard by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , ,
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 romance, Shapeshifters
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 ->

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Alpha Night by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , ,
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 romance, Shapeshifters
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 ->

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Archangel’s Storm by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , , ,
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: Angels, Paranormal 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 ->

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Archangel’s Blade by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , , ,
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: Angels, Paranormal romance, Strong women, Vampires
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 ->

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