Storm Echo

Psy-Changeling Trinity #6

by Nalini Singh

NYT bestselling author Nalini Singh takes us into the hearts of two fractured people in a world on the brink of a psychic Armageddon . . .

Silence has fallen. The Psy are free to feel emotion. Free to love. But Silence was never a prison for Ivan Mercant. The biggest threat to his future lies dormant in his brain—a psychic monster that wants only to feed. And now, the brutal leash he’s kept on that monster is slipping. He prepared for this day, for the end of Ivan Mercant . . . but that was before he met Lei.

As primal as she is human, this wild changeling brings color into his life, laughter to his soul. Then the dream shatters in a rain of blood, in silent bodies in the snow. Lei is gone. Vanished without a trace . . . until he meets strangely familiar eyes across a busy San Francisco street.

Soleil Bijoux Garcia is a healer who has lost everything. She exists in a world of desolate aloneness . . . till the day she finds herself face-to-face with a lethal stranger. The animal who is her other half knows this man, but her memories are tattered fragments. Sorrow and a need for vengeance are all that drive her. Her mission? To kill the alpha of the DarkRiver leopard pack.

But fate has other plans. Soon, a deadly soldier who believes himself a monster and a broken healer might be all that stand between life and death for the entire Psy race.

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Audiobook

376 pages, Hardcover

First published August 9, 2022

About the author

I'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.

Reviews

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy macro plot, Batman! OK, the microplot (aka the romance) for me was a little oddly paced. I really liked both Ivan and Soleil, but I feel like because we the audience knew info that they didn't, it created a situation where I was waiting for them to catch up for a good chunk of the middle. That being said, I LOVED THE MACRO PLOT PAY. OFF IN THIS BOOK AND CANNOT SAY MORE BECAUSE SPOILERS BUT AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. So I'd say micro plot was 3.5 and the macro plot was 4.5 stars, so we'll average out to 4

[Inna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I’m having a hard time with Nalini Singh’s newer releases… the magic that her writing had in the past seems to be all but gone. I’ve been trying really hard to figure out why my feelings have changed so much - what it is specifically about the newer books that are different. And I’m struggling to identify the issues. Here are a few I’m considering…

1. Lots of repetition - constantly describing and the same things over and over. For example: how many times was the Mercant family described as spies and how many times was it mentioned that their family unit is so special? This was already in two previous books, Silver’s and Canto’s, and now we get a third story that repeats the same stuff yet again.

The same can be said for how she describes the wolves, the leopards, past characters, etc. I’m curious how many people are really reading these books who haven’t read the entire series?? Is there really such a need to cater to the outliers?

2. Why is she so into full names? It’s sometimes just Ivan. But it’s frequently Ivan Mercant. Even Soleil has her full name mentioned several times. First, middle, last. Yeeeeeeeesh. I’m going to have to do a word search and come back to this to see if I’m exaggerating the situation. I probably am, but it really stuck out to me while reading. I don’t remember her doing this as much in her earlier books. Maybe Caleb… but otherwise, I don’t think it was quite as prevalent.

3. The drama is minimized now. The books used to have long & drawn out dramatic scenes - with bombings and fighting and hostile situations. This book had a few dramatic moments but they really fell flat. The issues were resolved very quickly. The angst didn’t really build, it just came in minor bursts.

4. Repetition within the series. How many Psy have we seen who believe that their abilities are going to kill them and then BAM they’re wrong!!?? I swear to god, this same exact thing has been DONE AND DONE AND DONE again. It’s not unique anymore - and considering how creative Nalini Singh has always been in the past - I’m disappointed that she hasn’t been able to put a new spin on this.

That’s it for now… but I’m curious to hear other people’s opinions on this, so chime in with your opinion (good or bad).

Safe; virgin hero, non-virgin but celibate heroine, no om/ow drama, no scenes with om/ow, no cheating.

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many good things in this latest installment. First, I loved Ivan. The Psy has always intrigued me because I do like the strong, silent men who don't really show emotions. That's how all the Psy are. What's even better, is that even though Ivan is all those things, he still feels very strongly. You see it in his actions. He's actually very protective and I really just enjoyed watching him fall in love with Soleil.

Soleil is the complete opposite of Ivan. She's full of life and color and doesn't hide her emotions. As a changling healer, she is very affectionate and loving, while also still being a very strong and determined woman. I love how much she fought for Ivan.

I'm really enjoying the overall plot of this spinoff and I really love seeing past characters. I can't wait to see what happens next.

