Tag Archives: Nalini Singh

Heart of Obsidian by Nalini Singh – a Review

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Heart of Obsidian by Nalini Singh – a Review

Heart of Obsidian

Links to order Heart of Obsidian:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository / Kobo

Description:
A dangerous, volatile rebel, hands stained bloodred.
A woman whose very existence has been erased.
A love story so dark, it may shatter the world itself.
A deadly price that must be paid.
The day of reckoning is here.

From “the alpha author of paranormal romance” (Booklist) comes the most highly anticipated novel of her career—one that blurs the line between madness and genius, between subjugation and liberation, between the living and the dead.

 

Review:

Heart of Obsidian by Nalini Singh is the 12th book in her Psy/Changeling series.  My favorite book in the series (I love them all), was a tie between Slave to Sensation & Kiss of Snow. Notice I said was, though it is close.  I never thought I would love a book just as good or better with the hero being Kaleb Krychek, especially in competition with Hawke or Lucas.  But Heart of Obsidian was simply amazing.  Nalini Singh continues to prove that she is a master storyteller, and in this book she has created a fantastic masterpiece.

Heart of Obsidian is Kaleb Krychek’s story, as we knew it would be after the end of Tangle of Need.  We did not know who was the woman he had found, and what did she mean to him?   We learn early that Sahara Kyriakus (Nightstar) was that woman, someone deep in his past, who turned out to be a fantastic heroine. This book belongs to Kaleb and Sahara, in so many ways.

The book picks up immediately after Tangle of Need, with Sahara transported to Kaleb’s home, where he slowly tries to get her out of a labyrinth shell, which she herself put together during her 7 years in captivity.  Right away you are surprised how gentle, but firm Kaleb is with Sahara.  We know from the start she is important to him, but Sahara does not remember Kaleb.  This is a surprise, as Kaleb has always came across as the most powerful psy; cold, calculating, and extremely dangerous. With Sahara we begin to see a different side of Kaleb, and Nalini does such wonderful job in salvaging him. 

This is not to say that Sahara wasn’t equally as wonderful as Kaleb.  She was awesome, and possibly one of the best heroines in this series.  As Sahara begins to heal, and trust Kaleb, she sees his inner darkness, and knows how dangerous he is. But she also sees the goodness in him and together they will discover each other, as their love grows, and each will heal in their own way.  Kaleb loves Sahara, as he knows she is the only person who can save him.  This was such a beautiful romance, with two damaged people, who lost and found each other. 

It is Sahara who will get Kaleb to reveal his past, and how he came to be what he is.  We learn the horrifying truth of Kaleb being trained by the evil Santano Enrique, and the things he had to endure.  Sahara uses her memory of the young Kaleb, to help show him not everything is dark, and the light inside him is their love.  The fact that Nalini can get us to care about Kaleb is something, but we got to love him, as much or more then many of the other psy/changeling heroes.   Since all the heroes in this series are awesome, this was an amazing feat by Nalini. 

Kaleb and Sahara’s romance is so emotional on every level. As always, the sex scenes were hot and steamy, but there were some added elements of humor that were funny. For example, when Kaleb professed to be a virgin, and after they had hot and heavy sex, Sahara asked him how he knew what to do, or if he tested on someone.  He offered to share his research on the internet for her to read.  Lol

Besides this wonderful romance that pulled on our heart strings, not to mention the intensity, Heart of Obsidian continued the ongoing civil war with the Pure Psy against the Psy Council and Changelings.  Kaleb was the hero throughout, working with his Arrows to save many people from the destruction being done by the Pure Psy.  Though there was a constant worry that Kaleb had other plans, & the extent he would he go to control the Psy net. 

We get to see some of our other favorites like Aden, Vasic, Judd, Mercy, Faith, Vaughn, Nikita, Anthony, and briefly Hawke and Lucas. There was a lot of intense action throughout, with all the factions helping one another to fight the evil Pure Psy. 

The ending was very exciting, with some resolution, as it is a game changer.  However, much is left open to see how this change will affect the Psy & Changelings, and most of all…Silence. There is so much more to learn, and more enemies to defeat, but I can’t wait for what Nalini has in store for us as she reaches the final few books to end this arc. 

Will Silence survive?  Will Sahara be able to keep the darkness inside of Kaleb in control?  Did we learn who is Ghost?  Yes, we did, but you will have to read this book to find out who it is.

