Customer Reviews

Caressed by Ice (Psy-Changelings, Book 3)

5 star:		(48)
4 star:		(19)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Judd Lauren is a Psy, he is also an Arrow, one of the elite fighting forces of the Psy Council. He and his family now reside with the Snowdancer, Changling Clan. His family was ordered to be reeducated which means their minds would be destroyed. They escaped to the Wolf-Changling Clan thinking they would be killed but the children would live. However, the Snowdancers have accepted the whole family into their protection. The children are assimilating and learning to face and use their emotions. But Judd is still Psy and his mind is locked into the protocol of Silence. Any amount of emotion causes the pain of dissonance and can ultimately cause his death.

Brenna Kincaid was tortured and her mind destroyed by a Psy. He abducted her and over a week tore through her mind and cut and hurt her body. When she was rescued she was in a coma, and Sasha a renegade E-Psy who is the mate of Lucas, leader of the Leopard Clan was the only one who could reach her. She is steadily drawn to Judd. She finds it hard to understand why since he is Psy, but he calls to her in every way. She is determined to reach his emotions and she knows, somehow, that he is not indifferent to her.

Judd constantly pushes her away, but when he realizes someone is out to hurt her again all his walls start to crumble. Judd is a dangerous Psy not just to Brenna but to everyone. He is able to kill with a thought, only with the protocol of Silence is he able to control his emotions. Judd is able to use his abilities for the Clan and to protect those things important to him. Brenna is one of those things and someone is out to hurt her. The one thing Judd will not allow.

The action is fast the plot involved, and the animosity between the Psy and Changling communities growing. I have loved each of the novels in this series. The world and our knowledge grow with each book. Along with the JR Ward series of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, these are my two favorite series at this time. I encourage you to start with A SLAVE TO SENSATION, then read VISIONS OF HEAT and finally this book. But you can read them in any order. Well worth the time and money.

Incredible! Caressed by Ice is the 3rd book in Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling series. I was lucky enough to be chosen to post an early review and I have to say this book exceeded my high expectations. I thought the Psy-Changeling world couldn't get any better. . .Wow was I wrong! Anyone who doubts a Psy male can equal a changeling male in sexiness and alpha male yummy-ness be assured Judd, the elite Psy soldier, more than earns his own alpha male category!

Judd's background story is finally revealed and his family members' back story is explored further. There is even a startling revelation about Hawke that really makes for an exciting development for that sexy wolf's future story. The connection and desire between Judd and Brenna is just scorching! I loved how Brenna wouldn't let Judd ignore what was between them and how even as Judd struggled to stay away, he always sought her out. Every scene with Judd and Brenna carried an intensity that has become a trademark for Singh's work. In actuality each character's interaction from Brenn's brothers and packmates to Judd's niece is just so poignant. The plot moves along fast as we find ourselves in a sort of quest by Brenn and Judd to figure out what her kidnapper (from Visions of Heat, 2nd book in series) has done to her mind. The political agenda of the Psy council is a continuing engrossing subplot, its like watching a chess game.
This story delves further into the Councils underhanded dealings and the changelings counter moves. Singh pulls the reader into the story by creating a graphic world with gripping characters. I hate leaving Singh's world when I've finished her book but I look forward to my next visit! This book is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Caressed By Ice (The Psy-Changeling Series, Book 3)

Judd Lauren is an Arrow, a Psy specially trained to be an enforcer of the rules of Silence on other Psy. He's seen too much and done too much in the name of the Council, only to be sentenced to the hell of rehabilitation along with his entire family. Instead of submitting to rehabilitation, he has taken his family and defected to join the Changelings.

Brenna Kincaid is the only Changeling to have survived abduction and torture by a sociopathic Psy serial killer. Though she's recovered physically, she's been changed forever by what happened to her. Those changes go far deeper than the hacked off hair and eyes of brown shattered with ice blue. Now she seems to have gained Psy powers as well.

Can the woman who grew up and thrived on emotion and touch, really reach the man who was trained to shun all emotion?

I will admit that I am a rabid fan of Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling series and recommend them to just about anyone I can corner long enough. Caressed by Ice is another incredible book in this series. Nalini mixes the passion and hunger of the Judd and Brenna with the societal expectations and complexities to come out with a story that made me devour it in a single sitting. I couldn't bear to put it down while so completely engaged and there wasn't a single spot in the story that I wasn't eagerly awaiting a new development. I'm completely in awe of Nalini's storytelling abilities and the fascinating world she has created. Now I can't wait for the next story to come out. I highly recommend Caressed by Ice to anyone who wants a rich, complex and often heart-wrenching story that culminates in a most powerful love.

Maura reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

The Psy- Changeling Series:

Slave to Sensation

Visions of Heat

Caressed by Ice

If you haven't read this series before, definitely start from the beginning. The background of the species is important for understanding the trials each character faces. The human species and changeling species (half human/ half beast) are pretty self- explanatory. However the Psy species is a creation of Nalini Singh's alone. You'll want to read the first book to get all of the character background. You'll want to read the second book because it is just so darn GOOD!

This third book will make your heart break in hope for an impossible bond between two people who love each other deeply.

Caressed by Ice:

Brenna is a wolf changeling in the SnowDancer Pack. Her life was turned upside down when she was abducted and tortured by a member of the Psy Council. She has lost both control of her thoughts and her ability to change into wolf form. Worst of all, she has lost her freedom. Her two very protective brothers keep her locked in the wolf den where they know she can't be hurt again.

Judd is a former Arrow soldier of the Psy. The Arrows are so notorious for their strength and power, many believe they are only a myth. Judd's powers are so great, the Psy put blocking programs in his brain to control his abilities and to prevent him from accidentally causing death through telekinesis. These blocks cause severe brain pain and hemmoraging if he allows himself to experience emotion or physical contact with other people.

Judd's family has been marked for death by the Psy Council. Because of his position as an Arrow, the Council offers to hide his bloodlines and allow him to continue his life when his family is killed. Judd has lived his life as a cold Psy, but finds he can't watch his family die. At risk of his own life, he takes his family into SnowDancer territory. The alpha SnowDancer wolf is known for kindness towards children. Judd expects to be killed by the wolves on site, but believes they will save his niece and nephew. It is a sacrifice he willing to make.

Brenna isn't sure what it is about the ice cold Psy, but something about Judd touches her heart. She is willing to do whatever it takes to teach him that he is capable of feeling love, then win his affection for herself. Judd can't deny that his shields against emotion are getting weaker where Brenna is concerned. He decides that no matter what the cost, Brenna is his. His brain is slowly losing the battle against the blocking programs, growing from sharp pains to hemmoraging through his ears and nose every time Brenna touches him. He knows his only hope is to break the programming before it kills him.

During his time with the SnowDancer pack, Judd learns just how extraordinary his gifts are. His powers can move people and objects, destroy his enemies bodies and minds, read their thoughts, and even perform miraculous healing. His gifts have caused the SnowDancers to accept him as one of their own. Now he must try to use the gifts to free his own mind from the programs that block his ability to bond with Brenna.

Judd Lauren is a Psy Arrow, trained to kill. The Silence enforced by the Psy Council is all that reigns him in, and so he maintains that Silence, even after his defection from both the Council and the PsyNet. Brenna Kincaid, a changeling from the SnowDancer clan, threatens the Silence encasing his emotions, but Judd can't turn his back on Brenna. Brenna survived the ravages of one madman already, but now another is threatening the safety of her world. Will Judd be able to keep Brenna safe?

CARESSED BY ICE is the third installment in what is proving to be a top notch series. Nalini Singh has crafted a fabulous world, populated with humans, the Psy, and an assortment of shapeshifters. CARESSED BY ICE can be read as a stand alone, but the intricate details of this complex world will be missed if one overlooks the two previous books. SLAVE TO SENSATION and VISIONS OF HEAT. Brenna had a difficult role in SLAVE TO SENSATION and it is very rewarding to see her healing so well in CARESSED BY ICE.

Nalini Singh has solidified her spot as one of the leading authors in the genre with CARESSED BY ICE. I simply can't rave enough about this series! The flawless prose draws the reader into this compelling story. The power of love and physical touch is so aptly described and the visual images are nothing short of spellbinding. Nalini Singh perfectly captures the mythology of her world through the strength of her characters. One cannot help but love Judd, even as he struggles with his inner demons.

CARESSED BY ICE is a must read for fans of the genre! Nalini Singh takes readers on a whirlwind thrill ride in which the power of emotions is fully conveyed. CARESSED BY ICE is a very satisfying and exceptionally well-written book that easily vaults Ms. Singh to the top. Don't miss out on CARESSED BY ICE as the journey is well worth every moment spent savoring this beautiful tale.

COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

I was also one of those chosen to review/discuss Caressed By Ice after reading an ARC of it. I've read it several times and I think this is, so far, my favorite. The hero, Judd Lauren, is the main reason I love this book, but there are many more. I wondered if a Psy hero would be able to pull me into this alternate world as easily as, say, Lucas and Vaughn did in "Slave To Sensation" and "Visions Of Heat". After all, the Psy are cold and emotionless and Judd more so than most. His unique Psy abilities marked him first as an Arrow, a member of the elite Psy soldiers who were known to the Psy as "death squads," and later as the pet assassin for the Council. So, I asked myself, how does Nalini Singh redeem a hero who, at fist glance, seems to have no redeeming qualities? I should have had more faith because she did it beautifully and skillfully, that's how.

Judd was introduced in "Slave To Sensation" when he and his family defected and sought refuge with the SnowDancer wolves. While the Lauren family have been accepted by the changelings, Judd refuses to be a part of the pack. He is distant, cold, and aloof - and barely tolerated by the wolves. He is truly made of ice with everyone - except Brenna. Brenna is as determined that Judd will break Silence as he is not to. At times, this determination seemed a little selfish and her relentless pursuit of Judd was, at first, annoying. But I did end up liking and admiring Brenna for her courage. Brenna had to accept, as Hawke says, Judd's "beast" as she has accepted her own. She was then able to really appreciate just what she was demanding that Judd do and how dangerous it was. Judd has very good reasons for repressing the dangerous emotions Brenna embraces, and it was not as easy for him to break Silence as it was for Sascha and Faith.

Despite the challenges, each encounter brings Judd and Brenna closer until all that is left is the undeniable fact that these two people belong together - despite their pasts and whatever obstacles are thrown in their path. The old saying about good things and waiting were never more true than with Judd Lauren because a "thawed out" Ice Man is well worth waiting for. Brenna's courage, passion and warmth (not to mention a few quirky endearments) soon has Judd scrambling to repair his crumbling conditioning.

Judd's reaction to those endearments was both funny and touching. Funny because he usually had no idea how, or if, he should respond; and touching because it was never so apparent as then that he had lived in an emotional void with absolutely no kindness, compassion, or affection. I loved the "Mr. Spock" moments sparked by his no-nonsense, very logical and literal take on different situations, and his genuine puzzlement as to why the repairs to his conditioning keep failing - with new chinks appearing almost as fast as he fixes them.

The Council - all of the alliances and plotting and scheming (especially those featuring Kaleb) creates some interesting challenges for the wolves as well as the leopards. While I love the Council snippets, I confess I had to re-read those portions just to keep up with all the maneuvering and dealing and double dealing. It was, at times, hard to keep track of who was in league with whom.

The secondary story dealing with the Psy rebellion and the mysterious Ghost in the Net is one of the other reasons I loved this book. It's a terrific addition to this series, and I can`t wait to find out who the Ghost is. Some fascinating information on Kaleb, Hawke and Walker is revealed but really raises more questions than it gives answers.

Judd and Brenna's story was not easy to read at times (like Judd's Silence conditioning) because they both have a dark and very painful past, but Caressed By Ice is a terrific book with a great cast of characters, a fast-moving plot with lots of twists and turns as well as some tantalizing surprises. I love the Psy Changeling series, and absolutely fell in love with Judd. I would recommend "Caressed By Ice" as well as the other two in this series ("Slave To Sensation" and "Visions Of Heat")to anyone who is looking for something different in the paranormal genre.

I seem to be in the minority after reading these reviews, but for me Caressed By Ice is the best of this series. The former two books, Slave To Sensation and Visions of Heat were not in the same league as this one is.

What sets this book apart is that the Psy in this book is male, not female. The Psy through Silence have become a race of people devoid of emotion. I guess that I have an easier time accepting this trait in a man rather than a woman as the other two books feature.

I also enjoyed Brenna. I did not think she was immature and stalker-like toward Judd. She is a woman who had endured severe torture and survived. She knows what she wants and what is destined to be and has the courage to chase it...or HIM in this case.

This world continues to be complex and in depth. Maybe one day I'll really "get it"...until then I'm still looking for Hawke's story!

