Review: Atonement Sky

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.


Review: Atonement SkyAtonement Sky (Psy-Changeling Trinity, #9; Psy-Changeling, #24) by Nalini Singh
Published by Berkley on July 15, 2025
Genres: Paranormal
Goodreads
four-half-stars

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.

four-half-stars

Review: It Takes a Psychic

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.


Review: It Takes a PsychicIt Takes a Psychic (Ghost Hunters #17) by Jayne Castle
Series: Ghost Hunters #17
Published by Berkley on June 3, 2025
Genres: Paranormal, Futuristic
Goodreads
five-stars

FINAL DECISION: A fun, fast-paced mix of romance, mystery, and teamwork, IT TAKES A PSYCHIC is everything I love about Jayne Castle’s Harmony books—smart characters, a rich world, and dust bunnies that steal the show.

THE STORY: IT TAKES A PSYCHIC is set on Harmony, a distant planet settled by humans where psychic powers and alien tech are part of everyday life. Leona Griffin is a psychic archeologist who can tell if ancient artifacts are real. When she’s invited to a fancy collectors’ event, she finds a mysterious object called Pandora’s Box—and then stumbles across a murder. She ends up on the run with Oliver Rancourt, a private investigator with his own psychic skills. Together, they head to the spooky town of Lost Creek to figure out what’s going on in that town.

OPINION: Leona and Oliver made a great team. I really enjoyed watching them work together—no unnecessary drama, no games, just two capable people thrown into a dangerous situation and handling it with trust and teamwork. Their connection felt real, and the romance developed naturally alongside the action.

The mystery and suspense kept things moving. There were enough twists to stay interesting, and the stakes felt high without ever getting too heavy. And as always, Harmony is just a fun place to spend time. Castle keeps finding new corners of this world to explore, and it never feels stale.

And then there’s Roxy. The dust bunnies are always a highlight of these books—sometimes even more than the romance—and Roxy is no exception. She’s unpredictable, funny, and totally steals every scene she’s in.

I’ve enjoyed my time on Harmony with its psychic talents and offbeat charm, especially as a longtime fan of the Arcane series. These books are clearly the descendants—maybe even the great-great-grandchildren—of those historical (and contemporary) novels, and I love seeing how that world has expanded.

One thing I’ve always appreciated about Krentz/Castle/Quick is how she writes competency. From her early books in the 1980s to now, her characters know what they’re doing—at work, in danger, and in relationships. That’s true here too. The couple doesn’t just fall in love—they solve problems together. The characters may have a little “extra” with their psychic edge, but they still feel grounded, and honestly, some of her most compelling.

This is the perfect book for summer fun—even if the summer happens to be on another planet.

WORTH MENTIONING: Dust Bunnies!!! I am a sucker for them.

CONNECTED BOOKS: IT TAKES A PSYCHIC is book seventeen in the Ghost Hunters series. You don’t need to read the others to enjoy this one—the story and romance stand on their own—but the world feels richer if you’re already familiar with the series. Longtime readers will catch more of the background and details, and it does pick up where the prior book in the series left off and answers some lingering questions.

STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

NOTE: I received an eARC of this book used to prepare this review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

five-stars

Review: Archangel’s Ascension

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.


Review: Archangel’s AscensionArchangel's Ascension (Guild Hunter, #17) by Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter #17
Published by Berkley Books on May 6, 2025
Genres: Paranormal
Pages: 416
Goodreads
five-stars

FINAL DECISION: Anyone who was disappointed with Aodhan and Illium’s first book finally gets a sequel where the two develop their romantic relationship further. Anyone familiar with the series might guess at the significant event in the book from the title.

THE STORY: Illium and Aodhan get a book that delves into their developing relationship. Readers of the series know that these two longtime friends recognized that friendship had turned to love. The two angels have become more comfortable with their relationship, but still have challenges, especially regarding Aodhan’s past, which is directly confronted in this book as the two deal with building a relationship after trauma.

OPINION: ARCHANGEL’S ASCENSION significantly improves over “ARCHANGEL’S LIGHT. I found that the previous book lacked romantic tension and relied on a weak plot. In contrast, this sequel delivers a compelling story centered on a cold case that mirrors Aodhan’s past trauma. This narrative choice allows Aodhan to finally confront his inner demons with Illium’s support, creating genuine emotional depth between them.

