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Nalini Singh
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Shield of Winter: Book 13 (Psy-Challenging) Kindle Edition

by Nalini Singh (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 3,856 ratings
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Assassin. Soldier. Arrow. That is who Vasic is, who he will always be. His soul drenched in blood, his conscience heavy with the weight of all he's done, he exists in the shadows, far from the hope his people can almost touch - if only they do not first drown in the murderous insanity of a lethal contagion. To stop the wave of death, Vasic must complete the simplest and most difficult mission of his life.

For if the Psy race is to survive, the empaths must wake ...

Having rebuilt her life after medical 'treatment' that violated her mind and sought to stifle her abilities, Ivy should have run from the black-clad Arrow with eyes of winter frost. But Ivy Jane has never done what she should. Now, she'll fight for her people, and for this Arrow who stands as her living shield, yet believes he is beyond redemption.

But as the world turns to screaming crimson, even Ivy's fierce will may not be enough to save Vasic from the cold darkness ...

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  1. Book 13 of 15
    Psy-Changeling
  2. Print length
    445 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publisher
    Gollancz
  6. Publication date
    5 Jun. 2014
  7. File size
    2217 KB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  11. See all details
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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
3,856 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the writing style brilliant, with deliciously real characters. They also appreciate the amazing storylines and intriguing relationships. Readers describe the book as another brilliant installment in the Psy-Changeling series.

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Reading experiencePlotCharacterizationWriting styleRomance
28 customers mention ‘Reading experience’28 positive0 negative

Customers find the book brilliant, addictive, and consistently good. They also say the author is amazing and cannot wait for the next instalment.

"...In the end, this was a great read and I can't wait for the next book in the series (Aden's)." Read more

"...It's brilliant and I might just have to start re-reading it...now." Read more

"...problems to be ironed at the end of the book, but this is definitely worth reading and I look forward to the next one." Read more

"...The last two books were so good I did not expect to be so completely pulled into this storyline...." Read more

26 customers mention ‘Plot’23 positive3 negative

Customers find the storylines amazing, captivating, brilliant, and inventive. They also say the book is superb and keeps them glued to the page.

"...happens, I want to find that out for myself suffice to say the storyline is awesome, the sex is blistering, I cried like a baby, every woman should..." Read more

"...of the 13 books but it is one of the top, there is a really good balance between the plot and the romance. I look forward to 14." Read more

"...I cannot rate Ms Singh highly enough. Clever, inventive and fast paced story telling that keeps you hooked. Fascinating and vivid characters...." Read more

"...down to earth, Nalini is a beautiful writer, story teller with vivid imagination and wild expectations...." Read more

9 customers mention ‘Characterization’9 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters in the book deliciously real.

"...Fascinating and vivid characters. Not to mention sexy story lines that do not treat the readers as an idiot. Bravo! More please." Read more

"...brilliantly written, fast pace strong story line, bringing many well known characters into play...." Read more

"...Her characters have depth and it's easy to feel for and cheer along at every step of their story...." Read more

"...Vasic in other books within the series this is a satisfying depiction of a complex character who understands he has done terrible things and has..." Read more

9 customers mention ‘Writing style’9 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing style brilliantly written, fast-paced, and strong.

"...Beautifully structured wording and so down to earth, Nalini is a beautiful writer, story teller with vivid imagination and wild expectations...." Read more

"This is brilliantly written, fast pace strong story line, bringing many well known characters into play...." Read more

"...This is a well written book,and could be read in isolation but it's helps having read the series for the main storyline...." Read more

"...All the stories are well written and her 'building' of this fantasy world is second to none." Read more

3 customers mention ‘Romance’3 positive0 negative

Customers find the romance in the book brilliant.

"...Their falling in love was sweet and cute...." Read more

"...Another wonderful relationship between the two main characters. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves a good fantasy romance." Read more

"Brilliant story of hope, friendship, love and how to be stubborn..." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

Izy
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this....I love this series. :)
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 October 2014
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Rating~ 4.5 Stars.

I know as with many fans of the series we were all eagerly waiting for Vasic's book to be released (ever since he said he was tired, and seemed suicidal and some of us were greatly disappointed that he wasn't going to end up with Aden). SoW is mainly about Vasic an arrow and Ivy an empath psy, but we see a lot of our favorite changeling packs and Psy's world where we see the impact of what happened in the last book.

