Psy-Changeling 24: Atonement Sky by Nalini Singh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This new installment has a much slower start than many of the series with perhaps some of the most challenging hurdles to overcome for the new pairs. While there are other pairings included, the main feature are Eleri and Adam. Their tie to each other is suspect from the beginning, but buried under a decade of anger and regret, leading to a very tense and potentially volatile meeting when Eleri returns to WindHaven territory. While the majority of books in this series have some sort of "impossible" obstacle to overcome, this one returns back to an ongoing problem with the needed for shielding outside of the psynet, and the confirmation (at least within confidential circles) that there are at least certain psy like the J that are at extreme risk if they lose those shields. It's still not a perfect solution, but this is the first real progress that has been seen in this tech, and leaves real hope for the other races. There are a number of allies and agencies working together here, which further proves just how far the world has come, though there are still plenty of dangerous looming ahead still, especially for the psy that are still reliant on the psynet. Some annoyance at the end as well as we have this secondary focus on Adam's second hand and her relationship, but despite suspicions, nothing is confirmed other than that they remain together at the end of this volume.
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Showing posts with label series: psy-changeling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label series: psy-changeling. Show all posts
May 16, 2026
December 29, 2024
Psy-Changeling 20.2: Music in Silence
Psy-Changeling 20.2: Music in Silence by Nalini Singh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a direct sequel to Music in the Rain, though this time we mostly see Zuli and Alejandro themselves with references to their relationships with Zara. There is so much backstory and potential in these shorts that they are thoroughly enjoyable while still leaving the reader wanting for more. Hopefully they will get more stories in the future, be they additional short stories to fill in their tale, or their own spotlight in the main series. The author really got it with just how influential music can be, and how it is different for all those playing or listening to the piece, not necessarily exactly the same.
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September 15, 2024
Psy-Changeling 23: Primal Mirror
Psy-Changeling 23: Primal Mirror by Nalini Singh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a bit different than most of the stories so far with Auden already heavily pregnant at the beginning of the tale, though Remi doesn't seem to pick up on that until their second meeting. The complexities of Auden's psyche and how things unfold with her baby are definitely unique. She's more than a little lucky to have found Remi when she did considering how he takes her in right away and continues to be drawn to her. Can't decide yet if it's convenient or a nice twist how things play out with Liberty and the accelerated fall of the PsyNet. At least for now it seems things are stable, even if not everyone will fit in this new blue web and some reject it, even though Krycheck also reinforces it's okay. It will be interesting to see how they hopefully manage to save the PsyNet after so much continual damage and if the Scarabs will continue to be a problem or if being woven into this new web settles them.
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My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a bit different than most of the stories so far with Auden already heavily pregnant at the beginning of the tale, though Remi doesn't seem to pick up on that until their second meeting. The complexities of Auden's psyche and how things unfold with her baby are definitely unique. She's more than a little lucky to have found Remi when she did considering how he takes her in right away and continues to be drawn to her. Can't decide yet if it's convenient or a nice twist how things play out with Liberty and the accelerated fall of the PsyNet. At least for now it seems things are stable, even if not everyone will fit in this new blue web and some reject it, even though Krycheck also reinforces it's okay. It will be interesting to see how they hopefully manage to save the PsyNet after so much continual damage and if the Scarabs will continue to be a problem or if being woven into this new web settles them.
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March 5, 2024
Psy-Changeling 19.7: Wildcat Blues Part 3
Psy-Changeling 19.7: Wildcat Blues Part 3 by Nalini Singh
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is adorable and with the other two parts of the story, makes up a nicer longer story than we usually get for these shorts. The downside, is that there is no ending. As usual, it looks like they have found their match and will be happy together, but they Zara and Tanner and very much in the just starting out phase planning their first dates and deciding they want to chance a relationship even though she is all city girl and he's a good ol' country boy. The silver lining is in the author's note at the end indicating that these two will most likely make another appearance somewhere in the future. When that future may be and if they will be the stars of the show or a footnote bringing them into another story along the way is anyone's guess.
