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fishgirl182's review against another edition
3.0
Echo of Silence
3 stars
Ever since Singh first mentioned the Alaris deep-sea station (I can’t remember when this was), I hoped that she would write a story that gave us a closer look at this unusual setting and its unique occupants. She finally does so in this sweet novella about Stefan, a Psy/TK, and Tazia, a human working on the station. Though Tazia is human, she is a lot like Stefan. Estranged from her family, Tazia lives a very lonely life aboard Alaris. As a Psy and former Arrow, Stefan has learned to keep a tight leash on his emotions. However, when the two end up working together to help rebuild a village, their attraction reaches a breaking point which neither can ignore. I loved seeing Tazia break through Stefan’s cool exterior and bring out the heat in him. It was kind of a bummer that they had to hide their relationship on the ship but I still really enjoyed this sweet story.
Dorian – 4 stars
Dorian is one of my most favorite characters in the Psy-Changeling series. I loved his book and I am always happy to get a glimpse of what he and Ashaya have been up to. This story starts back when Dorian is a juvenile and follows him as he deals with his latency. I loved seeing how Dorian turns something that could cripple him into the motivation to excel. It was really fun seeing the rest of the pack as youngsters, too, as they learn and train together. The last part of the story takes shows us what happens when Dorian learns that he can finally shift. He has to learn how to move and think in his cat body after years of being unable to shift. My favorite part of this novella was seeing Lucas’s and the other sentinels’ reaction to Dorian’s cat. It’s just really sweet and reinforces how much of a family all of the packs are.
Partners in Persuasion – 3 stars
I am pretty sure that this is the first non-dominant male/dominant female relationship in the Psy-Changeling series. Overall I enjoyed this one. Dezi and Felix are both really fun characters and I liked seeing how the relationship worked once the roles were reversed. Giving it a slightly lower score because, while it was fun, it’s not super memorable.
Flirtation of Fate – 4 stars
I was really excited to finally get Kenji and Garnet’s story. They’ve been popped in and out of the series for years now and Singh even teased us a bit with a short excerpt from their story, which made me want to read it even more. Kenji broke Garnet’s heart and her 18th birthday but the two have remained friends. Kenji has tried to keep Garnet at arm’s length but it’s proving harder and harder as time goes on and Kenji has to decide if he’s willing to risk telling Garnet the truth of why he broke her heart all those years ago.
I always enjoy stories about lovers coming back together and there’s so much history between Garnet and Kenji. I was a little frustrated with Kenji because, while I understood his reason for breaking it off with Garnet, I think he should have told her the truth a long time ago. Keeping it from her caused them both needless pain and heartache. Of course I don’t think they story would have been quite as compelling had they made up right after their first fight but he could have done it a little sooner. It was very satisfying to see these two finally get their HEA.
Partners in Persuasion – 3 stars
I am pretty sure that this is the first non-dominant male/dominant female relationship in the Psy-Changeling series. Overall I enjoyed this one. Dezi and Felix are both really fun characters and I liked seeing how the relationship worked once the roles were reversed. Giving it a slightly lower score because, while it was fun, it’s not super memorable.
Flirtation of Fate – 4 stars
I was really excited to finally get Kenji and Garnet’s story. They’ve been popped in and out of the series for years now and Singh even teased us a bit with a short excerpt from their story, which made me want to read it even more. Kenji broke Garnet’s heart and her 18th birthday but the two have remained friends. Kenji has tried to keep Garnet at arm’s length but it’s proving harder and harder as time goes on and Kenji has to decide if he’s willing to risk telling Garnet the truth of why he broke her heart all those years ago.
I always enjoy stories about lovers coming back together and there’s so much history between Garnet and Kenji. I was a little frustrated with Kenji because, while I understood his reason for breaking it off with Garnet, I think he should have told her the truth a long time ago. Keeping it from her caused them both needless pain and heartache. Of course I don’t think they story would have been quite as compelling had they made up right after their first fight but he could have done it a little sooner. It was very satisfying to see these two finally get their HEA.
