Ocean Light by Nalini Singh
The Trinity #2, Psy-Changeling #17
PNR
Berkley
June 12, 2018

Favorite Quote: They might only have a fragment of an instant in time, but he’d make that fragment extraordinary.

Ocean Light is Bowen Knight’s story; the leader of the Human Alliance and one of the leaders in the Trinity Accord. Fans have been expecting his story, straddling the fence and withholding our forgiveness over his past deeds. Bowen had an experimental chip put in that blocks the Psy’s ability to manipulate human minds. However, now the chip is failing and he is living on borrowed time. An assassination attempt essentially kills him but his sister’s uncompromising love sends him deep into the ocean and into the hands of the secretive changeling group, BlackSea. They have the knowledge to potentially save him but certain members dislike humans and want him gone.

Kaia Luna is a member of Blacksea and works as a chef. Her dislike of humans stems from a traumatic event in her past. An event that has chained her to the deepest part of the ocean. Co-opted into helping with Bo’s care, she has no interest in humoring a man whose days are numbered. But the more time she spends with Bo, she discovers a man worth fighting for.

As Kaia and Bo grow closer, fighting for more time together, they discover a hidden tie between the Alliance and BlackSea. Betrayal exists on both sides and when Kaia is caught up in a net of deceit, Bo will do the unimaginable to save her.

Nalini Singh’s paranormal Psy/Changeling series is one of my top ten favorite fantasy series to date.  I find myself re-reading the series, welcoming with arms wide open this alternative futuristic earth populated with shifters, humans, and the Psy as they struggle to co-exist. Each new story expands the world, bringing with it nonstop action and suspense that balances nicely with the lush romances and just the right amount of humor. Her brilliant reads remain intoxicating and engaging from the beginning to end as Singh effortlessly builds a relationship between two people not looking for love while engaging in exquisite wordplay and multiple plotlines that fit together like puzzles pieces; eventually letting readers see the big picture.

This series has undergone some changes after a long ongoing arc was settled… to an extent. Season One is now complete and Season Two aka The Trinity series picks up the ongoing storyline while introducing new characters, revisiting old favorites, and expanding on the world. The Trinity Accord offers all three races a chance at peace but there are those who want it all back the way it was and will do whatever it takes to destroy the Accord and all those in it. 

Readers will love meeting Kaia and Bo and getting to know them. While Bo is a familiar face, we are used to seeing him only as the head of the Alliance. We have seen occasional glimpses of his flirty self but in here we get the full monty so to speak. Kaia fascinates Bo with her changeling personality and he turns his charm to Defcon 10 in his attempts to get to know her and eventually woo her. They are remarkably alike in their loyalty, compassion, fierce hearts, and willingness to do anything for those they love.

Singh does a fantastic job of blending the suspense of the story with the slow-burning romance and an in-depth look at a very secretive changeling group.  I have been very curious about BlackSea since their introduction in Tangle of Need. It’s rare you see water changelings in stories that aren’t merfolk and I love how Singh incorporates all sea life into the BlackSea family. Her imagination is boundless. The storyline starts out slower than usual as Singh weaves her magic, taking her time with BlackSea and building their backstory and Kaia’s.  Strongly character drive, the focus is on the romance while interjecting Bo’s medical issues with a subplot concerning the Alliance. It honestly doesn’t pick up till around the 60/65% mark. Singh’s clear and concise writing style leaves little confusion as the individual plotlines begin to merge and the endgame reveals itself.  A well developed and personable supporting cast embraces our protagonists, adding to their story while creating their very own. I hope we see more of them in the future. The energetic ending keeps you on edge while a full-bodied epilogue leaves readers satisfied and secure in this couple’s future.  

As always, Singh entertains till the very end.  I’m looking forward to the 3rd book in Season Two and have my suspicions about who that couple may be. *crosses fingers*

Grade: B

Previous Psy-Changeling Series Reviews

Goodreads I Author Website I Series List I Kindle I Nook