Tag Archives: Urban Fantasy

Caressed by Ice by Nalini Singh ReRead

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Caressed by Ice
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #3
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, Novel
Year: 2007

Thoughts

Caressed by Ice is a gorgeous story which follows Brenna as she tries to overcome the damage done to her in Slave to Sensation. I love that Judd and Brenna are able to help each other move past the horrors of the past, and find a way to be happy in the end. I love that it’s actually the horrors of the past that help to form them, and find a way to one another. In fact, if Brenna and Judd hadn’t been through such horrific abuse, they wouldn’t have ended up together…

I actually love Judd’s power – I mean, telekinesis has seemed like a seriously awesome power since I watched Matilda. The fact that he has this power at a cellular level? Amazing. It is so tragic that he’s been brainwashed to believe that he is only able to ever be a tool of evil. I always find that in a romance, I connect more strongly to one of the pair – and in this case, it’s Judd with his power and sad past. Plus, he’s protective without being an unreasonable, overbearing male.

There are so many foreshadowing hints about who the Ghost actually is. I love that, even though this is my third reread of this series, I’m able to pick up on so many of these quiet little hints. Plus, it just makes me like the Ghost all that much more, and look forward to rereading his book when I finally get to it… and all of the other books that I seriously love throughout this entire series.

Caressed by Ice is a great reminder that nothing and no one is entirely evil, or entirely good. But, rather, there’s a little bit of both everywhere and in everyone. However, there are some who make decisions that go too far into evil to be forgiven, and Brenna and Judd discover what it means to realise that someone close to you is truly horrifying – and how heartbreaking that is. It honestly is seriously heartbreaking to read about the pain that they go through when they realise the betrayal comes from an unexpected source.

I love that although Brenna’s brothers are incredibly smothering and a little near-sighted with their love and loyalty, they are also kind of awesome. And, again, it’s a good reminder that they get their own very fun and enjoyable stories in the future. It’s also brilliant that Judd is able to show her brothers just how stifling their love is, and how to protect and adore without destroying all of Brenna’s confidence.

<- Echo of Silence ReReadMine to Possess ReRead ->

Image source: The Nile

Echo of Silence by Nalini Singh ReRead

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Echo of Silence
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #2.5
In: Wild Embrace (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: 2016

Thoughts

Stefan and Tazia’s story is really cute, and a great way to give context to Judd’s battles in Caressed by Ice. Plus it hints at some of the loyalty that the Arrows have for one another. Loyalty that is surprising in a race that is supposedly unfeeling. Basically, everything about this novella is not only a fun adventure and diversion, but also a good way to inform some of the story line later in the series.

Reading this as part of a reread, I love that sea changelings and BlackWater are actually first mentioned in this novella. I absolutely adored meeting a few more of the characters in the Psy-Changeling Trinity, so it was kind of cool to see when they were first mentioned. It also just indicates how much thought Singh has put into building this world.

Even though this was a reread – I still found Tazia’s family history to be really sad and heartbreaking. Rather than there being a big separation due to assholism, it was all about cultural understandings, and practices. There is still a whole lot of love there, and mostly the rift is caused by pride. However, I love that it was actually really easy to resolve – a lot less angst than I had expected, and just beautiful in general.

My only complaint about this is that I wish there was more Tazia and Stefan in the series overall. From memory (although I will confirm with this glorious reread I’m doing) – they’re only really mentioned one or two other times as an aside. They are just adorable, and I want more of them!

<- Visions of Heat ReReadCaressed by Ice ReRead ->

Image source: Nalini Singh

Visions of Heat by Nalini Singh ReRead

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Visions of Heat
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #2
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, Novel
Year: 2007

Thoughts

It doesn’t matter how many times I read this series, I still don’t necessarily like Vaughn and Faith as much as Lucas and Sascha. Don’t get me wrong, I love their story and all, but I just don’t get as excited about it. Maybe because I find the idea of having foresight to be one of the more terrifying powers. Most of the time when I read a paranormal anything story, I do spend a little time imagining having each power – but I really don’t like the idea of having foresight.

One of the things that I’ve always loved about Singh’s writing is that the world building is amazing. In Visions of Heat, I love all of the intricacies of the psy people and their many talents that is revealed. In particular, the moral dilemma of being an F-Psy and how to use that power. I mean, begin able to influence the future for good or bad is a whole lot of responsibility, but when do you share that knowledge, when do you hide from it? Although there are some somewhat obvious answers in this, there are a whole lot that fall into the grey area – and I love that this morality is not given any black and white answers.

I absolutely adore Faith’s father and how he is able to manipulate everything. Being that this is a reread, I now realise that these manipulations don’t just occur at the end of the story, but are pieces in play for an incredibly long time. But, I do love that he is able to do so. And how his manipulations indicate his love for his daughter, without ever having to outright state that this is where his actions come from. The love of parent to child and how that can supersede almost anything is a bit of a cornerstone in this series, and I love that Anthony and Faith are the first that you get hints of this love.