[Danielle The Book Huntress · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nalini Singh’s long-running Psy/Changeling series gets an exciting new entry, with a hero who believes he’s the villain, and a heroine who knows he’s her mate and will fight to keep him. The romance is utterly appealing, both characters are dynamic and endearing. Together, they make a wonderful couple. Singh has created a complex, fascinating world with multi-layered characters and intricate world-building that gives the series a great science fiction feel. Readers who are new to the series can still enjoy this novel, but there are references that are tied to previous books in the series, so they’ll likely want to read previous novels to catch up. Quick moving, emotionally resonant, and compelling, Storm Echo is a great read.

Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com

ARC provided by Berkley through Netgalley for review.

[Woman Reading (is away exploring) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ☆

Nalini Singh's long-running Psy-Changeling novels have slowly shifted from a heavy emphasis on paranormal romance to an almost equal blend of urban fantasy and paranormal romance. Singh's alternate world set in the late 21st century is populated by 3 races: Psy with their extraordinary mental abilities, Changelings with all the strengths of their animal counterparts, and the humans who seem quite vulnerable in comparison. Through their extra abilities and often times unscrupulous methods, the Psy have come to dominate the world in power and in riches. But the Psy race's very existence is being threatened by the ruptures in the PsyNet leading to concurrent mass episodes of homicidal psychotic outbreaks.

Storm Echo felt like an end to an era. In this sixth installment of the Psy-Changeling Trinity series, Singh finally revealed the identity of the villainous Architect (aha, just as I had suspected!) after much teasing. I've lost track but the Architect was introduced sometime near the end of the preceding Psy-Changeling series which had included 15 titles. The Architect has thus existed for at least 7 books; to be fair, all 7 novels' plotlines have taken place within 18 months.

Given Singh's writing style, the UF part of Storm Echo interests me more than PNR component. The romantic pairing involved Ivan, a member of the powerful Psy clan the Mercants, and a changeling named Lei. Given how many books are in this Psy-Changeling universe (as this is #21), many of the pairings have been very formulaic and thus predictable. This installment had two slight variations, one of which was amnesia (very trope-y) and the other entailed Lei being the assertive female romantic partner. So I wasn't wowed but at least I wasn't repelled by their relationship's development. I'm looking at you Alpha Night, whose couple's dynamic reminds me greatly of this one. The story was primarily set in San Francisco, so there was a welcome visit with the DarkRiver pack. But I am heartily sick of Singh's over-indulged usage of the adjective "primal."

Storm Echo would be satisfactory to read as a standalone only if a reader has no interest in the world-building aspect. If a reader is at all curious about Singh's alternative universe, which has captivated my attention for 21 novels, then do not start here. This novel, more so than its predecessors, referenced events from a much earlier book Allegiance of Honor #15, the conclusion of what Singh called phase one).

Invested as I have been in the UF component, Storm Echo provided a resolution (finally!) and uncomplicated entertainment for six hours making this a solid 3.5 stars story.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Returning to the world of psys and changelings is like a homecoming, so many familiar faces and places and plots.
Psy-changeling couples are my favourites and I loved this one as well.
A light amnesia plot. Heavier drug abuse plot, quite detailed, including death of overdose.

Full review:

This is another great installment in a favourite series. Psys getting together with changelings are my favourite couples, so much passion and restraint, funny first-time moments, pure joy to read.

Every new book in the series is like a homecoming - a familiar world with a complex overarching suspense plot. And every time Nalini Singh manages to surprise me, to make the romance feel fresh and new.

We get a bit of amnesia plot and while I am not a fan of it in general, I didn't mind it here. The twist here was that because the mating has already taken place (unawares for both of them, mind you), the animal side of Lei recognised Ivan.

The suspense/mystery plot gets more and more complicated by also we are seeing a possibility for solution here.

Like most stories in the series at this stage we get to catch up on many familiar characters. Many of the cats make an appearance - Lucas, Nate, Tamsyn.

I loved how to story offered the possibility for family, future, something Ivan had given up on.

Most often the Psy have no experience with feelings and intimacy but as highly logical beings that do proper research of the matter. There is even a guidebook circulated among friends that someone made in the previous books iirc. Ivan, though, didn't research sex because he didn't think it will ever happen to him. When it came to physical intimacy, he let Lei lead him. His complete trust in her was a thing of beauty for me.

