Branded By Fire Advance Review *Nalini Singh*

It is pretty much a given that Nalini Singh writes spectacular books. Her Psy/Changeling series is a very successful and beloved by her readers, and I am one of them. Her soon to be released, Branded by Fire (Psy/Changeling book #6) is no exception. Not only has she delivered another great action packed tale, but she raises the steam, as in the sexual dynamics between the two main characters. The majority of Nalini’s heroes are alpha males- hear them roar. Their women are tender fighters and their men feel the need to coddle them. But in Branded by Fire, Nalini has written a hero and heroine that are on equal footing. Mercy and Riley are both alphas and they must come to terms with their natures. These two want it their way or no way at all. And as these two continually butt heads with one another, their attraction and lust is smoldering. Branded by Fire is the most sexually charged book in this whole series. The first chapter says it all. Usually it takes a hundred pages or so before a love bird duo will act on their desires. Not Riley and Mercy. The hottest sex scene in this whole book is in the first twenty pages. And it is very satisfying indeed.

Because Branded by Fire is the sixth book in this futuristic, sci-fi romance all rolled into one, newcomers must go back to book one. Sorry, Branded by Fire is not a stand alone book. Things have been building up through the last few books where there is about to be an explosion dealing with every society Nalini has created. The Psy, the various Changeling creatures and Humans are all at war with one another. The world they live in together, side by side, is crumbling and unless they can come to a resolution there will be many causalities. No one is safe. And I have come to the conclusion that they cannot survive without the other. Things have become very complex and to explain everything would take too long to explain.

If you love reading strong, in your face characters, Nalini has accomplished that with Riley and Mercy. These two are a bit like Romeo and Juliet because Mercy is a leopard and Riley is a wolf. They are total opposites because a wolf and a leopard should not mate, but their need for one another defies all reason. And if they complete the mating bond, one must turn away from their pack and embrace their mate’s new one. Riley is a bit more understanding and is willing to sacrifice a part of himself to make Mercy happy. Mercy holds back and will only give Riley a small piece of herself, mainly though the physical attraction she has for Riley. Riley wants a no holds bar relationship with his kitty-cat and that means she must give him her heart and soul. Riley chases Mercy and tries to tire her to the point she will give in because he knows he is the only one who can tame her.

Now when I say Riley wants to tame Mercy, it is not meant as a negative. He wants to cherish her and protect her and also keep those sharp claws of her in check. He doesn’t mind a bit of pain when it comes to Mercy, (especially during sex because Riley enjoys when Mercy let’s go and scratches him) but because Mercy is skilled as a warrior, she doesn’t know how to give in a little to the other side, the one that needs a bit of TLC from such a man like Riley. And the scene towards the end where Mercy decides she needs Riley is everything the reader has been waiting for. Love is all about giving and taking and after Riley has inched his way into her heart, she finally has an epiphany.

Even though the Mercy and Riley’s relationship is very prominent there are other important things to take note of in Branded by Fire. Many past beloved characters make an appearance. We see a great deal of Sasha and Lucas and how they have grown together. Their happily ever after is everything you would imagine and Nalini gives them something so very special that made me smile and raises my fists in the air. Fans of Brenna and Judd will be also thrilled. Judd is still happily breaking furniture. And for those who wants Hawke’s story (he is Riley’s alpha of the Snowdancer pack) and Sienna’s (she is Judd’s Psy niece), you will not be disappointed. Nalini is slowly building the emotional bonds between these two. She makes Hawke and Sienna suffer. Hawke wants Sienna badly, but Sienna is still so young and confused. Sienna is destroying herself because of her feelings for Hawke and doesn’t know how to deal with them. They cannot continue to be around each other, but being apart is also painful. Nalini also throws a curve ball in their relationship because there is possibly someone waiting in the wings to take Sienna way from Hawke even before anything could happen between these two. And dare I mention one of the most mysterious and deadly characters of all in that of the Psy Kaleb? Again Nalini gives us just enough, a small peek as to what Kaleb has planned and what he hopes to accomplish. I have had my eye on Kaleb for a long time and I know Nalini must have a reason for making Kaleb an important part of this series. (I am a team Kaleb girl all the way and I am anxiously awaiting his own story.)

Branded by Fire left me wanting more and again cements my devotion to the writing talents of Nalini Singh. If there is one author you haven’t read and should, Nalini is one of them. (Berkley)

Final Grade: B+