Sunday, January 13, 2008

REVIEW: Mine to Possess by Nalini Singh

I am very lucky to have been able to borrow an ARC of Nalini Singh's upcoming novel, Mine to Possess, from a friend of mine, and am thrilled to have this fantastic book be the first official book review on my blog. If you haven't read Nalini's Psy-Changeling series yet, I recommend you do. It is one of my most favorite paranormal series. Not only are the love story arcs sensual and romantic, but the overall story arc of the entire series is very thought provoking.

Series Overview:

The Psy-Changeling world is a futuristic one in which the population of Earth is made up of different beings, namely Psys, Changelings, and humans. The Psy are emotionally desensitized, cold and calculated beings with varied psychic talents, who are connected to each other via a psychic network called the PsyNet. The changelings are the complete opposite. Able to shift, or change, to their animal form at will, Changelings are emotional, tactile, instinctual beings who hold strong bonds with and intense loyalty to all members of their Pack. The humans in this futuristic world are not very different from the humans of today, and in book four of the series, some light gets shed on their subtle but crucial role in keeping the peace between the very different Psy and Changeling beings. In Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling world, both the Psy and the Changelings strive to not just survive, but thrive as well. Each story in the series takes the reader on a fantastic journey as these different beings often clash and sometimes come together with love, passion, and understanding--all the essential elements of an intense and satisfying paranormal romance saga.

Book Review: NO SPOILERS

Mine to Possess is the fourth full length novel in Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling series--the story of Clay, leopard changeling sentinel in the DarkRiver Pack, and his human heroine, Talin. Having lived in the same apartment complex as children, Clay and Talin both lived a difficult childhood and developed an otherwise unlikely friendship as they found solace from their daily traumas with each other. After an extremely traumatic incident involving both Clay and Talin, they were separated and Clay was left thinking Talin dead. Years later, Talin becomes desperate for the help she needs in order to save innocent children whom she works with after some begin to turn up missing or dead. She turns to the one man she knows is strong and deadly enough to save the children and stop the killings before it's too late.

Mine to Possess is an emotionally and sensually intense story as Clay and Talin are brought face to face after years of separation. Working together to save the children from the possible genocidal motives of an undisclosed group, Clay and Tally are also forced to face their past and confront their feelings for each other. As a human, Talin doesn't have a thorough understanding of changeling behaviors and hierarchy, which adds an interesting challenge to their relationship. Clay's alpha behavior is intense, but he's also so very tender and definitely sensual. Nalini has a wonderful talent for characterizing her alpha males, and Clay is possibly the most perfect epitome of a changeling alpha male so far. He is protective, loyal and very sensual. Clay and Talin's journey to their happily ever after was incredibly emotional and satisfying. I'm looking forward to the next installment in Nalini's Psy-Changeling series, Hostage to Pleasure, which is the story of Dorain--yet another DarkRiver sentinel-- due out in September 2008.

Grade: A-


10 comments:

  1. Hi! Thanks so much for your comments on my blog. Good and Bad Books is my review blog, though I also have one that is about my actual life. It'd be too confusing to have both on one blog. My life is too messed up for some people. LOL!

    I commented on Kristie J's blog that the thing I love about Nalini's heroes is, even though they are obviously Alphas, they're not masochistic or evil, like so many Alpha "heroes" are. I like the fact that they've got a very tender side, not just for their mate, but for their packs too.

    It looks like we do have a lot of authors in common. I've got some great authors who aren't paranormals, but they are very few and very far between. I've also been on a major paranormal binge, but I've got to say that I've found some wonderful authors, Ms. Frost being just one. :)

    If you're interested in discussing books or whatever, you're more than welcome to email me. You can contact me via my blog.

    Have a great day!


    ...and my name is Kaitlin. :D

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  2. I love Nalini, I have become one if her biggest fan girls. :) Clay is up there with my favorite heroes now but I don't know who to choose.. Lucas or Clay???
    Great review and insight. Great minds think alike ;)

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  3. I just love Nalini's books and am so jealous you've already read MTP!! LOL! I'm glad you enjoyed it - it looks like a good one! :)

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  4. Christine what a great review and insight into Nalini Singh's books. I absolutely love the entire series.

    I am curious to know your standards for a great book, you know how you came to the A- grade ;)

    I am anticipating the release of MtP but more so I am looking forward to I think it's titled Hostage to Pleasure??? Don't kill me if I am wrong....lol

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  5. Can't wait for this one. Gah! I passed up on an ARC because I didn't have time to read then (deadlines) so I'll be beating down the door to my local B&N on Feb 5.

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  6. Kaitlin & Tracy > Mine to Possess might just be my favorite Psy-Changeling book so far. I related well to Talin and thought Clay was just perfect for her. I hope you guys like it as much as me. Come back and let me know what you think when you've read it.

    Kate > Sorry... I like Clay better. :) But I'm really looking forward to Dorian's story.... and HAWKE's!

    Samantha > I am still working on my criteria thing... gimme a break will ya? :p

    To tell you the truth, I hovered between A- and B+ for MtP. I think that it took a bit long for Talin to realize the depth and sincerity of Clay's feelings for her. Her doubt was plausible for a large portion of the novel, but toward the end I thought it was pretty obvious how Clay felt about her, and she still didn't get it. Then again, maybe that's just because I understood Changelings better than she did! lol

    Meljean > You passed up an ARC to MtP? *headdesk*

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  7. I can't believe you got hold of this book so fast! I'm jealous! Thanks for the review, though, it sounds great.

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  8. So this is what you've been up to! ^_^

    Great review, girlie!

    I really need to get to buying these books!

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  9. Hey girl! I just picked up Nalini's entire psy-changling series. They look awesome and have been placed lovingly into my TBR pile. I'll get there eventually! Muah!

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  10. It is certainly interesting for me to read this article. Thank you for it. I like such themes and everything connected to them. I definitely want to read a bit more soon.

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