Heart of Obsidian is an emotional roller coaster, very intense, exciting, and an amazing romance.  It is this romance that totally surprised me, being so beautiful, so much emotion, and very passionate.  I can’t say enough of Nalini Singh, who has become one of my top favorite authors, how great a writer she is.  Not only can she take a character seemingly unredeemable, dangerous and make him someone we would fall in love with; but she continues to amaze me how she keeps all the details of this complex world so precise, flawless and brings us to an exciting climax still to come.  Bravo Nalini, you outdid yourself in this book!

Reviewed by Barb

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Catching Up With Nalini Singh

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Catching Up With Nalini Singh

Nalini Singh color c Deborah Hillman

The Reading Cafe is thrilled to welcome back Nalini Singh. Next week (June 4th), Nalini will be releasing the 12th book in her wonderful Psy/Changeling series. She is here today to discuss Heart of Obsidian, as well as what else we may have to look forward to in 2013

Before we start the interview, let’s refresh your memory about Nalini.




About The Author Gold and Purple

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh is passionate about writing.  Though she’s traveled as far afield as the deserts of China, the Highlands of Scotland and the temples of Japan, it is the journey of the imagination that fascinates her most.  She’s beyond delighted to be able to follow her dream as writer.  Nalini lives and works in beautiful New Zealand.  Visit the author online at www.nalinisingh.com, www.facebook.com/AuthorNaliniSingh, and www.twitter.com/nalinisingh.

Let’s now talk to Nalini.

 

Interview blue:black

TRC:   Hi Nalini. Thank you for taking the time to revisit us at The Reading Cafe, to discuss your new release Heart of Obsidian, as well as to give us an update as to what you have in store for us in 2013.

Nalini: Thanks for having me!

TRC:  You have just released the 12th book in your Psy/Changeling series.  For those who may not have read this series, would you please give us a brief description of the premise of the series?

Nalini: The Psy-Changeling series is set in a world with three races:

The Psy, who have phenomenal powers of the mind, such as telekinesis and telepathy, but who have conditioned emotions out of themselves in an effort to fight the murderous insanity that stalks them.

The changelings, who are true shapeshifters, as at home in their animal forms as they are in their human form. The two main packs in the series are the DarkRiver Leopards and the SnowDancer Wolves. In contrast to the Psy, the changelings are very tactile and emotional, and blood loyal to their families, lovers, and packs.

Caught between the Psy and the changelings, humans are the weakest of the three races on the surface, but they have an important role to play as the series continues.

Heart of ObsidianTRC: Heart of Obsidian will be released next week, June 4th.  Without revealing all the secrets that have been kept under wrap, while we have been impatiently waiting, can you give us a brief description of this book?  🙂

Nalini: By the time this interview goes live, a two chapter preview of the book will have been posted, so your readers can go straight there to have a read! (http://www.nalinisingh.com/obsidian.php)

The events of this book will slam through the Psy-Changeling world for some time to come. It is a critical episode in the series.

Links to pre-order Heart of Obsidian:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository

TRC: Ok, I’m going to try.  Will Heart of Obsidian reveal who is Ghost?  You do not have to tell us who it is, just a little crumb if we will finally find out who he is?  🙂

Nalini: Yes, you will – in an unexpected way in my opinion. 🙂

TRC:  YES!  🙂

TRC: The last time you were here, you said there was an end to this series arc.  Can you give us an update on this, since this is the 12th book; how many more do we have to look forward to?

Nalini: In my head, I foresee 2-3 more books to end this arc (I’m not sure if 2 books will be enough to tie up all the threads, which is why it might be 3. I won’t know until I sit down to write the books).

However, after that, there will still be plenty to explore in this world and I hope readers will be as interested in doing that as I am.

TRC: We always want to stay in your world.  🙂

TRC: What are your thoughts in regards to continuing the premise of Psy/Changeling with your new arc, and will we still get to see those wonderful characters that we have come to love?

Nalini: Yes, absolutely. I love the sense of family in the series, and I couldn’t totally walk away from all my beloved characters – though you will also be spending time in new places, and meeting new people.

Link to Nalini's Full Booklisting in reading order

TRC: Upcoming in October, 2013, you will release your 6th Guild Hunter book, would you please tell us the premise of Archangel’s Legion?

