Reviews

Last Guard by Nalini Singh

schlina_reads's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful medium-paced

3.5

amlibera's review against another edition

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4.0

Somewhere between 3.5 and 4 - but gets a boost for neuro atypical and physically disabled leads that are in no way less compelling or powerful than the physical specimens sometimes featured in this series. I feel as if the immediate narrative of this particular installment ended up taking second place to the larger ongoing story/stories

aefy's review against another edition

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4.0

Ahhh! Just finished the first read through of this. I reallllly want to know who the architect is. Sadly this book hints at it, but don't think we're at a clearer answer.

I really like how this book ties together the characters we've been meeting more in the Moscow region and the Mercants, plus Anchors.

Overall I'd say this doesn't beat Heart of Obsidian for me, but I do enjoy the cameo of Sahara in there. This felt a little rushed, occurring over 2-3 weeks or so. I am not a big fan of insta-love, because it seems like their relationship started when they were kids, then after 2-3 weeks it's insta-love. Not totally believable for me, but still enjoyable to read.

sandyfleener's review against another edition

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5.0

I love this series

Nalini Singh has been one of favorite authors for a very long time. I still don't like cliffhangers but her books are just so good I can't deduct from the rating. I love checking in on old friends from past books and meeting new friend in each new installment. She makes me care about the characters as people who matter. Can't wait for the next one.

jmonrel's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

srishtidear's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

lux_klara's review against another edition

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4.0

So, Nalini Singh is my absolute favourite writers, not just one of my favourites but the absolute best (the only ones she shares the 1st place are Ilona Andrew). She is the reason why I started to read in English and her writing just speak to my soul in a way no other author can.
Whenever I judge and rate her her books is always in respect to other books she wrote, not realy based on anyone else's because I just feel like they go beyond the rating.
So, did I enjoy this book? Yes, I loved it.

And as always, I love how each book of the Psy-Changeling series has it's own plot yet at the same time deepen our understanding of this complex (and always shifting) complicated world. there is always more going on, more shades that help us understand the problems of the Psy-net, the difficulties of the political climate, new relationship and the strenghtening of old-ones. All of which, enrichened by a vast cast of character all of them complex, different from one another yet all with their won strenght. And I genuinely LOVED how in this book it was finally shed more light on the Anchors, the way they see the Psy-Net, how they were affected by Silence and their struggles in facing the Psy-Net current situation while simukltaneously having to fight for their right to be herd and considered by other Psy.

And Canto and Payal were just perfect for this, both strong and stubborn, each with their flaws and fears and their inability to just let go of one another. They both fought, in their own way, for the other and they complimented each other where it's needed.

So yeah, this book was an absolute great read.
So, why didn't I give it a full 5 stars? Well, to be honest, I feel like this Nalini's latest books (this one included, obviously) are becoming a bit less sizzling in the chemistry department. And with this I mean that, while I can feel the deep emotional connection of the characters, and see their own development throughout the book, I feel like the sexual tension between them is getting weaker.

Now, her books were never erotica, so they were never full of sex scenes, but throughout the story you could still feel the sexual tension between each couple sizzling and ready to snap at every interaction, ready to burn hot and fiery. And the emotional connection between the character just fueled the sexual tension, making it run hotter.
Whereas her lates book don't have that feeling anymore, they feel tamer and while they remain absolutely amazing, it feels like they lost an edge. Especially because it's not like the books lost the sexual attraction to add or deepend other aspects of the story. in fact, quite frankly, the other books were able to tick all the same boxes (complex and interesting plot, deepen an understanding of the Psy-changeling world while simulatenously changing some of its dynamics, deep emotional connection between the couple, amazing cast of secondary character...etc...).
I feel like Last Guard as lost an edge even compared to books of this series I enjoyed less (ex: Mine to Possess) and the reason why I rate it better isn't really because I feel it's superior but simply because I liked the main characters more (to be clear, I think Tally and Clay are just as well written and developed as Canto and Payal, I just didn't like them as much as I usually do the characters/couples of this series).

Anyway, the book and this series in genral is great and I definetely recommend it.

emm_03's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

indusnm's review against another edition

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5.0

I liked this one, and kudos to Singh for going outside the box. I hope to see more of this and am so excited for storm echo!

marshwillow's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced

4.5