Book 7), Blaze of Memory (Psy-Changelings

Every time I read this book I come away with a new appreciation for this book. I love learning about the Forgotten and the nuances of the world building is amazing.

Each and every time I read this book I learn something new, actually that's true with all of the series.

I told a friend of mine I had read a book I really liked. A book that included all the things I love about romance and fiction. (In real life I believe the two are synonymous.) The only problem I said is that there's nowhere to go now as it had a great *happy ever after* ending, my favourite kind of book.
That was after reading Ms. Singh's first book, and I've bought every book since. They are all amazing.
Great strong loyal characters, and wonderful endings.
What more can you ask of a writer? The only thing I can think of would be for her to start including her middle initial in her name, so that Book searches would stop bringing up the other Nalini Singh's books.
Thank-you Ms Singh.

After how bad the last book was, I was worried about this one and the future of the series. Luckily I was proven wrong in my fear. This book is back on track for the series. Max and Sophia are a very interesting couple and it was great to see another subset of the Psy. Rather than constantly bashing on them, to see that there may be those who aren't g going to abandon everything was nice.

It seems that Psychangling series just keeps getting better as it goes along. Liked all of it....... Disliked nothing in it. Nalini is a gifted writer, and we are lucky to have her talent continuously evolving.

I really enjoy this series and the fact that while the author tends to follow a similar formula, she always gives each book it's own twist. This book made me cry multiple times but the happy ending was all the better because I wasn't sure it would come.

A meeting of like minds, total opposites to each other. Human & psy, crazy as it may sound but the complex/strict psy characteristics are gradually torn down by basic human hard-headed-ness. I love Max & Sophie's love story & that they get their h.e.a like their changeling friends, solve a case or 2 & find out the psy councillors are split, 3 against 3. Can't wait for more!! ???????

Some people don't like this book as well because it focuses on a human and a psy character. Well, I can't disagree more. This book adds even more depth to the psy/changling world. And Max loves and accepts Sophia regardless of her "flaws". They've both been exposed to the dark side of life, so Max understsand why she had done certain things. My point is that neither character is perfect and thatmakes them more interesting. I also like that we see different pieces of Nikita and Kaleb.

The Psy/Changling books are beginning to feel like a SF/Fantasy version of the Cold War of the 50's and 60's. There's a Communist (sorry, Psy) around every corner! Hide your children, fill them with fear, trust no one, build a bomb shelter. (Angela Landsbury is watching).

The Story basics;

Ekaterina, Ashaya Aleine's former assistant when she worked on Protocol 1, survived the laboratory bombing, has been tortured then dumped on the doorstep of Devraj Santos, head of the Shine Foundation. She is programmed (brainwashed) through that torture to learn all she can about the Forgotten (Psy who initially rejected Silence), report back to the Psy, kill Devraj, then kill herself. She knows she's a sleeper/spy/assassin, Dev knows it as well.

End of the initial mystery, all this is explained in the first chapter.

The trick now is how to de-program Ekaterina. Katya (the name she now answers to), is broken mentally and physically, Dev is a protector by nature, his choice is to kill her, or help her. Gosh, gee, what road will he travel?

As for the love story... I've accepted the possessive mentality of the Changling males, but from Dev it is over the top. 'If anyone gets to kill you - I do. If anyone gets to have sex with you - I do. You belong to me, end of that argument - MINE! MINE! MINE!' (yawn). Women can be respected for their brilliant brains, but should any male other than the one who claimed them as mate touch her, growls and dogfights ensue. Seriously. Dev actually holds in a growl when a male doctor stitches up a knife wound on Katya.

I'm beginning to thoroughly dislike the mindset of every male in this series.

In the meantime, we learn more about The Forgotten, The Shine Foundation, the Arrows, the Shadow Net, Dev's own history and latent Psy abilities. Those are the more interesting bits, but are haphazardly inserted into the story. Try and skim anything, and you lose the plot. You can't even skip the sex scenes, a kernel or two of information you need to keep up in future stories just might sneak in while you're napping.

Lots of background information of all the different factions, but no forward movement in the Cold War.

Please, Ms. Singh. Drop the damned nuke already, I'm getting tired of dusting my bomb shelter.

By rereading this 7th volume of the psy-changeling saga, I realize that I had forgotten partially the power this story. It is almost a closed session, interrupted with chapters deepening the thorough intrigue. We have already caught a glimpse of Devraj and Ekaterina in the previous volumes.
Dev Santos is the leader of the Shine foundation who works for the Forgotten, the descendants of the psy who ran away from Silence when it was imposed.
Katya Haas is M-psi, a survivor from the laboratory employees who worked on implants project.
It is an unconscious and amnesic woman whom Dev meets at first, he is perfectly realistic that it is a decoy and a trap for him. But he is, in an uncontrollable way, attracted by her, just like she takes comfort from him.
Except there is a puppeteer pulling strings in the shadow of the memory and will of Katya’s mind. Will they be capable of thwarting the tense traps in time?
Besides the main weft which progresses around the councillors and their little schemes, we learn more on the world of the Forgottens and their gifts which mutated in time.
I did not find Devraj was cold, it is necessary to be inflexible and the man is fully conscious of the sacrifices which entail on his own psyche. But when he loves, he behaves almost like a changeling, he will fight with all the weapons in his power to protect who he co spiders as his.
In spite of what Katya had to endure, she did not become a monster as the one who tortured her and freed from Silence, she is a woman full of caring and very sensual.
A very beautiful love story up to the end of the hope.
I’m a verified customer on the store.fr

This is my favorite book by Nalini Singh. I do not understand how this is possible, because every time I read this book (and I have read it many times) I can not help but cry inconsolably. I was fascinated by Devraj Santos since his first appearance in the series. I never imagined that he was Ekaterina Haas's mate. How wrong I was. They are perfect together, they are made for each other.
In previous books, different characters have told us that Ming LeBon is evil and ruthless. In this book you will know how truly cruel he is.
Maybe you think that this book will not like you because its protagonists are almost unknown. Or maybe you want to read only books in which the changelings appear. In Blaze of Memory there are some of the favorite characters of the fans. And some of them will be the protagonists of a very important scene.

I have been enjoying my reading journey this year through the fantastic and engaging Psy-Changling series by Nalini Singh. Her futuristic paranormal world where three races of humans (regular humans, animal shifter humans, and psychic humans) share the planet and all bring their own brand of danger and intrigue to the table with each new book installment.

This is not a good series to skip around and get the books out of order because, though it features a new romance pair with each book, there are ongoing story lines the continue through each book. The world and the large cast of characters was shared in the beginning and build as it goes.

In this latest installment, Bonds of Justice, Singh introduces the reader to another type of psychic human, the 'J' or Justice designation (variation on telepathic types) and pairs her with a human. All along, I've felt some pity for the psy because many of them stand a better than average chance of either going nuts due to their psy gift messing with them or getting their brain wiped because they are deemed unstable by their own government. Sophia Russo, a Justice Psy, has a truly tough row to hoe in that her designation of psy has a really short shelf life because of the nature of her job- dipping into the darkest of criminal minds to extract the truth so that justice can be served when the forensics and testimony at the trial aren't quite enough. This is another one of those situations the author does so well when the reader wonders just how she is going to pull out a win for the home team. Sophia is essentially dying, she can't walk away from the latest assignment that might well be too much and kill her, and now she has fallen in love when a man who loves her back and has had his own struggles that might break him when she dies.

Sophia and Max are a great pair and their backstory, characters, and ongoing relationship that builds between them make a good case why they are so right for each other. Sophia has lived the cold, sterile world of a psy until she encounters red-blooded sensual, but very much alone Max who teaches her to live even while she shows him he has someone to come home to finally.

Their romance is set against the conflict of a ticking time bomb that is Sophia's eroding mental shields, a dangerous sociopath serial killer, and a cunning murder mystery that they must solve for a powerful psy councilor. There are also check ins with Lucas and Sascha's story and other previous couples that Max knows from earlier stories. And beyond that is the ongoing underground civil war taking place in the psy race. It might seem like it was all too much, but it wasn't. There are quick scene changes, but they lead in and transition well. They serve to tighten the tension and keep the reader riveted rather than distracted.

It ended on a high note and left me with a strong desire to grab up the next book in the series to keep going and see what comes next. For those who love spicy paranormal romance, I can definitely recommend this series.

So...this book was not so good as the previous others. Yeah, it happened and I blame my (too) high hopes for this book to be really great or as great as the others in this series. I love PNR and with this story I just didn't feel that much of PNR going on. You have a human detective and a psy. They have two murder cases and one of course leads to a deadly situation that resolves in some action and good loving afterwards. I love that type of plots but with this book, it simply felt too real, too non PNR and I just wanted more changeling and their world. But it happened and now I have to deal with it, yeah, yeah... What I'm trying to say here is that this book is good for readers that don't mind to be in a world where there main focus is more on real life, action and mystery than on romance and fantasy. For me, that was what let me down so I couldn't enjoy the story so much. I don't know, maybe it's just me or I'm in a weird book mood but for those of you who don't mind that kind of a plot, go for it! The writing is as always amazing! It's Nalini Singh after all! :)

This book really didn't do it for me. It hit all the buttons in my "god, I want to throw this book very, very far" mind.

I really do *love* this series but this has to be the worst book in it thus far. It's just ...

Dev is the director of a special group whom look for Psy descendants after they left the net. Since humans have no psychic powers, most of these kids aren't taught how to control their gifts and/or end up in insane asylums or worse, and Dev is very dedicated to the cause.

Katya is found in front of Dev's door. She actually has a different name, but whatever. She has no memories at first. They come back slowly. It's obvious from the get-to that she's there either to spy or murder people, and she truly doesn't remember who she is.

This couple just didn't work for me. Dev kept going from being decent to be incredibly horrible to her. Even when Katya asks, at one point, for him to scan her mind so he could see what she remembered and her intent, he still refused and he still treats her like s***. I mean, one time she tries to use her psychic gift and the others in the building find out. Not only does Dev completely and totally blow up at her, he kind of locks her away, tells her he knows she's been lying to him, and is just utterly nasty. He knows what her gifts are and he freaks out like this?

Katya, naturally, takes all this and still falls in love with this sociopath. One minute he's telling her he's going to murder her (while showing her various poisons and whatnot -- I'm not exaggerating this either! One scene on a plane has him actually reaching into his coat and taking out a syringe filled with something nasty to let her know he's serious about killing her), the next he's all jealous-like with arms around her waist and kisses.

I haven't finished this book on purpose. Why? Because I got to the point where they were all sure she would die within the hour and that somehow seemed like a much nicer fate than being tied to this sociopath.

I can't hardly believe I've read seven of these books so far, what can I say, I'm a sucker for a series, just got to see it through. If by chance you find this book first, don't read it, it'll suck you in. I'm sticking with it because I really, really want to read Hawke and Sienna's story, but ALL the books are tied together.

On some plane they might stand alone, but if you start with the first book, you'll be tied into the so called PsyNet yourself and can't get out. But this book is like the rest of them, 'long' winded. It goes on and on about what they are thinking and definitely what they are feeling. I found this series looking for Paranormal Romance, a lot of the first, and a weird second.

I'm all for erotic, but this was a bit boring as it just kept going on and on and on, so much that it wasn't exciting, just plain old boring, almost like eating ice cream for breakfast, lunch and dinner for a month, you kinda want to just be done with it.

But I give it three stars because she had a burst of genius towards the end, messed me all up :-). So yes if you're already this far in with the series, go for it, its an okay way to pass the day. If you haven't started yet, I advise you to skip it.

This series just gets better and better with every single book and I'm at the point now where I'd find it impossible to pick a favourite couple! I don't know how Nalini Singh does it but she consistently writes books that suck me in from the first page and that I can't put down for anything. Blaze of Memory is a little different to the earlier books because we have two Psy main characters. To be honest I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy it as much because of that since the Psy characters can often take longer to warm up to than the Changelings & humans but as usual Nalini proved me wrong and had me hooked very early on.

This story gives us a lot more information on the history of the Psy and how Silence came into existence. Dev is the leader of the Forgotten Psy, decendents of the Psy who refused to accept Silence as an option and who left the Psynet determined to find another way. The Psy have hunted the Forgotten ever since and it is Dev's job to keep his people safe. He is ruthless when it comes to their protection and prepared to do whatever it takes but the more he blurs the lines the harder and colder he becomes.

When Katya is left on his doorstep beaten and bruised with no memory of how she got there or even where she came from Dev is immediately suspicious. He suspects that she has been sent as a spy for the Psy council and he is sure that she can't be trusted but no matter how often he reminds himself of that fact he can't seem to resist her. Katya has been through hell and only just survived to tell the tale, as her memories start to return she only becomes even more convinced that she is a danger not just to Dev but also to all of the Forgotten and she hates the thought that someone could be controlling her without her realising it. Katya is an incredibly strong woman, she had to be to survive her ordeal and we really get to see that strength as her memories come back and she starts to realise exactly what was done to her. She isn't the kind of woman who will give up and she becomes determined to turn on the person who programmed her - even if it costs her her life.

I don't want to say too much more about the plot but I found this was an incredibly fast paced story and I completely fell in love with both Dev and Katya. They go through so much and there were times when my heart broke for them - at one point I was having trouble reading because of the tears that were rolling down my face! This book is darker than some of the earlier stories and I definitely found it more emotional, everything feels so desperate and it really does feel like there is no chance of a happy ending. I'm not going to tell you how things end so I'll just say that there are some really interesting developments to the world as a whole and with some of the characters we've already met in the previous books. This series is definitely a favourite and I'll buy ANYTHING that Nalini Singh ever writes!

My obsession continues.

I love this book, this series. What a master this author is, weaving a story where there is so much uncertainty, so many surprises, and so much sensual passion.

The resolution is so uncertain, this author creates a situation that has no answer, no fix. And just when she has me doubting things can ever work out, a way appears. I love that.

No author has surprised me as much as this one has. One surprise in this book had me gasping out loud. Never saw that coming. No one's allegiance seems clear, at least among the Psy. I have no doubts where the changelings stand but I was pretty shocked at some of the turns among the Psy. I love that EIGHT books in, I still don't know everything and this world still holds me captive.

Then the way this author writes so sensually. Sophia can't handle being touched. How does romance happen without touch? Oh it does. Sexy and hot, Max is patient and looks out for his J until touch can happen. So worth the wait.

This the second one in the series that I've read without the central characters not being a changeling and I continue to be amazed that I love these stories anyway. The changelings are still there at every turn with there protective ways and pack mentality. And Max may not be a changeling but the man is an animal in so many ways.

I love these books. I've discovered the cache of free short stories that go with this series on the authors website. And it's my next indulgence.

Don't miss these books; they are the ultimate sensual indulgence for paranormal lovers.

3-3.5 stars

Overall this was a good story. To be honest, I have mixed feelings on how to rate this as I wasn't liking the story for the first half but liked it in the second and really liked the ending.

Katya is a Psy scientist with medical and telepathic powers. She used to work with Ashaya in the lab (before Ashaya's defection in Hostage to Pleasure) but was taken captive by the Psy counselor Ming before the lab was destroyed. Ming then used his powers to trap Katya in a web of compulsion in order to get at an enemy.

Dev is the head of the Shine organization. They look after the descendants of "the forgotten" (the Psy that dropped out of the Psy web 100 years ago when silence was first instituted). These descendants have interbred with humans so in some the gifts are lessening in strength but the Psy counsel is still a danger and Dev has made it his life's focus to protect his people. Obviously, Dev is too much of a workaholic and doesn't have anyone special in his life. Unfortunately, the solitude and focus on work alone is proving not to be good for him.