While I did love Vasic and Ivy's story it was different than other other Psy books like for e.g. Judd and Kaleb's. In those books we saw Judd and Kaleb kind of learning about emotions and understanding them but at the same time they were very much still in silence in the way they interacted with others apart from their heroines. Vasic is different in that aspect though he did not quite understand emotions like hope but he had someone who kept him from feeling lonely, his friendship with Aden which saved him from a difficult childhood and later with the morality of what they were doing for their race. To me it felt like Vasic and Ivy's relationship came about very easy and without much conflict. It could be because the end of silence or just because they both could feel without any restraints, especially with all the understanding and emotional backbone that Ivy had. Their falling in love was sweet and cute.

I really loved all the scenes that showed the previous characters since it showed what they had been up to and their meetings were all constructed very well to include the overall arc of the series and its effects.

In the end, this was a great read and I can't wait for the next book in the series (Aden's).
5 people found this helpful
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KitchenWitchNik
5.0 out of 5 stars I'm devastated... I've finished it already!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 June 2014
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I have read each of the previous books in the Psy-Changeling series and have enjoyed them all. However those where the Psy have been the main stars and the Changelings the bit players have never seemed quite as entertaining. That all changed with Shield of Winter. Possibly it was because I was already fascinated by Vasic. His small appearances in other stories hinted at what an in-depth character he had - after all, guilt is an emotion and he obviously carried a shed load of it. Whatever the whys and wherefores, honestly, I don't care because I absolutely loved this story.
I'm not one to review by detailing what happens, I want to find that out for myself suffice to say the storyline is awesome, the sex is blistering, I cried like a baby, every woman should have a man like Vasic and I adore Rabbit.
If you're wondering whether you should buy Shield of Winter, stop thinking and go do. It's brilliant and I might just have to start re-reading it...now.
9 people found this helpful
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Hatepacking
5.0 out of 5 stars A great read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 June 2014
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If you are new to this series of books do not read this book first, unlike some books it is not a stand alone story, and you will fail to realise the tight story telling and the intricacies of the Psy Changeling world. Nalini Siingh continues to improve as a writer and is on my buy list. This is the story of an Arrow Vasic (assassins) who has been in a number of books as a minor but increasingly important character. He is teetering on the edge of madness and is given this assignment to protect a group of Empaths who Kaleb (see Heart of Obsidian) hopes can stop the degeneration of the Psy net and people. Ivy is Vasic's responsibility and the story centres on their developing love story and the battle to save a race of people. Rabbit the dog is Ivy's pet is a fully a hero in his own right.

I tried to stay up all night to finish reading it but it was not possible. It is not my favourite out of the 13 books but it is one of the top, there is a really good balance between the plot and the romance. I look forward to 14.
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M. Gomeze
4.0 out of 5 stars Welcome to the world of dangerous men and clever women.....
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 July 2014
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I loved this story of the killer Arrow and 'his' Empath. I really believed in the hero Vasic: here was the tortured soul that Singh writes about so well. ( Look a many of the other hero's of this series). It took me more time to relate to the heroine, Ivy ( hence the 4 stars) It's only as she becomes a stronger though the story, that I realised that this was someone who I could spend more time with. It made the book all the more enjoyable.

There are a number of lose ends being tied up in this book. We get to revisit many old favourites: not least Kaleb & Sahara, Judd & Brenna, Lucas & Sasha, but there are a lot more questions as well. What will happen to Ming LeBon? How will the Psy survive, Does Alice (now out of the coma) get all her memory back? What number of "pup-cubs" will Riley and Mercy actually have?

I cannot rate Ms Singh highly enough. Clever, inventive and fast paced story telling that keeps you hooked. Fascinating and vivid characters. Not to mention sexy story lines that do not treat the readers as an idiot. Bravo! More please.
One person found this helpful
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Clacina F Tanner
5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite series
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 February 2024
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Book is in perfect condition, delivery was speedy. Enjoyed reading and revisiting this fictional world
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fiona43
5.0 out of 5 stars This is definitely one of my favourites of the series
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 June 2014
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For those readers who have read the previous books in this series, you will already know that this is Vasic's story. Vasic is an Arrow, a rare TkV, a natural teleporter, and Ivy Jane, a strong but not cardinal telepath. Although there is not a great deal of 'action' in this book quite a few discoveries are made about the Psy Net, the 'E' designation and Alice starts to remember some key details. The most enjoyable part of the story for me was the development of the relationship between Vasic and Ivy and it's effect on the other Arrows. I am not sure where Nalini Singh is going to take this series next; there are still problems to be ironed at the end of the book, but this is definitely worth reading and I look forward to the next one.
3 people found this helpful
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Dark Angel
5.0 out of 5 stars What can I say another super hero sexy stroy
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 January 2016
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What can I say another super hero sexy stroy, that carries on to define the psy, changling and the human race. Beautifully structured wording and so down to earth, Nalini is a beautiful writer, story teller with vivid imagination and wild expectations. The story starts where the previous one left off, with all the same heros and villians and beautiful girls. A whirlwind of action, love and deciet, you never know when the next explosion will happen, but its one series I love to read and would like for Nalini to carry on, got the next one to read soon hopfully. love Nalini what can I say. Totally recommend.
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Top reviews from other countries