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My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is adorable and with the other two parts of the story, makes up a nicer longer story than we usually get for these shorts. The downside, is that there is no ending. As usual, it looks like they have found their match and will be happy together, but they Zara and Tanner and very much in the just starting out phase planning their first dates and deciding they want to chance a relationship even though she is all city girl and he's a good ol' country boy. The silver lining is in the author's note at the end indicating that these two will most likely make another appearance somewhere in the future. When that future may be and if they will be the stars of the show or a footnote bringing them into another story along the way is anyone's guess.
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Psy-Changeling 18.1: Wolf Heart
Psy-Changeling 18.1: Wolf Heart by Nalini Singh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This adorable little piece focuses on Toby, who is often more of a side character in the series even when he is in lessons with Sascha for their empathic abilities. Here, he has a new baby cousin and is learning his own place in the pack as a juvenile. Turns out, maybe it's not what he thought it was. Surprisingly, Hawke is the one who seems to help Toby see the light in this snippet. For all that Hawke still seems to make Toby nervous, he is still both family and his alpha.
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My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This adorable little piece focuses on Toby, who is often more of a side character in the series even when he is in lessons with Sascha for their empathic abilities. Here, he has a new baby cousin and is learning his own place in the pack as a juvenile. Turns out, maybe it's not what he thought it was. Surprisingly, Hawke is the one who seems to help Toby see the light in this snippet. For all that Hawke still seems to make Toby nervous, he is still both family and his alpha.
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December 21, 2023
Psy-Changeling 19.6: Mate
Psy-Changeling 19.6: Mate by Nalini Singh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a cute little snippet that hails back to the start of the series with Lucas and Sascha. It's nice to see how devoted these pairs remain even as the series continues to move forward and events change. Naya is another little spot of joy and continues to grow as well. It's nice to see things circle back to the original heart of the pack once in awhile.
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My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a cute little snippet that hails back to the start of the series with Lucas and Sascha. It's nice to see how devoted these pairs remain even as the series continues to move forward and events change. Naya is another little spot of joy and continues to grow as well. It's nice to see things circle back to the original heart of the pack once in awhile.
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September 5, 2023
Psy-Changeling 22: Resonance Surge
Psy-Changeling 22: Resonance Surge by Nalini Singh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
We see more of Arwen and Pavel in this addition to the story along with gaining another new pair in the bear clan. Yakov has a bit of his grandfather's gift, and it turns out maybe some other family member's do as well. Theo and Pax are not your standard Psy either, though Pax does a good job of looking the part most of the time. Theo especially is probably the most human and least entrenched in Silence of all the Psy we've met so far, especially given it's still fairly recent at this point that it fell. The Marshall family especially seems to have more than it's share of secrets, and it doesn't seem to be over yet if that ending with Pax is anything to go by.
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My rating: 4 of 5 stars
We see more of Arwen and Pavel in this addition to the story along with gaining another new pair in the bear clan. Yakov has a bit of his grandfather's gift, and it turns out maybe some other family member's do as well. Theo and Pax are not your standard Psy either, though Pax does a good job of looking the part most of the time. Theo especially is probably the most human and least entrenched in Silence of all the Psy we've met so far, especially given it's still fairly recent at this point that it fell. The Marshall family especially seems to have more than it's share of secrets, and it doesn't seem to be over yet if that ending with Pax is anything to go by.