There were so many nuances I picked upon in this story that I didn’t notice in my first read through of this series. The interconnectedness of the different characters and the chess pieces that lead to the fall of Silence are all there from the very beginning. And I absolutely adored finding those missed pieces this time around. Then, you have the battle that Faith is fighting – she’s able to not only stop an evil murderer, but also answer a whole heap of her own moral dilemmas.

Whilst Faith and Vaughn may not be my favourite couple, I love that this story is more so about Faith finding who she is and how to operate in an emotional world with the threat of insanity hanging over her head. To me, it’s about Faith, and Vaughn is just along for the ride. Which is as it should be with a strong female at the helm.

<- Slave to Sensation ReReadEcho of Silence ReRead ->

Image source: Mighty Ape

Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh ReRead

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Slave to Sensation
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #1
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, Novel
Year: 2006

Thoughts

Every time I do a reread of Slave to Sensation (or the entire Psy-Changeling series), I find something more to love. More subtle hints and easter eggs to love, more moments to absolutely adore. Which, of course, just makes me fall more and more in love with every reread. Which is why it’s a series that I’ve reread a number of times at this point – there’s something new and more loveable with every reiteration, and the story manages to enthral me from the very beginning each and every time.

Lucas and his past are really tragic, and every time I read about it, I find new scars and horrors that he has survived and healed from. What I love most about him having such a tragic past though is that it’s his love for Sascha that tempers him and brings some of his humanity back. A good relationship is about balancing and supporting one another, and Sascha is able to do this wonderfully for Lucas, pulling him back from a ledge that even he didn’t realise he was balancing on.

I am absolutely obsessed with Sascha’s role as an empath and her ability to grow into herself and her powers. I know that throughout this series, Sascha discovers more and more about being an Empath, but these first steps are phenomenal to read about. Plus, she has the strength of self to realise that she was treated abominably, and to rise above the way that they have treated her. With grace and dignity, probably why Sascha continues to be one of my favourite females in the Psy-Changeling series.

Although this story is all about Sascha and Lucas, Tammy is most definitely still a favourite. I love how welcoming she is, but also tough and unwilling to compromise on the safety of her people. Between her and Sascha, they both highlight the power of love and emotion, and how this can help those to overcome anything. I mean, there’s still a lot of hard work and intelligence going into these decisions. But at the very core of this story is how love and emotion are integral to who we are and functioning as decent beings.

<- Whisper of Sin ReReadVisions of Heat ReRead ->

Image source: Hachette

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

Ladies’ Fight by Caitlin Kittredge & Jaye Wells

Book Review, , , , , , , , ,
Overview

Title: Ladies’ Fight
Author: Caitlin Kittredge & Jaye Wells
Series: Hellhound Chronicles #1.5 & Sabina Kane #5.6
In: Urban Allies (Joseph Nassise)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Demons, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2016

Thoughts

I absolutely loved this story, and now I have two new series to add into my shelves! Which, I for one, cannot wait to dive into. I mean, I’ve read a short story in both the Sabina Kane and Hellhound Chronicles series, but now I have even more motivation to dive into their stories. I mean, tough women, paranormal nonsense and kicking butt? That is all what I love about a good urban fantasy.

Both Ava and Sabina are amazing, kick ass women who just… dominate all things. I love that for both of them, their male partners are heavy hitters, but not ones that are likely to try and overtake their women. Rather, they are happy to be partners and backup in those situations that require it. And just let Sabina and Ava figure out how to win the day. I also loved that Sabina is obviously at the end of her story and development within this tale, but Ava is just starting to travel through hers.

This story hit all of my buttons for a good urban fantasy tale. Written by women with strong female leads who aren’t afraid to kick butt. Magic, and mayhem. Plus, this one had necromancer magic and hellhounds. With a whole heap of mysteries woven throughout which makes me incredibly intrigued to pick up the rest of the books in both of these series.

<- Black DogGrim Tidings ->

Image source: HarperCollins Publishers

Trickster King by Susan Copperfield

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Trickster King
Author: Susan Copperfield
Series: Royal States #9
Rating Out of 5: d!), 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect), 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2024

Thoughts

There really wasn’t much of a point of conflict in this Royal States novel, and there is no great romance (because Jessica and Pat have already had theirs in Storm Called). Mostly, this is kind of an epilogue feel / bridge to the next part of the Royal States stories in that it’s mostly just Pat running amok in the world. And all of those chaotic and fun moments throughout. I absolutely adored it, and it was a lot of fun. But I did keep wondering when the Big Evil or some such would come out. Or even when Pat would come up against some actual opposition to his holiday adventures.

I really enjoyed not only getting to know what makes Patrick tick a whole lot more. But it was also fantastic to learn more about Eddie and some of the difficulties he faces. Plus, it’s a great insight into just what makes Patrick’s protegee tick and why he is on the path he is. It’s also nice to know just why Patrick is known as the Trickster King, and just how manipulative he truly is. All of this story was great character building and a bit of a history lesson to some of the conflicts building in the Royal States world.

