Allegiance of Honor by Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling, #15
Paranormal Romance
June 14, 2016
Berkley

Reviewed by Tori

Favorite Quote: “They won’t break me.”

A world stands poised on the edge. Silence has fallen and from its demise has arisen the Trinity Accord-a group consisting of Psys, Humans, and Changelings. The first Psy-Changeling child in decades has been born, alliances are being made, enemies are circling the gates, and the major power players in the world now stand uneasily on crumbling ground. Where before the Psy were considered the most powerful beings in the world, the humans have made it known they aren’t weak, and the Changelings have stepped up and won the trust of the general public. Regardless of the huge strides made,  there is still plenty of mistrust between the three races, and everyone is constantly on guard. Since the Trinity Accord was constructed out of both haste and need, there are a lot of work that needs to be done to make it a true, solid partnership.

First off, this review is going to be as non-spoiler as I can make it. There is SO MUCH GOING ON that it’s really hard to say anything beyond OMG SQQQQUUUEEEE I LOVE SINGH WOOOHOOO BUY THIS NOW!!

Nalini Singh changes things up in the fifteenth installment of her widely popular and epic showcased Psy-Changeling series.  Allegiance of Honor bridges Hope Of Shards, which Singh announced was the end of part one, and the next full novel in the series which we are told begins part two.  With its anthology like base, Singh doesn’t just focus on one couple’s journey but rather she offers us updates and small intimate details on every couple, group, race, and individual that has been written about or even vaguely mentioned in the series. She expands on the world building and reroutes plotlines while paying the ultimate tribute to her characters.  Their joys, sorrows, and even the simplest of mundane moments are all brought into crisp, clear detail for our reading pleasure. The bonds that existed before Silence was instigated are beginning to reform and show themselves in some interesting and shocking ways.

Myriad bonds connected the people here. It was a tangled kaleidoscope.

Nalini Singh’s Psy/Changeling series is one of the most convoluted and involved paranormal romance series out to date. I absolutely adore the world Ms. Singh has created and find myself re reading this entire series often. Filled with nonstop action, suspense and mystery yet balanced nicely with hot steamy romance, and light-hearted moments. Allegiance of Honor is a testament to Singh’s incredible skill as a writer. It’s not always easy to impart the same sense of wonder and delight to your audience fifteen book in. Yet, Singh does it with ease. She has consecutively added to her world-both character and plot wise- throughout the series and still manages to maintain an air of intimacy and cohesiveness without becoming redundant.

There are two main storylines in here with multiple subplots twisting and turning as they submerge themselves into the arc to help take it to the next level. Nadiya (Naya) Hunter, the first psy-changeling to be born in decades, maintains a strong presence throughout  the story. Fans will laugh in delight at the antics this bright light shines on her parents and the world around her. Her birth represents change and hope for all three races, but there are some who see her more as a threat to their way of life. Lucas and Sascha suddenly find themselves thrust into the spotlight not only dealing with a mischievous one year old and their DarkRiver family,  but Lucas is being looked to as a major voice in the Trinity Alliance. This places him in an uncomfortable position of power he never wanted. Their fear increases dramatically when they learn that someone plans to kidnap Naya and some of the other DarkRiver youths. Someone who are willing to go to extreme lengths to get them. Lucas and Sascha go looking to some unlikely allies to help protect their family.

Anyone who tried to hurt DarkRiver’s young would end up mauled bloody.

Various low key factions begin to speak up and dig down deep into the arc. BlackSea has always been standing on the outskirts but their  powerful voice is finally heard in here. This water based changeling group has remained silent due to its solidity nature; leaving them a virtually unknown element in the world. Though the changelings have had dealings with them before, they have remained secluded and as mysterious as the ocean they come from. When a missing BlackSea member makes her presence know to DarkRiver, they reach out and BlackSea finds itself reaching back for help in order to bring their lost one home. All the races come forward, uniting in their efforts to help, and proving that times are indeed changing and you must change with them or you will be crushed by the turning tide.

This was their home. They would defend to the death. And they would find their missing. Every. Single. One.

New and old faces make appearances, some that are sure to shock and enchant long time fans who have wondered exactly what roles they have played in the shadows.

Allegiance of Honor is a complex and vibrant story brimming with action, romance, and intrigue. Singh gathers her larger than life ensemble to finally give us the answers to long standing questions while opening new pathways that highlight the interesting and unique problems each race is facing as they try to find their place in this frightening new world.

Grade:  A

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