by Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #1
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Rating:
Heat Level:
Nalini Singh dives into a world torn apart by a powerful race with phenomenal powers of the mind-and none of the heart. 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 coexistence, 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.
Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh is the first in her wildly popular Psy-Changeling series. From page, one Singh’s talent for creating a story was evident and I quickly became immersed in this world of Psy and shifters.
Five Reasons to Read Slave to Sensation
- If you love original worlds filled with shifters and other supernatural creatures Slave to Sensation offers an interesting one. While some of the world feels familiar particularly the shifters, Singh introduces the Psy. The Psy are a diverse race that have abilities from telekinesis to mind control. They behave like a hive, and hold positions of power in this world. As they evolved, they removed emotions and refer to it as the “silence.” Sascha Duncan is a Psy with a dangerous secret; she has emotions and must hide them to avoid being rehabilitated.
- While the story centers around Sascha, trouble is brewing between the Psy and changelings when the brutal murders of changeling women are discovered. A joint collaboration for a housing project has Sascha and Alpha Lucas Hunter working together. He plans to use her to infiltrate the Psy and discover who the killer is. Their interaction was interesting and highlighted the prejudices of each race giving readers a greater understanding of the complexities of this world.
- The chemistry between Sascha and Lucas was clear from the beginning. Lucas’s panther can detect the differences in Sascha, but the man is confused. Sascha finds herself overwhelmed with emotions particularly for Lucas. She has to keep her protective walls up or risk discovery. Only in the carefully guarded walls of her home can she think about him. There is a playful banter between them that I found unique as Sasha kept up her façade. It was delightful watching the cracks begin to appear. Sascha may appear meek to her people, but I thought she was clever, fearless and quite the little kick-ass.
- The flow of the story allows the reader to lose themselves in the world, romance, and investigation. There are twists, discoveries, danger and sweet moments filled with heat. Singh fleshed out the characters giving us their background and allowed us to bond with them. The killer, pacts with other shifters and enter the hive as Sasha searched for the killer was intense delivering nail-biting suspense.
- The Psy are a fascinating race from their abilities to their collective minds. Singh gave us a basic understanding of their race, history and hierarchy. She also exposed flaws and I am excited to see how Sascha and others impact this society.
Slave to the Sensation is sure to induce “just one more chapter” syndrome so I recommend reading it over the weekend.
Teddyree
I loved this one, and book 2, then book 3 not quite as much. I love the world and the Psy race … time to pick up the series again, so many friends love it so I don’t know what I’ve been waiting for 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I am anxious to read book 2. I also want to read her Guild Hunter series.
Sharon - Obsession with Books
I have read a few books in this series and really enjoyed them, I loved her Guild Hunter series, so good!
A lovely review! Sharon – Obsession with Books
kimbacaffeinate
The Guild series is also on my wishlist, I love how she allows you to slip into the story.
Tanya
I’m bingeing on this series right now. These are my audio options. I’m not sure I’m liking the audio much, but with as many books in as I am, I can’t imagine reading them.
Michelle
I want to read this series! I was eyeing it on Audible, but I probably won’t buy it unless it goes on sale (Oh the woos of a broke book lover). I’m really glad you enjoyed it so much Kimba!
Lexxie
I am very familiar with the ‘just one more chapter’ syndrome, Kim, especially when it comes to Singh! Her storytelling is so good! The narrator for this series is really good, you know, in case you want to continue with it 😉
kimbacaffeinate
I am so delighted I started this series. I imagine like Andrews I will eventually be reading all of her works.
Paij Slater
Great review….Sounds fantastic
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks 🙂 I like when you can just slip into a story 🙂
Benish
I like the author’s Guild Hunters series, I haven’t read this one though but I’m hoping to work through her books soon – wonderful review as always 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Guild is on my list too!
Sarah
Ahh, I loved this book! I never completed the series but I did love book one. 😀 It’s a unique world I’ve never visited before, either. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
It is a unique world. The plan is to read one book a month 🙂
Bookworm Brandee
This is a series I’ve always intended to read but haven’t gotten there yet. I picked up her Guild Hunters series instead – maybe because it was newly released at the time. But now I’m behind in it as well. 🙁 I love the world Singh created in the GH series and I’m certainly curious about her Psy supes. I’m glad you started this series, Kimberly. Maybe it’ll motivate me to finally get started. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
The Guild Hunters series is another one on my wishlist! I need more time 🙂
Melanie Simmons
I’m so excited you’ve started this series. I just love it. I’m glad that you enjoyed it. I can’t way to revisit the entire series through your reviews. I also loved the “Just one more page syndrome” line. And, I completely agree, though I listen so I guess for me, it would be, “Just one more minute syndrome.”
kimbacaffeinate
I am delighted I started it. I am slowly working my way through some awesome series I missed 🙂
Sophia Rose
Just one more page syndrome LOL! Love it when that happens.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes…i sacrifice so much sleep to that syndrome!
Katherine
I’ve heard good things about Singh’s books but have never read them. They’re not a genre I read much of but this series has me intrigued. It sounds like she does a great job of really pulling you into a completely different world. I’ll have to look for the first one.
kimbacaffeinate
I am slowly working my way through series and authors on my huge wishlist 🙂
Kathryn
I love this series, I only started reading in in 2013, I thought it might be too sexy for me, but … I sampled this one and was hooked. I then read them rather obsessively. I read her Guild Hunters too, that is different in some ways, still wait for each book to appear though. I just love the changelings and her next book in this series is going to be a one that goes back to the changelings and I look forward to it.
kimbacaffeinate
I am so glad I took the plunge. The plan is to read one a month. I think I am going to do the Guild series on audio after this or maybe after BDB…LOL
Kathryn
That’s what I am doing with the J D Robb series – one a month until I catch up. Unfortunately I can’t get Guild Hunters all on audio so just read (internationally). But I see the first three which I can get have great narrator reviews.
kindlemom1
I’ve heard so much about this series and I know it has been around forever, I might even have the first book. Anyways, I so need to try it. It sounds like it has everything I love.
kimbacaffeinate
I am really glad I did. I think you would like this Ali
Angela Adams
That book cover has me hooked.
kimbacaffeinate
It is a new cover just this year.