Archangels LegionNalini: The blurb of Archangel’s Legion is now out! (www.nalinisingh.com/legion.php)

It begins with angels falling from the sky in New York and continues with rivers of blood – Elena and Raphael have a hard, brutal fight on their hands to save their city, but through it all, they work together as a single beating unit.

You’ll also get to see a lot more of Illium, Aodhan, and Naasir in particular.

TRC: What are you currently working on?

Nalini: I’m preparing for my USA/London book tour in June, so I’m working on a few smaller pieces, and making notes for my next Psy-Changeling book, which I’ll begin to write after the tour.

TRC: Thank you, Nalini for answering our questions. We look forward to continuing to read your books, and to work with you in the future.

Nalini: Thanks for the wonderful interview!


Giveaway-mauve

Nalini and her publisher have graciously offered one lucky member of The Reading Cafe one mass market book from Nalini’s backlist. Your choice of one book from Nalini’s first 11 books in her Psy/Changeling series.

1.  You must be a member at The Reading Cafe. If you are not a member, please register using the Log-In at the top of the page, or by using one of our social log-ins.

2.  If you are using a social log-in e.g. Twitter, please leave your email address along with your comment.

3.  Giveaway open to US Only

4.  Contests runs from May 29 to June 3, 2013

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Wild Invitation by Nalini Singh – a Review

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Wild Invitation by Nalini Singh – a Review

wild invitation
Links to order Wild Invitation:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depostory / Kobo

Wild Invitation by Nalini Singh consists of 4 novellas, which takes place in her wonderful  Psy/Changeling world. Below is my review on each novella.

Beat of Temptation

Beat of Temptation is the story of Tamsyn; healer of Dark River Leopards, and Nathan Ryder, a Dark River Sentinel.  This novel was a plethera of different nuances.  At times tender, at times romantic, at times frustrating, and more than a little intense with its emotion.

This story held a unique mood, in that our two main characters knew for several years that they were mates, and yet had not completed the bond.  First Tamsyn was much too young when Nathan knocked upon her door to wish her happy birthday on year, and felt the “pull”.  From then on, he was shadowed by the night the world turned upside down for all the Pack of Dark River.  The night when young Tamsyn beame healer.

Honorable to his core, and loving Tammy for as long as he could remember, Nate fights his inner beasts demands for its mate, struggling to give the woman who is his everything–some semblence of freedom.  Knowing his own level of dominance, and that once the bond was completed she would probably have no more.  Tamsyn on the other hand, wants no such freedom.  And faces her own struggle to make her man see that what she truly needs is Nate by her side, anchoring her with his love.

Can Nate realize the error of his misplaced honor before he loses her forever?   

This short story is one of my personal favorites.  And seeing the soul deep connection of a young Lucas Hunter, with the members of his pack–long before he even became Alpha–was wonderful. 

Stroke of Intimacy

The second addition to Nalini Singh’s novella is titled Stroke of Intimacy–and features a Human teacher named Annie, and a Dark River Leopard named Zach.  

I was the least excited to read this segment, simply because I had only ever heard mention of this couple briefly.  Typically, its the characters I know well from previous installments that draw me into the story; more than ones I know little about.

However, I was pleasantly surprised by how thuroughly entertained I was by this unlikely courtship.  Zach is one of those rare male protaganists that are somehow equal parts dominant, and equal parts tender in the dealings with their woman.  I fell in love with this chraracter instantly…and enjoyed how quickly Zach charmed Annie’s Changeling prejudiced mother into liking him.

The heroine Annie has not had the best example of how a man who truly treasures his lady behaves.  Although cleary falling in love with Zach, she struggles with letting him in completely. 

It was wonderful to witness Zach showing Annie what Changeling love looks like, and Annie learning how to trust.

Declaraton of Courtship

Declaration of Courtship, Nalini’s third segment of the Novella Wild Invitation, also offers a truly unique situation unto the Psy-Changelings world.  In this short story we see Grace; one of the most submissive wolves in the SnowDancer den pursued by a dark, lethally dominant Luietenant named Cooper. 

These two changelings are literally on polar opposite sides of the heirarchy that exists in Snow Dancer.  So one can imagine the utter shock Grace receives when she hears the quietly spoken declaration of Cooper’s plan to “court” her.  There wasn’t a single thing I didn’t emphatically enjoy about this couple’s harrowing journey to come to terms with their differences, in order to achieve love.  

