Monthly Archives: July 2024

Review: Primal Mirror

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Review: Primal MirrorPrimal Mirror (Psy-Changeling Trinity, #8) by Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling Trinity #8
Published by Berkley on July 23, 2024
Genres: Paranormal
Pages: 398
Goodreads
five-stars

FINAL DECISION: This book is simply amazing. I loved the interaction between Auden and Remi. Sometimes, the book reads like a psychological thriller, which is perfect for the story. The Psy-Changeling series is an amazing achievement that keeps getting better.

THE STORY: Remi, the alpha of the RainFire leopard pack, meets Auden Scott, a psychometric Psy with a troubled past. Months after their initial encounter, Remi discovers Auden is heavily pregnant, with no memory of how it happened. Auden, the daughter of former Psy Councillors, has suffered brain damage from her parents’ experiments and experiences memory gaps and personality shifts.

As Auden struggles to protect her unborn child from those who might wish to harm or control them, including members of her own family, she turns to Remi for help. Remi, drawn to Auden, vows to protect her and her baby.

Meanwhile, the PsyNet is on the verge of collapse, adding urgency and complication to their situation. As Remi and Auden grow closer, they must navigate the dangers posed by Auden’s family, her mysterious condition, and the wider crisis affecting the Psy race.

OPINION: I was absolutely captivated by PRIMAL MIRROR, the latest addition to Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling Trinity series. From the moment I started reading, I was drawn into the intricate world Singh has created, and I found myself completely immersed in the story of Remi and Auden.

What strikes me most about Singh’s writing, and PRIMAL MIRROR is no exception, is her incredible strength in character development and the connections she weaves between characters. The web of relationships and interactions between various characters and communities is truly astounding. I found myself marveling at how seamlessly she integrates new characters like Auden into the existing framework while also deepening our understanding of established characters like Remi.

The chemistry between Remi, the strong and protective alpha of the RainFire leopard pack, and Auden Scott, a psychometric Psy with a mysterious past, was electric. I found myself rooting for them from their very first encounter. Their relationship doesn’t exist in isolation, though – it’s beautifully contextualized within the broader tapestry of pack dynamics, Psy politics, and inter-species relations.

Singh’s world-building continues to leave me in awe. With each book, she manages to expand this universe in ways that feel both surprising and inevitable. PRIMAL MIRROR is no exception, adding new layers to an already rich tapestry. I love how she balances intimate character moments with grand, world-shaping events, creating a narrative that feels both personal and epic.

What I particularly enjoyed was how the book seamlessly blended elements of a psychological thriller with the paranormal romance I’ve come to expect from the series. Auden’s struggle with her memory gaps and unexpected pregnancy added a layer of suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t put the book down, desperate to unravel the mystery surrounding her condition.

The ongoing crisis in the PsyNet provided a thrilling backdrop to Remi and Auden’s personal story. It was also a joy to see familiar faces like Lucas, Aden, and Kaleb make appearances, further reinforcing the interconnected nature of Singh’s world.

Ultimately, I closed this book with a contented sigh, thoroughly satisfied yet eager for more. The Psy-Changeling series continues to be my ultimate favorite, and this book is a shining example of why. It’s a perfect blend of scorching romance, heart-pounding action, and intriguing plot twists, all built on a foundation of rich character development and masterful world-building. I’m already counting down the days until I can dive into the next installment of this extraordinary saga.

WORTH MENTIONING: This book wraps up some of the ongoing storyline while opening new avenues for future books.

CONNECTED BOOKS: PRIMAL MIRROR is the 8th book in the Psy-Changeling Trinity series and the 23rd book in the series. This book should not be read as a standalone because it depends upon the series’ mythology. A reader can start with the first book in the Trinity series, but because the entire Psy-Changeling series is so good, I recommend starting from the beginning.

STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

five-stars

Review: The Burning

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Review: The BurningThe Burning (Kate Burkholder, #16) by Linda Castillo
Series: Kate Burkholder #16
Published by Minotaur Books on July 9, 2024
Genres: Mystery
Pages: 320
Goodreads
five-stars

FINAL DECISION: THE BURNING offers a perfect blend of shocking crime, cultural insights into Anabaptist life, and the compelling dynamic between newlyweds Kate and Tomasetti as they solve the case.

THE STORY: Police Chief Kate Burkholder is called to investigate when an excommunicated Amish man, Milan Swanz, is found chained to a stake and burned alive in the woods near Painters Mill, Ohio. The brutal nature of the crime leads Kate to explore deep-rooted aspects of Anabaptist history and traditions, including past persecutions and cultural practices.

As Kate delves deeper into the case, she encounters resistance (again) from the Amish community, who prefer to handle their affairs internally. The investigation takes a personal turn when evidence surfaces that implicates Kate’s own brother in the murder, creating tension between her and her superiors in law enforcement.

Simultaneously, Kate is navigating her new marriage to John Tomasetti. As they work together on this complex case, the investigation’s pressures force them to confront challenges in balancing their personal and professional lives.

The case becomes increasingly complicated as Kate uncovers layers of secrets and motivations within the community. She must navigate the delicate balance between respecting Amish customs and pursuing justice while dealing with mounting pressure from her family ties and her role as Chief of Police.

OPINION: As a long-time fan of Linda Castillo’s Kate Burkholder series, I eagerly anticipated THE BURNING after Kate’s marriage in the last book. I’m thrilled to say it exceeded my expectations. This sixteenth installment is a dark, chilling ride that hooked me from the first page.

What I love most about this series is how Castillo brings the characters to life, and in THE BURNING, she’s outdone herself. Kate Burkholder, our tenacious Chief of Police, feels more real to me with each book. Her recent marriage to John Tomasetti adds a new dimension to her character, and I particularly enjoyed seeing them work together on this case.

The plot revolves around a horrific murder – an Amish man burned alive. Castillo doesn’t pull her punches with the graphic details, but she effectively conveys the brutality of the crime. As Kate delves into the investigation, the tension ramps up, especially when her brother becomes implicated. I was utterly engrossed as the mystery unfolded.

One of the standout aspects of this book for me was Castillo’s skillful exploration of Anabaptist culture. As always, she manages to weave educational elements into the narrative without ever feeling didactic or slowing the pace. I found myself fascinated by the insights into this community, learning about their beliefs and practices in a way that felt organic to the story. Castillo’s approach is consistently respectful, offering a nuanced portrayal that avoids stereotypes or oversimplification. Her meticulous research is evident, bringing an authenticity to the setting that immerses the reader in Kate’s world. This cultural backdrop adds depth to the characters and their motivations, enriching the reading experience.

The pacing was punishing as the action rarely lets up, and I could not put the book down. Castillo’s writing is crisp and efficient, without unnecessary repetition, which I always appreciate. The plot twists kept me guessing, and the action-packed ending kept me on the edge of my seat.

While I love the mystery aspect, the characters in this world keep me coming back to the series. Kate’s growth throughout the books has been a joy to witness, and in this installment, I was particularly impressed by her ability to delegate and lead her team effectively.

In conclusion, THE BURNING is another stellar addition to the Kate Burkholder series. It’s gripping and suspenseful and showcases Castillo’s storytelling prowess. If you’re a fan of police procedurals or crime thrillers with strong female leads, I can’t recommend this book enough. I’m already counting down the days until the next installment!

WORTH MENTIONING: Now that Kate and John are married, I liked seeing that there might be a new romance in the series.

CONNECTED BOOKS: THE BURNING is the sixteenth book in the Kate Burkholder series. The mystery is self-contained; thus, this book can be read as a standalone. The overarching character stories are much better when the series is read in order, but that is unnecessary for those who are only interested in the mystery.

STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

NOTE: I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley in preparing this review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own. I purchased a copy of the book myself after its release.

five-stars