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January 12, 2023
Psy-Changeling 15.3: A Perfect Moment
Psy-Changeling 15.3: A Perfect Moment by Nalini Singh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was an adorable little snippet just after the pupcubs are born. There are several tender moments mixed with a good deal of humor, and a lot of relatable reality. Even with only one baby at a time, let alone triplets like the pupcubs, everything said describing babies and their interactions with their parents and vice versa is so relatable (aside from the actual shifting part of course). More than a few lines had me chuckling and thinking back on my own children's early years and newborn stages.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was an adorable little snippet just after the pupcubs are born. There are several tender moments mixed with a good deal of humor, and a lot of relatable reality. Even with only one baby at a time, let alone triplets like the pupcubs, everything said describing babies and their interactions with their parents and vice versa is so relatable (aside from the actual shifting part of course). More than a few lines had me chuckling and thinking back on my own children's early years and newborn stages.
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December 30, 2022
Psy-Changeling 21: Storm Echo
Psy-Changeling 21: Storm Echo by Nalini Singh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ivan is a very interesting character and a great addition to the Psy-Changeling universe. He and Lei have more than the usual difficulties to face between the previous Silence protocols, her amnesia, and then the concerns over Ivan's abilities and how his mother's use of Jax and giving him the drug as a child changed his abilities. It would seem though, that the differences in his power may be more hereditary than a result of the drugs, and in his case, could be a clue to how to save the crumbling PsyNet. The ending questions and conclusions are more than a little interesting and very leading. Can't help but wonder between the changes to the PsyNet structure with this new web network and the hints with the Scarab Queen how close or how far we are to getting more answers on either front.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ivan is a very interesting character and a great addition to the Psy-Changeling universe. He and Lei have more than the usual difficulties to face between the previous Silence protocols, her amnesia, and then the concerns over Ivan's abilities and how his mother's use of Jax and giving him the drug as a child changed his abilities. It would seem though, that the differences in his power may be more hereditary than a result of the drugs, and in his case, could be a clue to how to save the crumbling PsyNet. The ending questions and conclusions are more than a little interesting and very leading. Can't help but wonder between the changes to the PsyNet structure with this new web network and the hints with the Scarab Queen how close or how far we are to getting more answers on either front.
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December 29, 2022
The Magical Christmas Cat
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Psy-changeling 3.2: Stroke of Enticement by Nalini Singh
Zach and Annie obviously have a thing for each other right off the bat, though Annie has very obvious trust issues and Zach may be a little too careful of her emotions. In the end it takes a little mental hammering from Mercy for Zach to get the hint, though he obviously hits all the right notes with Annie's stubborn mother. That was a nice bit of surprise given her obvious prejudice towards Changelings early on in the story. This is another story in which one or both sides of the pair may need some obvious healing that their mate helps with rather significantly. Annie also makes our second human mate of the series so far.
Christmas Bree by Erin McCarthy
After all of the fuss about the house being a family heirloom, it's a tad disappointing that Bree seems to suddenly give up so easily. The story is left with a bit of an ambiguous ending however as Abby makes yet another prediction. Not sure if this is part of a series somewhere that finishes the sister's story or if this is just a one time short story.
Sweet Dreams by Linda Winstead Jones
Well that took an unexpected turn. Admittedly, Todd seemed the better candidate originally with all of his "luck" and frequent insistence. At the very least, the guy really can't take a hint. There should have been a lot more actual conversation here, but somehow, it still works with all the secrecy and the demon summoning.
Christmas Heat by Lora Leigh
The breed are an interesting twist - not entirely fitting the usual shapeshifter lore, but not entirely human either. The "mating heat" is a bit much though, especially as it hints that at some point there is no choice and it just continues to get stronger until both sides give in, and then continues even after that to grow stronger and bind them tighter together. Can't say it was my favorite of the shifter stories I've read, but it was interesting for a short story.
Sweet Dreams by Linda Winstead Jones
Well that took an unexpected turn. Admittedly, Todd seemed the better candidate originally with all of his "luck" and frequent insistence. At the very least, the guy really can't take a hint. There should have been a lot more actual conversation here, but somehow, it still works with all the secrecy and the demon summoning.
