I received this book for free from Netgalley in order to prepare an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

FINAL DECISION: A dark, emotional, and satisfying second-chance romance, ATONEMENT SKY explores pain, guilt, and healing in the way only the Psy-Changeling series can. Eleri and Adam’s story delivers the emotional intensity and character depth that long-time readers crave, while still pushing the series-wide arc forward in meaningful ways.

THE STORY: Justice Psy Eleri Dias knows her time is almost up. Her shields are deteriorating, and psychic burnout is imminent. She travels to Raintree, Arizona, to track a serial killer—but also to confront the one man she’s never been able to forget. Adam Garrett, now wing leader of a group of falcon changelings, was once a teenage boy who opened her heart, and then lost everything. Their reunion is strained, as ten years of pain and misunderstanding sit between them, but the case forces them into close proximity. As they work to uncover a killer, they also unearth long-buried truths about what really happened in the past… and what they still mean to each other.

OPINION: Eleri and Adam had a connection from the start, but were torn apart by events neither could control. A decade later, that connection hasn’t faded, but has only been avoided by both of them. I appreciated that both characters had to change in order to reunite with each other. Adam’s shift from bitterness to open devotion is rewarding. Eleri, meanwhile, learns how to let herself feel again and to choose love, even at great cost.  Adam and Eleri both carry the weight of their past, and I liked that the book allowed them space to work through it. Nothing is easy between them. Adam has to face the consequences of his own assumptions, and Eleri has to reckon with choices she made at a time when she had very little power. I found their journey believable and compelling, especially as they slowly begin to trust each other again. There is real gentleness between them once they move past the anger. Adam and Eleri are sweet together after much pain from their past, and that tenderness gives the story its emotional weight.

The pacing of the book is especially well done. Just when things seem to be going right, the emotional and plot tension ramps up again. The romance unfolds alongside an ongoing murder investigation, and the mystery gives the story momentum. I liked how the case wasn’t just a backdrop. It ties into the broader Psy-Changeling world and ends up providing answers to lingering questions in the series. Singh strikes a strong balance here: the emotional core of the book is the relationship, but the external stakes raise the urgency and keep the story grounded in the larger series arc.

I also really liked that Sasha and Lucas (one of my favorite couples) make significant appearances. For a time, it felt like Singh was using the Trinity arc to move away from the original cast, but I’m glad to see more and more of the original crew returning in meaningful ways. It adds depth, continuity, and emotional weight for longtime readers. That’s especially true of Sophia and Max, whose presence in this book is not just background. They play a critical role, and in many ways, this book gives them a powerful second act. Their story is still unfolding, and I found their scenes just as compelling as the main arc.

WORTH MENTIONING: We finally get an in-depth look at a falcon-shifter clan. Their aerial lifestyle, cultural bonds, and protectiveness add a new dynamic to the changeling world.

CONNECTED BOOKS: ATONEMENT SKY is the ninth book in the Psy-Changeling Trinity series, which continues the overarching Psy-Changeling storyline and is book twenty-four. While this book can be read on its own, readers will get more out of it with some background. BONDS OF JUSTICE (Psy-Changeling #8), which features Sophia as the heroine, offers important context and ties directly into her role here.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

NOTE: I received an eARC of this book via NetGalley in order to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

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.