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kelli faye davis
5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful
Reviewed in Australia on 19 May 2024
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I loved this book such powerful writing I can't wait to see a story of vasic and ivy having g there own children
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pony
5.0 out of 5 stars Que d'émotion !
Reviewed in France on 20 November 2016
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Cette série est magnifique ! Nous voici avec Vasic qui au bout du rouleau ne pense pas que le bonheur puisse être à sa portée et utilise ses dernières forces pour sauver les flèches et le psy net . Et voilà que la solution passe par le réveil et la protection des empathes ! Mais la destruction est en marche avec ses centaines de morts, encore ! Et il faut prouver que le salut de la race psy passe par les émotions. Et pourquoi pas Vasic aussi ? Nous en apprenons encore plus sur les flèches tant redoutées et pourtant si attachantes . Que d'émotions et de douceur alors que le monde est en feu ! De l'humour aussi : comment faire l'amour avec des pouvoirs si violents (on sait que Kaleb fait trembler la terre ! ) Et la relation avec croquette le petit chien d'ivy, une alliance prend forme, c'est intéressant ! Ce livre je l'ai lu à sa sortie et si je fais ce commentaire maintenant c'est que je viens de lire la version française et de relire cette version car j'avais l'impression que c'était mieux, je ne suis pas claire alors voilà : en bref je préfère la version anglaise même si c'est bien traduit il manque quelques subtilités inhérentes à la langue anglaise qui ajoute de l'émotion en plus ! Mais que ce soit en français ou en anglais ce tome est magnifique, cette auteure merveilleuse
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V
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on 23 June 2015
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Love this author, can't wait for the next book!!
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D R
4.0 out of 5 stars Good Read
Reviewed in India on 4 April 2016
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Enjoyed reading this book. Continues the story of the Psy and Changelings really well. Having said this, I didn't enjoy it as much as some of the others in the series, but, that is inevitable when the series runs on for as long as it has. I felt that the book could have probably been a little shorter. and Ivy, well, I feel almost guilty saying this, but I did not like her as much as some of the other female leads. Then again, that is a purely personal viewpoint. Look forward to reading the next installment.
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Jadie
5.0 out of 5 stars I absolutely dread the day Nalini Singh stops writing (please don't ever stop). The Psy-Changeling series is epic!
Reviewed in the United States on 26 July 2014
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Shield of Winter was one of my most anticipated books of 2014. After the extraordinary, impossible romance and jaw-dropping leaps forward for the overarching series plot in Heart of Obsidian I was dying to see what would next happen in the Psy-Changeling world. I was also wary of being disappointed. Highly anticipated books always run that risk, but I think following up a stunner like HoO is a tougher challenge. Luckily, Nalini Singh is on a hot streak and shows absolutely no signs of slowing down. And that's saying something because even the earliest books in her paranormal series are outstanding.

And I'm still recovering from Heart of Obsidian, by the way.

Shield of Winter showcases everything that that makes this series so wonderful:

1) Unique, intricate worldbuilding - the concept of the PsyNet is one of the best worldbuilding constructs I've ever read and it takes center stage here.
2) An alpha hero with a devoted, protective and positively molten core despite his mistakes and haunts from the past. Vasic was not what I expected but I couldn't imagine him every other way. He is different than the other heroes in this series yet so, so perfect.
3) A strong feisty heroine who has an iron will, contagious zest for life, and deep awareness of the world around her. I admire Ivy like crazy. Out of all the leading ladies in this world I think she's the truest fighter of them all.
4) Airtight plotting with threads that come full circle from the first book, Slave to Sensation (and SoW is #13!).
5) A sweet, heartrending romance that's also hot, hot, hot.
6) Prose that is haunting, soulful and beautiful on one page and clinical yet flowing the next - Ms. Singh has an incredible storytelling voice.

