Shield of Winter

Shield of Winter is the newest book of Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling series.

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 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...

The Breakdown:
1. I have enjoyed Singh's Psy-Changeling series since book one.  She does a great job on tying each of the books together in some way, and making sure that the reader never wonders what happened to her previous characters. The stories flow so well together, and each gives a unique look at the world she has created in these books.

2. I like that in Shield of Winter Singh not only explores the skills of the Psy empaths further, but she also further shows the way Arrows are trained. She had an amazing way of blending both the action, and fear of what is happening in PsyNet with the changes taking place in Ivy and Vasic's personal lives.

3. I really liked Ivy's character.  She is strong and passionate, and really is a true empath.  She has been through so much having gone through Psy rehabilitation, but she did not let that experience break her and became strong her for it.  The way she cares for Vasic is amazing.  She does not let him accept his fate, but pushes him to live and be better.

4. I find it interesting to watch as Vasic changes through his relationship with Ivy.  He was the product of a horrible childhood trained as an Arrow, and then given missions of terrible things to do.  He had given up hope until he met her.  She really brings him to life, and he starts to realize that his life is worth fighting for through her.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read

Currently Reading:
Endlessly
by Kiersten White