Final thoughts:
Short stories can often be hit or miss for me. In general, I tend to like Singh’s shorts because I am already so familiar with the world and the characters. While you don’t get quite the punch you do with a full length Nalini Singh novel, these novellas a nice, quick read that will hold over die hard Psy-Changeling fans until the next book. Singh’s writing is great, as always, if a bit abbreviated. I probably would not recommend this if you haven’t already read at least a few books in the series. They’ll still be fun if you do but I don’t think you will get as much out of them.
For me, my favorite stories were Dorian’s and then Kenji and Garnet’s. Now comes the long wait until the next Psy-Changeling book…
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affected my review or opinion of the book.
3 stars
Ever since Singh first mentioned the Alaris deep-sea station (I can’t remember when this was), I hoped that she would write a story that gave us a closer look at this unusual setting and its unique occupants. She finally does so in this sweet novella about Stefan, a Psy/TK, and Tazia, a human working on the station. Though Tazia is human, she is a lot like Stefan. Estranged from her family, Tazia lives a very lonely life aboard Alaris. As a Psy and former Arrow, Stefan has learned to keep a tight leash on his emotions. However, when the two end up working together to help rebuild a village, their attraction reaches a breaking point which neither can ignore. I loved seeing Tazia break through Stefan’s cool exterior and bring out the heat in him. It was kind of a bummer that they had to hide their relationship on the ship but I still really enjoyed this sweet story.
Dorian – 4 stars
Dorian is one of my most favorite characters in the Psy-Changeling series. I loved his book and I am always happy to get a glimpse of what he and Ashaya have been up to. This story starts back when Dorian is a juvenile and follows him as he deals with his latency. I loved seeing how Dorian turns something that could cripple him into the motivation to excel. It was really fun seeing the rest of the pack as youngsters, too, as they learn and train together. The last part of the story takes shows us what happens when Dorian learns that he can finally shift. He has to learn how to move and think in his cat body after years of being unable to shift. My favorite part of this novella was seeing Lucas’s and the other sentinels’ reaction to Dorian’s cat. It’s just really sweet and reinforces how much of a family all of the packs are.
Partners in Persuasion – 3 stars
I am pretty sure that this is the first non-dominant male/dominant female relationship in the Psy-Changeling series. Overall I enjoyed this one. Dezi and Felix are both really fun characters and I liked seeing how the relationship worked once the roles were reversed. Giving it a slightly lower score because, while it was fun, it’s not super memorable.
Flirtation of Fate – 4 stars
I was really excited to finally get Kenji and Garnet’s story. They’ve been popped in and out of the series for years now and Singh even teased us a bit with a short excerpt from their story, which made me want to read it even more. Kenji broke Garnet’s heart and her 18th birthday but the two have remained friends. Kenji has tried to keep Garnet at arm’s length but it’s proving harder and harder as time goes on and Kenji has to decide if he’s willing to risk telling Garnet the truth of why he broke her heart all those years ago.
I always enjoy stories about lovers coming back together and there’s so much history between Garnet and Kenji. I was a little frustrated with Kenji because, while I understood his reason for breaking it off with Garnet, I think he should have told her the truth a long time ago. Keeping it from her caused them both needless pain and heartache. Of course I don’t think they story would have been quite as compelling had they made up right after their first fight but he could have done it a little sooner. It was very satisfying to see these two finally get their HEA.
Partners in Persuasion – 3 stars
I am pretty sure that this is the first non-dominant male/dominant female relationship in the Psy-Changeling series. Overall I enjoyed this one. Dezi and Felix are both really fun characters and I liked seeing how the relationship worked once the roles were reversed. Giving it a slightly lower score because, while it was fun, it’s not super memorable.