Katya is dumped (unconscious) on Dev's doorstep. She has no memory of who she is or what happened to her. Dev sees her as a threat and rightly so since Katya admits she doesn't know why she was put in his care but knows that someone has been messing with her brain, wrapping webs of compulsion and psychic traps that lie in wait for something...she just doesn't know what. She even tells Dev it's likely he might be the target. From the first, Dev is a complete jerk to Katya (until around 50% of the book). I can understand that she may be dangerous to him but he also has an irrational possessiveness towards her that pisses him off and he wont let her go or send her away but also wont stop treating her like crap. I was extremely frustrated through the first half of the story, especially when Dev kept giving mixed signals, first treating Katya a bit nice and then slamming her (emotionally). Katya was believable in her bewilderment and her efforts to figure out who she is and what happened to her and how to proceed from here. The only thing about her that I didn't like was that she let Dev get away with his crap but then since she was his prisoner I guess she didn't really have a lot of leeway.

So for the first half of the book I wasn't feeling the emotion between Katya and Dev and was pissed as hell at Dev (so pissed I was muttering foul names at him under my breath every time he did or said something stupid in the story). What annoyed me even more is that Dev wouldn't take the opening for Katya to prove her innocence even when she offered it. Fortunately, Katya ends up making a move that pisses Dev off again but also (for some unknown reason) finally breaks through his walls and he decides to believe her story and trust her to an extent (there are understandable reasons why she can't know some info). After the attitude change I started liking the story. Dev and Katya's emotional connection started a little rough but it did well from here on and I was able to get in to the relationship. They connect but still have things that need to be done as they find more evidence of the Psy's mental degradation that has been hidden. They try to figure out how to free Katya from the mind web that Ming put in her but things don't work out the way they plan. The ending of the story is rather unexpected and a bit traumatic (make sure to have a few tissues) but it turned out great and Dev and Katya are free to start their HEA.

Regardless of my frustration at the beginning of the story I'm glad I read this book. The last half did make up for the early frustration and I loved how things turned out for Katya and Dev. I'll be reading the next book in the series ASAP. :D

*note - I listened to the audio version of this book. The narrator did a good job.

This 7th book in the Psy-Changling series really fell flat for me. Katya was an interesting character, but I didn't have any interest in her love interest, Dev. I think part of the problem was the lack of changlings in the book (we saw more of them toward the end, but most of the usual characters weren't around for the beginning). Dev acted a lot like a changling, but it didn't feel right coming from a Psy. With the changlings out of the picture, we're left with two Psy - neither of which have Silence conditioning (Dev, being forgotten, had never been conditioned and Katya's was broken by what caused her to lose her memory).

These things caused the book to feel different from all the previous books. There were some interesting things. I liked the letters from Dev's great-grandmother to his grandfather, written at the time Silence was being considered. I also liked the subplot of Dev's nephew, as little of that as there was.

I didn't care for the subplot that drew Katya north. It wasn't really connected to her. Honestly, the way she knew about it didn't explain the draw she felt to go there. It was just odd.

I didn't feel much series plot in this book either. Honestly, someone could probably skip this book and still follow the rest of the series.

Worth reading once if you've already read the other 6, but not something I'm interested in re-reading.

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi

Max Shannon is a good cop, born with a natural shield, making him one of the best human cops around. He is currently working on a case of a sociopathic killer. He has his perp locked up, but now it's up to him to find the locations where he buried the bodies so that he can bring them home to their families. But, Max can't do this alone and Justice-Psy, Sophia, is brought in to try to pull the information from the killer's mind.

Shortly after Sophia and Max meet, they are both called to San Francisco on another case, to help Psy Councilor, Nikita Duncan, discover who is targeting and killing her associates and to determine if she has a mole in her organization.

J-Psys have a very short life expectancy considering all the horrors they are exposed to while sifting through the minds of others. And, now Sophia has learned she is at the end of her own usefulness. The next time she goes in for rehab will be her last, so she must do everything in her power to make her shields last as long as possible. But she quickly realizes that her new partnership with sexy cop, Max, is not only awakening her body to new sensations, but accelerating the rate of her psychic decline. But she is determined to experience life to it's fullest before hers is snuffed out for good.

"Take care of my heart won't you, Sophie? It's a little odd having it outside my body-but I'm planning to steal yours to make up for it."

I really don't know what to say about this book. It's the second Psy-Changeling book in a row that I've read that I really didn't care for. In Blaze of Memory (book 7), I just didn't like the lead characters. That is not the case in this book. I didn't dislike Max and Sophia....although I didn't really love them either, but I did find myself enjoying the characters by the end of the story. I liked Max from the beginning, but I couldn't connect with Sophia and I just didn't get the relationship at all....especially with all this running hot and cold stuff with her wanting to be with him sexually and him stopping it. I understand it was supposed to be a show of sensitivity and how he doesn't want to harm her, but I found it got old rather quickly. You can only read the same basic gesture so many times before it gets completely dull. Ultimately, I couldn't connect with Max and Sophia as a couple throughout the majority of the book and I found myself having a hard time focusing on the story and even having to force myself to keep going back to it to finish reading it. Which is really strange for a Nalini Singh book, which I usually gobble up as quickly as I can. Color me disappointed with this installment.

We did get more glimpses of the DarkRiver pack, which was nice. I love seeing Lucas being so protective of Sascha and their unborn cub. And, the few glimpses of Dorian, Clay, and Vaughn were enjoyable as well. Outside of the pack, we also got to see that Nikita isn't the ice queen that she always appears to be, at least underneath the surface.

I found my favorite part of this book, and one of the few things that I even liked at all, was the ending. It was something I expected, but I really liked seeing come to fruitation.

This review and more at openbooksociety dot com

Maybe I went into it with too many negative thoughts, there were no shifters as love interests this time around. But I don't think that's it. There was no fire between Dev and Katya. The whole I'm-stuck-in-the-Net-don't-trust-me stick has been done, but now add the twist of Katya being brainwashed by Ming turning her into a walking weapon. One designed to kill Dev. It just added a little too much to the same old story that seems to be the Psy female way of the romance. Plus, the fear that she might not be able to make it out of the Net is no longer a fear after Faith and Sascha safely made the jump. Of course Singh tries to make us guess by saying no Psy has ever entered the Net of the Forgotten . . . yeah. We still know what's going to happen.

The side plots where actually the most alluring parts of Blaze of Memory. Stepping into Sascha and Lucas's lives again, and it's made better by the fact that Sascha is preggos!! Yeah, our first baby in the Psy-Changeling series (you know what I mean). Other characters get to step in and it's great to see them. It bodes well that Singh is going to continue to utilize past characters to pull the story ahead. Readers aren't simply getting the evil villains' view point and the happy couples. Each book is a taste of the latest sizzling couple and visiting old friends.

My favorite part of Blaze of Memory is seeing how the Forgotten have evolved and the slow erosions of the Net. It's clear Silence has failed, and may actually be speeding up all of the issues that had driven the Psy to create Silence in the first place. The warfare and battle of minds is another interesting view point that is shared with readers. As Ming breaks Katya and basically kills the woman she was under silence. The true beauty of this story is how Katya creates herself and is basically reborn. And while I stated above that "there was no fire between Dev and Katya" their romance was sweet and by the end of the book I was warming up to them.

For me, after some of the more incredible entries into this series, this title just didn't have enough to bring to the table. Hunger pains kept hitting. It's with hope and fear that I look forward to the next book. Hope that they keep coming out with incredible new twists and developments because this series has somewhere to go! Fear that the series doesn't just fall back and slow down. For me this was probably one of the few weak titles in the series.

Sexual Content: The sex is a tad more kinky, not by much.

3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back.

Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.

If I'm up front Bonds of Justice took me a while before I got a feel for its rhythm. Max and Sophia immediately captured my attention, so that was all well. But there were a few brief moments in places where I had no idea who was talking. Which is a first for me with Singh. Also, some major grammar errors and one name error. But it was brief and thankfully didn't detract from the story.

I was a little nervous about reading a Psy and human hookup. The previous book Blaze of Memory hadn't quite worked out for me, so I was nervous about the lack of shifter loving yet again. Shame on me, Bonds of Justice brings back the fire! Max is a totally amazing character flawed and dreamy. He's the perfect type of hunky cop that will make readers swoon. What's more interesting is the J Psy (AKA Justice Psy) are the most at risk to break Silence, and they're reconditioned a lot for “tune-ups” so that they can get the most out of them during there life expectancy. Sophia is probably the most compelling female yet to take center stage. She's dark and lethal, and looks into the abyss of insanity that is the Net. Sophia is only too willing to jump into the arms of Max, which is such a fun thing. However, her Psy power and conditioning make touch hard to do. Which means lots of fun practicing for readers.

Bonds of Justice is a huge stepping stone for the plot and the universe of this series. The council is split as those who want Silence back and the Pure Psy, verses those who understand that Silence needs to end. Every twist of this book is amazing, and the two mysteries that are the focus of this book. Best of all we get to take a peek in on Sascha and Faith. It's been great following around a pregnant Sascha and as she finds out more about Empaths. Even better is the growth of Nakita and Sascha's relationship. While it's not what normal people would call real progress, it's still progress none the less.

Bonds of Justice doesn't just hook up two characters and make fire. It's building some amazing plot arcs that I can't wait to find out where they’re going. Things are going to get messy in the Net as many councilors are going to find out that the Psy aren't just mindless followers. Gives readers a look on some of our favorite past characters—mainly from Darkriver—and also shows the developing world of the Psy and what's really happening. This is the first time that a Psy love interest has had to actually stay in the Net. Well done Singh I'm forever a loyal fan with this latest entry, for shame that I ever doubted you.

Sexual Content: Psy-Changeling yumminess. Hmmmmmm.

4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it.

Orginally reviewed at Book Whispers.

~3.5 Blaze Stars ~

Blaze of Memory is book seven in Nalini Singh Psy-Changeling series. I have to say this is my least favorite book so far in this series. I had so much trouble getting into this one and was confused at the begging on who Dev was. I finally figured it out! We get a little action really not a lot, some bedroom scenes and a plot to take out the head of Shine.

This book could have been more. Dev has some cool abilities, but he only uses them once. It made no sense to give him abilities if he never uses them. In all the previous books the Psy powers are on full display. Katya is strong, determined, but she struggles with her own brain, which what was done to her is understandable. I also did not get why they had to go north? Nothing came from it unless you count the time as a why to grow the characters more into a relationship.

There where a few things I did like about this book that kept me going. One was the letters to Matthew from the Petrokov Family Archives. It was nice to read the past and see how it affected those in the Psy net before Silence came to be. I also enjoyed learning more about the Forgotten. Last I liked the cameo appearance from Judd and Lucas/Sascha. The ending was wonderful and a tear came to my eye.

For the most part I was reading just to get to the end and move onto the next book in the series. It does have some good points to it and helps use see more into the Forgotten, but Blaze of Memory was just ok for me. As for the series I enjoy Nalini Singh's writing and the interracial realtionships she creates!

~ 4 Bonds of Justice Stars ~

I love this series. Love the characters. Love the factions. Love the world building.
Amazing! Fascinating! Interesting!

Bonds of Justice is book eight in Psy-Changeling series byNalini Singh. I had a wonderful time reading about Max and Sophia. We don’t see Max expect in Clay and Tally’s book Mine to Possess. It was a suprise to see him get his own book, but very rewarding, especially after being disappointed in the last bookBlaze of Memory. We get a great plot, lots of suspense, several new Psy being revealed, more in-depth into the Psy world and romance.

I enjoyed the visits with past characters. We get to see how they are doing and the parts they play in the storyline. The Psy, at least most, are finally understanding that change is coming a type of awakening. I liked the progress of the plot with the Silence and the Council. I also liked the idea of the J-Psy, Justice Psy, they have a hard life. The concept as a whole, with the J-Spy, was interesting. The sexual tension between Max and Sophia was at an all time high. Their was no lack in making me wait and wait for the relationship to hit the critical point. As for Sophia she was a little flat I never really felt like I got to know her. Max I liked as a character, but was never completely enthralled with him.

Another good book in the Psy-Changeling series. I can’t wait to read the next one.

Enforcement Detective Max Shannon has worked alot of high profile cases but this one is getting to him in ways he thought not possible. Watching Justice Psy or J Sophia Russo take the control away from serial killer was something to behold. J Psy must always be in control of their shielding but with the constant reconditioning required will eventually kill J Psy. Sophia Russo knows that she's flawed but Detective Shannon strikes a deeper need within her that she can't explain away. Sophia and Max are asked to work with Councilor Nikita Duncan because key people within and surrounding Nikita are turning up dead. As Max and Sophia start working more closely together, Sophia develops and craves to be touched by him. Sophia brings back memories that Max had forgotten like a gift. Max feels bone deep ache left by his brother River. Who is behind the killings? Can Sophia accept being touched? Can Max protect Sophia? Can River be found? Your answers await you in Bonds of Justice.

I love seeing old and new character that have become favorites! I've liked Max since his introduction. Just knowing he was getting his happy ending is bright spot. Sophia appears tough as nails yet barely holding it together until she meets Max then everything changes for the better. I found the J Psy interesting and unique. I look forward to my next adventure in Psy-Changeling Universe.

NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4
REVIEW:
Dev knew when he took his job that he would have to have a heart of stone to make some of the decisions he needs to make and sadly that is coming very true. No one can be as cold as Dev except maybe a Psy. But when a young battered woman barely alive is dumped on his doorstep something in Dev melts just a little bit. But she is the enemy and like any threat to the Shine foundation enemies need to be dealt with.
She may not remember everything but she does know she is not the person she use to be. No Katya, has forever been changed by a man looking to take out the Forgotten. The question is what is Katya’s true mission? And what will happen when the final trigger is set?

Another great story by Nalini! I really love this series and love how much detail and heart that each of these characters have. I have to say that one of my favorite parts was when Judd made an appearance. I just love Judd and if you don’t know who I am talking about start with book 1!

Angela does an amazing job again narrating this book. There really is not much better than an amazing book and an amazing narrator. Can’t wait for the next installment.

Disclaimer:
I purchased the book from Audible.com and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Ekaterina (Katya) Haas has no true memory of her past except spiderweb links buried deep within her psyche thanks to Councilor Ming LeBron. She doesn't know how she ended up on Devraj (Dev) Santos front lawn or even her purpose. Dev is the director of The Shine Foundation can't afford to be taken in by Katya's ways. The Psy Council is learning that PsyNet isn't function like it used to be with more occurrences of dead space creeping thru. Ming won't allow Arrows out of his control yet doesn't know he's actually losing control over them. As Katya's memories slowly return with hidden truths and still feeling the prison with which her mind is trapped in. Will Dev let his attraction get in the way of The Shine Foundation goals? Will Katya admit she enjoys emotional response she gets from Dev? Will Psy Council lose control of PsyNet? Your answers await you in Blaze of Memory.

I'm enjoying this series more and more as it progresses. I'll admit to being curious about Dev Santos and The Shine Foundation. Ekaterina believed to be dead coming back basically as ghost of her previous self. I truly appreciated the insights to splinter group~The Forgotten that rejected Silence as whole. Learning more of their origin gives a better picture of how much damage Silence has done in the future generations. I can't wait to dive into the next book.

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway promoting the release of the newest book in the Psi-Changeling series. I haven't read any of the books in the series, so this was my introduction.

I liked it! Ms. Singh describes an interesting world in the near future. A large percentage of people with psychic abilities are dealing with their own problems that threaten the stability and even existence of the Psy. They have split into two conflicting populations. There are those who deal with the problems by embracing an emotionless Silence. And there are the Forgotten - those who refuse to retreat into that coldness.

In Blaze of Memory, Katya has been pulled from the Silence and thrown to the Forgotten, likely as a spy. But her memories have been taken from her and she does not know why she is there. Dev, a leader of the Forgotten, is determined to keep her from harming his people. Somehow, keeping his people safe turns into protecting Katya from the evil that tortured her. Katya's exposure to emotion has a profound effect on her and she is driven to discover certain truths that will most certainly affect all Psy on both sides.

Throughout the story, I really liked the entries that describe the beginnings of the Forgotten. Both Dev and Katya are strong, imperfect, interesting characters that had my eyes getting a little watery near the end of the book. Other secondary characters were obvious players in previous books in the series. There were some elements of the Psy world that were not well explained though I'm confident followers of the series would have no problem keeping up.