Cooper’s single minded focus, and drive to win the woman who has captivated him.  The lengths with which he goes to show her that their love can overcome the vast gap seperating them in the heirachy.  The gentleness with which he calms her wolf out of it’s fear of his intense dominance. 

I loved how shy, submissive Grace also fights with a strength of will at par with her mate, in order to discover–and heal–the pain Cooper hides from everyone.

This was a highly emotional, and fun filled story.  I applaud Ms. Singh’s ability to give her readers the feeling of a full length novel–with a beginning, middle, and end–in a little over 100 pages. 

Texture of Intimacy

Last but SO not least; is Texture of Intimacy. This is a futhering of Walker Lauren and SnowDancer healer; Lara’s story. The book begins the day after Walker and Lara’s mating bond snaps into place. The timeline is set after the events in Kiss of Snow. It is only ten chapters long. And for one reason alone….I would have paid any price to read it. Walker Lauren.

First, I must convey that although Judd Lauren is my third utmost favorite male character in literature, I am head over heels in love with his brother. I have been fascinated with this stoic, silent, mysterious man since he first stepped onto the pages in Slave to Sensation. I can only state that there is no other character in literature quite like him. Not only is Walker THE most moving character of the Psy-Changelings series for me–hands down, but he is one of the most moving characters in all of fiction. Period. To put it into the simplest of terms….Walker breaks. My. Heart.

I lost count how many times I was moved to tears while learning about the horrors of this man’s past. A lone Psy professor helpless against a twisted society hell bent on turning children into weapons. Walker; issuing out detention under the watchful eye of the other adults…comforting the broken, batterted, sobbing children behind closed doors. Risking everything in order to give them what little rest, and reprieve he could offer. Walker; helpless as the innocence, laughter, and life was beaten from his own brother every day–until all that was left of the Judd he knew was a killing machine. Walker; witnessing the suffering of his sister, as she was forced to relinquish her child to a monster. Walker, powerless to stop his sister’s suicide. Walker, unable to save the niece he had always loved like a daughter. Walker; learning of the termination of his unborn child…silently dying inside, as the viscious cycle began with his other two children.

*rubbing the ache in my chest*

I am staggered with emotion for this character. Depsite the brutal attempt of his handler’s to drive the emotion out of him, Walker continued to feel. Walker continued to protect. Walker continued to act as an anchor for his brother, his niece, Marlee, Toby, and countless other children. I am awestruck by the size of this man’s heart, and the beauty of his soul. He never broke. Never wavered in his ability to supress the chaos going on inside him. Learning, and utilizing his vast telepathic gifts to appear wholly “silent” so that nothing outworldly shown. This survival mechanism was devloped out of desperation, knowing the moment the other Psy learned Walker was not like them, it was over. I liken this man’s strength of will to that of an immovable mountain, and I will FOREVER lament that this phenomenal, once in a lifetime character did not receive a full length novel.

The interactions between Walker and Lara, as they struggle to adjust to the demands of their bond–is heartbreakingly tender. But it was the emotionally poignant interactions between Walker, and Judd that just about did me in. Seperately these two characters could bring a reader to their knees with the pain they have suffered, but together in happy moments? Mr. Iceman Judd Lauren smiling? Laughing? Teasing and making jokes with the brother who never gave up on him? Stone faced Walker Lauren’s cheeks creasing??? GAWD. These moments with the Lauren brother’s were like a soothing balm applied on scorched skin for me.

Texture of Intimacy was a wonderful short story that offers readers previously unknown glimpses into the arrival of the Lauren’s at SnowDancer…and bears the answer to two very important questions. Can a man with the deeply ingrained instinct to close himself off in situations of extreme emotional duress–open himself up completely to the woman he loves? Can the woman with a Healer’s soul penetrate the barrier surrounding her mate’s heart, so that she may become HIS anchor?

I cannot get enough of the Psy-Changeling‘s world created by Nalini Singh, and Wild Invitation was a wonderful treat leading up to the release of the next installment Heart of Obsidian.        

Reviewed by Miranda

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Nalini Singh Exclusive Psy/Changeling Reveal

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Nalini Singh Exclusive Psy/Changeling Reveal

Rumors have been abound about Nalini’s next Psy/Changeling novel.  Will she finally reveal who is Ghost?  We do not have long to wait for this reveal.

