Customer Reviews

Bonds of Justice (Psy/Changeling Novels)

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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 rehabiliated (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 suprised 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?

While this was another good addition to the series, it still didn't measure up to my favorites--Slave to Sensation, Branded by Fire and Stroke of Enticement. I like the emotional connection in stories, and I tend to prefer her stories with a changeling (or even better 2 changelings) as lead(s). The Psy characters with their lack of emotion, don't capture my interest as well. 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.

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 especially love, love her newest series Guild Hunter. I like it even better than Psy Changeling, which I know could get me in trouble with all of the Psy Changeling fans! 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.amazon.com/Paranormal-action-romance-must-reads/lm/R214ESW3HL12HM/ref=tag_lag_rb_munk_lmfull
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Max Shannon is a human cop for the New York Enforcement with a gift that allows him peace. His mind has a strong natural shield that excludes him from the suggestions that are sometimes planted in his fellow officers' minds by the Psy. This has also precluded him from rising in the ranks, but Max doesn't mind as long as he is sure he's the one making the decisions in regards to his cases. Knowing this it comes as a huge surprise when he's tapped as a special investigator by a Psy Councilor, and not just any Psy Councilor, but Nikita Duncan herself. And he won't be working alone...

Sophia Russo has been a J (Justice) for over 12 years. The long active period has left her with terrifyingly thin shields and she knows it's just a matter of time before she's called in for that final rehabilitation that all Js must either succumb to, or escape from through death. Having first met Max on the case of a sociopath, Sophia was intrigued by, and attracted to, him - something a perfect Psy would never be. Sophia is a long ways from the perfect Psy though, and has been for longer than she's been a J. Knowing her interest in Max will only lead her more quickly to her final end, she's relieved (and disappointed) when she's out of his presence. But then she's called to be Max's liaison and partner on this new deadly case for Nikita.

Can they find out who's killing those close to Nikita before they strike again? Will the bonds Max and Sophia form be strong enough to save them both?

I have to admit, in this world of the Psy/Changelings I was not that interested in the main couple going into this book because of the human hero. I'm not afraid to admit when I am wrong. And boy was I wrong. At a glance humans are the very lowest of the three races. They don't have the mental abilities that the Psy do. They don't have the strength and enhanced senses that the Changelings do. They're thought of as less by many Psy and Changelings. But Max is a fantastic hero. One hundred percent human, he's got an intelligent, quick mind and strong ethics, added to the fact that he's very protective, totally loyal, persistant and incredibly, absolutely sexy-as-hell.

Sophia, on the other hand, is kind, caring, smart and intriguing all with an underlying core of steel. She's strong and vulnerable. Sweet and sexy (as Max would say). She's been a J for longer than most others, and yet she continues to push that, in the end, things are fair. It's such a likable quality, and one that could easily push her over the edge into either too good, or not good enough. The balance is perfectly attained, and Sophia is a character that I'll love for many years to come. She faces some of the same issues that most of the Psy that are still in the Net, but with new, heart-breaking twists.

Max and Sophia are now some of my favorite characters in the story, and I hope that we get to see more of them in the future.

There is a lot going on in Bonds of Justice, with the Psy, the Changelings, and the relationships between many of them. We get to see many of our favorites, including Lucas and Sascha, Faith and Vaughn, Clay and Tally, Nikita, and (my personal favorite enigma) Kaleb. The depth that Nalini Singh continues to give each and every character - whether they've been in the story for books, or a couple of pages - always amazes me.

The plot, attempts to get at Nikita through those closest to her, is solid. It'd be tempting to think that her calling in a human/J combo to figure this out is out of the realm of possibility, but it's not only realistic, it's addressed by the characters themselves. And the reasoning makes the story all that more intriguing. The mystery itself, and the continued work with the serial killer that brought Max and Sophia together in the first place, are too interesting for me to spoil here.

But the real joy here is the fabulous love story between Max and Sophia. I have to admit that there were a few times I had to put down my Kindle in order to wipe the tears from my eyes. The way they come together, with trust, and openness, love and honesty spoke directly to my heart.

Being the tenth book in the Psy/Changeling series I wouldn't recommend starting with Bonds of Justice. Ms. Singh does a fabulous job with providing all the relevant information needed to read it as a stand-alone, but you'd be missing out on some fantastic tension, world-building and romance to skip the previous entries in this wonderful series.

Every time I read Nalini Singh's books I think 'she can't possibly get any better than this' ... and then she does. Nalini continues to blow me away with a detailed world, beautiful love story, and fascinating characters. Bonds of Justice is an absolute must read. Intrigue, danger, passion and more fill the pages, tempting you, forcing you, to keep reading well into the night.

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.

Let me start off by saying what a huge fan I am of Ms. Singh. I love her Psy/Chaneling 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 series continue to grow in the number of books, authors loose what made their earlier books so good (J.R. Ward/Lora Leigh comes 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.

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

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.

Sheer genius. Nalini Singh writes with amazing skill as she depicted the delicate balance of the growing attraction between the woman who cannot be touched and the man who aches to do so. By page 70 of this book, there are already several poignant scenes between the main couple that would tug at your heartstrings and make you root for an HEA for them. But most especially for Sophia Russo, who just about breaks me whenever I think about her past and her life, what it meant to be a J Psy.

Sophia Russo is a Justice Psy, able to walk the twisted pathways of the criminals' minds and retrieve the needed memories to take them to justice. However, this exerts a great toll on her shields. Though she goes in every now and then for reconditioning (strengthening her shields), she's nearing the point where she'll crack and go insane, when no amount of reconditioning would help and and then, her personality--her very self--would be erased and it will be as if she never was. As a Psy, they are trained not to feel, but each moment spent with Max Shannon, a detective, as they work together on a case made her shields crack that little more. Skin contact may be normal to us, but to Sophia, each touch is magnified a thousand-fold and threatens her shield. Yet, she didn't hesitate. If she'd go, then she wanted to go knowing how Max felt against her skin.

To Sophia, her near eventual demise was real, and to the reader, it felt real. There were some real touching scenes that blurred my eyesight, and I'd like to quote one of them, though it would probably be out of context to those who haven't read this and thus, wouldn't be able to grasp the richness of the emotion behind the words:

"Max?"
"Yes?"
"Will you remember me?"
His heart broke into a thousand pieces. "Always."

I couldn't remember a couple who fought as fiercely and desperately for their HEA as Sophia and Max. It seems like every chapter contains some new information that contributed to the growing conviction of Sophia's eventual demise and how Max couldn't bear to lose her. I don't know how I was able to hold on to my will not to turn to the end of the book and have a peek. But I managed. Somehow.

Though I know some miracle would happen to bring about Sophia's HEA with Max (this is a romance, after all), at the moment of reading, I could believe there's no hope anywhere for Sophia, that she's probably going to have one intimate, glorious moment with Max and then she'd die. That's how powerful Nalini Singh's writing is. I can feel Sophia's fragile state like a tangible object. I think it's in the careful way Sophia holds herself, the way she takes care not to touch anybody, and also in the way Max acts around her, the way his thoughts contrast with his actions. There is so much feeling going on on both sides, but because of Sophia's condition, these feelings are controlled and subdued, repressed. This, coupled with the murders that Sophia and Max are taxed to solve and the build-up regarding Sophia's end fate, increased the tension and page-turning quality of the book.

As for Max, early on in their acquaintance, somehow, Sophia was able to touch something in him that no woman had ever done. He didn't know what to make of it, but he did know he was attracted to her. Recognizing her fragility as a J Psy, he didn't rush her, willing himself to slow down, to go at her pace, to introduce her to sensual delights at each opportunity. Not only that, but he also acquainted her with the light teasing that exists between (would-be) lovers and all the other stuff that Sophia missed in her childhood. I like that Max is sensitive in this manner, that he was willing to wait and to meet Sophia at her level. And, of course, he wouldn't accept Sophia's eventual demise without a fight. He wanted to make it so that she was his to keep forever. Like all heroes, this fierce protectiveness he has toward the heroine just about makes me melt.

"I know who you are," he said, holding her gaze. "I'm not going to be scared away because of your 'imperfections'."
A sheen of wet in her eyes, turning the midnight irridescent.
"We fit, you and I," he whispered, looking into that haunting gaze. "Two broken pieces making a whole." It wasn't the most romantic of statements, but it was torn from his soul. "I am not losing you."

And--

"No one will dare hit on me after I mention my wife is a J with a jealous streak."
Wife. Her composure splintered. "Max, no matter what, we could never--"
"I told you, Sophie. You're mine. End of story."

No games. I thought it was heartbreaking when Sophia confessed she didn't know how to play games like how the woman was playing with Max (a woman they'd met in the elevator flirted with him and gave him her card), and also when Max decided that yes, he would pursue this attraction between them to the end and there would be no games between them. Just honest emotions and frank speaking.

I also haven't seen a couple who loved each other as Max and Sophia. Their intimate scenes are hot and steamy, sure, but there's more than lust and attraction. Though the word love may never have slipped past their lips, but you could see it in the other words that they do say, the way they care for one another, the way they take care of the other, the way they're willing to die for the other, the way...Argh! You have to read this book!

And I hadn't even talked about the worldbuilding yet. Astounding, complex, superb. I could believe such a world existed. It was that real.

Regarding how Sophia became well again, I don't believe I know enough of this world yet to judge with any knowledge whether it was believable or not. Certainly, for me, at this point, it is. It didn't feel like the solution came from out of the blue. There had been hints as the story progressed, but the realization came at the end.

Sascha and Lucas (from the first book) make an appearance here, due to Sascha's connection to Councilor Nikita Duncan, the councilor who needed Max's and Sophia's help on a case. I think fans would enjoy seeing this couple together and be updated on how their romance has progressed. I certainly enjoyed seeing the dynamics of Lucas's pack as they relate to Sascha, as well as other characters like Dorian, Clay, Faith and Vaughn.

Bonds of Justice is the first book I've read in Nalini Singh's Psy/Changeling series, and I can assure first-time readers that you won't get lost at all if you start here! This book is totally stand-alone, yet I'm sure you'll feel as I do--I'm going to read this series in order, starting with Slave to Sensation (the first book which features Sascha and Lucas) all the way to Bonds of Justice (again!) to get the full flavor of Ms. Singh's world and her amazing characters.

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.

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

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.