Title: Shards of Hope
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #14, Psy-Changeling Season One #14
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
Publisher: Gollancz
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: It was why the pack had never made any aggressive moves against him.

The smoldering heat, epic romance, and awesome actions of Nalini Singh’s New York Times bestselling series continues as two Arrows find themselves caught in a chilling conspiracy that spans all three races…

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.

This is a great way to round out the arc of the “first” Psy-Changeling series. The Arrows start out as the bogeymen of the story, but as characters are slowly introduced, their story seems to be the epitome of Silence and the tragedies of their race. So, to finish a tale with the leader of the Arrows and his lieutenants just seemed to me to fit. It provided a happy ending for the breaking of Silence, but also hinted at many more battles to come in the future…

Where Shield of Winter opened up the stories of the Arrows and their own rebellion, it isn’t until Aden and Zaira’s story is told that the true tragedies of not embracing every aspect of oneself are shown. Specifically in the history of Zaira’s upbringing and shadowy past. The horrors inflicted on children seem to be a cornerstone of Psy history throughout the series, and this story is no different. However, the joint trauma of their past and their willingness to create a future in which no more children will be forced to suffer left me feeling warm, gooey feelings at their tale. Rather than horror at the creation of such a terrible past.

Although, as with all of the other Psy-Changeling stories, this is, at its heart a love story about two people healing and becoming one, I loved the creation of family within this. Primarily through changing the way young Arrows are taught and taking a leaf out of the Changeling book – to create a large, mutli-faceted family that is always willing to support and protect its young. Something I think is important (and sometimes lacking) in today’s society.

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Title: Christmas in the Kitchen
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #7.5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Fast
Format: Free online short story
Publisher: Nalini Singh online
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: It was the pack’s honor and their privilege to make sure Keenan and Noor had the chance to grow up loved and cared for, their incredible gift allowed to develop at its natural pace.

I love spending a lazy Sunday afternoon baking cookies and relaxing in the house with my small family. So this short story, which provided a look into Dorian’s new life as a husband and father had the perfect setting. The idea of upcoming Christmas celebrations as an instigator for the gaieties just added to the feeling of family and fun.

Not only did Christmas in the Kitchen provide an insight into the daily lives of Dorian’s small family, but the relationships that Kit and Jon, Noor and Keenan have forged with one another. The idea of a large pack as family and the way that they all are able to come together, in spite of the war that is raging around them is such a sweet notion. Finishing this short story left me smiling, with an irresistible urge to bake some chocolate chip cookies.

Image source: Nalini Singh

Title: The Party
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #6.5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Fast
Format: Free online short story
Publisher: Nalini Singh online
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: Her eyes almost crossed when she saw the array of objects on the table in front of the healer.

The Party balances out Mercy’s tough, sentinel side with her more feminine, girlish tendencies. It also serves as a great reminder of her connection to her pack, and family. The happy simplicity of the afternoon and their laughter while painting toe nails are a wonderful display of the happiness that women can find in each other’s company. The Party is a refreshing take on a woman’s relationship – that it is about sharing, laughter and joy; rather than bitching and competition.

Faith’s misconception about the products of her newest business partnership had me smiling and giggling. The conversations that followed are some that I myself have had with my girlfriends – those who you are so comfortable with, that you don’t have to watch everything you say and do. It is this feeling of comradeship that carried of the pages of my eReader as I read The Party.

Image source: Allen County Public Library

Title: Movie Night
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #5.6
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Fast
Format: Free online short story
Publisher: Nalini Singh online
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: “I guess I want to see what you like as well.”

Judd and Brenna are a great couple, and their uniqueness draws me back to them again and again and again. But, it is almost impossible to imagine them in their daily lives – when they’re not acting to neutralise the threats to their family. Movie Night provides a window into this life perfectly. It shows a young couple that are deeply in love, yet still getting to know one another in some of the most basic of ways.

I constantly struggle to have movie night with my own partner, we just don’t tend to have the same tastes, so it was extra fun to read about some of the same issues in one of my favourite literary couples. Although both Brenna and Judd are far more willing to compromise on their choices than either myself or my own partner, it was still nice to know that such a simple act can have quite a few connotations in a relationship for others.

Image source: Overdrive

Title: A Gift for Kit
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #5.5
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Fast
Format: Free online short story
Publisher: Nalini Singh online
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Sliding into a seat across from him, she made quick work of her own breakfast.

