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Psy-Changeling #4.1
A Conversation
A short story about a conversation between Teijan, the Rat Alpha, and his right hand, Zane.
Timeline: Takes place some time after Mine to Possess.
This story can be found on Nalini Singh's official website.
Timeline: Takes place some time after Mine to Possess.
This story can be found on Nalini Singh's official website.
5 pages
First published August 9, 2011
13 people are currently reading
2106 people want to read
About the author
Nalini Singh
251 books26.7k followersI've been writing as long as I can remember and all of my stories always held a thread of romance (even when I was writing about a prince who could shoot lasers out of his eyes). I love creating unique characters, love giving them happy endings and I even love the voices in my head. There's no other job I would rather be doing. In September 2002, when I got the call that Silhouette Desire wanted to buy my first book, Desert Warrior, it was a dream come true. I hope to continue living the dream until I keel over of old age on my keyboard.
I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page (updated every month).
So far, I've worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher and not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency but I call it grist for the writer's mill.
I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page (updated every month).
So far, I've worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher and not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency but I call it grist for the writer's mill.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
July 4, 2018
“DarkRiver brings in serious money.”
“And we helped make some of it.” Teijan’s pride in his people flowed through his veins. “We’re their eyes and ears on the ground. We hear of opportunities before anyone else. It’s only right they share the profits.”
A conversation between the two leading rats about the benefits of being cats' allies. Short and free story.
I would love a book about the rats.
“And we helped make some of it.” Teijan’s pride in his people flowed through his veins. “We’re their eyes and ears on the ground. We hear of opportunities before anyone else. It’s only right they share the profits.”
A conversation between the two leading rats about the benefits of being cats' allies. Short and free story.
I would love a book about the rats.
April 4, 2021
This little morsel gives an interesting into look into the Rats who are working with Dark River. Wish it had been a smidge longer since the Rats are still rather mysterious.
Freebie.
Freebie.
August 9, 2017
Las tres estrellas me parecen un poco demasiado para una escena tan corta pero lo cierto es que el clan de las ratas me gusto bastante, no eran como esperaba y espero saber mas de ellos en los siguientes libros y de como avanza su alianza con los DarkRiver.
3 Estrellas!
August 13, 2021
1st read - October 2014
2nd read - September 2020
3rd read - August 2021
This is only a short snippet of conversation between the rat leader Teijan and his second Zane but it shows the beginnings of a strong business partnership between them and the DarkRiver cats.
2nd read - September 2020
3rd read - August 2021
This is only a short snippet of conversation between the rat leader Teijan and his second Zane but it shows the beginnings of a strong business partnership between them and the DarkRiver cats.
December 14, 2012
Another step towards learning about the Psy and the Changelings, this time our friendly rats make an appearance.
August 10, 2016
Rat POV. Provides insight into the Rat and Leopard relationship.
June 30, 2017
This snippet is a behind the scenes look at the alpha Rat changeling and his right hand who converse about the impact of their alliance with DarkRiver's pack.
I really would love to read a novella about Zane and Rissa's love story! Their past sounds wonderful, a feral changeling rat who settled and calmed after becoming mated. Maybe if we're lucky, one day Nalini might write it for us.
I really would love to read a novella about Zane and Rissa's love story! Their past sounds wonderful, a feral changeling rat who settled and calmed after becoming mated. Maybe if we're lucky, one day Nalini might write it for us.
December 5, 2019
Interesting to get a look into the rats thoughts about working with Dark River.
August 27, 2018
Much like The Cannibal Princess, A Conversation is a nice little extra for fans of the Psy-Changeling series, giving an extremely quick read you can dive into after Mine to Pleasure. I’m not the biggest fan of these kinds of shorts – in fact, the only case I can think of where I’ve happily devoured all the shorts is with Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series – but I was curious to see how Nalini Singh’s shorts would play out. After all, there’s so many of them, with so many people seeming to enjoy the extras, and I thought it was at least worth the try.
In truth, as was the case with The Cannibal Princess, A Conversation is a rounded-up rating. It’s more of a one-point-five-star read, but it brings promise for where the series could go, so I decided to round up. As I’ve mentioned, I’m not a big lover of shorts, so my rating is mostly a reflection of that. Personally, this was didn’t add much but it was interesting to see a different perspective. I did not gain anything vital by reading it, and I wouldn’t have missed out on anything if I’d overlooked it.
If you’re a big fan of the series, and if you enjoy extremely quick reads that offer an insight into the lives of characters, then I’m certain you’ll have fun with this. Otherwise, do not feel as though you need to read these shorts to understand the series.
In truth, as was the case with The Cannibal Princess, A Conversation is a rounded-up rating. It’s more of a one-point-five-star read, but it brings promise for where the series could go, so I decided to round up. As I’ve mentioned, I’m not a big lover of shorts, so my rating is mostly a reflection of that. Personally, this was didn’t add much but it was interesting to see a different perspective. I did not gain anything vital by reading it, and I wouldn’t have missed out on anything if I’d overlooked it.