I can easily recommend this book to anyone who has read other books in the series. If you haven't and the Psy-Changeling series sounds interesting, I'd say start at the beginning. Reading book #8 first was okay, but it is a little like starting to watch a TV drama starting in the middle of the season. You catch up, but it might take a few episodes.

Bonds of Justice, the eighth book in Nalini Singh's fabulous Pay-Changeling series, is a great read. When it comes to reading this series, I'm at the point where I really can no long find the words to describe what it feels like reading this vast array of characters and their journey to reach their hard won HEA's. Every time I read a Psy-Changeling novel, it feels like I'm coming home. Nalini's characters are like family to me.

Now two new characters have been welcomed into the fold. Max Shannon is a human detective who works in New York Enforcement. Max is special in his own way because he has mental shields that the Psy can't break through. Max is working a very specific case dealing with Gerard Bonner, a serial killer called the Butcher of Park Avenue. Also called on the case is Sophia Russo, a J-Psy, who has the ability to retrieve memories from people. She has helped crack many cases and will try to go deep into Bonner's mind to find the bodies of the missing women he has murdered and buried. Something about Sophia makes Max stop and take notice. Unfortunately, the same goes for Bonner. But then Max is taken off the Bonner case and ordered to investigate a crime in San Francisco. Someone is targeting and killing the Psy Councilors' closest advisors. And if this killer isn't stopped and fast, the high ranking Councilors may be next.

Max heads off to San Francisco and is in for a surprise when he finds out that Sophia will be his partner. Sophia is more than willing to help because she believes she doesn't have much time left. As a J-Psy, her mental capacities are breaking down. She is at the point where she must wear gloves, because if she touches a person's skin, the amount of emotion she ingests will cause her great pain and will lead to her death or life as a mindless vegetable.

As Max and Sophia work with both the Psy and the Changeling community to catch this killer, something more sinister is at play. Nikita Duncan, who is one of the most powerful women in the world and a Psy, is planning her own type of attack within her community to gain more power. She must keep her eye on her adversary Councilor Kaleb Krychek, a deadly Psy, who also has something else up his sleeve.

Max doesn't trust the Psy, but when it comes to Sophia, he longs to protect her and break through the barriers she has placed around herself. Sophia is afraid of what she feels for Max, but because her time is limited, she throws caution to the wind and takes off her gloves. She'll allow Max to show her pleasure and happiness that has been missing from her life by no choice of her own. And as Sophia welcomes Max's touch, his affection and security, another deadly individual is watching and planning, waiting for the right moment to strike and take away the one thing Max wants most in this world. And that is Sophia.

Bonds of Justice delivers a jammed packed, adrenaline rush of a story and an amazing couple with Max and Sophia. The majority of Nalini's past heroes are borderline alpha, but with Max, we have a tenderer and understanding hero who doesn't necessarily want to claim Sophia as his own, but help improve her quality of life through love with something simple as touch. Sophia is damaged, and rightly so, especially when the reader is given insight on the horrors she went through as a child. Unlike Sophia's Psy counterparts, she doesn't come across first as cold and unfeeling, but more detached if anything. Max senses Sophia's vulnerability and fear and will do whatever he can to heal her.

Many familiar faces pop up, including the beloved couple Lucas and Sasha, (the hero and heroine from Slave to Sensation) who have a great deal of screen time within these pages. Even the Psy Councilors, who are close to villainous as you can get, are welcomed. Nalini has given us a bit more insight into Nikita and her ultimate plan, including Kaleb, who is really not what he seems. I'm a total Kaleb fan girl like you wouldn't believe. There's something going on with him that is mentioned where a light bulb went off in my head. He's the one character who keeps me guessing and I am beyond anxious for his own book.

The only issue I had with Bonds of Justice that stops me from giving it a perfect grade is the ending. Something happens with Sophia that comes across a bit contrived in order to make everything come together and make certain that she and Max have their HEA. But otherwise, Bonds of Justice is another welcome addition to this series that I can't get enough of and has me anxious for more.

Katiebabs

This is the 7th book in the "Psy-Changeling" series and the story of Shine Director, Devraj Santos and M-Psy, Ekaterina (aka Katya.)

Oh wow! This book was so good I can't contain myself. First of all let me state that I am crazy about this series because they are just so good. However, I was a little hesitant to start on this one since I didn't really care much about Dev's story. Finally I decided to trust the author and just read it since all the others have been so good. And WOW... thank I did or I would've missed out because this has been nothing like I expected and it has totally blown me away! Devraj is so possessive that he should've been a Changeling instead of a Forgotten Psy. I am totally in love with everything in the story. Oh and the surprise we get from the little ones was just icing on the cake. So if you're thinking of passing on this one, Don't! This has been the best in the series so far. (And that's considering how much I love the Changelings.)

After the previous book in the series, I couldn't wait to read this one. And it proved to be just as good, if not better than Branded by Fire. And as soon as I found out the premise for the story, I knew I was going to enjoy it.

Deveraj Santos is a descendant of the Forgotten, the rebel group of Psy who left the PsyNet when the Psy decided to implement silence. Throughout the years, the Forgotten have been hunted almost to extinction. The Shine Foundation was set up to help those descendants of the Forgotten to deal with their abilities and prevent the Psy Council from doing any more harm. As the director of the Shine Foundation, Dev has had to make some hard choices for his people. These choices pushed him closer to the edge to become as cold and implacable as the Psy.

Though his abilities to control metal makes him cold, he found that the one person that penetrated that coldness he wrapped around himself is Katya, a woman who could very well be an assassin. Tortured and trapped mentally for the last few months, Katya had no idea who she was. Yet everyone knows she was dangerous, a sleeper assassin waiting for the chance to strike at Dev and the Shine Foundation.

I absolutely love Katya. She was vulnerable, but not to the point of disgustingly weak. Her vulnerability, and reading the way she was abused and tortured, made my heart weep for her. Yet she was not a push-over either. Once she got her footing, she knew exactly what she had to do. Katya exemplifies the strength of the human will to survive. After everything she's been through, the fact she could love as deeply is a wonder. Everything about Katya was just right. I think I just liked the tortured heroine better when they're not unreasonably and annoyingly strong by the end of the book.

While I love Katya, Dev was OK. He was as possessive and dominant as any of the changeling man, but somehow I just didn't connect with him. It might have something to do with just how often he got angry to the point that it annoyed me. I try my best to understand where he comes from. His need to protect his people, who are his responsibilities. Yet, when the I-refuse-to-believe-you-because-I-think-you're-a-spy-so-I'm-going-to-mistreat-you scene came up, I couldn't help but roll my eyes. That's one of the worst cliché scenes ever. That's probably my only complaint about this book.

While I enjoyed the beginning of the book, the end of the book completely blew me away. The strength of their love, the obstacles that stood in their way, everything was just amazingly done. I read the ending in a public place, so I had to hold back my tears. I don't think there was another couple that tugged at my heartstrings as much as they did. While the ending was kind of strange, I totally accepted it as part of the world building. As long as they have their HEA. They deserve it!

Bonds of Justice by Nalini Singh
Paranormal Romance- July 6th, 2010
4 1/2 stars

Bonds of Justice has everything! Mystery, high tension, sexy characters and startling imagination make this a book you won't want to stop. Nalini Singh's lasted Psy installment is a worthy new addition to this groundbreaking series filled with high tension and charismatic characters. If you haven't read this series I would suggest starting with the first book Slave to Sensation because although the author's writing is very clear and easy to read many characters from previous books return and play integral parts that build upon this story's plot.

In Body of Justice we are introduced to the J Psy or Justice Psy. They are rare and unfortunately deemed as expendable. Used by the Psy until they become a risk to society. The J are valuable because they can retrieve memories from criminals and these memories can be used in court to convict. However, having these abilities, is a steep price to pay. When Js take on the memories of the killers' sick and twisted minds it slowly begins to degrade their mental shields. If their shields collapse it results in their mental breakdown and they become a danger to the public. Before this happens they are 'reconditioned' to strengthen their shields. But there is a limit to how much reconditioning can help and when treatment is no longer viable, J Psys are 'rehabilitated.' A kind word for being mentally wiped clean and essential turned into living vegetables. Unfortunately, there is no way out except for the Js to commit suicide. Even if they wanted to find another job because their skills are so rare once they are discovered as a J no one will hire them as anything else.

Sophia Russo is a J Psy and she knows her time is coming. She can feel her shields fading and soon her mind will no longer be stable enough to hold against the nightmares that she constantly retrieves from the sociopaths she investigates. But she is determined to finish her last case with a serial killer who loves playing games. He is obsessed with Sophia but she knows she must try to hold out. She is driven to discover where he has hidden the bodies of the women he has killed. Resigned to her fate, Sophia contemplates suicide but she is surprised when she is assigned yet another case involving the handsome and elusive human, Detective Max Shannon.

Max is a cop with a terrible past. He has never let himself be open in any relationship but he recognizes in Sophia a kindred spirit. He is very attracted to her and determined to make her his own. He counts himself lucky when he discovers that he and Sophia are placed on an important case together. They are tasked with discovering why a high placed Psy Councilor's staff is being systematically murdered and how. Max knows his time together with Sophia is perfect to lay his claim and break down her cold Psy walls. But he is shocked and tormented when he discovers Sophia is living on borrowed time. And to make matters worse the emotions and desire he has been trying to evoke in her will only cause her deterioration sooner. Can they find the killer in time? How can they have a relationship if Sophia collapses?

This was a very emotional and gripping book. I found tears in my eyes several times as I realized Max and Sophia's time together were numbered. Both their backgrounds are tragic since both were abandoned as children by their parents. Sophia because she was 'flawed' and Max because his mother hated him and abused him. They find in each other a true connection that was a very poignant read. But this book was also exciting as Sophia and Max struggle to find out who is behind the murders of the Councilor's closest employees. Plus Sophia's previous case keeps interrupting their investigation and adds further tension as the sociopath becomes obsessed with her.

Bonds of Justice is another hit from Nalini Singh and sure to please her fans and any paranormal reader who loves a first-rate story and sizzling romance!

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club

Seemingly human Psy descendants are at the fore in this book. Dev Santos is tasked with protecting these Forgotten descendants. He is ruthless enough to do it until he meets the woman he knows he should destroy but can't do it. Dev is as Alpha and as bound to his Katya as any Changling to a mate. Katya's strength allowed her to survive torturous captivity but she is damaged. Allies are drawn closer together by developing and revealed connections even as suspicions are still there. In this nasty, if undeclared, war the only way to survive is for the allies, Changeling, Psy and Human, to work together and trust each other with their deepest secrets. Enjoyed the individual books and characters but as series continues the world makes more sense to me as I re-read in order.

Reviewed at Another Look Book Reviews

**This review is written with expectation that you have already read the series**
Well hell. I did not expect that from Blaze of Memory. First I had to remember who Dev was because I honestly didn't remember him from previous books. Then I started to read the story and it all came back to me. Dev was Tally's boss from the Shine Corporation found in Mine to Possess. Oh yeeaaah I remember now.

So now that I remembered who Dev was I started to get into Blaze of Memory and I was wondering where the packs are as they were noticeably absent? Where are the wolves? Where are the felines? Blaze of Memory focuses on Phy and the "Forgotten" (Phy/humans). I missed the forest dwellers but Blaze of Memory was still a thrilling and sad story. Yep sad. There may or may not have been misty eyes near the end of the book. I will not give spoilers.

As much as this book series are paranormal books, there are a lot of mystery too. There are many twists and turns that by the time you get as far into the series as I am now (book 7), you just have to continue to find out what is going to happen to the world.

I am not sure if I was missing something or not but I was very confused on what was driving Katya's need to go north to Sunshine, Alaska. I can't quite figure out the connection there so if I am missing something, please feel free to comment to help me understand.

Katya and Dev were a great couple together and I enjoyed reading all about them. Even though the pair was not a changeling cat or wolf, there was enough of an interesting storyline there to hold my complete attention. I was routing for them and the horror of what Katya experienced under Ming's power broke my heart. I love when Nalini sets the reader up thinking there is no way out of the PhyNet or for there to be a happy ending, and then something unexpected happens. I love it because it's not predictable.

I'm impressed by how Nalini Singh is developing the children in this series. She could easily turn out a spin off series with these gifted children. In Blaze of Memory it especially laid out an interesting floor plan.
Let's see, you have:
Kit (as future alpha of cats)
Sienna - (Judd's niece and her mysterious X-Phy)
Nate and Tammy's cubs - Roman & Julian
Tally & Clay - Noor and Jon
Ashaya & Dorian - Keenan
Judd's niece and nephew - Marlee & Toby
Dev' nephew that's being trained by Judd - William
Sascha & Lucas' baby - ?

I don't think I have l left anyone off the list above (up until this book) but feel free to comment if I have. So besides Blaze of Memory having a really ugly cover, it was an excellent read and I can't wait to continue on!

Max Shannon is a human with an unnaturally strong mental shield. While it's protected him from Psy influence, it's also prevented him from moving up the Enforcement chain which is controlled by the Psy. But Max is perfectly fine with doing his job knowing that whatever he does has no chance of being influenced by the Psy.

Sophia Russo is a Justice Psy. Since J-Psy are usually exposed to the darkest side of the human mind, when their mental shields collapse, they are reconditioned completely, their personality and psyche completely wiped out, and Sophia Russo is very close to the precipice. As someone who knows her fate very well, she never expected to meet Max, a human cop who tempts the part of her that Silence never bred out of her, a temptation that could end her life.

When Max was first introduced in Clay and Talin's book, I didn't think much of it. After all, he's a human and mostly operates out of New York, far away from the DarkRiver and SnowDancer packs and other characters we've come to know, so I wasn't too thrilled to read about him, even though I love pairings when one of them is a Psy.

But I was totally wrong. Max might be a tough and relentless cop, but we immediately see that he's got plenty of scars from his past. I think we can all agree that tortured heroes like him are irresistible. The good thing was also that we immediately find out his secret and admire him for the person he'd become. Ms. Singh did not build up his mysterious past for the entire book to reveal it at the end, only for us to find out that it wasn't such a dark deep secret. It was so much better to just lay it out in the beginning so that we can understand Max better.

Whenever I read about Sophia, I can't help but weep for her. On the outside she might be the perfect Psy, but deep inside she'd never stopped hurting since her childhood incident. All she wants is for someone to accept her and see her for who she is. Both Max and Sophia have been hurt since childhood, but that's also what brought them together. I don't totally agree with Max, but he said something along the lines of two broken pieces makes a whole, and that's what they are. Max and Sophia complement each other so much.

The chemistry between the two was explosive, with Sophia's deep aversion to touch. We get to see her respond to Max little by little, while Max shows us the patience of a saint in holding back from hurting Sophia. They're one of the best couples ever. Ms. Singh really has a way to write about couples who are perfect for each other.

Yet, from the very beginning Max and Sophia had no chance. They both knew that, yet they still loved with all their heart, even though Max knew he'd never get losing Sophia. This whole story was just so sad. I felt like I was going to cry at any moment. The hopelessness of their situation was just too much. If I didn't know that there HAD to be a happy ending for them, I don't know if I could've done it. Despite the odds stacked against them, Max and Sophia's capacity for love touched me deeply, though the whole plot reminds me strongly of A Walk to Remember, except of course there was a happy ending (thank goodness). The happy ending was also very well thought out and made a lot of sense.

Also some big things happened in the general plotline of the story. As usual, a lot of characters returned, but now no one is who they seemed. Just what's motivating Nikita? And what's Kaleb's secret? I can't wait to find out, but like before, none of this detracted me from reading about the couple. Max and Sophia was what's important in this book, not the main storyline of the series.

I was getting bored with this series by book number 6, Branded by Fire. I read book 7, Blaze of Memory, and it was great! I decided to keep going with the series. I wasn't sure if Singh could keep my interest for another book. I gave Bonds of Justice a shot and it was just as good as Blaze of Memory.