A central element in Ivan's story was drug abuse (not him directly) and its consequences. I found the descriptions to be really detailed and very jarring at times. Seen it from a child's POV made it extra hard to read. The whole series does not shy away from darkness - abuse, both physical and mental is a common theme for many of the books. Still, the drug use here hit me extra hard and I wanted to mention it explicitly. I refrain from assessing how this issue was represented because I feel out of depth with it.

Of course, in the we got the HEA for our couple, moves a few steps with the general intrigue and even opened a whole new possible plotline. That is all to say that I very much enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to the next in the series.

I find it difficult to list CWs for this series but stood out for me in the book is: drug abuse, parent neglect, loss, car accident (in the past), attempted murder with grave injuries, psychic violence

Thank you to Berkley for the eARC!

[aarya · Rating 3 out of 5]

2022 Fall Bingo (#FallInLoveBingo🍂): Break In Case of Emergency

I’m sorry, but this was exhausting. I disliked this more than Blaze of Memory, which is saying something because that used to be my least favorite P/C novel until today. I skimmed like a quarter of the book and zoned out whenever the word “scarab” entered a scene. Two stars for the romance, five stars for the DarkRiver cameos.

Some unrelated points:

1) Someone recreate that “Mother Ignoring Kid Drowning In A Pool” meme where the adored child is the PsyNet/Mercants, the drowning child is DarkRiver, and the submerged skeleton is SnowDancer. “Sienna killing Ming LeBon” is hidden somewhere in the Mariana Trench.

2) I am begging Nalini to stop writing books where both MCs are strangers/unknown to the reader. I can’t do it anymore. The reunited trauma lovers storyline (like Payal/Canto or Kaleb/Sahara) *only* works when the characters have a long history of friendship. This book takes place in like *three* days, which is wild even accounting the flashbacks.

3) Can we please break the PsyNet already!?! What are we waiting for!?

4) We gotta have more pairing variety. The Psy/Psy and Changeling/Psy books are good when there’s also Changeling/Changeling to showcase pack culture from solely an insider’s perspective. I have an entire thesis about this which I won’t add to this review, but know that it exists. I nominate Matthias/Nell or Lucy for totally unbiased reasons.

5) Nalini is completely unequipped to write about addiction/recovery/drugs. She has strengths re: complicated topics and this isn’t one of them.

6) The frustrating thing is there are flashes of brilliance and Nalini is 10x better than most PNR I try, but gahhhh. It could be so much better! I need to be invested and I can’t do that when two people I’ve never heard of are dying on page and I’m supposed to be sad on their behalf. I don’t need every book to be about DR/SD; I need *some* buildup and relationship foreshadowing for future books.

I remain a stan, but Christ I’m disappointed.

Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Nalini Singh and her psy changeling series, and this was well written as usual but I have to admit it’s not my favorite. The paving is really choppy, and *spoiler* amnesia plot lines are just not tropes I’m a big fan of so that didn’t help. I didn’t feel we got to really see these two get to know each other, it’s very much Insta-love followed by plot contrivances to postpone them getting together and to get as much Lucas & Sasha page time as possible. To be honest I’ve pretty much had enough Lucas & Sasha and the San Fran group. They’re great but I’m ready for the next storylines you be told, there are so many characters that have been introduced and teased for years now that we keep not getting, I’d rather see those stories than ones like this which just seem to be intended to give us more page time w the San Fran characters. I’m eager for Nikita & Anthony’s story, Remy’s story, Pax’s story and VERY ready for humans to finally be included. I thought at the Allegience of honor book, when we found out that the psy net needs humans we would start getting psy-human love stories but there haven’t been any since then. So this one was fine and enjoyable but for me ultimately a bit unsatisfying over all.

[εllε · Rating 2 out of 5]

Can I PLEASE HAVE ARWEN’S BOOK NOW?? Please?????

We’re done with all the Mercants, unless Ena plans on having a romantic bloom in her old years. I know Arwen is in an established relationship, but to me he’s the most interesting of the Mercants, and denying him his own book would be so mean…

I admit it. I like better when both MCs are changeling. I didn’t particularly like either Lei or Ivan. I don’t like it when h is so demanding. Even if the hero isn’t convinced of his own feelings, I want him to be the hunter, not the heroine. It’s so cringey 😬. It feels like the h does what she wants, ordering him to love her.


“Scared that we’ll rip off your head together?”


- when did SHE become part of the family to include herself in this “together”?? She hadn’t even met the Mercants or Ena yet and she says things like this. Pure cringe imo.