Mary Kirkland
I’ve only read a couple of her books and just one book in this series so I’m a bit behind.
kimbacaffeinate
Hehe..you are not alone my friend!
Candace
This is a series I’m curious about. I think I even bought the first book ages ago. I’m glad you enjoyed!
kimbacaffeinate
Hopefully you dig it out 🙂
sherry fundin
Great review. Sounds like the most people agree. I’ll have to check it out further.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, half of those commenting have been pushing me to try this author..lol
Tyler H Jolley
Great review, Kim, it sounds like it really worked for you.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Tyler, I loved the world.
Heidi
I am glad to see you taking the plunge into this book and that it held up over time. I have long been wanting to try this series, hopefully one day soon.
kimbacaffeinate
I have really been trying to read authors/series that have been on my wishlist. I keep checking them off slowly but surely.
Ramona
I used to read this series! Not sure exactly how I came to stop, but I’ve got fond memories 🙂 Remarkable review, Kimba.
kimbacaffeinate
Glad you enjoyed what you read. I am hoping to read one a month and catch up!
Megan
Every review you write I have to add the book to my TRL LOL. This sounds like a book I know I would enjoy. The World and the psy sound so interesting.
kimbacaffeinate
Bwahaha…well this series is loved by many which is how it ended up in my reading pile!
Nise'
I’ve been wanting to read this series. I think I will wait until winter, because I know I will want to binge read the books as I did when I started the BDB series. One good thing about being late to a series is not having to wait for the next book!
Rita
Ok Nise, you’ve confused me…and I’m nosy. What series is BDB? Thanks if you can answer 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
BDB is on my list as well. I don’t do well binge reading, but will read one a month.
Anna
Thank the heavens for mysteries. This one seems to click on so many levels. 🙂
Anna from Elements of Writing
kimbacaffeinate
It was an engaging read Anna. I love when an author allows me to just slip into the story.
Debbie Haupt
Wow, you’ve got me intrigued Kim about new unique things in a genre that’s really become over-run with the mundane.
It’s on my list!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy, I am excited about the world and characters 🙂
Kristin
Did Jessica say Guild Hunter? Psy Changling? What am I to do? I love the way you make this sound, though. And I’m in need of more shifter series. The psy group is a new twist, too. Eh, I’m adding this to my TBR…. *sigh*
kimbacaffeinate
Yep, that series is on my list too..LOL
Nick
I’ve never read a Nalini Singh book before!! But her books always sound fantastic and I know Jenny is also a huge fan. I don’t even know where to start though since she has so many books!
kimbacaffeinate
I am excited I finally tried her. and I know get what all the fuss is about 🙂
Jenny
Whaaaaaat? You hadn’t read this series before Kim? HOW DID I NOT KNOW THAT?!!! I would have left you comments saying READ THE PSY CHANGELING BOOKS every single day 😉 And now you’ve met Hawke. He’s my favorite. He and Sienna just make me happy even though it was a long time coming and I nearly gave myself an ulcer waiting 😉
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, it was on my list. This year I have really made an effort to work on series/authors on my wishlist.
Red Iza
I haven’t kept up yet with the whole series, but it’s one of my favorites – Nalini Singh really is a talented writer ! And wait until you read about Judd – I have a book crush on him 😉
kimbacaffeinate
I am glad I started the series and hope to read one a month.
Wattle
I’ve heard great things about this series and Nalini Singh but haven’t quite got around to it yet myself (I keep thinking – I need to read that! And then get distracted by everything else :/)
Great review Kim, I think I’ll go grab the Kindle version before I can forget again!
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, I hear you. I have slowly been working my way through one series/author at a time on my wishlist.
Erin
Great review! I’ve been meaning to pick up this series FORVER. It sounds like it hs some unique stuff in it! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I was the same, this year I have slowly been working through series and authors on my wishlist 🙂
Erin
Always a good idea! Next year I need to work more on finishing series that I’ve already started lol. 😛
Tracy Terry
A world that denies emotions? Intriguing. Definitely a book I’ll keep in mind for when I’m feeling more inclined to read more’supernatural’ fiction.
kimbacaffeinate
The Psy are an interesting race Tracy.
Jessica
Wow, are you just getting started with this series? *applauds your commitment* I did this same thing a few years ago with both her series–it was ALL Singh, ALL the time. For like a month, LOL. But I do not regret it. Great review! *whispers* I like her Guild Hunter series even more 😉
kimbacaffeinate
I am slowly working my way through a backlist of series and authors 🙂
Lorna
I am so glad you enjoyed this one too 🙂 I think the second one is really good as well. I have the next five, but they are in the trunk of my car and I really need to remember to bring them in so I can read the next one!
kimbacaffeinate
I am hoping to start book two later this month 🙂
blodeuedd
I liked this one 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
So glad you did. Now on to book two for me
Jodie
Ahhh memories. I need to read this series agan!
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, glad to hear you liked them Jodie 🙂
Melliane
I have in fact a book in this series as well but I haven’t read any. I know many love them so I sould try but I keep pushing it later… one day! I need to look at what book it is too.
kimbacaffeinate
I am looking forward to reading at least one a month and getting caught up 🙂