Kit is a great secondary character in the Psy-Changeling series, to the point that I almost wish he was a primary one. So, it is nice to have a short story that is about him. The relationship which he has with his sister, and the loss of his family are beautifully captured in very few words. Such a beautifully crafted short story that makes you realise that every person, every character has their own story – whether it’s in real life, or the pages of a book.

The mentions of Kit’s potential as the next alpha help to further emphasise the points made by the sentinels in the other books about the leopard changeling pack. His awareness of others, their strengths and weaknesses are the marks of a great leader in any reality, and his love and care for his sister and his pack simply help to further the potency of his growing powers.

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Title: A Conversation
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #4.6
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves:Dark fantasy, Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Fast
Format: Free online short story
Publisher: Nalini Singh online
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: “We’ll have enough left over this time around to expand the living quarters Down Below.”

The rat’s which become an integral part of the Changeling world and the Psy-Changeling stories are always viewed on the peripheral. The conversations with them always run through one of the leopard pack, and it is difficult to understand what makes these characters tick. So, it was incredibly enjoyable to read the short conversation which takes place between two of the characters.

The different point of view which Zane and Teijan provide is a great counterpoint to the more predatory outlooks of the other parties within this series. It is also a reminder that for every single interaction, there is an opposing view.

Zane and Teijan’s surprise at the leopard pack’s generosity and willingness to work together (rather than order others around) is a poignant reminder of the way in which this non-predatory group has been treated in the past. Another reminder that although the greater battle is between key factions, it does have trickle down effects for all others in this brilliantly created and layered world.

Image source: Twitter

Title: The Cannibal Princess
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #1.5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves:Dark fantasy, Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Fast
Format: Free online short story
Publisher: Nalini Singh online
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: “I have a story,” he said, catching the twins’ attention.

I love short stories that investigate the everyday lives of my favourite characters. It not only helps to make them all the more real, but it is a great way to revisit them in a series that jumps from one lead to another. And although it is something that I do love about the Psy-Changeling series, I also sincerely missed Lucas and Sascha throughout the following tales.

We take a lot of things for granted, such as being told bed time stories by our parents. Sascha’s inability to partake in such a simple act is both humbling and saddening. Yet, Lucas’ love for the woman he chose and the children who make up his pack help to outshine this moment of sadness you feel at such a horrid childhood upbringing.

Although this story is only four pages long, it is so sweet and quaint that this one scene will remain in my head (and my heart) for a long time. It is cute, sweet and simple. A reminder that although the brewing conflict throughout the Psy-Changeling series is dangerous and complex, everyday life and the joys that it brings continues unabated.

Image source: Lady Jayne’s Reading Den

Title: Shield of Winter
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #13, Psy-Changeling Season One #13
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
Publisher: Gollancz
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: “Study the details of your assigned assets, alert me of any security threats.”

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:

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 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…

Vasic’s role in the Psy rebellion throughout the series was always a little confusing – he appeared to be on the side of the good guys, but seemed to be working for the bad guys. His short appearances throughout the rest of the novels make it incredibly difficult to pinpoint his motives and alliances. The same can be said for most of the Arrows, their presence throughout the Psy-Changeling series hinting that they may be on the right side, but the very darkness that they carry due to their gifts make that a questionable assumption. Shield of Winter, however, changes all of that.

I tend to get a little frustrated when the Changelings aren’t as present throughout the story – I have a love for wolves and big cats. However, a story that focused almost entirely on the Arrows, Kaleb and the newly acknowledged empaths helped to lesson this frustration. Yes, the Changelings are incredibly tactile and enchanting characters, but the delightful mix of the caring conscientiousness of empaths and the deadly capabilities of a squad of assassins created a story that I look forward to reading again and again and again.

In Vasic’s plight and inability to accept his past, Singh highlights the ways in which we can be systematically and brutally destroyed if we go against our natures. The newly awakened place for the empaths within the world of the Psy is a great echo of this throughout the story. Constantly being told not to follow your instincts can be incredibly debilitating, not admitting their importance and being taught to go directly against them, as Vasic did is a pain that I cannot imagine.

Again, Singh has managed to not only write an amazing paranormal romance and dark fantasy, but she has created a story that makes me constantly think about my own actions and impulses. Something that all truly talented authors are able to do.

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