Reviews

Last Guard by Nalini Singh

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

indecisivesailorscout's review against another edition

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4.0

THIS is what I wanted to see out of Nalini Singh this year. Completely superb. Proper review to come when my computer is not actively dying on me.

jaded_8's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful tense
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

romancejunkie1025's review against another edition

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5.0

Wow that one was rough but I loved it and this series is getting more and more intriguing... I'm looking forward to where it goes next for damn sure.

kate_and_books's review against another edition

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3.0

I absolutely love this series but I’m really not certain about this book.


Psy/psy aren’t usually my favourite and on top of that two Psy that we know so little about. But I am obviously in the minority here.


Canto is a Merchant, Silver’s cousin and the information hub of the Merchant’s, he is also designation A. An anchor that is to hold the Psynet together. Canto and the bears were the best parts of the book for me. Canto lives in Moscow and well you know bears!


Payal Rao is to the public a robotic sociopath but deep down there is a lot more to her. She is a super CEO who has had to chain her emotions around her psychopathic family especially her father and brother. She has never had what Canto has had with the Merchants. She is also A designation A and before the coalition decide to rip the net apart into pieces they as As know it won’t work that way.


But Canto and Payal have a deep connection and have bonded. Payal seemed very one dimensional to me at least and I felt as if she didn’t always give Canto what Canto always gave Payal.


I was truly hoping that in this book we could wrap up the whole plot line of the Psynet about to collapse alas it shall continue. I look forward to the next installment and hope that it will be Psy/Changeling.

angels_gp17's review against another edition

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5.0

Nalini Singh is back with another exciting installment in the Psy-Changeling world. I’ve been a fan of the series for many years and I always look forward to a new book. This is true with Last Guard, the fifth book in the spin-off series Psy-Changeling Trinity.

This time around we focus on two Psy. The Psy are emotionless beings, but with silence gone some are waking up. I’m not a big fan of the Psy; because of this emotionless state, but this time around I enjoyed diving more into the Psy world. The author introduces use to a new designation, the anchors, which are a unique designation. We know nothing about them, but we get to explore that aspect and learning more about the virus that is affecting the Psy net.

The romance is a slow build, as expected, but it burns bright. I enjoyed Payal and Canto’s budding relationship. They were cute together even while still having spines of steel.

One of the things I really enjoyed in this installment is Canto and his disability. The Psy are known for removing those that aren’t perfect. It was a pleasant surprise to learn about him and see that his family, the Mercant’s, never saw him as less. It’s a powerful read and/or listen.

Singh’s writing is one of my favorites. She builds the world and characters bring out all the details and never skimping. The world has and still continues to blossom.

Audio: Angela Dawe continues to impress me with her voices. I was captivated from begging to end and enjoyed listening to Last Guard. The voices are distinctive and unique. The pace is consistent. I highly recommend the audiobook!

Last Guard was a compelling listen. I loved returning to the world and I look forward to the next installment. You can never go wrong with a Nalini Singh Psy-Changeling book.

Rated: 4.5 Stars

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