7
Sep052011
BOOK REVIEW: ‘Slave to Sensation’ by Nalini Singh
by Carolyn • Posted in 4 Star Reviews, Authors Q-T, Nalini Singh, Paranormal Romance, Reviews by Carolyn
Title: Slave to Sensation (Psy-Changeling #1)
Author: Nalini Singh
Publisher: Gollancz (UK) | Berkley (US)
Publication Date: March 2010 (UK) | Sept 2006 (US)
Paperback: 334 pages
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Source: My own copy
Reviewed by: Carolyn
RATING: 8/10 – brilliant, couldn’t put it down!
SUMMARY:
In a world that denies emotions, where the ruling Psy punish any sign of desire, Sascha Duncan must conceal the feelings that brand her as flawed. To reveal them would be to sentence herself to the horror of “rehabilitation”— the complete psychic erasure of everything she ever was…
Both human and animal, Lucas Hunter is a Changeling hungry for the very sensations the Psy disdain. After centuries of uneasy co-existence, these two races are now on the verge of war over the brutal murders of several Changeling women. Lucas is determined to find the Psy killer who butchered his packmate, and Sascha is his ticket into their closely guarded society. But he soon discovers that this ice-cold Psy is very capable of passion—and that the animal in him is fascinated by her. Caught between their conflicting worlds, Lucas and Sascha must remain bound to their identities—or sacrifice everything for a taste of darkest temptation… (Goodreads)
REVIEW:
“Slave to Sensation” is the first book in Nalini Singh’s ‘Psy-Changeling’ series. I was very much looking forward to starting this series, although I will admit I was a little cautious, worrying if it would meet my expectations having read and absolutely loved her ‘Guild Hunter’ series.
Of course there was really no need for any apprehension. I was hooked from the first page. Singh’s vibrant writing shines and I was so happy to be off to a fantastic start.
And to be honest, “Slave to Sensation” just didn’t let up, from the scorching scenes between Sascha and Lucus, to the thrilling underlying story of the psy-changeling world. There’s also a little mystery thrown in for good measure, with the murders of several Changeling women, which just adds to the excitement and intricacy of these two races.
Sascha Duncan is a cardinal Psy, living in a society that doesn’t feel any emotions and are plugged into a central Internet system. Since she was a child she has felt very different from the other Psy as she can feel emotions that should have been removed by conditioning when she was young. She thinks she is broken and has to put in place many psychic shields to prevent any other Psy from finding out her secret. It doesn’t help that one of the most powerful Psy is her mother.
I liked Sascha. I enjoyed seeing her open up like a butterfly to different sensations and stimuli after hiding behind her shields for so long, to act like the unemotional Psy around her. But when she meets Lucus Hunter, she finds it increasingly difficult to keep her emotions in check.
Lucus is a Changeling and Alpha of one of the most powerful Leopard packs. However, he is a panther, strong and powerful. Lucus is just gorgeous. Typically an Alpha and wanting to take control, but it was lovely to see Sascha fighting back and Lucus liking his feisty mate, enjoying when Sascha took control and challenged him.
The supporting cast of characters are just as vividly drawn, each with a history that gives them depth and makes them interesting to read. I’m looking forward to meeting some of the characters again in their own book further along in the series.
The emotions that emulate between Sascha and Lucas is just magical. I loved it when these to joined together as mates. It was a very happy and satisfying ending and I just wished I could continue reading and living in their world. I wasn’t ready for it to end.
VERDICT:
Another fantastic read from Singh. I loved the characters, the complex world building and the tender but steamy romance. It’s obvious I just can’t go wrong with reading Nalini Singh – she’s without doubt my favourite author of paranormal romance.
You can find out more about the author here:
Books in Series Order:
1. Slave to Sensation
2. Visions of Heat
3. Caressed by Ice
4. Mine to Possess
5. Hostage to Pleasure
6. Branded by Fire
7. Blaze of Memory
8. Bonds of Justice
9. Play of Passion
10. Kiss of Snow
This book counts towards the following BCC Reading Challenges:
Book #52 100+ Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2011
Book #7 Summer Romance Reading Challenge 2011
Book #52 100+ Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2011
Book #7 Summer Romance Reading Challenge 2011
7 Comments
This is a series I have not really fancied reading. Adter reading this it might change.
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Great review, I totally agree with everything you said! I love this series. I think I'm up to book seven or eight. Lucas and Sascha are by far my favourite pairing though!
Books of Amber
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Gem_31 – If you enjoy PNR then I would definitely recommend you read it! Nalini Singh is awesome!
Amber Griffiths – I can't wait to read each book, it's such a great series. I'm up to book #3 now. Have you read the GUILD HUNTER series? Fantastic series too
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Great review! I always enjoy BCC.
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This is one of my top two PNR series, I'm really glad you enjoyed it! The rest of the series is just as good if not better.
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Oh this sounds awesome *adds to wishlist*
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Amy – Aw, thanks
Emily – It's great to hear the series just gets better. I really love this author's writing
Laura – You MUST start reading Nalini Singh! I'm positive you would love her
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