Slave to Sensation (Psy-Changelings, Book 1)
by Nalini Singh
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Book Reviews of Slave to Sensation (Psy-Changelings, Book 1)
Book Review: I don't know which catagory to place it in but I know I really liked it!
Summary: 5 Stars
So---all you folks out there who know your fiction. Does this book fall into romance, fantasy, paranormal, science fiction or a combination of those plus something else I don't know about? Where it falls probably doesn't matter except in telling someone where to look for it in the book store. Just skip all that worry, go to the Information desk!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I wish I had known it was going to be so good so that I could have waited until after dinner to start it. As it was, my sweet, wonderful husband had to have a bowl of cereal because I just didn't want to stop reading. Of course, nothing says he couldn't have cooked something but have you heard that old saying "when pigs fly"? Well, I don't notice many pigs flying around in my neighborhood.
One of my favorite things about this book is that it is well balanced. Not too much Psy, not too much Changeling, not too much science fiction, not too much future technology. Just enough of each to blend into a totally absorbing, believeable read with characters who were interesting and likeable. I need to like the characters, especially the leads, in order to fully involve myself in a book. This one suited me perfectly. It also contained the right amount of sensual episodes so that I could see these people as human (not superhuman over-sexed unrealistic maniacs who thought of nothing but sex). The author also paid the reader the supreme compliment in allowing us to use our imaginations during the sensual encounters and did not describe them to death. Thank you Ms Singh, I appreciate your restraint.
Very highly recommended. You will be surrounded by a future world which is different from our own but which stays just enough the same to make you feel comfortable.
Book Review: One of my favourites from 2006
Summary: 4 Stars
Slave to Sensation is an alternative history paranormal, set in the year 2079 on an Earth populated by three races: the Psy - emotionless and cold, the shapeshifting Changelings who rely on their animal instincts, and humans.
From the moment that Lucas Hunter (Changeling) and Sascha Duncan (Psy) meet there is a chemistry between them that fairly leaps off the page. This causes conflict as Lucas is a creature of instinct and sensation, whilst Sascha must maintain a facade of logic and efficiency at all costs.
Although it is the love story between Lucas and Sascha that is the driving force behind the narrative. The reason this book works so well is because you can immerse yourself in the world that Nalini Singh has created. The dynamics of both pack (Changeling) and Psy life are well-explained and the book is populated with interesting characters that give the story an added depth. And at the same time leave you wanting to know more about them. :)
One of the things I like is that it's made clear that both species are equally capable of brutality. Psy who don't conform to the acceptable standards of the Silence live with the constant threat of rehabilitation (mind-wiping) at the Center. Whilst the Changelings live under a territorial law that can erupt into violence. However, the reader does come down on the side of the Changeling way of life with its emphasis on family and pack.
There are one or two slips, but when the standard of storytelling is this high, they are easily forgiven. This is one of the best paranormals I've read and I would rank it with J.R.Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood as one of my favourite series.
Also available
Visions of Heat (Book 2)
Caressed by Ice (Book 3)
Book Review: A Little Disapointing
Summary: 3 Stars
I had very high hopes for this book and in some ways it let me down. I really don't feel like it was as suspenseful or as romantic as it should have been.
Synopsis:
Sascha is one of the Psy, a race of people without emotions. She is incredibly strong and smart, but she finds herself beginning to slip into madness as she realizes she can feel. Lucas is the alpha of the leopard-changeling pack, and he's working with Sascha on a project to build safe homes for his people. He is also in the midst of a murder investigation with strong suspicion toward the Psy. He recognizes Sascha as different, and soon becomes overwhelmed by the desire to claim her as his own.
The Good Parts:
The romance that happened to be present was nice. The development in the relationship was very well paced.
Lucas is a complex and interesting character. Sexy, smart, and edgy. The author does a good job of letting her readers into his head and heart.
The changelings are a fascinating group, I almost wished the book were just about them. The world building there is flawless. The pack structure, social dynamics, and close relationships are enthralling.
The Problems:
I felt bombarded with confused, unintelligible information about the Psy. There background, history, purpose, the entire PsyNet thing--it didn't make much sense and it was too boring to try to figure out. The chapters that venture into the PsyNet felt like SciFi B Movie material. As a result, a lot of the book was seriously dull. Worse, all the mumbo-jumbo cut into the otherwise beautiful romance.
I feel this particular book would appeal more to science fiction or fantasy fans then it would romance fans.
Book Review: superb science fiction romance
Summary: 5 Stars
Over a century ago back in 1969, the Psy Council introduced the Silence to condition through rigorous training the young to avoid rage, but within a decade the reality was to prevent all emotions including love. By 2079, Psy were so in control of their feelings, everything they did was calculated and pragmatic; nothing could make them passionately react to anything as they are totally void of emotion.
Her mother names Psy Sascha Duncan as the liaison on a business deal with Changeling Lucas Hunter, the ruling alpha leader of the DarkRiver leopard pack. As the passionate Lucas and the ice Sascha work together, both hide something from the other. Lucas seeks entry into the closed society of the elitist Psy Council in search of the individual who killed his partner; Sasha conceals even from her mother that she has deep feelings and always has had them. As they work together on the project, they fall in love, which if any of her kind, especially her mother, learns how she feels, Sasha will die.
The key to this superb science fiction romance is readers will believe that the Singh universe is a plausible ecosystem in which Weres and Psys, and other interesting species co-exist. The story line focuses on hidden agendas as Lucas investigates the murder while Sasha investigates her taboo feelings that threaten to explode especially since she wants the Leopard man. Lucas starts off planning to use his liaison as an expendable pawn, but soon finds his dual nature both desiring the Psy as his mate. Readers will enjoy Nalini Singh's excellent futuristic thriller and demand more tales from this fascinating realm.
Harriet Klausner
Book Review: A wonderful new talent!!
Summary: 5 Stars
In the year 2075, the world is divided. Project SILENCE, was created in 1969 with the intent to control emotions of a human. By 2075, the Psy were like computerized robots. They feel no emotions...no rage, no violence, no love, no happiness. Their ultimate goal is to bring everyone into the Psy world which is projected as being the most peaceful race in exsistance.
Psy Sacsha Duncan knows she's different. She's known since childhood that she's flawed as a psy. She has worked very hard to keep her emotions masked and behave as a true psy would. When her work puts her in contact with Changeling Lucas Hunter, who is half leopard, half human, he brings emotions out in her that could threaten her very life.
Lucas Hunter made a business deal with the Psy for a reason. Someone is kidnapping and torturing Changeling women and his pack is convinced it's Psy. Needing to find his way into the Psy world, Lucas makes a deal with the hated Psy, but is unprepared for his attraction to Sacsha. Soon all he can think about is Sacsha and her safety. Confused as how he can be attracted to an emotionless Psy, Lucas soon realizes that there is more to his Psy than meets the eye.
Nalini Singh brings this world to life in Slave to Sensation. In what could be a confusing and complicated story with the different races is in fact very simply told. It's easy to understand the difference between the Psy and Changelings and makes Lucas and Sacsha's story that much more intense. Lucas is very "alpha" and Sacsha is so used to hiding her emotions that you're bound to see some fireworks.
Don't miss this book!