In the past I had issues with the Psy-Council, Pure Psy, changeling and human factions all doing their own separate tings yet somehow being slightly connected. It always felt forced and never worked in my mind. All of those things came together for me with Blaze of Memory and it got even more relevant in Bonds of Justice. All the side stories finally work together and add to the overall story (imagine me doing a little happy dance here).

Max Shannon is everything I love in a man. He's sexy, he's smart, he doesn't take any crap, he stands up for good and he has a tortured past. I wouldn't say he is a broken man, but he's definitely damaged. The same can be said for Sophia Russo. Sophia is the first J-Psy the series has explored and it's very different from the other designations of Psy. Basically, being a J-Psy means an early death sentence. They reach their "use by date" early in life. Sophia is fast approaching the end of her usefulness when Nakita Duncan commissions Max and Sophia to investigate the suspicious deaths in her organization.

Max and Sophia are drawn to each other the minute they meet. They both realize they have finally met the one person who can understand their past and the effect it's had on the person they are today. Both are reserved and have done an amazing job of secluding themselves emotionally. I really enjoyed watching them open up and learn to trust.

I loved the background story in this book almost as much as the romance. I actually found myself intrigued by Nakita Duncan and Kaleb Krychek, which was a first. They started to show hints of a personality and secrets they've been hiding all along.

I'm loving this series again and so glad I kept going. This series is fast becoming one of my favorites.

~* 4.5 Stars *~
Psy Councilor Nikita Duncan is having a bit of trouble keeping good help lately. Her top advisors seem to keep popping up dead. A car accident here, a suicide there...nothing suspicious, really. Unless you happen to be one of the most suspicious people on the planet with more than a handful of utterly deadly enemies. Of course, if you're Nikita Duncan and you have suspicions, you can command instant resources to figure out who is targeting you and your empire, even if getting those resources means pulling top Enforcement agent Max Shannon, a human with a natural shield against the Psy, and Sophia Russo, a Justice Psy on the edge of needing complete rehabilitation, off the complex multiple homicide case they'd both been assigned.

Max Shannon is not a fan of the Psy. He hates them rather a lot, in fact. So being pulled off a case he's been working for years to provide a little hand holding and a little case solving for a Psy Councilor doesn't sit at all well with him. Not that he has a choice. The enticing Sophia Russo, however, may be the one exception to his anti-Psy rule. She's a J Psy who doesn't seem as Psy to him as others he's known, and he's drawn to her in ways that defy explanation. Max has every intention of getting her used to his touch...as soon as she acknowledges the fire kindling between them.

Her abilities are deadly. Her secrets legion. Her death imminent. Sophia Russo has always known her expiration date is looming, her mind rising up against her as her shields slowly shred. A J's job forces him or her to take the memories of the vilest evil and vicious crime from the minds of monsters. Those memories act as toxic waste on Sophia's psyche and she's at her limit. Silence is already beyond her, even though she goes in for reconditioning regularly - full mental collapse isn't far behind.

Then there's Max. He touches her in ways she couldn't have possibly imagined. He stirs her. Makes her feel alive. Compared to that miracle, being targeted by a psychopath is nothing. Stopping a series of politically motivated murders are a cinch. Loving a man, loving that man...and being loved in return...is an exquisite gift - with an inescapable...and terminal...price tag.

~*~

By now, eight books into this complex, imaginative, passionate series, nothing surprises me about Singh's talent. Amazes, yes; surprises, no. Still a fresh story, still an evolving and expanding world, yet this book, like all the others, contains delicious threads of continuity in character and series plot that locks it firmly in place alongside its predecessors. I love this series.

I'm especially pleased to say that after a slight disappointment in the previous book, Bonds of Justice came roaring back strong. I enjoyed the external plot conflict that brought a traditional - relatively speaking - mystery thread to the fore, offering a romantic suspense feel to this installment of the series. It was a unique element that fit well with cop Max's and J Psy Sophia's characters. Not only that, but it set up a solid foundation for Max and Sophia's relationship, connecting them on several layers both personal and professional.

They fit well together, and for the first time in the last couple of books, I thoroughly enjoyed both the male and female as leads. Max was fairly typical for the series - alpha male type, passionate and protective. His character was contained nicely, though, and his humanity didn't tread too close to the shifters' fierce animalism, an issue I had with Dev in his book. Sophie was also strong, even as she dealt with the fallout of her fracturing shields. I never got the sense of helpless victim from her as I have some of the other Psy females. She was a weapon in her own right and used her abilities in a way that kept her character swathed in shades of gray - something that always appeals to me.

There are really only one or two things that bugged me a little while I was reading, one of which is an issue I've had with this series since the earliest installments. Too much time in the narrative of the books that feature Psy as one of the romantic leads is devoted to the crises of their impending doom. In all fairness, that's where all the emotional intensity of those books comes from, but it keeps the relationship evolution feeling fairly two dimensional. Each romance starts fast, burns hot, and gets intensely physical - which is great, don't get me wrong. I'm all about the hot and intensely physical. I would just like to see a little more attention and story diversity given to the characters' relationship development beyond the WANT-TAKE-HAVE stages.

The irony is that we do see glimmers of that in each book for a romantic couple - but it's the couple that was introduced in the first book, Sasha and Lucas. I love seeing their relationship stretch, evolve, deepen and intensify, and seeing them work together is fantastic. Their continuing story line is invaluable to the series. I just don't understand why the featured couple's books can't include something similar.

Regardless, I'm fully invested in this series and thirsty to find out what comes next for the Psy, changeling, and humans. That's the most impressive thing for me, actually. I often get bored with long series. They tend to get stale and their books can start to seem regurgitated after a while. I could name several that I never read beyond book five because I just lost interest. Yet here I am, done with the eighth book of the Psy/Changeling series, and I'm still having to force myself to wait before grabbing the next. I'm anxious for it, but determined to savor the journey through the series, and I don't want to catch up to the newest release too quickly. A series that keeps me that interested must be doing something very, very right.

~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.

Blaze of Memory is seventh book in Nalini Singh's highly popular Psy-Changelings series. The character highlighted in this story is Devraj Santos who was first introduced in Mine to Possess (book 4). Dev runs the Shine Foundation, a type of shelter for children known as the Forgotten. These children are human but have Psy abilities. Dev is one of these Forgotten. He tries to not let his emotions run away from him and can be very cold and meticulous. If Dev wanted to, he could become a killer, but lucky for those around him, he still has humanity intact.

An unconscious woman, who has been severely abused, is left on the doorsteps of the Shine Foundation's headquarters. She is a Psy and Dev knows she is dangerous because she could be a plant by the Psy Council to kill him. When the woman awakens, she has amnesia. She has been mind raped by a very powerful Psy and Dev places a call to some associates who may be able to tell him the woman's identity. Another Psy, Ashaya Aleine (Heroine in Hostage to Pleasure), who left the Psy community and mated with a changeling, knows who she is because she used to work with her in a lab where they did experiments on children. Her name is Ekaterina and they come to the conclusion that Ming LeBon, a very deadly and powerful Psy is responsible. Ekaterina no longer wants to be known by this name and will go by Katya. By being called Katya, she feels new and alive. Katya is living a death sentence because as her memory slowly comes back to her, she remembers the orders Lebon gave to her. Whichever way it ends, Katya is doomed.

Dev can't trust her because she's a weapon, a ticking time bomb that will go off at any moment. He should kill her, but Katya touches him deeply. He wants to protect her, because even though she may seem fragile, she is a survivor just as the children he has helped. Dev has to figure out a way to save Katya and eliminate Lebon before he can harm Katya. As Katya continues to get her memories and identity back, she grapples with her feelings for Dev, as well as his growing feelings for her.

Nalini has written another wonderful hero in Dev. He is protective, alpha and very inventive when it comes to loving Katya. There is this great scene in Dev's bedroom where he shows Katya how skilled he his with his hands. Katya took a bit more warming up to because she was so abused and pretty much a victim throughout the whole story. The big issue I had with these two is that Dev feels he cannot trust Katya, and rightly so. One minute he has to decide if killing her is the best for everyone involved or will throw caution to the wind and love her. This back and forth was a bit unnerving, especially because the tension and attraction these two have for one another just happens so fast. I was a bit unconvinced with Dev and Katya falling for each in such a short time period. Dev is always on his toes around Katya because she could kill him without any warning.

Even though I found Dev and Katya's relationship not as appealing as the past ones in this series, their love scene were still satisfying even though there is always this doubt on their minds that everything could end for them in a blink of an eye. Theirs is a very needy love each that seemed a bit hollow. In part this is because Dev is such a strong character while Katya wasn't so much.

Many past characters make appearances as well as a nice change where the reader dwells into the past about how the Psy Silence came to be. There are also more rumblings of a revolt and breakdown in the Psy community where Nalini keeps inserting key pieces of information to be aware of. I have a small inkling who the Ghost is; this mysterious individual who is causing major concerns for the Psy Council. I really think it is one of the Council members. Perhaps it is Kaleb, that deadly Psy working behind the scenes for his own gain? I have become such a big fan of his that I really can't get off my mind.

Blaze of Memory has some interesting moments and again I can always count on Nalini to write a pleasurable story. I was hoping for a bit more shocks and awe, but I guess not every book in a series such as this can always have you on the edge of your seat.

Katiebabs

Reviewed at Another Look Book Reviews

Max was the cop in Tally & Clay's book. Sophia is a J-Phy which means she is a Justice Phy. J-Phy have the ability to enter into the mind of a killer, see the horrific crime taking place and then project the crime into the other minds of lawyers, cops or anyone else that needs to know. Handy little ability to convict criminals however the emotional scars it leaves behind on a J-Phy (that are not supposed to have emotions) really takes a toll on their minds. Unfortunately as a result of that Phy ability the life expectancy of a J-Phy is mid-thirties at the latest. Life expectancy is cut short due to the mandatory "reconditioning" that the J-Phy are required to undergo.

I love how Nalini Singh keeps introducing the readers to different fractions of the Phy society. The J-Phy that was introduced in Bonds of Justice is definitely an interesting ability to add to a judicial system. Sophia is at the end of her time as a J-Phy. After this last case she has been scheduled for the mandatory reconditioning because her shields are so damaged. They are fractured so much so that she has been escalated to a "Sensitive". She cannot have skin to skin contact. She needs to especially avoid that contact with criminals because if experiences a skin brush, she will overload her brain activity and die. She wears gloves to ensure no accidental contact.

So as you can see, it would be highly peculiar to have a Phy at the end of her life (only around 30 yrs old) who can't touch or be touched yet she is willing to start a relationship with a human. I found it odd how Max and Sophia came together. They met during a previous case and he was attracted to her and she to him. Sophia was able to feel attraction due to her damaged shields and "Silence" breaking through. Sophia makes the decision to break Silence in order to feel emotions before her death sentence of reconditioning. She wants to be loved. To be cared for by someone just once in her dejected life.

The pace for Sophia and Max to come together was well timed. It was slow yet quick enough to hold the reader's attention. If the story was strictly about Max and Sophia I'm afraid Bonds of Justice would not have held my attention. Bonds of Justice was assisted along with Sascha & Nikita's continuing storyline, the Counsil and the constant underlying plot of Phy society. I found that these backstories held my interest much more than Sophia and Max. It is exciting and angsty to figure out what the split Phy Counsil is going to do and what direction they will take.

So as a result of Sophia and Max's lack of holding my interest based upon them being the main protagonists, I am granting my first 4 heart rating for a Phy-Changeling book. 4 out of 5 is still an excellent rating because Bonds of Justice was a good book, it just wasn't as excellent as the previous novels.

Human cop Max Shannon has a rare ability - strong natural shield that prevent the Psy from intruding into his mind. Max doesn't mind that his shield keeps him from rising in the ranks of New York Enforcement; it's a price he's willing to pay to know that his mind is safe. Max is surprised, however, that because of his natural shield he's requested to investigate a case of a murderer targeting Psy Councilor Nikita Duncan's closest advisors. And his partner on the case is a woman who tempts him like no other...

Justice Psy Sophia Russo is fascinated in ways a perfect, emotionless Psy should not be by Detective Max Shannon. But Sophia hasn't been a perfect Psy for a very, very long time. Her past and her job as a J have disintegrated Sophia's shields to the point where she knows it's only a matter of time before she's either discovered, gives into the darkness within her, or both. Though she knows she can only fight fate so long, working side-by-side with Max, feeling the desire burning between them, makes Sophia yearn to take a chance on experiencing what it means to be loved, if only for a moment. Yet the more entangled Sophia and Max's lives become, the more Sophia fears what will happen when her mind is taken from her and she's forced to leave him. Can she dare to hope the bonds of their love will have the power to save her?

Nalini Singh just gets better and better! Bonds of Justice is a vivid, brilliant story that kept me reading from dusk `til dawn and then some. It's long been my opinion that no one mixes world building, action, and romance better than Ms. Singh, and Bonds of Justice only makes me hold more firmly to my position. The twists and turns the world of the Psy-Changelings takes in Bonds of Justice are far, far too entertaining to spoil, but I will say Ms. Singh continues to blow my mind and not only does she pull the rug out from under me, but she does so in ways that are organic to the overall story arc of the series.

At the heart of Bonds of Justice are a new favorite hero and heroine of mine. Max, whom I was intrigued by in Mine to Possess, comes into his own in his story and he's a hero who is sure to have readers dreamily sighing. He's intelligent, deeply protective, and downright devastatingly sexy - how can you resist? Sophia is my favorite heroine since Mercy (of Branded by Fire). She's smart, strong, unusual, and utterly fascinating. I was drawn to her from the start and the complexity of her character was, in a word, mesmerizing. I loved she and Max as a pair; Ms. Singh has definitely created yet another, memorable, compelling couple with Max and Sophia.

Bonds of Justice is the tenth story (eighth full-length book) in Ms. Singh's extraordinary Psy-Changeling series. Ms. Singh provides enough information for readers new to the series to follow along. The only thing readers unfamiliar with the series might miss out on is the gut-punch impact some of the world building will have on fans of the series. As for those, like myself, who have long been in love with the Psy-Changelings? They'll be thrilled to revisit some of their favorite heroes and heroines from the previous books and I defy anyone to claim, after reading Bonds of Justice, they're not intrigued by some of the Psy Council members who play a large part in the story.

Bonds of Justice is another winner from the exceptional Ms. Singh. It's passion, danger, and phenomenal world building that warms the heart and feeds the mind. What could be better?

Shayna
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Blaze of Memory is an excellent addition to Nalini Singh's Changeling/Psy series. Even though the beginning lags a bit (for me, anyway), the plot picks up and the last third of the book is simply fantastic!

Why is it such a good book? Reason 1: the main couple!
Katya was betrayed by a Psy villain, her Silence broken under the cruelest torture. She knows she's been programmed to do something terrible. She's not certain what that is, but she's a smart cookie and figures it out right quick.
The hero Dev is a member of the Forgotten, the Psy who fled the Psynet when Silence was instigated. He directs the Shine Foundation, an organization that protects the Forgotten. He's ruthless and focused, maybe a little too much so, but then he meets Katya. Dev can be a dominating he-man, but Katya loves and needs that aspect of his personality because of her past. She doesn't mind his chest-beating, "you're MINE" intensity, so I don't mind it either. It's kind of fun actually. Plus I like the sexy Hindi vibe Dev's got going on, so I cut him some slack.
Dev and Katya are both likable characters who react realistically given the situations they find themselves in. Watching them address their problems, especially in the last third of the book, was a top-notch read.

Reason 2: Singh strikes the perfect balance for a series. She maintains focus on the main couple's romance but organically weaves in couples and characters from previous books. Yet I'm not overwhelmed and don't lose track of who is who. And even though this book has multiple points of view, it's never confusing. That's good writing!
Most importantly I never feel I must go back and re-read a previous book in the series to understand what's going on in the latest entry. That sense of missing or having forgotten crucial information is A GIANT pet peeve of mine, one that has soured me on other series before. (I want to read a series of books for pleasure, NOT study them.) Happily, I never encounter that problem with Singh. Even though months pass between publications, she gets you up to speed but never info dumps. But I still wouldn't recommend Blaze of Memory for the uninitiated. You'll miss the emotional nuances that make the book special.