If you’re a big fan of the series, and if you enjoy extremely quick reads that offer an insight into the lives of characters, then I’m certain you’ll have fun with this. Otherwise, do not feel as though you need to read these shorts to understand the series.
September 16, 2011
**3.5 stars**
This is a short "conversation" among a couple of the Rat changelings. I enjoyed getting some background on them and would like to see more of them in the Psy-changeling books. However, I don't think I'm ready for a love story with a rat changeling so I hope NS doesn't take that route!
This is a short "conversation" among a couple of the Rat changelings. I enjoyed getting some background on them and would like to see more of them in the Psy-changeling books. However, I don't think I'm ready for a love story with a rat changeling so I hope NS doesn't take that route!
November 27, 2022
3 ½ Stars ~ Fun little conversation between the underground Rats. Downloadable from the authors website. http://www.nalinisingh.com/shortstori...
February 3, 2020
Reviewed for THC Reviews
"3.5 stars" A Conversation is a short story in Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling world that takes place sometime after Mine to Possess and that’s available for free on her website. In fact, I’m not quite sure I can even call it a “story,” because it doesn’t really have a plot. It’s really more of a scene and exactly what the title suggests, a conversation between Teijan, the Rat Changeling alpha, and Zane, another member of his pack. They discuss Zane’s family life, which was rather unexpected given that he was pretty wild before finding his mate, as well as the recent pact the Rats made with the DarkRiver Leopards. As it turns out, it’s been a pretty sweet deal for them that will allow them to give back more to their people, and as a result, the Rats have become the best spy network in San Francisco.
Since that’s about all there is to it, I had a hard time rating this “story.” I was intrigued by the Rat Changelings when they first appeared in – I believe – Mine to Possess. I wanted to see more of them, although this little tidbit only offered up the barest of new insights into these characters and their pack, and rather than satisfying that craving, it served little more than to whet my appetite for more. I do hope that perhaps Teijan, Zane, and the others will be seen again in future books of the series, but I guess I’ll have to wait and see.
"3.5 stars" A Conversation is a short story in Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling world that takes place sometime after Mine to Possess and that’s available for free on her website. In fact, I’m not quite sure I can even call it a “story,” because it doesn’t really have a plot. It’s really more of a scene and exactly what the title suggests, a conversation between Teijan, the Rat Changeling alpha, and Zane, another member of his pack. They discuss Zane’s family life, which was rather unexpected given that he was pretty wild before finding his mate, as well as the recent pact the Rats made with the DarkRiver Leopards. As it turns out, it’s been a pretty sweet deal for them that will allow them to give back more to their people, and as a result, the Rats have become the best spy network in San Francisco.
Since that’s about all there is to it, I had a hard time rating this “story.” I was intrigued by the Rat Changelings when they first appeared in – I believe – Mine to Possess. I wanted to see more of them, although this little tidbit only offered up the barest of new insights into these characters and their pack, and rather than satisfying that craving, it served little more than to whet my appetite for more. I do hope that perhaps Teijan, Zane, and the others will be seen again in future books of the series, but I guess I’ll have to wait and see.
July 11, 2021
Interesting nugget about the Rat pack - I'd forgotten so few of them were actually changelings
February 18, 2023
Very short but cute.
August 21, 2018
I love these glimpses into the lives of our favorite characters.
Read
November 10, 2018Teijan and Zane reflect on their relation with the DarkRiver pack and on how far they’ve come.
Free: https://nalinisingh.com/extras/psycha...
Free: https://nalinisingh.com/extras/psycha...
June 6, 2017
RATING: 3 Hearts
November 2, 2014
A short story that’s 4.5 in the Psy-Changeling paranormal romance series based in San Francisco and revolving around a silent war between the Psy and Changelings. The focus in "A Conversation" is about the Rats’ alliance with DarkRiver.
This short story is a freebie offered on Nalini Singh’s website.
My Take
This was an intriguing look into a pack of shapeshifting rats who have entered into an alliance with DarkRiver. While there have been a few references in the series about the rats, there hasn't been anything with any depth. With "A Conversation", Singh gives us this short, a very short look, into how the rats have benefited from this alliance. And how unexpectedly beneficial it's turned out to be.
It's amazing how much information Singh has provided about the rats in this short.
The Story
A casual conversation between alpha and his right-hand exposes their thoughts and surprise.
The Characters
Teijan leads the Rats. Zane is now his right-hand man. Aneca is Zane's daughter. Rissa is Zane's mate.
DarkRiver is the cat pride in the area.
The Title
The title is exactly what this is, "A Conversation".
This short story is a freebie offered on Nalini Singh’s website.
My Take
This was an intriguing look into a pack of shapeshifting rats who have entered into an alliance with DarkRiver. While there have been a few references in the series about the rats, there hasn't been anything with any depth. With "A Conversation", Singh gives us this short, a very short look, into how the rats have benefited from this alliance. And how unexpectedly beneficial it's turned out to be.
It's amazing how much information Singh has provided about the rats in this short.
The Story
A casual conversation between alpha and his right-hand exposes their thoughts and surprise.
The Characters
Teijan leads the Rats. Zane is now his right-hand man. Aneca is Zane's daughter. Rissa is Zane's mate.