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CAFE NEWS and COVER REVEALS

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CAFE NEWS and COVER REVEALS

FORGOTTEN LYRICS by Amanda Hocking

For a limited time only FORGOTTEN LYRICS is a FREE read on Amanda’s website. FORGOTTEN LYRICS is a short story in Amanda’s WATERSONG trilogy.

For ONE week only FORGOTTEN LYRICS is FREE — after that $1.99

Click HERE for your FREE read.

 

And don’t forget LULLABY-the second storyline in the WATERSONG trilogy will be released November 27, 2012

 

TITLE:  Angel’s Dance (Originally found in Angel’s Flight) is being released in Canada/US ebook format

AUTHOR:   Nalini Singh

SERIES:  Guild Hunters

RELEASE DATE:  December 2012

To read an excerpt click HERE







 

TITLE:  Posession

AUTHOR:  Kat Richardson

SERIES: Greywalker

RELEASE DATE: August 2013

 

 

 

TITLE:  Walking Disaster

AUTHOR:  Jamie McGiuire

SERIES:  Beautiful Disaster

RELEASE DATE:  April 2013

 

 

 

 

TITLE:  Dark Secrets

AUTHOR:  Shona Husk

SERIES: N/A novella

RELEASE DATE:  February 2013

 

 

 

 

TITLE:  Eternal Demon

AUTHOR:  Laura Wright

SERIES: Mark of the Vampire

RELEASE DATE:  May 2013

 

 

 


TITLE: Redempton

AUTHOR: Erica Hayes

SERIES: Seven Signs

RELEASE DATE: March 2013

 

 

 

 

 

TITLE: Biting Bad

AUTHOR: Chloe Neil

SERIES: Chicagoland Vampires

RELEASE DATE: August 2013

 

 

 

TITLE:  The Best Thing

AUTHOR:  Jaci Burton

SERIES: Kent Brothers

RELEASE DATE:  December 3, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elisabeth Naughton announced her next ETERNAL GUARDIANS instalment-Book 6-tentatively titled SCORCHED

RELEASE DATE: March 2013

 

 

 


More Sentinels Wars books!

Shannon’s next Sentinels novel, Falling Blind (previously titled Blinding Light), has been scheduled to be released on April 2, 2013! Book seven of the Sentinel Wars, it will feature Rory and Cain, and it will fall right after Dying Wish in the Sentinels Wars’ timeline. More details to follow soon, so stayed tuned!

A new anthology is in the works.

Shannon has joined ranks with New York Times best-selling paranormal fantasy author, Faith Hunter, on the upcoming ROC anthology Kicking It: These Boots Are Made for Walking. A collection of urban fantasy and paranormal romance, the anthology contains stories by the most kickass writers in the business, with the most kickass heroines on the fantasy page. Also joining the ranks will be authors Kalayna Price (with an Alex Craft short story focused on Briar Darque), Rachel Caine, and Chloe Neill. Be sure to check back on Shannon’s website frequently for story updates and release dates


ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN ==> the 8th instalment in Jennifer Estep’s series is called DEADLY STING with a release date of March 13, 2013

 

For all of the ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN series fans, the 9th instalment in Jennifer Estep’s series is tentatively titled HEART OF VENOM with a potential release date of August 2013

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Nalini Singh Cover Reveal

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Nalini Singh Cover Reveal

 

WILD INVITATION: A PSY-CHANGELING COLLECTION BY NALINI SINGH

In “Beat of Temptation“, innocent Tamsyn has always had a place in her heart for Nathan, a blooded DarkRiver sentinel. But is she ready for the fierce demands of the mating bond?

In “Stroke of Enticement”, a wary young teacher, skeptical about love, arouses the man—and the animal—in an aggressive leopard changeling who must prove his affections are true.

Plus NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED In “Declaration of Courtship“, Grace, a shy submissive wolf, finds herself pursued by the last man she ever would have imagined: a SnowDancer lieutenant said to be “mad, bad, and dangerous to know.” Plus NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED

In “Texture of Intimacy“, SnowDancer healer Lara discovers the searing joys—and unexpected challenges—of being mated to quiet, powerful Walker, a man used to keeping his silence.

Releasing: MARCH 2013

Source: Nalini Singh’s Facebook Page

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