Reason 3: two incredibly moving scenes with side characters. Judd Lauren visits a frightened child with a terrible power and offers the child hope. This brief and simple scene was one of the book's best. It put a painful lump in my throat. When Dev and Katya visit his father , I cried outright. You know it's good when it hurts!

Reason 4: Singh peppers her story with intriguing characters, characters that one day will get stories of their own. But she makes them essential to the plot; she never tosses them in just to sell her next book. (I can't wait for Tag and Tiana btw.)

What a wonderfully reliable and reliably wonderful writer Singh is! I hope this series goes on for a long time.

I've gobbled up the rest of the books in the Psy- Changeling series but this one fell a bit flat for me. Dev Santos is immediately drawn to a mysterious woman he finds dumped at his house. Even though he knows she's dangerous to him personally and to the Shine foundation he heads, he takes her with him almost everywhere and doesn't really fight his attraction to her. Katya, the mentally altered Psy who has no loyalty left to Silence, does her best to be a forward and brave woman in a very quiet way but falls a bit flat character wise.

Snippets of letters from a mother of one of the first Forgotten as well as mysterious missives from a Psy outpost designated Sunshine are scattered tantalizingly through the books pages but end up not really mattering to the overall story. In fact I was disappointed at how that storyline just abruptly petered out. The look into the inner workings of the Forgotten was interesting and two or three characters in particular stood out for possible future books.

Of course I was moved toward the emotional climax at the end of the book, won't go into why so I don't ruin it for future readers. But even then you knew there was going to be some type of happily ever after, so I didn't get myself too worried. The story actually got dull enough around page 280 or so that I abandoned the book on my nightstand for a week or two, which I rarely ever do. All in all, this wasn't a vital book to the series and I hope the next installment will be much more exciting.

The Story
Director of the Shine Foundation - Devraj Santos, has found a tortured starved psy on his door step that cannot remember her own name. The Shine Foundation is for the Forgotten Network. Psy's that defected when Silence came out. The cost of not feeling and taking away feelings from their children was too high. So those Psy's defected and started the ShadowNet. Years later those Psy have breed with humans and changelings. The children whose ancestors are those defected Psy is not the Forgotten. Dev is one of them. One of the Psy Counsilors is out to use those children for experiments and to kill Dev. He must decide whether to help this Psy dropped on his doorstep or eliminate the threat.

Thoughts
Anything that Nalini writes is captivating. She is an outstanding writer; I love all the series she's written. I was hesitant to read this one, because we haven't really learned much about Dev, he was mentioned in other books, but he isn't in the inner circle of the Sacramento area changelings. He is in NY. This isn't one of my favorites of this series, but it wasn't bad at all. There is still interaction with Lucan's leopards. It just seemed to me a lot of Dev's problems in this book could have been solved by talking to Lucan about it, anyways, not a big deal. It was still a good book, well written, likable characters. The character development is good. I think this one paved the way for future books. I understand eventually Nalini would have to branch out, we were running out of characters in the Sacramento Area. The pace is fast and kept my interest, that's all that really mattered. Dev's and Katya's relationship is fierce and electric. I'll happily keep reading this series.

Revision- I wrote the above when I still had 40 pgs left. The last of the book is very emotional and shows their love very well. Another book in a excellent series from a outstanding author!

As the year 2080 draws to a close, the Forgotten are in danger. The Forgotten are descended from rebel Psy, those who operate both on the physical and psychic plane. But unlike the current Psy, the Forgotten's ancestors rejected the implementation of Silence, a protocol which seeks to condition all emotion from the Psy population. The Forgotten are those of mixed blood, but their Psy abilities still remain, and over time have even grown in vast and varied ways. The Forgotten also live under the constant thread of annihilation by the Psy Council; a thread Devraj Santos, a leader among the Forgotten, seeks to eliminate. Unless a council member has the ultimate weapon dropped on Dev's doorstep.

Katya Haas wakens after surviving unspeakable mental and physical torture. Her personal memories are gone and a shadowy evil lurks in her mind, waiting to strike. Katya knows she's dangerous, especially to Dev. Yet she can't seem to tear herself from the sensual man who protects and heals her, though both know he might ultimately have to kill her to save his people. It's a race against time for Katya to win Dev's trust and figure a way out of the mission she has unwillingly been programmed to carry out.

Nalini Singh is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat in this nail-biting installment to her spectacular Psy-Changeling series. Blaze of Memory, for the most part, takes readers out of the world of the Changelings that has been the backdrop for the other stories. While I missed seeing a lot of the DarkRiver and SnowDancer packs that I love so much (though luckily some of my favorite characters do appear and, in fact, play key roles), this shift in focus expands the world of the Forgotten. I'll forgo giving away anything, as it might spoil some of the excitement of the book, but the Forgotten Ms. Singh introduces us to are a fascinating blend of humanity and Psy, the abilities of some beyond what we have seen before. There are sections of Blaze of Memory concerning the forgotten and their rebel ancestors it pains me not to write about, but they are so enthralling when read, I wouldn't want to destroy the power punch of Ms. Singh's writing.

As for the book's protagonists, I loved Katya. Her origins I'll keep to myself (yes, there are many wonderful surprises in this story), but I absolutely loved her. She has a will of iron and an inner strength that is something to behold. Fiercely intelligent, deeply caring, and heartbreakingly vulnerable, it's easy to see why Dev falls for her, even against his better judgment. Dev, sadly, is the one element of the book that did not captivate me. Don't get me wrong, there is absolutely nothing wrong with him. He's protective, loving, willing to do anything to ensure the survival and well-being of his people, but...he's missing something to make him stand out in a series of unique and amazing characters. He does possess an intriguing ability, but the more interesting aspects of it are never explored or used in the book, which was a pity. The fact that I was unable to connect with Dev kept me from loving this book as much as I have the others in this series. Still, keep in mind the fact that Ms. Singh generally "hits it out of the park," so to speak, so in keeping with the metaphor, Blaze of Memory is still a home run.

Ms. Singh continues to be one of, if not the absolute best, at weaving in world building with romance; Blaze of Memory is another example of this. It's the ninth story (seventh full-length book) in her Psy-Changeling series, but the romance does stand on its own. Readers new to the series might be a little confused at entering the complex world Ms. Singh has created at this stage, so this book might be more enjoyable if you've read at least the first six full-length books (Slave to Sensation, Visions of Heat, Caressed by Ice, Mine to Possess, Hostage to Pleasure, and Branded by Fire) before delving into Blaze of Memory - you won't regret it. In the end, I finished Blaze of Memory a satisfied reader, my mind mulling the new information Ms. Singh revealed, my heart proverbially sighing over Dev and Katya's love story, and my excitement for Ms. Singh's next Psy-Changeling story at a max.

Shayna
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

When is justice not blind? When she can see inside the bad guys' heads.

In Bonds of Justice, looking into the minds of killers has pushed Justice-Psy Sophia Russo close to the edge of insanity. She's already started dispensing her own brand of justice to the worst of the worst, but Bonner the Butcher can't be killed until she can retrieve the location of his victim's bodies from his twisted mind. In the middle of that tough assignment she is reassigned to help human cop Max Shannon figure out who is trying to kill Psy Councilor Nikita Duncan.

There is a lot going on in this eighth installment of Nalini Singh's Psy-Changling series. Many of the characters from earlier books are brought back into the story that advances the political intrigue that serves as a back drop for each of the breathtaking romances found in these books.

I discovered this series earlier this year and it has fast become one of my favorites. I can't wait for the next installment. If you like the sound of this world but want to try it out in a smaller dose, there is a novella from this world in the anthology, Burning Up (Berkley Sensation), out now.

What I loved about the heroine: Sophia Russo is a badly damaged character, but she is determined to fight to live and love.

What I loved about the hero: Max Shannon appeared in an earlier novel and here we learn a great deal more about this strong, tough cop. Max has a natural mind shield against the Psy and that gives him an edge in dealing with them. Max is both strong and tender. His love notes to Sophia, scattered throughout the book; are sexy, fun, and romantic.

Other cool stuff: We see another side of Nakita and Kaleb in this book. Kaleb's Tk (telekinetic) abilities are amazing and there is a hint that he may be taking over leadership of the Arrow squad. In Caressed by Ice we met an ex-Arrow who made a darned fine hero and there is another Arrow that has made appearances off and on through the series. This gave me hope that we will eventually get his story.

Blaze of Memory is the 7th book in the Psy/Changeling Series. It's a great series, but if you haven't read any of the previous ones I don't recomend that you start with this one. Unfortunately you will be lost and will probably not enjoy it as much as you would have with more background information.

For some reason I couldn't connect to this story the way I could to the other books in the series. I felt it had some really interesting points, but on the whole it wasn't what I was hoping for.

I really enjoyed learning more about the Forgotten Psy and Shine. I was intrigued by the differences between their Net and the PsyNet. I can't wait to learn more about them. I also liked seeing the small hints that Nikita Duncan might feel more of a connection to Sascha than we thought. I appreciated the author showing us prior characters in the series without letting them take over the story too much. Although I do have to say that I think Sascha has way too much page time throughout the series.

The relationship between Dev and Katya didn't engage me the way that all the others did. I think it was because it felt so unequal with Katya being so needy. I know she had her mind messed with and wasn't in the best position to come out of her situation on top, but it felt like she leaned on Dev for everything and let him take control. I do have to say that she did try do things her way once, but because Dev stepped in and stopped her without any difficulty at all just made her seem even more helpless.

Dev was also a much different character than I thought he would be. He was way controlling and possessive. He reminded me of the Changelings with their animal instinct but he even took it beyond the point that any of them have. Maybe it's because he was Psy that these things struck me as so off...

I think the author did a good job of keeping the uncertainty going of whether Katya would live or die. I have to be honest and admit that at the end I really couldn't see how Katya could be fixed so she and Dev could have a happy ending. It was a bit convenient how it was solved, but I don't think it would have worked out any other way.

Even though it wasn't my favorite I would recomend it to anyone following the series. We learn a lot of interesting things and the journal entries/letters to her son are great.

I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book because it wasn't about someone in the Dark River or Snow Dancer packs but it was good. It's about Devraj who works at the Shine Foundation who was introduced in earlier books as the someone who is allied with the packs in their fight against the Psy Council.

We also got introduced to Katya who used to work with the Psy Council and how she and Dev fall in love (sex scenes weren't as lusty as the changeling sex scenes but still good). The Psy-Changeling story is sooo good and this continues that story. The next one will also not really be about the packs either but hopefully it too will be good.

Singh does an excellent job of combining a romance with an excellent mystery plot. Max has made several appearances in previous books in this series. A detective, he's usually called in as the trustworthy cop who is friends with Tally and Clay (shapeshifters). Now he has been specifically requested by Councilor Nikita Duncanbto solve the mysterious murders of her trusted staff. As his partner, Nikita requested a J Psy to accompany him.

Sophia Russo is one of the few J (Justice) Psy that can pull a memory from a person and send it to others. Her kind is so in demand that they are normally exclusively used only in the most extreme murder cases. The worst, depraved individuals out there. Because of the strain of her job, most J Psy don't make it to age 30. Sophia is 28 and has been told this is her last job.

I thought Singh did a wonderful job developing the story and the relationship between the characters. Even though this story could stand alone, I don't think a new reader to this series would understand the world building without at least reading the first book.

I was not excited about this book. I mean we saw Dev one time or really in one book... he wasn't memorable. So when this book came up I was like... I don't know who the guy or girl is... it's gonna suck I've been putting it off for 10 days... but it's was really good. I mean not the best in the series but I've never not liked a book in this series. I don't know what I was worried about.

I thought this one was a little more on par to her previous works. I didn't care much for the last one in this series. Singh takes us to the Forgotten (who is not so much forgotten as they wish they could be). Dev Santos has made a couple of appearances in previous books as a very mysterious but powerful Forgotten Psy. He is the leader of a corporation that seeks out the children of the Forgotten so that they could be propertly protected and taught how to use their unusual gifts. Katya was the once close friend and research partner of Ashaya. Katya's previous name was Ekaterina, but after being tortured beyond belief by Ming as well as having her memory destroyed she no longer wants to be called by that old name. Dev knows that she is a Trojan Horse left to destroy him and his company and therefore destroy the Forgotten, but he can't help but become protective of Katya.

I won't say more, but I think what I liked so much about this one is that the reader is taken somewhere new. It's good to be introduced to another group of people with different backgrounds and different problems than we have already read about. Also, Singh didn't deviate from the main characters as much as she did in the previous book.

I loved this story. Even though this is a fairly lengthy novel, it moved really fast. I'm always impressed with Nalini Singh's alpha males, and the complementing females, as they move through the pages of her story. In particular this novel was interesting to me, because of the novelty of
Dev's "gift." Right through to the end of the book, I was unable to make a good guess how the story was going to end. Singh's world building is wonderful, and captivating. I love the series, and the re-appearance of familiar faces from earlier stories. The world continues to expand on itself, and always manages to keep me enthralled.
I really enjoyed the story of Dev and Katya's association/relationship. I especially appreciated that there wasn't any use of character deception, a too-commonly used tool for conflict in romances. Singh did a great job with Katya, keeping her honest and on the level with Dev, and potential dangers that she represented. It was another great read of the Psy-Changeling series. Dev is probably my second most favorite of her heroes, after Judd Lauren from Caressed by Ice.

I love Mac's character! The problem with this book was too many storylines. And, the ending pretty much said it all. Why keep introducing new characters when there are more than enough existing characters to write about and unfinished storylines. It's started to get a tad confusing.

I just love this series! Nalini Singh does a wonderful job keeping her readers on track--who is who, what's going on between the different races--all while maintaining focus on a central couple, in this case Max the human and Sophia the J-Psy. I enjoyed both characters and their sweet romance. However, the true testament to Singh's skill is how much I enjoyed the continuing exploration of the brewing conflicts within the Psy community and between the Psy, changelings, and humans. Singh's ratcheting up the tension and I'm seriously hooked. The defensive alliance between Nikita and the Nightstars, a detail mentioned on the last page, thrilled me. I was like, yes, let the ass kicking begin! Sing's deft characterization and intense plot have convinced me to care not only about Lucas and Sasha, Faith, Vaughn, Max and Sophia, but also about the world she's built. Is there higher praise for an author?
And more Kaleb, please!

Warning: This is not a stand-alone book, but this is an easy series to keep track of. Start at the beginning and you won't be sorry.

It is not easy to compare Bonds of Justice with other books in Psy-Changeling series. In some regards it is very similar while in others very different and though I can't seem to stop trying, I came to realize one crucial thing - it doesn't matter where it stands among others, it's worth every last penny and more.

Normally, I would say I want more changeling characters for the hero role. I have to admit I wasn't overly exited after hearing the hero of Bonds of Justice was human. And especially someone who hadn't impressed me much (there still are so many characters I'm dying to read about). However, I am not ashamed to say how wrong I was. First, Nalini Singh's brilliant writing is more than enough to leave a reader satisfied. Changeling hero or not. And second, Max, despite being the member of the race considered to be the weakest, without mental abilities, or superior physical strength and senses, is a character to be admired of. Loyal, honest, smart, protective, strong and sexy. A true hero in every sense.

A heroine was also a strong, intelligent and likable person. But then again, it is very rare for Nalini Singh to create a weak character.

I could probably pick nits if I really wanted to (the heroine's recovery was somewhat on a miraculous side for example), but "strangely" - I won't. The few small flaws (and I really hate that word here) didn't do anything to lessen the impact of the book.

The romance is not based on conflict, where one or both characters fight each other or themselves. It is a relationship based on mutual trust, growing feelings and not an instant carnal experience. The story has such a slow emotional build-up, the suspense is a killer. The tension - thick enough to cut with a knife. Add an intricate world full of twists an unpredictable turns, a mysterious storyline, a much loved secondary characters (Lucas, Sascha, Vaughn, Clay, Nikita, Kaleb, etc.) and we've got a fantastic read. With Bonds of Justice written on the cover. A highly recommended book!