Flirtation of Fate – 4 stars
I was really excited to finally get Kenji and Garnet’s story. They’ve been popped in and out of the series for years now and Singh even teased us a bit with a short excerpt from their story, which made me want to read it even more. Kenji broke Garnet’s heart and her 18th birthday but the two have remained friends. Kenji has tried to keep Garnet at arm’s length but it’s proving harder and harder as time goes on and Kenji has to decide if he’s willing to risk telling Garnet the truth of why he broke her heart all those years ago.
I always enjoy stories about lovers coming back together and there’s so much history between Garnet and Kenji. I was a little frustrated with Kenji because, while I understood his reason for breaking it off with Garnet, I think he should have told her the truth a long time ago. Keeping it from her caused them both needless pain and heartache. Of course I don’t think they story would have been quite as compelling had they made up right after their first fight but he could have done it a little sooner. It was very satisfying to see these two finally get their HEA.
Final thoughts:
Short stories can often be hit or miss for me. In general, I tend to like Singh’s shorts because I am already so familiar with the world and the characters. While you don’t get quite the punch you do with a full length Nalini Singh novel, these novellas a nice, quick read that will hold over die hard Psy-Changeling fans until the next book. Singh’s writing is great, as always, if a bit abbreviated. I probably would not recommend this if you haven’t already read at least a few books in the series. They’ll still be fun if you do but I don’t think you will get as much out of them.
For me, my favorite stories were Dorian’s and then Kenji and Garnet’s. Now comes the long wait until the next Psy-Changeling book…
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affected my review or opinion of the book.
angels_gp17's review against another edition
5.0
I loved all four novellas in this book. Wild Embrace is a wonderful treat to pass the time; before the next release in the Psy-Changeling series.
Echo of Silence - Rated 4 Stars
This one occurs after Visions of Heat. It pairs Stefan a Psy and Tazia a human. Silence hasn’t fallen yet, so for a Psy to feel is a death sentence.
This little novella gives us a peek into Alaris the deep sea station where all three races work together, but most of the story is topside. I liked that we got to see a Human/Psy paring. We haven’t had much of the human element in the series.
I found Echo of Silence to be a sweet read.
Dorian - 5 Stars
This one spans a number of years in Dorian’s life. We get to see him as a cub, as a teenager, and as an adult. Plus we are treated to teenage Lucas and the other Sentinels, who aren’t Sentinels yet. In this one we learn about his strength, his tenacity and most of all how important pack bonds really are.
The cat comes out to play.
Partners in Persuasion - 4 Stars
This one begins at the end of Tangle of Need. We get to see the pairing of a wolf and leopard changeling. The author explores the dynamics of a dominant and submissive mating together. The mixing of shifters is still new in the world and there are issues to over come add in a dominant and submissive pairing and you have a whole other thing to work through.
Drezi and Felix where sweet together as they try to work out how they can be together. I enjoyed this little novella.
Flirtation of Fate - 5 Stars
This one takes place near the end of Heart of Obsidian. Kenji and Garnet have been teasing us throughout the series. It’s a second chance romance along with a mystery to solve. He craves her and she craves him, but the past is hard to get over. These two constantly play games, but now they have to work together to solve the murder and in doing so maybe find that second chance at love.
This one was another wonderful addition to read.
Echo of Silence - Rated 4 Stars
This one occurs after Visions of Heat. It pairs Stefan a Psy and Tazia a human. Silence hasn’t fallen yet, so for a Psy to feel is a death sentence.
This little novella gives us a peek into Alaris the deep sea station where all three races work together, but most of the story is topside. I liked that we got to see a Human/Psy paring. We haven’t had much of the human element in the series.
I found Echo of Silence to be a sweet read.
Dorian - 5 Stars
This one spans a number of years in Dorian’s life. We get to see him as a cub, as a teenager, and as an adult. Plus we are treated to teenage Lucas and the other Sentinels, who aren’t Sentinels yet. In this one we learn about his strength, his tenacity and most of all how important pack bonds really are.
The cat comes out to play.
Partners in Persuasion - 4 Stars
This one begins at the end of Tangle of Need. We get to see the pairing of a wolf and leopard changeling. The author explores the dynamics of a dominant and submissive mating together. The mixing of shifters is still new in the world and there are issues to over come add in a dominant and submissive pairing and you have a whole other thing to work through.
Drezi and Felix where sweet together as they try to work out how they can be together. I enjoyed this little novella.
Flirtation of Fate - 5 Stars
This one takes place near the end of Heart of Obsidian. Kenji and Garnet have been teasing us throughout the series. It’s a second chance romance along with a mystery to solve. He craves her and she craves him, but the past is hard to get over. These two constantly play games, but now they have to work together to solve the murder and in doing so maybe find that second chance at love.
This one was another wonderful addition to read.
claire_loves_books's review against another edition
3.0
This was a bit mixed for me, I really liked Stephen and Tazia's story, Dorian's Story was a bit dull, it was just filling in a few blanks rather than being new and exciting, I liked Felix and Dezi's story, it's nice to see the dominant submissive thing being reversed (although I actually dislike the predetermined dominants thing, it seems to give some characters the licence to be overbearing and pushy and just blame it on their changeling natures). I didn't like Kenji and Garnet's story, the mystery of what happened and messed up their relationship years ago annoyed me.
abrittlebee's review against another edition
4.0
I have read this anothology before, but coming off a really not so great book, I needed something I knew I'd enjoy. This is a good collection of short stories from Nalini Singh's Psy-Changling universe. However, these are pre the Allegiance series, so keep that in mind if you're wondering about timelines.
All in all, all the stories in here are pretty feel-good sweet. My favourite is "Echo of Silence," because of the interesting setting and world building, but they are all worth a read if you're looking for a little romance in your life.
I'm already partial to Singh's writing style (she's one of my favourite romance authors), so I can't pretend to look at this from an unbiased perspective. She has an incredible way of writing romance that isn't just about the characters, but also creating a fully realized world.
All in all, all the stories in here are pretty feel-good sweet. My favourite is "Echo of Silence," because of the interesting setting and world building, but they are all worth a read if you're looking for a little romance in your life.
I'm already partial to Singh's writing style (she's one of my favourite romance authors), so I can't pretend to look at this from an unbiased perspective. She has an incredible way of writing romance that isn't just about the characters, but also creating a fully realized world.
starlitbooknerd's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing
I loved hearing about the stories of characters who weren’t quite the focus of the main series but are still crucial to it! I can’t wait to see what happens next!!
I loved hearing about the stories of characters who weren’t quite the focus of the main series but are still crucial to it! I can’t wait to see what happens next!!
elliered's review against another edition
5.0
....It's Nalini of course it was amazing! I loved all the stories
greylandreviews's review against another edition
3.0
3.25 stars
Y'all, I never thought I was going to finish this series. Just being honest. Then good ol' Hoopla came through with the audio with the amazing Angela Dawe. These novellas were okay.
Trigger Warnings: earthquake, aftershocks, death, and infertility
Y'all, I never thought I was going to finish this series. Just being honest. Then good ol' Hoopla came through with the audio with the amazing Angela Dawe. These novellas were okay.
Trigger Warnings: earthquake, aftershocks, death, and infertility
jeannethinks's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you for giving us more of a glimpse into the characters that would not have otherwise had their own story-lines. It's nice to visit the extended pack and seeing how their relationships development.
desiree_mcl's review against another edition
4.0
While normally anthologies have at least 1 'eh' installment for me, this was a solid anthology. All four stories ranged from 3.5 stars to 4.5 stars.
Echo of Silence: 3.75 stars. I really loved the characters in the this one. Tazia and Stefan were wonderful characters and I enjoyed them, their story however fell a little flat for me. I wish it was longer to flesh out their relationship a bit more. EoS had a weird thing for me where the relationship felt rushed in one aspect but it also felt really slow with other aspects.