I hate reading reviews that give away the story so what I can tell you is that Nalini Singh write the most amazing Alpha Males. I think it takes real talent to write an Alpha Male that isn't cruel or unkind. Even Judd, who isn't suppose to have any feelings, comes off as protective, loyal and very very sensual. I have read the entire Psy series and I fell in love with each Hero for completely different reasons. And if her unique heroes aren't reason enough to love her Psy novels than the creative and detailed job she does of world building should be. The mythos she is creating with each book is fasicnating and it really draws me in. I can't wait for each new book to learn more about this world. I was so excited to learn she has signed a contract for total of 7 Psy books. I can't wait!!! Caressed by Ice and the rest of the Psy novels are a fabulous escape from realty and I highly recommmed them to everyone.

Changeling Brenna Shane Kincaid is a fighter. She's fought against her overprotective brothers who don't want to let her grow up. She fought against a Psy madman who invaded her brain and tried to steal a part of her soul. And most recently, she's fighting Judd Lauren, a distant, aloof Psy who resides in her SnowDancer home. The one thing about Brenna, though, is she always seems to win these fights.

Judd Lauren was a soldier in the most elite Psy army, the Arrows. Judd has been conditioned to see emotion as the enemy and to avoid it at all cost. Judd is, instead, focused on ensuring his family has sanctuary as he continues to fight in a war against the Psy. What Judd doesn't realize is that Brenna can be hard to resist, and that the emotion he so heartily tries to escape just might be the thing that will save him...

Caressed by Ice is by far my favorite in the Psy-Changeling series. Slave to Sensation was a good introduction to the series, but I like the connection between Judd and Brenna more than that between Sascha and Lucas. And despite my best efforts, I just couldn't get into Visions of Change. Not so with this story. From the beginning I was drawn to the trauma that Brenna had overcome and Judd's place in rebuilding her life. I liked that Brenna was the aggressor since I'm so used to the hero having to chase down a reluctant heroine. It was a nice change. And most of all, I just felt like these two "got" each other. It was nice watching them fall for each other, and I loved that they didn't just jump into bed with one another, but instead took time to get to know each other and learn how to make it work. If you liked the other books in the Psy-Changeling series, I'm sure you'll enjoy this one, but if you haven't read them, I'd suggest reading Slave to Sensation and Visions of Change first.

My ratings for the two previous books in this series were 5 stars, whole heartedly given. I just could not do less for this third book. I am simply blown away by the fact that this hugely talented author can have such a complex story system going and still keep all three books connected, yet separate.

There are many, many reviews for this book (which you probably know by now is the third in a series)and I actually went back and read each of them before beginning my review. The plot of the book is so superbly related by so many good reviews that I see no reason to re-invent the wheel.

I find myself shying away from series books. It has been my unfortunate experience to find that so often the first book will be really good, sometimes just good, but after that the quality suffers and what comes after #1 cannot be relied on. That is absolutely not the case with this author and this series of stories. For me, it has been a building experience. I really enjoyed this chance to have almost all the characters from the first two books play such an integral part in Caressed By Ice. The story of Brenna and Judd was totally fascinating to watch. I did see (in other reviews) some references to Brenna "persuing" Judd with people not liking that element in this story. My take on that situation is that Judd was mentally conditioned to NEVER experience emotion. How else would he have overcome that obstacle without being pushed to do so? Brenna felt an instinctive tug in his direction long before she understood why. She was even willing to choose to be with him even though she did not feel that he was her "true mate" as it was understood within the wolf breed. Ms Singh gave each character just exactly the traits needed by the other character to resolve the problems which would have normally kept them apart.

I am completely enamored of the writing of this author. This is not even a genre of fiction which I customarily read and yet I have jumped at the chance to continue reading this series. My strong recommendation is that you read at least the first in the series, SLAVE TO SENSATION before starting here. That book lays the groundwork for all the world building which Ms Singh uses to have her characters operate in. Without understanding the basic premise of the series, book three could be a little (or a lot) confusing. This series is, for me at least, very detailed, very intricate, very involved. I can't just sit down and breeze through one of these books while paying attention to it with half my mind. The author does not necessarily do what you expect her to do. She doesn't necessarily have her characters react as you would expect. It is not a boilerplate bodice ripper paranormal book. Her writing style is different. When Judd finally figures out the answer to a question he has been pondering there is no bold print, no italics, no chapter heading to give you a clue: "Here is important stuff, read carefully." The statement comes in the middle of a paragraph. If you don't read it all, if you are just skimming through looking for clues other authors tend to give, you miss it.

I like these books. I think Ms Singh respects the imagination of her readers. Obviously I am not alone! Did she make a mistake about hyenas and how wolves kill their prey as another reviewer states? I don't know. It didn't bother me enough to make me do research to find out.