New book in this changeling series

Ocean Light by Nalini Singh reviewed by Fiona Frost, Hastings District Libraries

Have you discovered the phenomenon that is Nalini Singh? This prolific writer has written over 16 books in the PsyChangeling series and because she was raised in New Zealand we can call her one of our own.

Ocean Light (number two in her PsyChangeling Trinity series) is the latest offering from Nalini. The story takes place in an alternate future where humans, changelings (shifters) and psy (people with varying psychic powers) live together after a tenuous peace accord has been reached.

Bowen Knight wakes up from a coma after being shot by a bullet meant for his sister. The consortium which he is the head of has a traitor in its midst and it is up to him to try and get to the bottom of the mystery. So far, this could be any ‘who-dun-it’ story but the reality is far different. When Bowen wakes, he is not in some city hospital, but instead in Ryujin, the deep underwater base / habitat of the Black Sea Shifters.

This is his story of coming to terms with the fact that he has a ticking time bomb in his head and the experimental surgery he has offered to be a part of has a 50 per cent chance of either killing him or leaving him brain dead.

This is also the story of Kaia, a scientist turned cook who is a member of the Black Sea Shifters and whose blossoming relationship with Bowen is central to the story. Kaia has no time for humans who have caused her much heartache, and the last thing she wants to do is to fall prey to the dangerous charm of a human who is a dead man walking, but she simply cannot stay away from Bowen.

When Kaia is taken by those who mean her harm Bowen will do anything to get her back even if it means striking a devil’s bargain and giving up his mind to the enemy.

If you haven’t read other books in the Psy-Changeling series by Nalini, this may not be the best place to start, as her storylines and characters all intertwine to create a totally satisfying reading experience, however for fans of her book, you will not be disappointed in this latest offering.

■ For more information visit www.hastingslibraries.co.nz or phone 871 5000

Publishers Book Expo Wednesday 14 November Havelock North Library. Tickets available now.