The ascension threat to Illium adds real stakes to their relationship, creating the tension that was missing before. Their connection feels authentic now – Singh has found her voice in writing these two as romantic partners rather than just friends. The glimpses into their future add intrigue without distracting from the main storyline. This book makes ARCHANGEL’S LIGHT better as well because it completes what felt shallow and unconvincing in that book.

I particularly loved the cameos from characters we’ve known and loved throughout the series. Singh weaves in appearances from Elena, Raphael, Dmitri, and Naasir without letting them overshadow Illium and Aodhan’s journey. These familiar faces enhance the story and reinforce the strong bonds that make this series special.

Things are changing in the Guild Hunter World.

WORTH MENTIONING: Readers should be aware that this book deals with the aftermath of sexual and emotional trauma.

CONNECTED BOOKS: ARCHANGEL’S ASCENSION is the seventeenth book in the Guild Hunter series. This book is really the second part of ARCHANGEL’S LIGHT and should be read after that book. The entirety of the series is just better read in order, but ARCHANGEL’S LIGHT is the minimum.

STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

NOTE: I received an eARC of this book from Netgalley which I used to prepare this review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

five-stars

Review: The Witch Queen of Halloween

Review: The Witch Queen of HalloweenThe Witch Queen of Halloween (Immortals After Dark, #18.5) by Kresley Cole
Series: Immortals After Dark #18.5
Published by Valkyrie Press on March 26, 2024
Genres: Paranormal
Pages: 179
Goodreads
five-stars

FINAL DECISION: A fun Halloween romp that just made me smile. Cole proves once again she’s a master at managing her long-running series.

THE STORY: Rök Kours, a smoke demon, and Poppy Dyer, a witch, are mercenaries who end up trapped in a deceased wizard’s house on Halloween. It’s a second chance for these two – their first date ended abruptly when Rok was summoned away and never came back, leaving Poppy with a heap of resentment.

OPINION: THE WITCH QUEEN OF HALLOWEEN packs a punch with its tight narrative and vivid characters. Cole’s creativity seems boundless, throwing in twists, suspense, and laugh-out-loud moments that keep you on your toes. She even sneaks in some pop culture nods and hints at future events.

Rök and Poppy’s relationship sizzles with great dialogue and chemistry. Their banter is top-notch as they tackle the challenges of the “haunted” house. Both are headstrong and passionate, making for an equal and exciting match.

The story is a treat for series fans, tying up loose ends from previous books. It’s cleverly plotted, showing off Cole’s knack for juggling a complex series.

I loved how the forced proximity trope played out here. The adventure is pure fun, and the steamy moments don’t disappoint. Cole has a real talent for creating characters you can’t help but root for.

WORTH MENTIONING: Don’t let the novella label fool you – this story is fully fleshed out with a solid plot and well-developed characters.

CONNECTED BOOKS: THE WITCH QUEEN OF HALLOWEEN is book 18.5 in the Immortals After Dark series. While the story stands on its own, I’d recommend reading the series in order to fully appreciate the Lore. That said, newcomers could still enjoy this as a standalone, though series readers will catch more of the nuances.

STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

five-stars

Review: Primal Mirror

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: Inheritance

Review: InheritanceInheritance (The Lost Bride Trilogy, #1) by Nora Roberts
Series: The Lost Bride Trilogy #1
Published by St. Martin's Press on November 21, 2023
Genres: Paranormal
Pages: 448
Goodreads
five-stars

FINAL DECISION: INHERITANCE by Nora Roberts is a spellbinding start to the Lost Bride Trilogy. It was impossible for me to put down. It is a supernatural romance and mystery centered around a multi-generational tragedy set in a haunted mansion, well-paced and cleverly written.

THE STORY: Graphic designer Sonya MacTavish’s life takes an unexpected turn when she learns that her late father had a twin brother she never knew about. Her newly discovered uncle, Collin Poole, has left her almost everything he owned, including a majestic Victorian house on the Maine coast. The catch? She must live in the house for at least three years. As Sonya begins to unravel the secrets of her family’s past, she discovers that she has inherited far more than just a house – she has also become the key to solving a centuries-old curse.

OPINION: I was absolutely captivated by this story from beginning to end. Roberts created a rich, atmospheric setting in Lost Bride Manor, and I felt as though I was right there with Sonya, experiencing ghostly happenings and unraveling the mystery alongside her. The characters are well-drawn and relatable, particularly the strong bond of sisterhood between Sonya and her best friend Cleo.

The supernatural elements are woven seamlessly into the plot, adding an extra layer of intrigue and suspense. The ghosts that inhabit Lost Bride Manor are not merely there for scares; they each have distinct personalities and roles to play in the unfolding story. From the helpful spirit who tidies up after Sonya to the malevolent presence on the third floor, these otherworldly characters are just as integral to the tale as their living counterparts.

I also really enjoyed the developing romances in this book — yes, there are more than one. Roberts, as always, is amazing at her craft and after reading some rather unsatisfying books, it was great having such a well-written book to read. The story never drags, despite its length, and the cliffhanger ending left me desperately eager for the next installment. I can’t wait to see what awaits Sonya and her newfound family as they continue to unravel the secrets of the past.

WORTH MENTIONING: The book ends on a cliffhanger, so if you prefer a more conclusive ending, you may want to wait until the following two books in the series are published and read them consecutively.

CONNECTED BOOKS: INHERITANCE is the first book in the Lost Bride Trilogy.

STAR RATING: I give this book an 5 stars.

five-stars

Review: People in Glass Houses

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.


Review: People in Glass HousesPeople in Glass Houses (Ghost Hunters, #16) by Jayne Castle
Series: Ghost Hunters/Harmony #16
Published by Berkley on May 7, 2024
Genres: Paranormal, Futuristic
Goodreads
five-stars

FINAL DECISION: PEOPLE IN GLASS HOUSES is a very enjoyable entry in the Ghost Hunters series, offering a well-balanced mix of romance, mystery, and paranormal elements. Castle’s engaging characters, intricate plot, and unique setting make for an enjoyable read that will satisfy fans of the series and attract new readers to the world of Harmony.

THE STORY: Joshua Knight, the disgraced explorer now known as the Tarnished Knight, seeks refuge in a remote, mirror-filled mansion after a disastrous expedition in the Underworld’s Glass House sector. With his psychic senses shattered and memories lost, he is determined to uncover the truth behind his team’s disappearance.

Molly Griffin, a gifted crystal artist, believes Josh holds the key to finding her missing sister, Leona, who was part of the ill-fated expedition. She arrives at the mansion, ready to help Josh regain control of his abilities, but she must abide by his rules: stay away from the basement and leave the draped mirrors undisturbed.

OPINION: Castle’s masterful world-building and skillful storytelling create an immersive experience from the very first page. The author knows the rules of this world well, and thus, it feels as real as her contemporary books. The plot, filled with secrets and supernatural elements, keeps readers engaged and guessing until the end.

One of the greatest strengths of this novel lies in its characters. Molly and Josh are both incredibly likable and relatable, each with their own unique personalities, flaws, and motivations. As they spend nearly the entire book together, Castle allows ample time for their relationship to develop organically. The initial tension between them gradually transforms into a deep, genuine connection that feels both earned and satisfying.

The dynamic between Molly and Josh is electric, their personalities clashing and complementing each other in equal measure. Castle expertly weaves together their individual struggles and shared goals, creating a compelling and emotionally resonant relationship.

The presence of Newton, Molly’s loyal and adorable dust bunny companion, adds a delightful touch of humor and warmth to the story, as dust bunnies always do.

WORTH MENTIONING: Gabriel Jones and Lucy Bell, characters from the previous book GUILD BOSS, make an appearance as Molly works on their wedding celebration. This nice tie-in rewards longtime readers and adds depth to the interconnected world of Harmony.

CONNECTED BOOKS: PEOPLE IN GLASS HOUSES is the sixteenth book in the Ghost Hunters/Harmony series. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, starting from earlier books is recommended to provide a richer understanding of the Harmony universe and its inhabitants.

STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

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

five-stars

Review: Archangel’s Lineage

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.


Review: Archangel’s LineageArchangel's Lineage (Guild Hunter, #16) by Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter #16
Published by Berkley on April 23, 2024
Genres: Paranormal
Goodreads
five-stars

FINAL DECISION: ARCHANGEL’S LINEAGE feels like the end of an era, wrapping up major storylines while leaving the door open for potential future developments. Nalini Singh has crafted an emotionally charged and gripping tale that will leave fans of the series both satisfied and eager for more.

THE STORY: Raphael and Elena are finally experiencing a year of true peace, free from the horrors of war and archangelic power. However, their tranquility is shattered when the earth beneath the Refuge begins to tremble, endangering the fragile young of angelkind and the sanctuary that has kept them safe for eons.

Amidst the chaos, Elena’s father suffers a violent heart attack, threatening to extinguish their last chance to heal the wounds of their shared past. As Elena battles grief, Raphael is torn from her side by the sudden disappearance of an archangel. To make matters worse, an ancient Ancestor awakens from his slumber to warn the Cadre of a darkness so terrible that it causes empires to fall and civilizations to vanish.

OPINION: ARCHANGEL’S LINEAGE is a fitting return to Raphael and Elena’s story and feels like it could possibly serve as the series’ conclusion. The world is unsettled, with quakes and natural disasters plaguing the globe, and the couple must strive to protect their people and the failing natural barrier of the Aire.

Nalini Singh masterfully blends action, suspense, and character development, creating a riveting story that keeps readers engaged until the very end. The exploration of Elena’s mortality and her relationships with her human family adds depth and emotional weight to the narrative.

The introduction of new characters, such as the enigmatic Ancestor, and the emergence of a secondary story involving a former Guild character and a mysterious vampire add fresh elements to the well-established world.

This book really feels like a conclusion to the initial story of the series. In Singh’s skilled hands, the narrative ties up loose ends and provides a sense of closure for the characters and their arcs while still leaving room for potential future developments. In Singh’s Psy-Changeling series, she made a deliberate pivot to end the initial “Season” and move into new stories. This book can operate in the same way. It feels like much is resolved. If she intends to continue the series, I hope this opens new stories and characters for exploration.

WORTH MENTIONING: The book provides satisfying updates on couples from previous books, such as Titus and Lady Sharine, and offers glimpses into the lives of the growing children in the series.

CONNECTED BOOKS: ARCHANGEL’S LINEAGE is the sixteenth book in the Guild Hunters series. To fully appreciate the character development, story arcs, and satisfying wrap-ups provided in this installment, it is essential to read the previous books in the series. While ARCHANGEL’S LINEAGE offers some context, the emotional impact and the significance of the resolutions will be most keenly felt by those who have followed the series from the beginning.

STAR RATING:  I give this book a well-deserved 5 stars for its perfect blend of action, romance, and emotional depth and for the satisfying resolution it offers to the series’ fans.

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

five-stars

Review: Twilight

Review: TwilightTwilight (Twilight, #1) by Stephenie Meyer
Series: Twilight Saga #1
Published by Little Brown Books for Young Readers on July 18, 2007
Genres: Paranormal
Pages: 513
Goodreads
three-half-stars

FINAL DECISION: TWILIGHT has a story built on numerous tropes that are universal; however, the first-person narrative centered on Bella’s teenage introspection occasionally lacks depth and frankly is annoying (as sometimes teenagers are) yet still encapsulates universal struggles of identity and love.

THE STORY: Bella Swan’s story begins as she relocates to Forks, a rain-soaked and unassuming town in Washington state, to live with her father, Charlie. At her new high school, she finds herself initially out of place and a bit of a loner, but she catches the attention of the mysterious and captivating Edward Cullen, whose pale skin and remarkable features set him apart. Despite Edward’s initial attempts to distance himself from Bella due to the inherent danger his vampire nature poses to her, their connection grows stronger. Bella’s curiosity and Edward’s eventual inability to stay away lead them into a whirlwind romance and, ultimately, danger for Bella.

OPINION: TWILIGHT is the story of an ordinary girl who encounters an extraordinary world. It is essentially the most incredible high school story that we have seen again and again — new awkward girl falls for the high school quarterback. Harkening to those stories gives this a universal essence while everything else is pushed to a new limit with the inclusion of vampires (and werewolves). The unlikely connection between Bella and Edward in an intensely romantic (but not sexual), relationship filled with tension and angst.

Meyer skillfully builds their bond, juxtaposing Bella’s human vulnerability against the peril to her of Edward’s vampire existence. This central romance evolves in an interesting manner despite the first-person narrative focusing solely on Bella’s limited perspective. Bella’s character lacks some depth and complexity, often her feelings are defined by her reactions to Edward’s actions. Just when things seem to working for Bella and Edward, external threats emerge, including vicious vampires without the Cullens’ restraint. The book feels cinematic with big set pieces linked together by pages of description and dialogue and Bella’s internal monologue that I ended up skimming on this re-read.

TWILIGHT explores universally relatable coming-of-age experiences – grappling with identity, the exhilaration of first love, and learning to embrace the unconventional. These themes transcend genres and capture the essence of adolescent adversity and longing. Ultimately the most compelling part of this book is the interweaving the ordinary realism of small-town life with the tantalizing allure of vampire fantasy.

WORTH MENTIONING: I liked the movie more than the book.

CONNECTED BOOKS: TWILIGHT is the first book in the Twilight Saga.

STAR RATING: I give this book 3.5 stars.

three-half-stars

Review: Resonance Surge

Review: Resonance SurgeResonance Surge (Psy-Changeling Trinity, #7; Psy-Changeling, #22) by Nalini Singh
Published by Berkley on July 18, 2023
Genres: Paranormal
Pages: 384
Goodreads
five-stars

FINAL DECISION: I absolutely adored this book. The StoneWater bears have been a highlight in the Trinity series and this book is no exception.

THE STORY: Theodora Marshall is an unremarkable low-gradient Psy, often disregarded by everyone except her fiercely powerful twin brother, Pax. But in their venomous family, Pax’s trust in her is unwavering, making Theo the sole person he confides in. The only person Pax entirely trusts, he sends Theo to investigate a hidden chapter of their family’s history—an unregistered rehabilitation center initiated by their grandfather.

These Centers, remnants of the Psy silent past, are infamous for inflicting unimaginable pain, psychically erasing the minds of their unfortunate victims, rendering them empty shells. As Theo delves into the truth, she finds herself accompanied by Yakov, the right-hand man in the StoneWater clan. A scowling bear of a man who bears a lineage of foreseers, Yakov is skeptical of Theo, and the fact that he has dreamed of her since he was sixteen is both attractive and dangerous for Yakov. In Yakov’s visions, he witnesses Theo’s fate—a chilling and relentless surge of blood that seemingly cannot be stopped. Despite the grim foreboding, Theo presses on, determined to reveal the unsettling secrets of the Center and confront the terrifying legacy of her family’s past.

OPINION: I loved this book and its characters. The StoneWater bears have been a highlight in the Trinity series, and this book is no exception. Readers are treated in this book to two romances. Not only do we get Yakov and Theo, but the book continues the Trinity romance between Arwen and Pavel. As both Thea and Takov are twins, I very much enjoyed how both sets of twins are central to this story. No one does family and community like Singh. The characters are always in relation to others — not only the romance but friends and family. These connections always give Singh’s stories depth and interest. These are not autonomous people who can do whatever they want. Like all of us, they have constraints upon them if they want to live in relation to others.

This series has plenty of Changeling-Psy pairings, but it is the individuals that make each one unique. I loved Thea and Yakov. Yakov is a strong bear, but also an incredibly caring bear. His connection with Thea is deep, which is important because of her history. The Psy-Changeling series always messages that people are complex and complicated. No characters are easy stereotypes.

Thea is a woman haunted by a past that she only knows in the shadows. Damaged because of treatment by her father, Thea struggles with guilt and anger. In contrast to the era of Silence, Singh’s world values characters with all their flaws and limitations. Sometimes in series with characters with amazing powers, value is placed merely upon those with power and uniquely valuable attributes. Singh’s characters are often flawed and damaged by their pasts. And yet — or because of this — the characters are valued by those in the community.

I always am comforted by Singh’s world because there is an underlying decency and goodness where these characters dwell. Love is valued, relationship is valued, and both community and individuality are valued.

The romance here is sexy, but also just feels like a warm hug. Thea needs warmth and caring, and that is what Yakov provides. Definitely strong, but incredibly decent and a man that one just wants to cuddle up with.

The overarching story of Trinity is not advanced much here. There is a sense that some of the major players (perhaps Pax Marshall, who is Thea’s brother) need to move into position for the next act in the story. I’m not sure how long the Trinity movement of the Psy-Changeling series will last, but clearly, something major will be coming soon.

WORTH MENTIONING: Kaleb. That’s all.

CONNECTED BOOKS: RESONANCE SURGE is the seventh book in the Psy-Changeling Trilogy series. The book is also the twenty-second in the Psy-Changeling series. This book should be read as a part of the series. While I recommend starting from the beginning, a reader can start with the first book in the Psy-Changeling Trilogy series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

NOTE: I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley to prepare a review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

five-stars