Christmas Heat by Lora Leigh
The breed are an interesting twist - not entirely fitting the usual shapeshifter lore, but not entirely human either. The "mating heat" is a bit much though, especially as it hints that at some point there is no choice and it just continues to get stronger until both sides give in, and then continues even after that to grow stronger and bind them tighter together. Can't say it was my favorite of the shifter stories I've read, but it was interesting for a short story.
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February 6, 2022
Psy-Changeling 20: Last Guard
Psy-Changeling 20: Last Guard by Nalini Singh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
There were a flow slow segments, but overall this was another great installment to a good series. Canto and Payal are not the average Psy, and not just because one of their designations aren't as widely known or discussed. In a true world of Silence, neither of them should have survived. Their childhood bond proves stronger than ever as they find not just their own happiness, but also work to find a way to save the rest of the Psy race. Things are still looking bleak for the PsyNet, but there's a new hope as well that may at least buy time for answered provided the Scarabs don't manage critical harm.
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My rating: 4 of 5 stars
There were a flow slow segments, but overall this was another great installment to a good series. Canto and Payal are not the average Psy, and not just because one of their designations aren't as widely known or discussed. In a true world of Silence, neither of them should have survived. Their childhood bond proves stronger than ever as they find not just their own happiness, but also work to find a way to save the rest of the Psy race. Things are still looking bleak for the PsyNet, but there's a new hope as well that may at least buy time for answered provided the Scarabs don't manage critical harm.
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January 2, 2022
Psy-Changeling 20.1: Music in the Rain
Psy-Changeling 20.1: Music in the Rain by Nalini Singh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a cute story that shows a more personable side of the Arrows where Zuli and Zaira are basically teasing each other despite the recent fall of Silence and the differences in their Gradients. While there is no direct interaction with Alejandro, the references and back story are enough that it would be great to see these lessons unfold down the line in the series. Hopefully we will see more of these three interacting down the road.
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My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a cute story that shows a more personable side of the Arrows where Zuli and Zaira are basically teasing each other despite the recent fall of Silence and the differences in their Gradients. While there is no direct interaction with Alejandro, the references and back story are enough that it would be great to see these lessons unfold down the line in the series. Hopefully we will see more of these three interacting down the road.
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March 7, 2021
Psy-Changeling 19: Alpha Night
Psy-Changeling 19: Alpha Night by Nalini Singh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A little slow to get going, but once you get to know Ethan and Selenka a bit, you can't help but hope everything works out. Ethan's final designation is a bit of a surprise, but also makes sense when you think about all the small things he picks up on when meeting Selenka's pack for the first time, let alone how seamlessly he fits in. Most Arrows, while respected for being "dominant" are a lot more socially awkward. Definitely some parallels with Ethan and Memory and their histories.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A little slow to get going, but once you get to know Ethan and Selenka a bit, you can't help but hope everything works out. Ethan's final designation is a bit of a surprise, but also makes sense when you think about all the small things he picks up on when meeting Selenka's pack for the first time, let alone how seamlessly he fits in. Most Arrows, while respected for being "dominant" are a lot more socially awkward. Definitely some parallels with Ethan and Memory and their histories.
February 14, 2021
Psy-Changeling 15.2: Baubles & Ben
Psy-Changeling 15.2: Baubles & Ben by Nalini Singh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is just beyond adorable and helps to highlight kids can and should be kids, regardless of if they are changeling or psy in this series. Marlee and Ben are the best of friends, and it's adorable how they stick together. We even get to see a bit of Jude's softer side that is often harder to spot with his Arrow background.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is just beyond adorable and helps to highlight kids can and should be kids, regardless of if they are changeling or psy in this series. Marlee and Ben are the best of friends, and it's adorable how they stick together. We even get to see a bit of Jude's softer side that is often harder to spot with his Arrow background.
Psy-Changeling 15.1: Rowan
Psy-Changeling 15.1: Rowan by Nalini Singh
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Kaleb is in many ways still very socially awkward. However, he then turns around and does something that proves why Sahara loves him so much and that yes, he is a decent person even if he is scary powerful and sometimes rather dark. Kaleb may still be figuring out what it means to have friends, and even extended family in this case, but he seems to be doing fairly well all things considered.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Kaleb is in many ways still very socially awkward. However, he then turns around and does something that proves why Sahara loves him so much and that yes, he is a decent person even if he is scary powerful and sometimes rather dark. Kaleb may still be figuring out what it means to have friends, and even extended family in this case, but he seems to be doing fairly well all things considered.
Psy-Changeling 0.6: Seedlings
Psy-Changling 0.6: Seedlings by Nalini Singh
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a sweet little piece that takes us back to the beginning of the Psy-Changeling series with Tamsyn and Nathan, showing how they grew not just from coming together as a couple, but to when they were both ready to expand their little family and ultimately had the twins. It's a quick read released for free via the author's newsletter, but it's still enjoyable and will bring out a smile.
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Psy-Changeling 19.6: Wildcat Blues Part 2
Psy-Changeling 19.6: Wildcat Blues Part 2 by Nalini Singh
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The race is cute, but Zara's little private pep talks don't seem to be helping her any. Does make one wonder just how fast she is though or how far back Tanner was holding Star in that race to keep her from spooking with Zara's wildcat scent. The cliff hanger on this one is huge. Good thing a Part 3 has already been promised, though who knows when it will arrive.
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Psy-Changeling 19.5: Wildcat Blues Part 1
Psy-Changeling 19.5: Wildcat Blues Part 1 by Nalini Singh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The first bit is a little light banter and ribbing between friends. Then we get to the start of the "farm experience" complete with cow patties and I couldn't stop laughing. How many times have I seen similar expressions on my city friend's faces when they want to go riding and inevitable find a manure pile in the pasture? It's a real thing - happens all the time - and anyone who spends even a smidge of time on a farm that's more used to it hopefully finds the humor in it so it doesn't drive them batty. Tanner sure seems to be amused so far. Looking forward to the next installment.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The first bit is a little light banter and ribbing between friends. Then we get to the start of the "farm experience" complete with cow patties and I couldn't stop laughing. How many times have I seen similar expressions on my city friend's faces when they want to go riding and inevitable find a manure pile in the pasture? It's a real thing - happens all the time - and anyone who spends even a smidge of time on a farm that's more used to it hopefully finds the humor in it so it doesn't drive them batty. Tanner sure seems to be amused so far. Looking forward to the next installment.
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Psy-Changeling 19.1: Beary Tiny Ghosts
Psy-Changeling 19.1: Beary Tiny Ghosts by Nalini Singh
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a cute little short that will make you laugh. On the one hand, Dima knows better on a lot of things, on the other, the cubs really were trying to do something sweet. No wonder it's something the cave will remember and laugh at rather than a true scolding or the cubs getting into any serious trouble.
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My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a cute little short that will make you laugh. On the one hand, Dima knows better on a lot of things, on the other, the cubs really were trying to do something sweet. No wonder it's something the cave will remember and laugh at rather than a true scolding or the cubs getting into any serious trouble.
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February 11, 2020
Psy-Changeling 18: Wolf Rain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another book finished thanks to travel time for work combined with my preference for reading when I have some coherent downtime available. This was a fast read to pick up respectively even with shorter travel time.
Alexei may think his family is cursed, but that's not going to stop Memory. Likewise, Memory may think that she's broken and harmful to the Psy Net, but Alexei isn't going to let that negative view stand. These two end up good for each other on so many levels that it leaves for a very entertaining ride as they both learn about each other and themselves. Both of their pasts will come up to various degrees, and it will take some fast SnowDancer action to keep Memory's past from stealing their future. At the end of the day though, it seems as if Memory could be a rather large missing piece to the puzzle of how to save the Psy Net from total collapse. Time will tell how that continue to unfurl in future books as this world continues to build and evolve with each new installment.
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