I'm a big fan of this series and this book is one of the best in adding to the overall plot-line. Although I wasn't too fond of the leads, I can't give the book less than 5 stars.

The H/H in this one seemed to be too big to fit in such a big plot for such a limited span of pages and Singh just shared what she had to about them while forcing them into sexual unions.

Aside from that...Singh did a great job of piecing together the culture and politics of the 1970-80s to the 2080 time period in which the book takes place. I could have read a whole book of the letters by Devraj's great-great-whatever-grandmother, it reminded me of one of my favorite stories, and it really puts the climate of change the plot is taking into a relatable context.

One last rant I can get away with without giving anything away: The ending was just too cliche. Way to `and it was all better, love concurs all' I'd love to see some permanent damage after all that drama toward the end.

Max and Sophia's book was not one I would have read voluntarily, but everybody suggested that I should read it for the sake of the main storyline!

Their story was good but not my favorite. There seemed to be an instant attraction which was not explained, their love although it was obvious from the beginning was very slow in progressing (Max was extremely worried for her mental shields) their passion was medium and their relationship was like it was pre-destined!

The main storyline was very interesting! The murders on Nikitas people were many and while Max investigates them we find out more about the Pure Psy, we get an insight on Nikita Duncan and the alliance she has build with Keleb Krychek and Antony Kyriakus and just the role Keleb played by the end of this book were worth the time and effort.
I'm really looking forward in learning more about Antony and Keleb (who is he looking for?)!

Sophia Russo is a Justice Psy. She is able to dive into criminal minds and retrieve their memories - critical memories needed to prosecute the suspects at trial. She can also then project those memories to up to five people, a very useful tool in the justice system.She has seen the worst of the worst, and her sanity is slowly fading away.

Max Shannon is a cop with a natural mental shield to Psy interference. He has finally brought in Gerard Bonner a sadistic criminal that has murdered and tortured many women. Before Bonner goes to trial, Max wants to know where he has buried the bodies so they can be returned to their grieving families. Sophia is called into to retrieve these memories from Bonner, but his brain is a very odd place. She tries, but she can't locate where he is storing that information.

Meanwhile, Nikita Duncan's empire is starting to fall. Three of her advisors have died in what appears to be accidents, but Nikita doesn't believe in coincidences. She calls in Max to investigate these deaths, and asks Sophia to be the filter between the Psy and the human Max. Forced to work together, Max is enamored with Sophia. Unfortunately, Sophia is also a Sensitive, one that can't touch another without getting bombarded with that person's memories and thoughts. With Sophia fragile as it is, she can't risk touching another. Max can't wait to get his hands on her but his patience will be tested as their attraction grows.

Oh Nalini Singh, I do adore your books. When I heard Bonds of Justice was to feature a human hero and a Psy heroine, I may have scrunched my nose a bit. I do prefer Singh's super sexy shifters. But, Max holds his ground quite well for a human. He is so darn sexy, and his patience and willingness to fight for Sophia totally endeared me to him. Although the actual sex scenes in this book are not plenty, the romance, and tension, and overall sexual lusting is very rich.

Sophia is a special kind of Psy, being a Justice Psy and as usual, Singh continues with her complex Psy world. Sophia is deep into the PsyNet and because she is also a Sensitive, one that can't touch another, that adds another layer for her to conquer besides breaking out of the Silence. The love scenes become very interesting when just the brush of Max's hands against her causes her senses to go ballistic. For as meek and mild as she comes across, she also can dive into a child molester's mind and make him do unspeakable acts. She has a lot going on - J Psy whose shields are cracking, can't risk touching anyone, and then starts getting flashbacks into people's lives. I thought she really latched onto Max quick and once she does, she never looks back. I believed in Max's attraction more than what Sophia reciprocates. Her side felt a bit rushed but at the end of the book I was satisfied with their love story.

I also love getting more from Nikita Duncan, who happens to be Sascha's mother. Nikita seems like such the perfect, cold Psy. But things are starting to happen and I just love the little tidbits Singh drops in her books that have you scratching your head and dying for the next one.

Bonds of Justice is a nice addition to this really unique world Nalini Singh writes. Besides solid love stories, she really builds a fascinating world and I can't wait to see what she gives us next.

This was a very interesting book. I love paranormal books and the whole Human-Psy-Changeling scenario was awesome. The book does leave a lot of unanswered questions but what do you expect from a series, however, it was still very good. I loved the interactions between Max and Sophia. They both had troubling pasts which in itself was one of the reasons they were made for each other. It was like they were both broken but together they nit only made each other whole but stronger. I do wish there could have been a little more drama/action because I expected so much more from the whole no touching evil thing but the author chose to wrap it up very neatly (maybe to neat and easy) despite all the foreshadowing of Sophia's fate.

4.5 stars.

Another great installment.

Loved Max and Sophia. Sophia's a J-Psy, she's close to breaking, one touch could give her a whole host of thoughts that could break her psyche. Max is human with shields that are some of the strongest around.

Max touches Sophia in steady incriments. A kiss there, a stroke here, and it is a very sensual build up.

I really liked how Max was constantly compared to the Changelings with how possessive and touchy he was with Sophia. I was pleasantly surprised by Nikita in this one. I just expected her to be her typical cold self but there is something else going on there that will be very fascinating to find out.

I can hardly wait to read the next in the series. It'll be nice to get back to the Changelings (my favorites).

Blaze of Memory enlarges the world of Changelings, Psy and Humans. The Psy who did not embrace silence (the Forgotten) have been mentioned before but this is the first story that features a member. Dev is the head of the Forgotten and is in danger of becoming as cold as the Psy that follow Silence. He finds a member of the Psy near death and dumped on his step. She cannot remember anything except the pain that one of the Psy inflicted. Dev knows that she must have been sent to harm him and other members of the Forgotten but he is still drawn to her. The two of them must fight to find a way out of the trap she represents.

While there are familiar Changelings characters in Blaze of Memory this is primarily a story of the Forgotten and the Psy and enlarges the world Nalini Singh has created in this series. Blaze of Memory is a complete story and a great addition to the series. At the same time it sets the stage for new books in the Psy/Changelings world.

This is 4.5 stars for me!!Nalini Singh has not written a story that I havent loved.

Dev Santos the new head of Shine finds Katya Haas dumped on his doorstep. Katya has no memory of her past but it is clear from her physical condition that she has been tortured. Everyone knows Dev's weakness of course is a woman in need so he immediately assumes that Katya is a plant by the council. Singh fans need to have their chocolate, a quiet place and maybe a tissue to read this. Dev and Katya's romance seems almost doomed from the beginning. Is her memory loss fake or real, is she working for the Psy council and if she is can Dev do what needs to be done. I was up to the wee hours reading this but there was no way I couldnt finish. The action and focus of the story is on the romance as these two fall in love. The counselors are still up to no good and even 7 books in I dont have a good grasp on what that group of mad people plan to achieve from all their actions. In Blaze of Memory we are also given more background on Silence and how it came about. Perhaps with this new bit of information I can also see why mankind would have thought it was a good idea. Some of the changeling couples make an appearance to support Dev in figuring out the councils latest plot. Oh and another secret slice of the Arrows, their role and Judd. (I think I will reread Caressed by Ice) Any of you fans of Judd will melt when his character makes a small appearance. He is more than what meets the eye and I love how the author is slowly leaking that through the stories.

This is a well thought out series and I wish I knew more about what was going on which is part of why I keep coming back for more. This can be read as a stand alone but it would better if one had the background on the story line in order to better follow the behind the scene scheming by the "villains". My only neggie which kept this from 5 stars is the confusing double talk and innuendo from the counselors.Trying to understand the Psynet, DarkNet/Darkmind and ShadowNet. Lately in the Psy novels, I gloss over those parts.Maybe my own neuro paths are fragmented :)

I highly recommend this latest as it was def worth the wait. At the end,I was smiling and sniffling.A real Keeper!

Excellent story!!

Dev was so worried his job and responsibilities to keeping the Forgotten safe had turned him cold and unfeeling ~ almost Psy, and he was almost right. Then Katya comes along, a beautiful, broken amnesiatic Psy - who he knows is probably a sleeper assassin meant to kill and gather info. He's ready to be a hard-ass to her, until she asks him to kill her if she's too broken to fix. Slowly she remembers the time and events when she was being held captive and tortured; slowly they fall in love with each other. But Katya's not totally free, her mind is locked inside a prison w/in itself - causing her body and mind to deteriorate until they no longer function and she'll die.

I loved this one. They keep getting better and better. It was gripping and I couldn't put it down. I'd say it was really a 4.5, but it made me cry - so I bumped it up to a 5 :) Can't wait for the next one!!!!

Solid Book, good continuation to the Psy/Changeling Series. Introduced new characters, that are half psy/human. (some interesting and some ehhh - balance). Best part of the book was actually the heroine Ekaterina (Katya) and about how she handled what she had been through during capture, and what she was doing to overcome and to continue on, with protecting the people she loves. Its great to have a well written female lead in the very Alpha Male driven romance books that we love to read. New big thing is convincing people that some "Silence" is not all bad for Psy (and half psy) that have very dangerous abilities. Shows people their prejudices in trying to stop something they do not completely understand with no controls for people who need that disciple to live. Shows the different factions that they need to work together and not at odds with each other. Some brief but good catchups on the past characters too...

SYNOPSIS:
When the leaders of the PsyNet made the decision to begin conditioning minds to remove all traces of emotion, the people who's minds were linked to the Net had a decision to make. Remain linked and have all their emotions wiped out in order to hopefully prevent the madness and violence which was becoming more and more prevelant or leave the Net altogether. Those who made the decision to leave call themselves The Forgotten because their very existence is not supposed to be remembered within the PsyNet. Devraj Santos is now the leader of The Forgotten, the Shine Foundation, and he can't help but be suspicious of this beaten, half starved Psy woman found dumped on his doorstep. Dev knows the Psy Council will do any evil thing to put a Trojan horse inside his world. And this tiny woman could just be their newest, most powerful weapon because her plight touches his only areas of vulnerability.

OPINION:
A very enjoyable story because of the background concerning The Forgotten which is filled in. If you are already a fan of this series, you will find many characters you are familiar with from the other novels in this fascinating world. Set in 2080 it is just far enough in the future that it gives the author plenty of leeway to have characters live in an alien world without making it feel like another planet. Nalini Singh weaves together what we know now about mental abilities with changes and advances that are quite possible and believable for the future. Ekaterina was a Psy Council scientist who worked with Ashaya on a secret project for the Psy Council to develop brain implants to provide absolute control over any person. That facility was destroyed in a previous novel and it had been thought that Ekaterina was killed. Now she has turned up severly damaged by Councelor Ming's mind control. I liked having this character brought back (and re-naming her Katya) to give further examples of the abilities people in this world posessed. I enjoyed catching up with characters from previous novels and this book didn't try to bring back EVERY character, which was such a distraction for me in Branded by Fire (Psy-Changelings, Book 6). This had just the right touch of new characters mixed with older familiar characters. I was particularly glad to see Ghost back. I'm looking forward to haveing more revealed about him in the future. The world Nalini Singh has built here is incredible and certainly doesn't show any signs of becoming overly familiar or stale.

RECOMMENDATION:
Once again, I highly recommend this book to readers of any of the previous books in the series. If you are new to this series, I would definitely recommend that you start off by reading Slave to Sensation (Psy-Changelings, Book 1). That book has the most eloquent depiction of what the PsyNet is of any of the following books. It makes that foreign world absolutely clear so that readers have a complete understanding of what it means for every person's mind to be linked together. I urge readers to get that book and read it first. After you have the PsyNet, the Psy Council, the various Counselors, and the Changelings clearly in your mind, you will thoroughly enjoy each of the other books and look forward to each new book as it is released.

I missed the cohesiveness of the pack because the H/h were working alone most of the book, which was shown at the end to not be the best choice. The powers of both the H/h were not clearly revealed or used much.

Blaze of Memory has a bit of a different feel from the rest of the Psy-Changeling books - maybe because neither of the leads are Changelings this time and yet neither of them are truly Psy either - but different in this case is still really really good.

Devraj Santos is a descendant of those Psy who broke away from the 'collective' when the Psy decided to implement Silence, psychological conditioning to supress all emotion. Though Dev's ancestors fled Silence, Dev's talent is taking him in a direction which is almost as emotionally cold until the tortured and broken Ekaterina - the Psy scientist who was aide to Ashaya Aleine (Hostage to Pleasure (Psy-Changelings, Book 5)) - is dumped like garbage on Dev's doorstep.

Her Silence programming shattered and her memories stolen, Ekaterina is `dead', that woman no longer exists, and `Katya' as Dev names her, is a quandary for Dev. The victimized woman stirs all of Dev's protective instincts, even though mentally he knows that it is likely that Katya has been programmed for some dire purpose and should be treated as his enemy. Despite this awareness, Dev is losing his battle with logic, especially since Dev's touch is the key to the sensation starved Katya's healing.

I love Singh's Psy-Changelings and even though neither of the pair this time is Changeling, the romance was still every bit as good as the ones in previous books. Since Katya's need for touch puts her nicely into the role normally occupied by the sensual Changelings, and the cold metal of Dev's talent gives him a Psy-like feel, and with Dev's suspiscion of Katya and the feelings she inspires giving the pair something to overcome, Singh's twist of the formula is fresh but it still works.

But as much as I loved Dev and Katya's story, what I really found fascinating in Blaze of Memory was the story of the 'Forgotten' descendants of those Psy who rejected Silence. I really enjoyed the way that Singh threaded between the issues of the current day Forgotten- struggling as powerful new talents are appearing along with the reemergence of the potential for the violent psychosis which inspired Silence - and the letters from the original rebels - who refused the price of Silence, unwilling to exchange the ability to love their families for the relief from potential insanity. I found the Forgotten to be so much more involving - with their Shadownet rich with connections absent in the sterile Psynet, and the anguished debates about imposing the hated Silence on loved ones on the verge of madness - than the normal series arc bits of the story about the Psy Council machinations and the Ghost's rebellion.

Since the series arc plot bits are minimal, I think that it would be possible to enjoy Blaze of Memory even without having read the other books, but I would think that new readers would have a sense of missing out since there are cameos by past stars. So while I think new readers could get by, I would encourage them to start at the beginning with Slave to Sensation (Psy-Changelings, Book 1) and get hooked on this series and sensual shapeshifting Changelings awakening their emotionally controlled psychic Psy mates to passion and love.

I liked this one better than a couple of the other recent Psy-Changeling books. It had plenty of angst which I like. The hero is a human cop who falls in love with a Psy who has a job reading bad guys thoughts in order to resolve criminal trials. She is nearing the end of her useful life as doing this type of thing makes you go crazy. They are working together to solve a couple of cases. The love between them seems real and the progression of that love and their physical intimacy advances at a believable pace. She has a problem with touch and it takes a while for her to get over it. It isn't just swept away with her lust for the hero. The love story was very touching and I loved the way he was all about protecting her even from himself.

Two things kept it from being a 5 star for me. First and most irrational of me, I don't like the net mind idea. I don't get how the collective thoughts of a bunch of people has its own consciousnous. Take away half a star for unbelievability and the other half a star for the rather simple fix to the "oh my god she's going to die" dilemma of the whole book. There was this huge build up of how are we going to save her and the solution was a bit too much deus ex machina for me. I kind of went "thats it? Really?"

Spoiler below:

Max's brother River shows up at the end. They were way too comfortable with each other after 20 years apart. I know that when I came home from just a year abroad I had to get comfortable with my sister again. It was awkward for at least a day. Twenty years would not be dismissed so rapidly and also, no one ever mentioned Sophia's name to River and yet he knew it. It would have been better if Max had just opened the door and River was there. Nothing further needed.

Still loving the series though and can't wait to read the story of the alpha of SnowDancer. Hope that story is up soon.

We met Max Shannon, the human cop, in one of the earlier books in the series. He is friends with Tally and Clay, members of the Dark River shapeshifter pack. While being handsome and strong, Max is regular in most ways except for the natural mental shield that he has against Psy manipulation. It's been both a blessing and a curse for him. He is not at the mercy of Psy influence, however in the Psy-dominiated world it has hindered his ability to gain promotions into the upper ranks. So when a Psy Council member asks for him to be assigned a special case, he is very surprised.

A Justice Psy, Sophia Russo is used to interacting within the human court system. She regularly comes in contact with the worst offenders, reading their memories and then providing evidence to help in their prosecution. But J-Psys usually only last around 12 years before their shields break down and they must be rehabilitated (i.e., they go crazy and are turned into vegetables). She's worked in the field for more years than most and her shields are on the edge of fracturing. She's not surprised to be called out of the field and assigned to a special case for a Council member--for her is it the beginning of the end?

I was surprised at the author's choice of main characters for this installment. There are so many other characters that seem more interesting and I've been hoping for their stories. That being said, Singh made me connect with these characters as the story progressed, and overall I enjoyed the book.

The world building and plotline were well done. I enjoyed the storylines working the mystery for the council member and also the Bonner case. It was good to see the politics of the Council further developed--seemed to have a good setup for the next book. Definitely made me wonder who Kaleb, another Council member is searching for. And made me think there is more to Sascha's mom than we might have originally thought. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

If you haven't read this author and you like paranormal romance, I recommend giving her a try. I also love her newest series Guild Hunter. The style of the Guild Hunter series reminds me of a cross between the Night Huntress books by Frost and the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by Ward. Frost since it follows a hero/heroine throughout the course of the books, the appealing/tough/hardworking/no nonsense heroine, and the fact that heroine is reluctant at first for the relationship. And BDB because of the darker, grittier feel and Raphael is such a hot, tough, alpha bad a$$. The first book is Angels' Blood (Guild Hunter). **Do not look at the second book Archangels Kiss or read reviews/descriptions for it until you've finished Angel's Blood. Otherwise it may ruin the awesome surprise ending of Angel's Blood.**

If you are on the hunt for more books like this, check out my list of paranormal romance and urban fantasy favorites...
http://www.the store.com/Paranormal-action-romance-must-reads/lm/R214ESW3HL12HM/ref=tag_lag_rb_munk_lmfull
(copy and paste into your browser address bar)

So everyone else has explained the plot really well. We have Dev and Katya with Katya brainwashed to kill Dev at some point. We never do find out what her trigger was for her attempt to assisinate him since that scene is from his perspective. While some people have complained about the discrepancy between Dev's strength and Katya's wilingness to follow him, I liked that about the book. There wasn't a lot of angsty drama with her doing her own thing no matter what. I get so tired of that in books where the author seems to just add the drama that the story lacks. I liked both Katya and Dev as characters, they were really sympathetic and(SPOILER) yes I cried at the end when they were happy anf during the scenes where she says goodbye before she thinks she will die. I don't usually go for melodrama, but in this book it worked for me.

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Signh is such a solid storyteller, it's hard not to appreciate the complexity of the world-building she's created for this long-running storyline. Great characters, and an excellent plot for this book. I don't recommend reading the series until you have the first few under your belt, due to the complexity of PsyNet and the villains. After the first few, I found it easy to read them out of order. Great series, although it takes a bit of effort to follow the complexity if the world, so be sure you read this as a sit down when you will be uninterrupted.

I really enjoyed finding out about another facet of this particular world. It is getting really complicated though. There are a lot of characters to keep straight. There are so many of them I would like to see get their own books. Ms. Singh really needs to write faster.

Devraj and Katya were a nice addition with a difficult love story. The final chapter was hard on my nerves.

There were a lot of ends left hanging in this book. I would love to see Vasic, the teleporter as a main character soon. I seem to have a weakness for the Psi. It is more interesting to see them regain emotion. The Changlings were already there. The two are a great combination.

It will be a long wait until the next one in the universe. I really wish Ms. Singh would not waste her time on the Angel one.

So when I first read the synopsis of this book I was a little sad because I like my changeling packs. I was floored while reading this. I think Dev is my #2 favorite male of the series so far! This book pulled at so many emotions that you don't get in the previous books. I was gripped right up until the very end. I love where Nalini is going with this series. Even though in some series, you hit book 6 and your just like..alright that's enough time to end, but Nalini is a genius at keeping this series intense! I love it. Don't be fooled or discouraged by the change of characters, this book is awesome!

Enjoy.

I enjoyed this book. As far as the two main characters go, Max and Sophie aren't my favorite, but they certainly aren't my least favorite either. I felt a decent connection between them, but I prefer the rougher and more heated courtship of Mercy and Riley to the more gentle interactions between Max and Sophie.

***Minor Spoilers***

I was a little annoyed that once again Sophie is saved from Certain Doom by things outside the control of either of the main characters. I would rather do without looming heartache than to have it resolved in way that has nothing to do with the characters actions. I also felt that the stuff with Max's family was just kind of tacked on for no real reason than to provide an introduction for River, who will presumably have a book of his own someday. But everything leading up to the ending was decent enough.

***End Spoilers***

The series plot had some good development in this series. There were some interesting things involving Sophie and both the Net Mind and the Dark Mind. The stuff with the Psy Council was exciting to read about, and Kaleb is becoming more and more interesting with every book. I hope his story is as good as the build-up is leading me to expect.

In New York, Councilor Nikita Duncan finds too coincidental the deaths of several of her closest advisors and employees in the Bay area. She sends enforcer Max Shannon to San Francisco to investigate the recent deaths in order to ascertain if they were murdeedr as she suspects has occurred. Nikita trusts Max's sleuthing skills and as important his ability to thwart Psy mental influences even though he is human.

Psy Justice operative Sophia Russo volunteers to assist Max although she knows that each new memory extraction may mean her death. She fully understands her mind is fracturing due to her hazardous work that also dramatically reduces life spans. This is due to the consequences of telepathic shields being lowered dangerously so the J agent can take down the barrier of the prey they extract their information from. Still she refuses to quit as she works closely with Max on his inquiry.

This is a great police procedural romantic urban fantasy entry in a terrific series that seems heading to a pandemic cataclysm. Max is terrific as he understands the glass ceiling for primitive humans in law enforcement, but has unique skills that make him perfect for this investigation. The star-crossed romance enhances a terrific mystery as the world of Nalini Singh is deeply explored through the primitive cop and the Psy Justice.

Harriet Klausner

Let me start of by saying that I was not as excited about this book before I started reading it. I thought the lack of Changeling characters would make the book bland. Especially coming off "Branded by Fire" which was sizzling hot. But Nalini proved me wrong. I loved Dev and Katya's relationship. I think Nalini was able to bring out the interplay of distrust and instinct to believe the other person really well. The emotions between the leads rang true, and never forced. Overall, a grade A installment.
One thing that has always stood out for me with this series is how well the world-building is. The details all tie together, its a very complete place. Shows that the author is in command of her story arc and is not simply building the world around as she goes along.

I won't bother going into detail about the plot of this book since the other reviewers have already done an excellent job of that. I will start by stating that Nalini Singh has done it again and written another page turner with a strong story arc that just keeps getting better and better as her books in this series continue. It is obvious that she has taken a lot of time, effort and done some strong editing to make this series, and the world building within it, the best, most tightly focused and complex that it could possibly be. Obviously she has seriously thought through this current story arc which will come to an end in book 10 of the series(Hawkes YEAH!!). For that reason alone I cannot recommend this book as a stand alone, there is just too much back story that is relevant to the current book, and though enough is explained within it not to be lost, knowing what has happened in the previous books adds a richness all its own to reading this one.

This author knows how to keep her world building believable(if such a thing is possible in a paranormal) and consistant throughout all seven books. I especially appreciate this since another well known author ruined any paranormal series for me for a long time with her 'swiss cheese' world building and urban fantasy switch five books into an otherwise fantastic vampire romance series. Nalini Singh has given me faith in following through on another paranormal series again and that means a great deal to an avid reader like myself.

As for the story itself, I must admit that I wasn't expecting much from this one since I do have a real weakness for the changeling world and its culture(and those yummy changeling men!)and am just not as interested in the human part of the world. Well, I was proven wrong with this book. Since the hero, Devraj Santos, is actually a part of The Forgotten and not what I would consider a human, it was Katya as the heroine who proved to be the most human in her reactions even though she was a Psy. The obstacles presented with breaking Silence were not needed in this book MILD SPOILER ALERT...................................since Councilor Ming Le Bon had already torn into her mind and broken it during his torture and re-conditioning of her mind to become his mole. This made her responses to Dev much more believable since she was 'broken' already, as well as giving the story arc a chance to move along at a much faster pace than the last book (lots of changeling men and hot sex in that one so no complaints there).

Overall I was truly enjoying the story, as well as the other subplots in the book (I got to see Vasic the teleporter again, when will he get his own book?), so as I neared the end I was ready to give it a solid 4 stars (no matter what it just can't be a 5 star without my changeling men I thought), when the last few chapters blindsided me. I will state right off that I rarely cry when I read books, especially romances, so it was a total surprise to find myself blubbering like an idiot during those last chapters. I swear I went through half a box of tissues before I finished the book. There was something about the way the author wrote those chapters and the heroes and heroines actions that just got to me at that particular moment. That woman knows how to write emotional scenes like no other!!!

The added star was because even though I was bawling and having to stop every few sentences to wipe my eyes or blow my nose, I was thoroughly enjoying a good cry because I knew without a shadow of a doubt that Ms. Singh would not disappoint me and would deliver in the end (unlike other authors who shall remain nameless). She did hint at the solution to the dilemma early on in the book in a scene with Judd and Noor so I kind of had an idea of what was coming, even though she managed to add on a complexity to even that section which I know will be built upon in future books.

Here I was just expecting a good read for what I thought would be a 'filler' book in this series since there was no hot changeling sex LOL, therefore I believed the main characters wouldn't interest me as much, but Ms. Singh delivered again. I am now actually really looking forward to her next Psy-Changeling book "Bonded by Justice' due out July 2010 even though there will be a human male cop (Max from Talin's book) with a J-Psy in it. She made me a believer in this book with characters I didn't expect to love so I know she will do it again.

So thank you Ms. Singh for writing another wonderful addition to this fantastic series! I only wish you wrote super fast so I wouldn't have to wait until July 2011 for Hawke and Sienna's book(he can have no other heroine after what you quite clearly insinuated in 'Branded by Fire')and what I know will be an exciting conclusion to this particular story arc!

Steely Shine Foundation chief Dev Santos is absolutely certain the waif he has found outside his door is a trap set up by his enemy the Psy. Still Dev cannot kill her even though he knows he should or even ignore the battered female.

She suffers from starvation and total memory loss. Her mind is deteriorating without access to the Net Mind although she receives enough feedback to barely hold onto her tenuous grip of reality; the Silence being unbearable. Katya as she is called and Dev know she is probably a deadly weapon programmed to kill by Ming and the Council with him and his organization who protect the Forgotten as her probable target(s).

The latest Psy-Changeling urban fantasy not only moves the overarching theme forward, but Nalini Singh provides insight into the Silence. The story line is fast-paced as Dev cannot figure out why he feels protective of what is obviously a conditioned killer who's most likely coming for him. Fans will appreciate this super entry as love and determination battle against devastating preconditioning brainwashing that literally washed the heroine's brain clean and replaced her past with a future imperative (think of The Manchurian Candidate) in a great entry.

Harriet Klausner

Funny how readers prefer either the Psy or the Changelings. Could it mirror something in our individual personalities? I'm in the Psy camp. And I can't wait for Kaleb Krychek's book - bring him on!

You can read these as standalones, but I recommend starting with the first and working your way through in order to fully appreciate the world Nalini Singh has built -- where J-psys scan memories of criminals and transmit them to others, and where they can kill; where TK-psys teleport, M-psys heal. And on the Changeling front, clans of leopards, wolves, bears and more. And it's all so normal!

I'm not going to summarize the plot other than to mention there is a jet setting, wealthy serial killer and psychopath with an off the charts intelligence, a human cop and a J-psy working on a case together, both with fractured pasts; and a conspiracy of PurePsy that infiltrates the Psy's highest governing body, the Council, and is forcing a rift in the Psy Net. There's enough intrigue and suspense in this romance to keep you riveted to the end; and I agree the Epilogue was unnecessary and didn't add to the book.

I only discovered Nalini Singh and her Psy/Changeling books this year and I am reading them avidly. I loved this one and found that it added to the intricate mystery and world she builds in these books. The plot is well constructed, the characters are engaging and the writing is excellent. Max and Sophia - human and Psy - make excellent partners. Both have suffered when young by being rejected by parents - now they can heal each other. Love how Nalini makes this pair able to come together, a different solution to her previous pairings. Wonderful - can't praise this series enough.

NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4 1/4
REVIEW:
Max Shannon is a cop through and through. His goal has always been to seek justice where justice needs to be given. When a serial killer brings Max together with a J-Psy, he realizes he has finally met his match and the woman he wants for the rest of his life. But in order to make this happen Max is going to have to protect her from this killer, her own people and possible herself.

Sophia knows that her time as a J-Psy is coming to an end. Her shields are breaking and when that happens total rehabilitation will happen. After that she will no longer be the person she is today. Realizing that is her future she has all but given up. That is until she meets Max Shannon. There is something about Max that makes her want to fight for a future. But is it too late?

As always Nalini blows me away with her amazing ability to write an amazing story and make it come alive. I always have such a range of emotions with every one of her stories and Bonds of Justice was no different. And again Angela brings Nalini’s characters to life in this audio version. I love that as Angela is narrating I know all the different voice she has for all the characters. She is just an amazing narrator.

I just love this series!! Anyone looking for a great paranormal series you need to grab book one Slave to Sensation and get started. On to the next book!!

Disclaimer:
I purchased this story from Audible.com. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Let me start off by saying what a huge fan I am of Ms. Singh. I love her Psy/Changeling series. It's by far one of the best series out there. This being said, I've been disappointed with the last two books of the series. It seems that as the series continue to grow with more books added, authors loose what made their earlier books so good (J.R. Ward/Lora Leigh come to mind). After the disappointment of "Blaze of Memory" I expected so much more from Dev's book. He is one character I had been looking forward to reading about. However "Bounds of Justice" just left me confused and unfufilled by the story. This could be because there were no Changelings involved or that the Psy community is getting more confusing and unsettled, I just could not get into this book. The longing complied with just how hard it was for these two characters to make it work was just stretched out to long. Plus the pay off for all they had endured was lack luster. I'm hoping that "Play of Passion" will recapture my interest in this series.

The main characters were both quite engaging in their own right. Seeing some characters from prior books was a pleasant inter-weaving. But mostly, it's seeing some definite movement w/ the "Silence" story thread. I liked seeing why it was started, and how it was instituted, as well as the depths to which both sides stuck to their guns.

Interesting information about the Arrows, and their continuing presence in the stories. The children previously saved were not relegated to "suddenly grown up X books later" syndrome.

The more I read Singh's books in this series, the more I want to go back & find earlier books, and I eagerly await future offerings in this 'verse and others she may venture into.

IMO Dev and Katya worked better as friends, not lovers. Them ending up in a sexual relationship is just gross since he was keeping her prisoner and was willing to kill her. The backstory about Silence was awesome though.

The world building was wonderful and so intricate that I was fascinated and can’t wait to learn more. The romance was a little less endearing for me. I never truly came to feel anything for Dev though I felt really bad for Katya. It wasn’t until the later half of the book where they are interacting more with my favorites from the earlier books that it really caught my interest. I adored the ending though and can’t wait to read more.

This book had a different flavor to it. In most of her novels the hero and heroine are from different worlds and it takes a lot of 'dancing' and flirting to get them angled into just the right position for the 'mating heat' to take effect. With Blaze of Memory is was about a Human Forgotten and a Psy. Katya seems to have broken silence quite easily and falls for Dev hard. This is unusually in Singh's books, but it does coordinate with Katya's personality.

Katya was dropped on Dev's door step as a 'sleeper' which basically means that when triggered she will perform action/s without forethought or consciousness. This is especially dangerous for the Shine Foundation's Director. I noticed in the last three books, but Dev was getting harsher, meaner and plain scary. I actually was a little nervous (and I know my changeling loving friend was too) about Dev being the hero and Katya being the lovely leading lady. What I did like about this book was that we got an even deeper look into the Shine's mechanics and the people who work there. The readers are given more knowledge and background on the Forgotten, and learn a lot through letters placed in between chapters, of what Silence was like in 1975 when the movement first came around.

I know a lot of people hate reading spoilers, I can't give away anymore of the plot with out indulging in a few spoilers regarding Katya and the reason she's still alive.... so I'll leave well enough alone. The one thing I do have to say is I usually hate sugary sweet, too happy to be real situations or solutions to problems. I feel like it goes too far out of reality (kinda funny for someone loving the paranormal genre right?) But Nalini Singh managed to use one with grace and tie it into the future of the Changelings/Psy/Humans. Not many authors can do that and I enjoyed the bliss while it happened. As for the characters, Katya seemed a little too.... I'm not sure? At first she was just "Let me go I have to Escape or I'll hurt you" then it was "Dev don't leave me" followed by "stop or I'll taser you." I suppose though that if your brain is messed with you will have random thoughts and actions. Dev was not dislikable, but he defiantly was the 'fallen hero.' You could tell he takes hits for Shine, including Katya's imprisonment. He does, like Judd, hold on to what he considers Honor.

I really am hoping I'll like her next one with Indigo... but I'm really, really, really holding out for Hawke's and The Ghost's books..... awww man just picture them finding their future mates and what types of women they'll have to be! ;) Enjoy!

whatever, anyone says i consider this book a filler. I used to love this series, but the last three books were empty. The relationship between Max and Sophia is sweet but doesn't deserve a whole book not when there are so many interesting characters in the series. I'd rather read more of the previous characters particularly Judd, Brenna, Dorian and Ashaya rather than empty characters. Max, Sophia, Riley, Mercy, and Dev are not interesting characters for an entire book. They just have enough complexity to fill a short story. Hawke, Sienna, Walker, Amara, Kaleb: these are wonderfully complex and rich characters.

Sophia Russo is a Justice Psy, or J-Psy. She's the one the cops and the prosecutors call in when they need memories retrieved. She first encounters Max Shannon when she's called in to retrieve memories from a serial killer.

Max has the best solve-rate in the city and has a natural shield that keeps the Psy from influencing him. They both sense something interesting about each other, but after Sophia is done with her task they expect to never see each other again. Unfortunately, someone is killing off a Psy councilor's advisers. Max and Sophia are thrown back together to figure out what's going on.

One of the best things about this series is the world the author has created. Each book adds more twists and turns. In some of the books you'll see threads resolved, but in others you'll see those threads twine together in a way that makes you more aware of the bigger picture. Throughout the last couple books we've seen multiple individual strands pop up. We've wondered about the characters we get a glimpse at. What is their ultimate purpose? Are they the bad guys? Are they the good guys? Are they shrouded in silence or are they hiding themselves and fooling everyone? This is the book where those strands start to weave together. Big changes are coming for the Psy, and this is the book where things start coming to a head.

I really liked Max and Sophia. They both had very messed up pasts, but when they came together, they made a stronger whole. Sophia's reaction to Silence was rather unique because of her J status. The J's in general were rather special. Certain side effects of their condition were known but ignored. They were too valuable to risk damaging.

Max and Sophia had a great dynamic together. Sophia was the more stiff and formal of the two, but what can you expect? She's the one that came from Silence. But, she was willing to embrace anything that Max would give her. More than that, she needed what he could give her. Max had a great personality. He didn't let past hardships turn him brooding or emo. He had a playful personality and he when circumstances didn't require him to be serious he was fun loving. I liked that he wasn't above being embarrassed once in a while. There was one or two times in the book where his face might have turned a little red.

There were a lot of players out to cause trouble in this book. They were willing to undercut each other to gain the advantage. It was nice because you couldn't be sure, at least at first, of who was responsible for certain actions.

I like how the author makes every descent from Silence and the Net unique. How it resolved with Sophia - well, I didn't see that coming. Based on past books I really wouldn't have guessed that path. I love it when an author surprises me like that.

The reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 was because of a few issues.

***SPOILERS***

I thought the person from Max's past showing up right then was extremely convenient. It just seemed a little too far fetched. The otherness that Sophia experienced seemed too easily solved too. I would have expected something that could be so damaging would be harder to control. Also, I liked that they took it slow with the physical sensation. If you haven't been touched for 4 years it would be extremely overwhelming to go all the way all at once. Having said that, I still think it was too drawn out. By the time they had sex it was like finally. I was tired of them dwelling so much on wanting to have sex but not quite doing it.

***END SPOILERS***

Reading this book has made me so impatient for the next one. I can't wait to see what's on the horizon for the Psy.

For all you Hawk and Sienna fans: there was only a brief mention of them. But, that short mention still seemed encouraging. :)

Am I the only one?

I'll start by explaining that on paper ( ie back cover) Max and Sopia seem like a sweet couple, not all that exciting, but sweet. I'm not going to get into too many details of the story because to be honest with you I didn't really care nor do I really recall most of the 358 pages that I just finished reading after a week long struggle to finish.

The problem with this latest novel is that it centers around a very nice human male cop who's only flaw is that he cares too much about his work. Similarly, Sophia, a not so emotionless Psy, cares too much about her need to inflict justice no matter the cost.

Definitely not a page turner. There was really no conflict between the two leads, no anxiety, no frustration, no stuggle, no story. They liked each other right away and became a couple after only their second meeting. As for the rest of the book, the biggest worry after they quickly agreed to be together was whether or not Sophia would survive without the Net and how much touch was too much for her weakening Psy mind. The whole relationship seemed a bit too easy, as if they were siblings or old school friends, rather than the forbidden lovers that make sense in the segregated futuristic world that Nalini Singh has created.

I find myself bored just writing this review. The main characters lacked the animalistic passion that is inherent to the changeling books that have come before and as a result, I was left feeling unsatisfied and somewhat annoyed. This novel might as well have been about my grandparents for all the slowness that was happening or not happening on every page.

Sorry Nalini, I will continue to be a fan of your first three changeling books for sure, but lately I've been wanting and expecting the same promise only to be let down book after book.

Review Summery: I kept falling asleep after the 10th chapter. It became an assignment just to finish reading it.

"Synopsis

Max Shannon , human cop has been teamed up with Sophia Russo a Justice Psy who has been mentally exhausted doing her job. These two are paired to try to bring a sociopath killers victims bodies home and on a different front, find out if a Psy Councilors' closet advisors truly committed suicide.

The chemistry is definitely hot between the two main characters , but they have to overcome tremendous odds to be together. This story is action packed and an outlook on this world that will make you look on all the complexities of life. There is very few black and white answers in this book but various shades of gray.

It is a wonderful story and definitely can be read alone but I feel if you read the other books in the series you will have a better appreciation for this novel."

I have read, and own, all of Nalini Singh's books and short stories. I really enjoy this series. I really loved the first 6 books, the characters were dynamic and the plots were interesting. Unfortunately, I did not feel the same way about this book and Blaze of Memory. I still like both of these books as Nalini Singh does a great job spinning a story for these characters. However, I felt that there was a depth of emotion missing. While reading the other books I was emotionally engaged and I would laugh at certain parts and cry at others. I just did not feel as emotionally invested in this book. Still, I had no problems reading this book and I am glad I bought it and I plan to read it again in the future--because the characters fit together very well as a couple, because I learned more about the Psy/Changeling world, because I got to read about other characters in the series, and because Nalini Singh is a very talented author and does a fabulous job creating the Psy/Changeling world and keeping her details straight and consistent.

I've read all of the Psy-Changeling books and finally decided to contribute with a review. ALL of the books are keepers and although they should be read in order, each has a different story and twist. It simply amazes me how an author can write a page turner story one after the other and keep on creating the best heroes and heroines. Here again in Bonds of Justice the characterization and dialog are excellent, and the ending unexpected. I'll be waiting for Play of Passion's release and hope the series will last for many years more.

You know through the whole story that the heroine is slated to die. Yet the story itself is so intriguing that I couldn't put it down. Then, the ending was so surprising. I never expected that to happen. What a wonderful hero and what a courageous heroine. I loved it.

God, I just used to love the psy/changellings series. To bad the three last books were not as good as the others. Actually, I have stopped reading the series after Dev's story. I guess I was just too unhappy about Hawke and Sienna's developpement. I think, I am going to wait and see the reviews of the next book (Indigo). I will hate to see Kit and Sienna together. I was rooting for Hawke and Sienna since the first book and seeing more of Kit/Sienna will prevent me from reading all the next books (yeah I know, this is not fair for the other characters but I cannot seem to finish the new books). Particularly, when I cannot even see my favorite character (Judd) anymore.

This series is great. New characters are introduced and we get to know the previously more peripheral one, keeping the story fresh. Each installment stands alone, but having read them in order, I would reckommend all to do so. Protagonists are multidimentional, with great and not so great sides to them. Mainly though they are people you would want for friends (or lovers) and "getting to know them" is a pleasure.

SYNOPSIS: Sophia Russo is one of those rare J-Psy's (Justice) who uses her incredible mental ability to search inside the mind of criminals to retrieve memories of their crimes to bring them to justice. In the process she is bombarded with all the horrors of their memories of what they did to their victims. A slow drip of acid within her brain which will eventually render her "expendable". Max Shannon is a human who was born with the advantage of being impervious to Psy probes of his mind. These two are now working hand in hand to convince a serial killer to reveal his hiding places for the bodies of his victims. As if this wasn't enough to keep them completely occupied, one of the members of the Psy Council specifically requests these two people to find out who is killing all the people who work closest to her. Accident? Suicide? Natural death? Or were they all murdered?

OPINION: Golly Gosh this was good! I was so glad to see that Ms Singh had decided to have a human in a predominant role in this book. I always feel that the humans in this world of Psy, Changeling and Human get pushed a little too much into the background. Well, this story fixed that for me because it was super good. If you are new to this series I can't help but strongly recommend that you begin by reading the first novel in the series, Slave to Sensation (Psy-Changelings, Book 1). That is where you will find the most incredible descriptions of what the NetMind is, how it functions, who it effects, and how it can be used to manipulate all the minds which are attached to it. This newest book does a really good job of taking readers into the workings of the Net and I think new readers will be able to pick up what is going on. However, the first book should absolutely be on your MUST read list.

I really appreciated that one of the consequences of Sophia's time as a J-Psy was that she had become incredibly sensitive to any kind of touch, no matter how casual. This plot device allowed Ms Singh to extend the building of the romance between Max and Sophia. That was absolutely wonderful for me. If you like the "jump into bed on the second page" type of book, you need to know that this one will not be like that. There is all sorts of emotional and sexual tension, but it isn't instant sexual experiences. These characters actually fall in love with each other, they learn to trust each other, they face the terrible realities of Sophia literally loosing her mind from too much physical touch. This is one of many areas where Ms Singh is a fabulous storyteller. Another possible stumbling block for new readers could be the fact that so many of the characters from previous books are included in this novel. This holds true for each book in this series, Ms Singh doesn't create a character and then let them drop by the wayside. She tends to keep characters inside this future world she has created and they come back again and again, but not necessarily in each and every book. I love that. And one of my very favorites, the Ghost, makes another appearance here. I just can't wait to find out who he or she is and what the ultimate aim of that character is.

RECOMMENDATION: Very highly recommended. Since I already know all these characters it is actually a little hard for me to judge if this would be a good stand alone book. But why take chances? Get at least the first book, read it, and read this one too. I can almost guarantee that you will be seeking out all the others. And the absolutely fabulous news is that another novel in this series is scheduled for publication in November of this year. I'll consider it a birthday present for me from Ms Singh. Thanks Nalini!

The first four novels in this series were great. Then the romance became pretty much boiler plate, but the was still a good plot and lots of action. In this book, it was pretty much only the boiler plate romance (that was a more unhealthy relationship than the previous ones), until the last part of the book.

Wow, what an amazing read, the last few chapters especially were just riveting. I just connected so much with Dev and Katya and felt for them. The ending had me all teary and I was praying that they would find their HEA. I really loved this book and also enjoyed getting to find out more about the world Singh has created outside of just the changelings. Dev is a favourite character of mine now and I adored Katya, who is also up there among my fav heroines.

This is another one Nalini stirs your heart with. With impossible odds, love (romantic and mankind) steps in to renew your faith in a passionate love and future! This story pulls you in and makes you wish that you could be..if not the heroine...a destined Psy-Changeling Heroine! She writes a great story. An Awesome story! I can hardly breathe waiting for the next installment!

Like all Nalini Singh books, Blaze of Memory is more than just another paranormal love story. It's epic in the sense that its part of an even bigger picture—another piece to a much, much larger story than that of Dev Santos and Katya Haas. The characters are well developed, the story one that you find yourself disappointed when it ends. Of all the Psy-Changeling novels she's written so far, this is one ranks of my favorites.

I liked this book because it incorporated other peripheral characters of the psy changeling series. Dev was a strong character despite the fact that he was only human. I liked the flow of the story and I felt the romantic pull towards the woman that was sent to kill him. Good job again.

Another good book in the series incorporating peripheral characters in the series. I liked Max a few books back and I am glad he got his HEA. I also like how the coming psy war is moving forward without taking over the romance of the books. I can't wait for Hawke's HEA!

An excellent story with a hero and heroine you know deserve to be together, but who clearly never can be. The twist at the end is satisfying and one I didn't expect. Nalini Singh quickly became a must buy author after reading this book.

This was a terrific story. I took the book to my office and finished it at lunchtime - ran a little over into worktime but had to finish. Yes, I had to grab for some tissues too. Such a good story. Really emotional...

Finished reading Blaze of Memory a few hours ago. It pains me to say it, but for me the book was an utter disappointment. It wasn't a BAD book -- I doubt Singh can write a BAD book -- but I found it to be...boring. Nothing much seems to happen.

An abused amnesiac shows up on the doorstep of Dev Santos, the leader of the Shine Foundation. Dev and the others deduce her identity quickly, and just as quickly, Katya herself realizes and acknowledges outloud that Councillor Ming has "programmed" her to kill Dev. Dev can't trust her, but at the same time, he's drawn to her, sexually and emotionally, and she arouses all his possessive and protective instincts. And that pretty much seemed to be the entirety of the book. The whole book read to me like one prolonged foreplay session and (rather tepid) sex scene.

There was the usual Council stuff, but even with that, I can't say that there was a lot of forward momentum or that anything particularly noteworthy happened (except maybe at the very end).

Another observation I made while reading the book is that the psy women too often strike me as being somewhat childish. I'm sure it has to do with their awakening to emotion for the first time. That's probably what gives them that childlike quality. In this book in particular, all that wide-eyed wonder and the veneer of "Ooooh....shiny!" grated on my nerves. Sascha and Shaya and the others started that way for me, too, but they also seemed to have a reservoir of strength and self-sufficiency that made them more appealing. Katya, on the other hand, was just TOO helpless and innocent and vulnerable for my liking. She came across to me as fragile and pathetic -- not a type of character who stands up well next to the vibrant (and more appealing) Changeling characters like Mercy, Indigo, and Brenna.

I'm still loving this series and I can't wait for the next book. Singh does a bang-up job with her world-building, and I'm intrigued by the power-play going on in the Council. Can't wait to see how that all shakes downs. But for me, Blaze of Memory was unmemorable...and possibly skippable.

Eagerly await all the books in this series. I have re-read all the books, but especially the first in the series, "Slave to Sensation". This book was good, as part of the whole, but by itself I finished it with more questions.