Dorian: 3.5 stars. While I love Dorian, this was my least favorite of the bunch. It was still great but the story was 3-4 periods of time in Dorian's life and him dealing with not being able to shift and then what happens when he does shift. It was a great "slice of life" type installment but it wasn't necessary.
Partners in Persuasion: 4.5 stars. I loved this one. Dez and Felix were amazing. Desiree is a dominate, Felix is a submissive. And Felix had a bad experience with a dominate when he was younger and is weary of Dez. The dance these two conduct was entertaining, sweet, and I just wanted more with them.
Flirtation of Fate: 4.5 stars. Another great one. Kenji broke Garnet's heart 7 years ago, now they need to work together to solve a murder. I loved that despite the tension between them, they both knew the other had their back and they could count on each other no matter what. I was invested in the mystery and was gripped by the romance. Excellent installment to the series and this anthology.
Echo of Silence: 3.75 stars. I really loved the characters in the this one. Tazia and Stefan were wonderful characters and I enjoyed them, their story however fell a little flat for me. I wish it was longer to flesh out their relationship a bit more. EoS had a weird thing for me where the relationship felt rushed in one aspect but it also felt really slow with other aspects.
Dorian: 3.5 stars. While I love Dorian, this was my least favorite of the bunch. It was still great but the story was 3-4 periods of time in Dorian's life and him dealing with not being able to shift and then what happens when he does shift. It was a great "slice of life" type installment but it wasn't necessary.
Partners in Persuasion: 4.5 stars. I loved this one. Dez and Felix were amazing. Desiree is a dominate, Felix is a submissive. And Felix had a bad experience with a dominate when he was younger and is weary of Dez. The dance these two conduct was entertaining, sweet, and I just wanted more with them.
Flirtation of Fate: 4.5 stars. Another great one. Kenji broke Garnet's heart 7 years ago, now they need to work together to solve a murder. I loved that despite the tension between them, they both knew the other had their back and they could count on each other no matter what. I was invested in the mystery and was gripped by the romance. Excellent installment to the series and this anthology.
leabookjoy's review against another edition
4.0
4,5 stars =)
Okay you know I'm like a HUUUUUUGE fan of Nalini Singh and all her series but especially the Psy Changeling one =D
So I was really eager to read this anthology (especially since the previous one was AWESOME !!)
But the results are kind of mixed ...
First, "Echo of Silence", the one I was the most eager to read and the one who disappointed me the most ... The story was awesome and there was a lot of potential here but the characters were way too faded so it spoiled the story ...
Second, "Dorian" was nice but since I've never been a huge fan of Dorian's story ... Well anyway =)
The next one is "Partners in Persuasion"
I love this one, the characters were great and very playful and I love the story (even if it lacks drama and it's tooooo short ><)
And finally, the second one I was so eager for : "Flirtation of Fate"
My favorite one where we finally learn about why there is such a tension between them =D I found them really endearing and heartbreaking and the plot was great with the murder (even if the end was kind of obvious =))
So it was a great book but not awesome sadly ...
Okay you know I'm like a HUUUUUUGE fan of Nalini Singh and all her series but especially the Psy Changeling one =D
So I was really eager to read this anthology (especially since the previous one was AWESOME !!)
But the results are kind of mixed ...
First, "Echo of Silence", the one I was the most eager to read and the one who disappointed me the most ... The story was awesome and there was a lot of potential here but the characters were way too faded so it spoiled the story ...
Second, "Dorian" was nice but since I've never been a huge fan of Dorian's story ... Well anyway =)
The next one is "Partners in Persuasion"
I love this one, the characters were great and very playful and I love the story (even if it lacks drama and it's tooooo short ><)
And finally, the second one I was so eager for : "Flirtation of Fate"
My favorite one where we finally learn about why there is such a tension between them =D I found them really endearing and heartbreaking and the plot was great with the murder (even if the end was kind of obvious =))
So it was a great book but not awesome sadly ...