Gwen’s review of Caressed by Ice (Psy-Changelings Book 3) by Nalini Singh
Paranormal romance released by Berkley Sensation 4 Sep 07
This is the first of Singh’s Psy-Changlings books that I’ve read. I think I have Book 2 in my TBR and I’ll be looking for Book 1. This was a very fun book about an alternate world where changelings and telepathics/telekinetics vie with humans and each other for their piece of the pie. It’s a fascinating world that is built meticulously and entertainingly.
Singh has created an amazing world in her Psy-Changling books. It’s rich with political intrigue between all the races – Psy who are tele-somethings who live almost solely in their minds, Changelings of many species, and humans. Her world has complicated social structures, backstabbing (literal and figurative), and complicated business dealings. There are also taboos and social mores that make life even more complex for the denizens.
All of the characters in Caressed are complex, multidimensional people. Singh’s world-building is smart and she doesn’t do “brain dumps.” You learn as you go along, which always feels more natural – and that applies to her characters as well. She brings secondary characters into the story when they’re needed. I never felt like a to-be hero/heroine was shoehorned into the book for the sake of the next in the series. It all made complete sense.
The relationship between the Judd and Brenna was sweet, complicated, and different. Judd’s conditioning makes it painful for him to feel any emotion, so it’s literally painful for him to love Brenna. Brenna was brutalized by a madman before she met Judd, making trust a very big deal for her. These two damaged people manage to find each other and fall in love in a most non-traditional way.
This was a very interesting, engrossing book. I can’t wait to read the others in the series and the next. I think I’ll find them all equally compelling. Highly recommended read if you want something to really sink your teeth into.
Grade: B+
Here’s the book blurb:
Explore new heights of sensuality in this return to the world of the Psy – where two people who know evil intimately must unlock the good within their icy hearts
As an Arrow, an elite soldier in the Psy Council ranks, Judd Lauren was forced to do terrible things in the name of his people. Now a defector, his dark abilities have made him the most deadly of assassins – cold, pitiless, unfeeling. Until he meets Brenna…
Brenna Shane Kincaid was an innocent before she was abducted – and had her mind violated – by a serial killer. Her sense of evil runs so deep, she fears she could become a killer herself. Then the first dead body is found, victim of a familiar madness. Judd is her only hope, yet her sensual changeling side rebels against the inhuman chill of his personality, even as desire explodes between them. Shocking and raw, their passion is a danger that threatens not only their hearts, but their very lives…
P.S. You can find all sorts of interesting bits and pieces about her world-building, characters, and what not on Singh’s website.
Other books in the series:
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Mine to Possess, Feb ’08 (read an excerpt)
What she said! I know Sybil said two reviewers on the same book is good but I’d just duplicate yours, so I won’t.
Aren’t these two great? I loved when he finally got the chance to unleash his emotions! But the woman will never furnish a house. *G*
I’ve read such good things about this series – I’m going to have to get them. I was wondering, is it really important to read them in order or do they stand alone well?
I love this series!!!
Willa – as I mentioned, this was the first of the series I have read. I didn’t feel lost. You might enjoy them more if you know more of the backstory, but I don’t think it’s a requirement.
I only skimmed the post because I didn’t want to have any spoilers ruin the story for me. I’ve got it in my TBR pile waiting for its turn…soon I hope! LOL I’ve really enjoyed her previous books in this series and have no doubt I’ll be getting MTP when it comes out too!
I think this series gets better with each book. Caressed by Ice is my FAVORITE.
Caressed by Ice edged out Slave to Sensation as my favorite of the series. She does a great job building this world, with the underlying political intrigue sub-plot. Great review.
I really like this series, it just continues to get better and better. Although I don’t know how people can read books in a series out of order. I guess I’m just anal like that. CAN’T DO IT!