Title: Shield of Winter
Series: Psy/Changeling bk 13
Author: Nalini Singh
Genre: Paranormal
Assassin. Soldier. Arrow. That is who Vasic is, who he will always be. His soul drenched in blood, his conscience heavy with the weight of all he’s done, he exists in the shadows, far from the hope his people can almost touch—if only they do not first drown in the murderous insanity of a lethal contagion. To stop the wave of death, Vasic must complete the simplest and most difficult mission of his life.
For if the Psy race is to survive, the empaths must wake…
Having rebuilt her life after medical “treatment” that violated her mind and sought to stifle her abilities, Ivy should have run from the black-clad Arrow with eyes of winter frost. But Ivy Jane has never done what she should. Now, she’ll fight for her people, and for this Arrow who stands as her living shield, yet believes he is beyond redemption. But as the world turns to screaming crimson, even Ivy’s fierce will may not be enough to save Vasic from the cold darkness.
Thoughts: I had to read this book twice before I could read it slow enough to actually think about it as far as reviews go because this is the book I’ve been waiting for since Hostage to Pleasure when Vasic tells Ashaya, I am not a team player. And to be completely honest I’ve read the book three times now. Yes it’s that good.
There are so many things that keep me coming back to this series over and over again, but one of the main ones is how in each book the world is changing. We’ve seen the PSY race go from being ice cold to almost extinct because of the decisions that were made in the past in an attempt to save the race. Of all heroes in this series my three favorite ones come from the PSY race, Judd, Kaleb and Vasic.
Why do I love these characters so much? Because none of them have hope that they will be able to have a normal life because of their abilities. At their very core they are protectors. And yet they are different.
Kaleb Krychek might be like them, but Judd was one of them. Location 1092
Shield of Winter picks up within a short time frame after Heart of Obsidian. There is a virus in the net that is killing the PSY race. Kaleb has a plan to stop it, but to do so risks the very people the Net has been protecting for a hundred years. A group of people that aren’t supposed to exist. He enlists the Arrows to protect them, knowing they will do anything to protect their race.
Aden has been concerned about his best friend for several books, but its really in Heart of Obsidian that we see how concerned he is. When Kaleb presents his plan to Aden he knows exactly who he wants in charge of the mission. The man he would walk into fire to save, but has no hope for himself. He hopes that being in constant contact with an E-Psy Vasic will be saved.
Ivy Jane is never going to be afraid or hide herself again. What was done to her when her abilities spiraled out of control was so bad it took her months to get herself back. So when an Arrow shows up in her orchards she faces him with no fear. The very last thing she ever expects is a job offer from Kaleb Krychek delivered to her by an Arrow. But what he’s asking her to do is something she never expected to do. To use her ability to help save her race. Her parents want her to tread lightly, but she can’t.
When Vasic uttered the words I am not a team player to Ashaya in Hostage to Pleasure I knew there was going to be something awesome about him. And I was right. I really really really want to tell you all about him and why he is so freaking awesome. But if I do I will be giving away some major spoilers, at least I think they are spoilers. So instead I will simply tell you that everything we’ve ever suspected about Vasic is true and so much more.
I made so many notes and highlights in this book. There was so much great content and story I couldn’t help it. There was one however that is my favorite. And that I will share with you.
“I need to ask you some highly personal questions.”
Judd reached down to pack the snow into a ball. “I’ve been hoping for a long time that someone else in the squad would get to the point where a discussion like this would be necessary.” Rising, he threw the snowball with a fast arm. “Ask.”
“How do you control your telekinsesis while intimate with your mate?”
“I broke a damn lot of furniture at the start, including two beds.” A curious glnace. “What are you doing?”
“Traveling around the world.”
Judd stared, and then started laughing, the gold flecks in his eyes eyes wild against the brown. Vasic couldn’t imagine laughing, but it looked as if Judd did it naturally, so perhaps it was a skill he could learn.
I loved this scene…and it gets so much better after this. Judd’s advice for Vasic had me wishing for a scene with Judd and Brenna.
There was one thing that has bothered me however. I didn’t realize it until I’d re-read Heart of Obsidian for the twelth time and so I looked for it in this book. What happened to Shosanna Scott? It’s like she simply disappeared. I want to know where she is and what she has planned.
I do think there is something going on between Anthony and Nikita. And if there isn’t well I think there should be.
Overall this is a fabulous book. The events that Nalini set up in previous books regarding what is going on in the Psy Net play out so well. I can’t wait to see what’s next for this world.
Grade A+