In the world that we live in, constantly working and being active is seen as a positive thing. I love that in this, Patrick is aware that breaks are important. And that, even though he is constantly driving forwards to make change, he is aware that sometimes, even he needs to stop and take a breath. By having breaks and downtime, we are able to actually function better and be more efficient when we are driving towards our goals. I’m at a point in my life when I feel like I am juggling a hundred plates, and it was a nice reminder that I too, can put them down sometimes and just… breath.

Although this chronologically occurs earlier in the series, it is definitely worth reading Trickster King as book number 10. There are hints to what happens throughout this story, but you really appreciate it after you read the other stories. Plus, this gives a bit more background to Deidre’s mistake (which you find out about earlier), and just makes me hang out to read the next book. Or the next. Or the next. Really, whichever one features Deidre’s romance is going to be an epically amazing one. I hope.

<- RunawayMore R.J. Blain ->

Image source: Smashwords

Runaway by Susan Copperfield

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Runaway
Author: Susan Copperfield
Series: Royal States #8
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I absolutely love that this follows Tom, Ethan’s brother after he is plunged into his role as the heir to California. And all of the craziness that followed Ethan’s abdication and Rachel’s parents’ demise. It’s also fantastic that he has been empathically bonded to Cassandra for a long time, with everyone knowing and just waiting. At first, I thought that their story was honestly going to be a little simpler than Ethan and Rachel. But, it turns out, that it had just as many twists and turns. Actually, I felt a little more unsettled at Cassandra’s story, but also loved her so damn much in the end.

Cassandra is an incredibly sweet and gorgeous lead. And I love that this sweetness is actually what ultimately saves her. Particularly as it is what makes her impossible to manipulate to more devious purposes. I mean, often, being sweet and kind are considered weak traits. But, ultimately Cassandra was able to use her good-nature to protect those that she loves. I personally love that she realised Tom was desperately in need of hugs, and chose to just… hug everyone to stop him from looking special to her somewhat evil parents. Plus, Copperfield is able to highlight that being a giver is actually a really good thing, but something that’s easy to take advantage of.

Even though I couldn’t stand any of the actions of Cassandra’s parents, I really wasn’t expecting the twist of their true motivations towards the end. It gave every single interaction a far more sinister motive and made me feel incredibly uncomfortable. I actually really look forward to rereading this in the future and picking up on some of those many hints. And seeing everything through a different lens. I mean, it’s one thing to have evil parents who are using you for political gain, but the reality is so much worse! Although, I did absolutely adore how Cassandra, her future MIL and Queen Jessica all chose to mess with this plan in the most entertaining ways possible.

I often consider running away to escape the responsibilities of life and being an adult. So I can completely understand why this entire story revolves around the idea of Cassandra and Tom getting in a car and fleeing. We all have a breaking point, and this was a really pleasant way to deal with that point in their sanity. That they can sort out their relationship and future roles in the kingdom in the journey just made it all that much better. I too want to run away and come back with more money and sanity, but, alas, that’s just not likely to happen at any point in my life.

<- Cold FlameTrickster King ->

Image source: Barnes & Noble

Cold Flame by Susan Copperfield

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Cold Flame
Author: Susan Copperfield
Series: Royal States #7
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

Rachel and Ethan are a fantastic couple, one that is completely supportive and work incredibly well together. I love that I knew this story was going to be coming up, because of the hints about them in Bonds. But, their story was way better and sweeter than I was anticipating. I mean, they have a whole lot of obstacles against them, and Rachel’s mental health is incredibly tragic – but, they manage to enjoy one another’s company and just… learn to grow together and support one another.

There are hints to just how horrible the New York Royal family is throughout the Royal States series, but I honestly didn’t quite realise the level to which they are… horrifying. The insidious tendrils of their abuse are woven throughout this entire story, and I love how Rachel works incredibly hard to overcome this. I also absolutely adore the support animals that she has and how they actually work to help her deal with her trauma. The fact that they are animals which I wouldn’t associate with being support animals… even better.

As much as I loved this story, I wanted a whole lot more time with Rachel’s research and the library. I love the idea of a treasure trove of information and all of the points that can be made about inequality with good information. There was so much potential there, and my nerdy brain kind of fixated on this. It also highlighted the amount of intelligence Rachel actually possesses and how attractive a quality this is for both Ethan and herself when they find themselves attracted to one another. Following on with Rachel’s intelligence, I love how she is able to use her hybrid Talent to extinguish a wildfire. And how poignant her points about letting Flameweavers be involved in fire control is.

There are a multitude of societal commentaries throughout this series, but, as usual, it is the powers and the emotional toll of the characters that I adore. I particularly love how her PTSD and trauma is handled with humour, but also highlights just how difficult her journey has been. And that’s not even beginning to discuss just how ridiculously horrible the treatment of refugees is throughout this state of California (but honestly, just globally as a general).

A number of secondary characters throughout this story make me want to dive further into this world. Luckily for me, Terry’s story is told in Iron Unicorn. As is Ethan’s second brother’s in Runaway. But, what I really want out of this series next is Ian’s story. His empathy as a fellow survivor of the New York family is beautiful, and now I want to find his happily ever after and the battles he’ll be forced to face.

<- BondsRunaway ->

Image source: Amazon