Allegiance of Honor (Psy-Changeling, #15) by Nalini Singh Published by Berkley on June 14th 2016
Genres: Paranormal
Pages: 496
Goodreads
Must Read for Any Psy-Changling Fan
“The world has changed in countless ways since the day a cardinal empath sat across from a changeling alpha, the empath trying to hide her emotions, the alpha trying to see under her skin.”
FINAL DECISION: The Psy-Changling book I will return to again and again, ALLEGIANCE OF HONOR not only is a window into the lives of the engrossing characters that Singh has created but also the book’s ensemble format itself demonstrates the themes of the bonds of love, friendship and respect that differing groups and people can build in order to create a better world.
THE STORY: ALLEGIANCE OF HONOR is a different book from the others in the Psy-Changling series and in paranormal romance in general. It does not have one central romance rather it is the last book in “Season 1” of the Psy-Changling series, an ensemble piece, which touches on almost all of the characters who appeared in the first 14 books of the series (and the novellas as well!).
The story picks up right after SHARDS OF HOPE. Silence has fallen and the three powers in the world (Changling, Psy and Human) have joined forces in the Trinity accord. The alliances the various groups are fragile and there is a shadowy Consortium which is working against Trinity in order to advance its own interests.
Naya, the young daughter of Sasha and Lucas (from book 1 SLAVE TO SENSATION) is the first Psy-Changling child and has become the focus of those who want to defeat Trinity and keep the races separate. Naya is a symbol that some look to as hope and some want to control or destroy.
OPINION: A tapestry that depicts a wide swath of the Psy-Changling world, ALLEGIANCE OF HONOR is simply magnificent. In a series which is founded upon crossing boundaries and making connections between disparate groups, this novel itself by its vignette nature demonstrates the power and beauty of the entirety of that interwoven world. I love how the shifting points of view and small and big moments come together to provide the widest and most comprehensive view of the Psy-Changling world.
What I found incredibly powerful about this book is that Singh managed to take what might otherwise be merely an extended epilogue to the series without any other value other than good feelings and instead makes it a compelling conclusion to “part 1” of the Psy-Changling series and a kickoff to a whole new adventure.
Readers who had lingering questions about the series both big and small will get answers here and also get a good sense of where the series goes from here. A pivot point in the series, it allows readers who have persevered through the prior fourteen books to get a conclusion while making it clear that there are new challenges and new characters ahead.
A reader could end their reading of the Psy-Changling series here (BUT WHY WOULD YOU?) and be completely fulfilled and satisfied because this book resolves almost everything central (and many tangential) to the main series. There are lingering issues which will kick off the next part of the series but nothing that will haunt people for years. This series is so incredible that there is no reason not to highly anticipate what will happen next. I can’t wait to see what Singh will do next in the Psy-Changling world.
There is something in this book for anyone who has read the series. Stories of just about everyone are progressed demonstrating how fluid this world is. Intense joy, happiness and immense sadness are all present here.
If I have a suggestion for anyone getting ready to read this book — avoid spoilers. Part of the beauty of this book is how the stories develop in somewhat unexpected ways.
I love this book and intend on reading it again soon — maybe today. Immensely fulfilling and I couldn’t imagine how it could have been better!
WORTH MENTIONING: Pupcubs!!!
CONNECTED BOOKS: ALLEGIANCE OF HONOR is the fifteenth book in the Psy-Changling series. Because this book assumes knowledge about the characters and events of the series, it should only be read after the other books.
STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in order to provide a review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.