Short Take Reviews: The Psy-Changeling Edition

  

Hi friends. I'm using my Short Take Review banner for this post but I'm not even sure these can be considered reviews. More like my fast and furious thoughts on each Psy-Changeling book I've read so far. I've only read two of the full-length novels, but I've also made it a point to read the bonus material as I go and those have been so good! So here are my super-quick thoughts on each.
Psy-Changeling #1

I was sucked right into this world that Singh created. She did a great job of setting up the dichotomy between the Psy and the Changelings (humans don't come into play much). Sascha, a Cardinal Psy, constantly had to hide the fact that she actually experienced emotions, something that had been basically conditioned out of the Psy race. Her interactions with Lucas, an Alpha Changeling, threw those emotions into turmoil. I loved the push and pull between Sascha and Lucas. There was mutual distrust but also incredible chemistry. I admit I was confused by some of the intricacies of the Psy world, but I just went with it. The tension really amped up at the end as I tried to see a way out for Sascha. The connection between she and Lucas hit me right in the heart and as soon as I turned the last page I was ready for more.  Final thoughts: I can't believe I slept on this series for so long. 4 STARS

Psy-Changeling #2

This second book paired another Psy, who had to hide her emotions (even when she didn't recognize that's what they were), with a member of the DarkRiver pack. Faith's mental state was fragile and the dark and violent visions she was having put her in peril. Having been isolated for much of her life, she found the outside world completely overwhelming. As a Sentinel, Vaughn held a position of authority within the pack, and he was perhaps the wildest of the Changelings, with his inner jaguar being very close to the surface at all times. I loved how tactile Vaughn was and, even though Faith was so sensitive to touch and would often ask not to be touched, he just couldn't help himself. I'm finding that I'm much more invested in the Changeling aspect of the stories than the Psy (especially when there's too much info given about the PsyNet - oy, my head!). Overall, I loved Vaughn and Faith's story - maybe even more than the first book. 4 STARS


After reading the first two books, I delved into some of the bonus content (short stories and novellas) and each one delivered in a big way!

Psy-Changeling #0.5
*Included in the anthology Wild Invitation

Oh my heart! This story of how Tamsyn, the DarkRiver healer, and Nathan, a DarkRiver Sentinel, came together about broke me. Tamsyn had known she was meant for Nathan for several years but he refused to complete their mating bond, convinced that because of her age she needed to be free and experience life before being mated. I felt Tamsyn's hurt and heartbreak on every page and at one point had tears running down my face. In just 78 pages, Singh managed to destroy me... and I loved it. 4.5 STARS

Psy-Changeling #0.6
*Short story on Singh's website

This short story gave a little peek at Tamsyn and Nathan years down the road when they finally had cubs of their own. Super quick and super sweet. 4 STARS

Psy-Changeling #0.75
*Included in the anthology Burning Up

Loved it! This novella featured Emmett, a lethal DarkRiver leopard soldier, and Ria, a Chinese-American young woman with an overprotective family. After Emmett saves her from an attack, she finds herself under his protection. And while Ria may have been small in stature, she had serious backbone and spirit. I could sit here and wax rhapsodic about Emmett for pages. I adored him! He was incredibly protective, eminently sweet, and I was a puddle of mush reading every page.           4.5 STARS

Psy-Changeling #1.1
*Short story on Singh's website

This was another quickie that featured Lucas and Sascha babysitting Julian and Roman (Tamsyn and Nathan's cubs). I love the interactions these two have with the cubs - so adorable! - and it made for a sweet snippet with the original couple. 4 STARS


HAVE YOU READ THE PSY-CHANGELING SERIES?

25 comments

  1. I have not read this series yet but it is on my wish list. I am so glad that you have been enjoying it, Tanya!

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  2. I love these short take reviews. And I really want to read this series.

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    1. Thanks Alicia! The series is definitely off to a great start for me!

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  3. I see everyone raving about this series on Twitter, so it was fun to read your reviews. Not sure this series would be for me, but it does sound fun. Great reviews!

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    1. Deanna - Any step outside of contemporary romance is huge for me (LOL) but I've been intrigued by this series for so long. Off to a great start, for sure!

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  4. I've read most of the books in this series and have loved every one that I've read. :D

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  5. I have not read this series, but I've heard great things about it! So glad you're enjoying it!

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  6. I haven't read a book like these in awhile, but I'm glad you enjoyed them!

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    1. Urban/paranormal fantasy definitely isn't my go-to genre (lol) but I can see this series becoming a new favorite!

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  7. Sounds like a solid series for you. I am especially impressed with how high the novellas rated. Shorts are always hit or miss for me.

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    1. Sam - Same here. Novellas can be tricky but I was totally surprised that these were so good!

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  8. oh man.,...I am so happy you are discovering this series. Its amazing right?? I will be honest until the later books I wasn't too invested in the psy stuff. The way she write pack dynamics is the BEST....like I WISH I was a changeling when I read these books. I love how tactile they are and always touching each other and the sense of family is just beautiful. You will love the novella's as well. My personal favorite is Declaration of Courtship and my favorite full lengths are Silver Silence and Kiss of Snow. ( you will see why when you read them lol)

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    1. Thanks Renee! Totally agree with the praise for how Singh writes the pack dynamics! I love it! And your comments have me excited for the books still to come!

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  9. Excellent choice reading the novellas as well! Some of the characters from them come in later in the series which I didn't realise until Vera told me. She recommended the Wild Invitation collection specifically. I liked Vaughan and Faith's story but did find when I did a reread I slowed a little with their book because it really focuses on Faith's abilities. I think I like the first book a touch more, but my favourites definitely come later on.

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    1. Becky - I love hearing that your favorites are later in the series. That tells me there is a lot to look forward to!

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  10. I'm so glad you're enjoying this amazing series! It's one of my all time favorites!

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    1. Carrie - Yay! Love hearing that this is one of your favorites. I am quickly understanding why!

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  11. I've not read this series but it sounds like it would be an addictive read!

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    1. Suzanne - It really is addictive. I'm already planning to read the next book or two while on vacation next week. :)

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  12. This series has been on my TBR for so long. I really need to take the plunge!

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  13. How did I miss this post?! I saw in one of your roundups that you had read the first book, but I guess with everything going on I missed that you've read a bunch. Yay!!! The bonus stories are so much fun and I amazed that Nalini can pack so much into a small amount of pages. I love the humor in them, too. I don't think I read The Cannibal Princess, but it sounds like it could be funny. Nate and Tamsyn's kids are rascals if I remember correctly.

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    1. Thanks Rachel! I've totally enjoyed what I've read so far and can't wait to dive further into the series. I can't believe I waited this long before starting it! :)

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