Title: Shield of Winter
Author: Nalini Singh
First published June 3, 2014
431 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780425264010 (ISBN10: 0425264017)
Rating: 4.33
Overview
Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling world is once again on the brink of destruction. Violence and chaos have taken over, leaving the fate of the Psy race in the hands of Vasic- an assassin, soldier, and Arrow.
Vasic’s past is stained with blood, and his soul is heavy with the weight of his actions. But he must complete the impossible to save his people- stop the lethal contagion that threatens to wipe them out.
The key to their survival lies in waking the empaths. Ivy Jane, a survivor of medical experimentation, joins Vasic in this impossible mission.
Against all odds, she fights for her people and the Arrow who has become her shield, but who believes he is beyond redemption. As the world descends into chaos, Ivy’s fierce will and Vasic’s strength may not be enough to save them from the darkness that threatens to engulf them all.
About the Author
Writing has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. Even when my stories involved a laser-eyed prince, there was always a romantic thread woven in.
Creating unique characters and giving them happy endings fills me with joy, and I even enjoy the voices in my head. It’s the only job I can imagine doing.
In 2002, I received the call that Silhouette Desire wanted to purchase my first book, Desert Warrior. It was a dream come true, and I hope to continue living this dream until my very last breath, typing away at my keyboard.
I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand, but I’ve also lived in Japan for three years, where I had the chance to explore Asia. I’m always planning new trips and adventures, and I regularly update my Travel Diary page with snapshots from my travels.
Throughout my life, I’ve had a range of jobs, including lawyer, librarian, candy factory worker, bank temp, and English teacher – not necessarily in that order. Some might see this as inconsistency, but I view it as inspiration for my writing.
Editoral Review
Shield of Winter by Nalini Singh is a heart-pounding addition to her bestselling Psy-Changeling series. First published on June 3, 2014, this paranormal romance follows the complex relationships between the Psy, humans with psychic abilities, the changelings, shapeshifters who can turn into animals, and the humans caught in the crossfire.
The story takes place in a future world where the Psy have declared war on the changelings and the humans caught in the middle. The main protagonist of Shield of Winter is Vasic, the silent and stoic member of the Psy-Net, a powerful network of psychic minds.
Vasic is tasked with protecting the Psy-Net, which is on the brink of collapse after years of corruption and decay. He is forced to team up with the changeling leader, Ivy, to save his people and prevent a catastrophic war that would engulf the entire world.
Nalini Singh has created a rich and complex world full of mythology and magic. Her descriptions of the Psy-Net, the changeling packs, and the human settlements are vivid and detailed, making the reader feel fully immersed in her world.
Moreover, the author’s exploration of themes such as love, loss, and sacrifice are woven seamlessly into the plot, adding depth and emotional resonance to the story. The author’s writing style is outstanding.
She knows how to craft a gripping plot, create believable and multi-dimensional characters, and build tension to a crescendo. Shield of Winter is a shining example of her prowess as a writer.
The pacing is excellent, the plot twists are unpredictable, and the various subplots are interconnected, adding to the complexity of the narrative. However, the novel does have some weaknesses.
One of the challenges of writing a long-running series like the Psy-Changeling is keeping the story fresh and avoiding repetition. Unfortunately, some elements of Shield of Winter feel familiar to readers who have been following the series from the beginning.
Also, the romance between Vasic and Ivy feels somewhat rushed, which may disappoint some readers who were hoping for a deeper, more nuanced relationship between the two. Despite these limitations, I would recommend Shield of Winter to anyone who loves paranormal romance or epic fantasy.
It is a thrilling adventure that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. Furthermore, the novel explores important themes such as mental health, diversity, and compassion, which are particularly relevant in today’s world.
Overall, I would give this book 4.5 stars out of 5. Nalini Singh is a master storyteller, and Shield of Winter is another shining example of her talent.