First, SO much was packed into this book. It is just as much an aftermath book as it is about new beginnings and continuing the stories already told. After the destruction wrought on the PsyNet and wider world by the fanatical group Pure Psy everyone is still reeling. Now add that to the fall of Silence, the protocol that conditions Psy not to feel emotion...because often their rampant feelings cause them to sink into insanity or lose control of their abilities and unintentionally hurt others. Silence kept the lid on those things but it also destroyed their society and allowed sociopaths free reign. Now a disease that originated in Silence is destroying the fabric of the PsyNet - the psychic network that connects all Psy and keeps them alive. After Silence fell it grew ever more voracious.

The Arrow Squad, which was long the Psy Council's dirty little secret now works only for itself and is dedicated to saving the Net. To do this they must "wake" the empaths, whose core ability of healing emotions and damaged psyches caused them to be systematically suffocated under Silence. Vasic is one of those Arrows. As a telekinetic who is also a born teleporter he was extremely valuable to the Council and has been part of the squad since childhood. After all he has seen and done he is ready to give up. Ivy is a powerful empath who was very nearly rehabilitated (a psychic brainwipe) after she broke Silence in a big way at 16. It took her years to recover, and now she's been asked to be part of a group of empaths to investigate the disease and find a cure. Vasic is her guard. He will do this one last thing before he finds the only peace he can get. However, Ivy is a fighter through and through and she refuses to give up on Vasic - or allow him to give up on himself.

The disease and romance are the two biggest plot threads. However, there are also quite a few new characters introduced (Arrows and Empaths - what a combination!). There is a kind-of secondary romance (Nalini Singh you owe us a story about Abbot and Jaya!...I mean, please?). Like I said, there's lots more but this review is already going to be way too long.

We do get to catch up with characters from past books like Kaleb and Sahara, Judd Lauren, Sascha and Lucas, Alice Eldridge, Zie Zen and even Dev Santos. Kaleb in particular is such a complex character, and for all his enormous power he is ever the politician. I also loved seeing Sahara building her own life and her life with Kaleb. These two deserve every single millisecond of their happiness. And Judd Lauren continues to steal my heart. I love you, Judd Lauren. Don't get me started on Kaleb.

So I know I gave this book five stars, but there are actually quite a few things that annoyed me. I'm going to list them briefly, but I just want to say despite the stuff I didn't like this book and series just leave me awestruck.

1) Too many cameos. There are well over fifty significant characters in this series. Ms. Singh never, ever info dumps on her readers, and while I LOVE seeing past MCs again sometimes I feel certain appearances are unnecessary. In particular I didn't think Mercy, Riley and Sienna's part were necessary.
2) The prose. Yeah, I said it was great. But there was some ridiculousness going on in there. At times it's so overly dramatic it feels campy. It also gets repetitious in places. And there was THREE times Ivy felt like there was "confetti" inside her. It stuck out like an awkward, sore thumb.
3) Too much build up and glossed-over resolution. I was nervous about how Ms. Singh would solve the dilemma (understatement) of the disease, and I thought the solution was perfect. Unfortunately there wasn't much pagetime for the actual cure and aftermath. I'm sure some of this will be covered in Psy-Changeling #14, but it was still somewhat disjointing.
4) Ming LeBon. This situation still isn't resolved. I'm thinking his part happened for a reason that will become evident later on but it felt unneeded while reading.
5) This is a darker series and some pretty horrifying things happen. Like not thousands but hundreds of thousands of people dying. Sometimes I feel that awfulness isn't emphasized enough. I also think the characters and events get pretty edgy only for Ms. Singh to pull back. I wouldn't call it deus-ex-machina but it still seems there should be more sacrifice from the characters.

Although this is a series I think SoW can be read standalone. New readers won't be familiar with the socioeconomic attributes of the Psy-Changeling universe or the histories of past MCs, but it's still manageable. However, you're going to really like this book, then go back and read the rest and wish you had read them in order in first. It's an amazing journey and Nalini Singh is a sneaky, genius, masterful storyteller. And very emotive. These stories will touch your heart and soul.

I don't so much dread having to wait for a new installment in this series as I do finding something to read after a new book goes out. Seriously, withdrawal occurs - and it ain't pretty. Booklist has called Nalini Singh the "alpha author" of paranormal romance. For me it's pretty much fact. Shield of Winter is an impressive addition to the phenomenal Psy-Changeling series, and I treasured every minute of reading it. The phrase not-to-be-missed is NOT an exaggeration here!
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