DarkRiver is the cat pride in the area.
The Title
The title is exactly what this is, "A Conversation".
September 7, 2013
This is a short freebie from the authors website, another window view. This time readers get to peep in on the Rats. The incredible spies that give Darkriver a huge part of the intelligence. It's nice to get this itty-bitty chance to visit them as I've been so curious with their “pack” and their history. In the end it's just what the title states. A conversation. It's nice to hear from the Rats how their alliance with Darkriver.
Sexual Content: Clean!
3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back.
Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.
Sexual Content: Clean!
3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back.
Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.
August 29, 2012
Sasha's Review
A Conversation
Book Completed: 8/28/2012
Book Rating: ★★★★
Continue Series?: Yes!
A solid little short story. Nothing spectacular and isn't focused on DarkRiver or SnowDancers but on the Rats.
The title literally summarizes what the story is about. I picture two little hobo men, drinking their brown-paper-bag whiskey and chatting about their lives that have changed for the better, if only slightly.
This short story isn't anything amazing and I may have zoned out a couple times but it does give a little background of the connects of DarkRiver.
A Conversation
Book Completed: 8/28/2012
Book Rating: ★★★★
Continue Series?: Yes!
A solid little short story. Nothing spectacular and isn't focused on DarkRiver or SnowDancers but on the Rats.
The title literally summarizes what the story is about. I picture two little hobo men, drinking their brown-paper-bag whiskey and chatting about their lives that have changed for the better, if only slightly.
This short story isn't anything amazing and I may have zoned out a couple times but it does give a little background of the connects of DarkRiver.
April 30, 2012
It is just that: a conversation. But it give you a little more of information about the rat pack.
Un freebie que puedes encontrar en la web de la autora. No es más que una conversación (como su título indica), pero aporta un poco más de información sobre el acuerdo entre Ratas y Leopardos, al poco de llevarlo a cabo. Así que, aunque aquí aparece como que sucede después del libro 7º, la propia autora lo situa después del 4º.
Un freebie que puedes encontrar en la web de la autora. No es más que una conversación (como su título indica), pero aporta un poco más de información sobre el acuerdo entre Ratas y Leopardos, al poco de llevarlo a cabo. Así que, aunque aquí aparece como que sucede después del libro 7º, la propia autora lo situa después del 4º.
December 24, 2015
A short quick Free read on Nalini Singh website.
It reveals a bit more about the Rats Down Below & the alliance they made with the Cats.
"His Rats were more than the dregs of society now. They were turning into one of the most well-informed and well-organized spy networks in the country. Any alpha would be proud to call them his own."
It reveals a bit more about the Rats Down Below & the alliance they made with the Cats.
"His Rats were more than the dregs of society now. They were turning into one of the most well-informed and well-organized spy networks in the country. Any alpha would be proud to call them his own."
September 24, 2017
Only a conversation between the rats after the big alliance with the other packs in town. I liked seeing this diffent side of the rats and their POV was very intense about the upcoming war agains the Psy. Never thought they would be this confrontantional.
April 17, 2015
I like what this one says about the Changelings, how even though they might not share the same animal, they still look out for those that are like they are.
November 25, 2015
This was a fun short conv with two of the Rat changelings. I liked getting some background on them, but... I don't think I will ever be ready for some Rat love story.
Nalini don't get any ideas!!!
Nalini don't get any ideas!!!
March 3, 2023
A very short novella about the DarkRiver Pack's new ally with the Rat Changeling Pack after the book Mine to Possess.
Don't learn too much more about the Rats, other than their mood after the new alliance is formed, so that's good to know I suppose.
This was alright, not the best Psy-Changeling short, but free nonetheless and super short so worth the read (in my opinion).
Don't learn too much more about the Rats, other than their mood after the new alliance is formed, so that's good to know I suppose.
This was alright, not the best Psy-Changeling short, but free nonetheless and super short so worth the read (in my opinion).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2024
How do you rate these things? I don’t see a reason to give it a low rating just because it’s short. While overall it doesn’t really add anything to the overall plot, like most of these snippets it does add to the overall world-building and character building. This one was particularly interesting because it was from the POV of the Rats, which is a rare POV.
February 3, 2019
I love Teijan and his band of ‘Rats’. This little slice of life below ground shows that their loyalty is appreciated by the cats. Their alliance is beneficial for both and rounds out the characters and the interactions of all changelings
December 17, 2021
Super fast easy story.
Not necessary at all and didn't really add anything to the overall story, but it was still a quick enough read that i didn't mind getting the inside view of the rat-changelings and how they talk about the money the cat-changelings give them for becoming their informants.
Not necessary at all and didn't really add anything to the overall story, but it was still a quick enough read that i didn't mind getting the inside view of the rat-changelings and how they talk about the money the cat-changelings give them for becoming their informants.
June 15, 2024
A Conversation (Psy-Changeling #4.1) by Nalini Singh – Teijan and Zane had a chat about the treaty with Dark River. I’m kinda hoping somewhere in here we get more than little teasers from the Rat Alpha! Happy Reading!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews