Warning: This book includes mature content such as: sexual content, and/or drug and/or alcohol use, and/or violence.
Series: Psy-Changeling #13
Published by Berkley on 3 June 2014
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Pages: 448
Format: Kindle
Source: Kindle Purchase
Assassin. Soldier. Arrow. That is who Vasic is, who he will always be. His soul drenched in blood, his conscience heavy with the weight of all he’s done, he exists in the shadows, far from the hope his people can almost touch—if only they do not first drown in the murderous insanity of a lethal contagion. To stop the wave of death, Vasic must complete the simplest and most difficult mission of his life.
For if the Psy race is to survive, the empaths must wake…
Having rebuilt her life after medical “treatment” that violated her mind and sought to stifle her abilities, Ivy should have run from the black-clad Arrow with eyes of winter frost. But Ivy Jane has never done what she should. Now, she'll fight for her people, and for this Arrow who stands as her living shield, yet believes he is beyond redemption. But as the world turns to screaming crimson, even Ivy’s fierce will may not be enough to save Vasic from the cold darkness…
Shield of Winter is definitely a tipping point in the overall story-arc when it comes to the Psy-Changeling series. Strong characters move the story forward, helped by a tough plot.
Somehow, I had read the book that is after Shield of Winter in this series, but not this one. I was so happy when I realized I had an unread Psy-Changeling book on my kindle just waiting for me to indulge. Vasic is a character who has intrigued me since I was first introduced to the deadly Arrows, and seeing him with a seemingly fragile E psy, one who might be able to save the Psy-Net, made him seem more human somehow.
A lot happened in Shield of Winter, and it all was building on what happened in the prior books, both when it comes to the complex politics and the various storylines and plots that are happening in this series. From the first book in this series, I knew I was going to love it – both because of the very unique concept of the Psy, and the way Singh’s changelings are a bit different from your average shifters. Also, the whole series is set in the future, and that makes a lot of the technology seem plausible, too.
Singh is an expert at bringing together characters that don’t really have a lot in common – at least on the surface. And when Vasic first met Ivy, he was ready to just do his job – protect her with his life if necessary – and that was all. As he got to know the empath, though, he slowly come to realize that there was more to life than being an arrow – even if that was all he knew. I also really enjoyed that several characters from prior books in the series had important roles to play in Shield of Winter, and I especially liked seeing Sascha and Lukas who were the main characters in the very first book.
Between the fast-paced action scenes and the slower pace of characters getting to know each other, there were some very tender, and smoldering hot romantic scenes as well. I found Ivy’s almost naïve joy for life, and her positive optimism and outlook on life to be the perfect counterbalance of the darkness that lived inside Vasic. They were both a bit broken, though, and it was beautiful to see them try to mend each other.
Written in third person point of view, past tense, but with a closer perspective on Vasic and Ivy, the story unfolded in a way that made me completely engrossed from start to finish. There are great dialgoues as well as the narration, and some notes and messages between characters to make the reader have a full view of what was going on.
Insanity, blood-soaked death, murderous aggression, this is the way the Psy were before Silence. No other race, it is said, bred more vicious, more intelligent, or more sadistic serial killers. But worse was the clawing madness that destroyed so many of them, saints and sinners alike, until it became known as the flip side to their incredible psychic gifts.
That, Kaleb would never accept, never permit. The world had taken seven years from them. It would get nothing else.
She stared at him, this woman whose presence caused him physical pain the same way Sascha Duncan’s had. But he wasn’t going to ask for another assignment if Ivy agreed to Krychek’s proposal
It’s great to see that it’s still that good after so many books. I need to read the second (yeah I’m late) but I have it so I know I’ll read it.
I absolutely love this series, Melliane – this and the Guild Hunter series are my faves by Singh.
I LOVE LOVE this series! Though other books like Hawke’s, Lucas’s, Riley’s and Max’s as my favourite in the series, I like all the books in this series. I don’t dislike any one of them. And that happens very rarely.
Great review!! I am so glad you like this series as well. Jill Shalvis and NAlini Singh are my two top favourite authors.
~Priyanka from A Booklion’s Hideaway
Me, too, Priyanka! Nalini Singh always manages to deliver a fantastic story.
I’m ashamed of this, but i’ve never read a book by Nalini Singh. I’ve always wanted to though because a lot of my blogger friends like her books.
I love that the couple is an unlikely one at first, but they realize they have more in common as they get to know each other. Ivy sounds adorable with her positivity. I’ll have to check this series out!
Great review, Lexxie!
Don’t be ashamed, Nick. You definitely have time, so don’t worry about it! And now that both the Psy-Changeling series and the Guild Hunter series are awesome – with several books already out, so you could even binge-read 😀
I really really really should give this series a try. I love some of her Rock Kiss books, but I’ve never read her paranormal. In general I’m not super into paranormal romance, but I think I should step outside my comfort zone.
Oh… you’re a PNR virgin, Quinn? I think Singh’s series may be a great place to start 😀
I’m glad you were able to indulge in another book in this series…I know what a fan of the Psy-Changelings you are. 🙂 I recently picked up book 1 in audio as I’ve always wanted to read this series, especially since you were so fond of it. Reading your review, I’m even more curious about all that’s going on in this series. 😀
**BIG HUGS**
This series is awesome in audio, too, Brandee! I hope you’ll enjoy the first instalment 😀
Twitter: kbaby81
This is one series that I have to get back to. My library always has the next book I need, checked out and the list is a mile long. I hate to skip one or two and come back to them. I would be crazy, so I’ll just have to hop on the holds list.
I bet the list is a mile long for this series, Lekeisha! And yes, reading these in order is better, even if it is possible to read them randomly as well.
Twitter: talksupeblog
I haven’t tried her. I hope she starts a brand new series soon because I don’t think I’ll be able to get caught up with this series. I know she has a rockstar romance out, sadly it’s not my thing.
PS Thanks for the audio book!
Oh my gosh, Braine!! You should definitely try one of her books! And both the Psy-Changeling and The Guild Hunter series are awesome! And really, start with the first book – if you enjoy it, you know you’ll have a whole lot of books lined up 😀
You’re welcome, Braine! I’m glad you were one of my winners 😀
Twitter: Mlsimmons
I really loved this book too. I love both this series and her Guild Hunter series. I still haven’t tried her rockstar romance. I might one day, but I really haven’t had the urge right now. I can’t wait for Allegiance of Honor. Great review.
Me, too, Melanie, and I’m so excited for Allegiance of Honor. I enjoyed her Rockstar romance, but the first book less than the rest…
I have heard so many things about this author that I just know this is going to be a good book. Everyone seems to love her writing! I haven’t read too many books which include shapeshifters as well, so that’s another thing I am pretty excited for. Brilliant review 😀
I absolutely love Nalini Singh, Olivia! Her writing is really good, and I love the character development which is always an important part of the story and plot.
Oh I really need to start this series. I enjoyed her contemporary books and everyone seems to rave about the Psy-Changling series!
It’s so, so good, Samantha!!!
Glad to see you enjoyed this one! It wasn’t my favorite in the series, but still a good one. I liked Vasic’s character a lot, but thought the constantly switching points of view didn’t let us get to know him as well as some of the other heroes in the series.
I loved it – and I thought we’d known Vasic for long enough to not have to be with him all the time, and the same when it came to Ivy. And now, I can hardly wait for the next instalment!!