Why do these women keep claiming men in an unconvincing way? Can we go back to the time when the man did the claiming? I want more Sienna “take it or leave it”, not Lei’s or others “LOVE ME, you know you love me just admit it, and let us be together forever”.

Best parts for me were Lucas and Kaleb appearances; I liked them more than I liked the whole book. The additional star is only for them.

To conclude:

Ivan was boring, Lei too hungry.

It was mentioned that She was a cat a 1000 times. We know!!! We get it!

Unless the coming books will be about Pax, Arwen or Kit, I don’t think I’ll read them. I’m only waiting for their books. I’m not interested in other characters, AT ALL.

[Lacey (laceybooklovers) · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED. It's always so good to be back in the Psy-Changeling world! And there's AMNESIA.

[Lover of Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hold onto her, onto the spark of joy inside your heart

Storm Echo is the most recent release into the Psy Changeling Trinity series and in this story we have something a bit different than what we have seen in the previous books in the series. We, of course, get introduced to some new characters within this story, but also get taken back to the DarkRiver pack which was a delightful surprise. I pretty much went into this book blind, I just have faith in Nalini Singh and her writing. Her writing style just connects to me. As many of you know my health and attention have been off in my reading but this book has really brought me back into it. Storm Echo was such a beautiful story, and I became so endeared to these characters from their “meet cute” all the way to them working through their relationship and discovering what they were capable of together. It was quite interesting to see certain plot points that are layered within the story. It was an experience being able to experience this journey alongside our delightful characters from our main protagonists to the supporting cast that is built within the story.

When I’m around you, you’re all I see. You’re like a star, you shine so bright. If I had my way, I’d keep you forever.

Storm Echo sets off with our hero and heroine, Ivan and Soleil, meeting in the forest where Ivan is bowled over by Soleil in her grace and beauty, and femininity. He only wants to learn more about her and is intrigued. Ivan and Soleil discover a sweet love in such a short time but then a horrific attack to Soleil’s pack, brings her severely injured and Ivan saving her life but then they are separated for a space of time. Now when Ivan finds Soleil again, her memories and body have not fully recovered and even though her memory of him is scattered, her wolf recognizes him as theirs and will do anything to keep him by her side. Soleil trusts in the instincts that her wolf has, but she is on a dangerous mission and the last thing that she needs is the distraction of him. But even though Ivan knows that Soleil is out for revenge against the man she believes to be behind the devastation to her pack, he is willing to risk his life to stand by her side and be her protector. But not everything is as it seems, and Soleil finds family and connection within the pack she believes to have destroyed her pack. She finds home and peace and with Ivan by her side, she is willing to do whatever it takes.

The only person who gets to decide my future is me. And I’ve decided that I’m going to be yours.

I was stunned by the power of this story and I just wanted to stay within this story and I never wanted to let go of Ivan and Soleil. Their story was such a beautiful one and seeing the various facets of their relationship was such beauty and Nalini Singh takes us on a journey here that is epic and endearing and poignant in the small quiet moments. There are heartbreaking aspects to this story (so check the triggers on this one here before reading) but I adored the tension that is built within this story. This book takes place after the silence has fallen for the Psy but the Psy are learning who they are. Ivan is part of a family that has always had some emotion and connection to each other. But his mind is about to fall and he refuses to take down those that he loves because his mind could be a weapon if he isn’t careful. The last thing he ever expected was to fall in love with Soleil or find such a connection to her. And now the DarkRiver pack is involved and he doesn’t want to put others in danger. Soleil is determined to keep Ivan no matter what it takes. There is a fierceness in this heroine (as we have seen in this series) in how the women just fight for their mates just as equally or more so as we seek from the heroes. Soleil may be a healer, but she is changeling and fierce in her love for him. Soleil is one of those heroines that has so much depth to her. The way she is willing to fight for the relationship was such a beautiful experience and you just want to cheer her on throughout all of this one here. I was amazed at how she really tested those boundaries and discovered her own strength. We also see some great discoveries for Ivan’s side of the relationship. He doesn’t want to put Soleil in danger, but he won’t drive her away either. You see how torn he is in how he doesn’t want to risk her but also can’t let her go. We of course get some fun times with the changelings here and I adored seeing so many old favorites within this book and seeing a healer and alpha connection form was so beautiful. I loved how Soleil and Lucas connect to each other. The way that Singh writes pack dynamics never ceases to amaze me. There is something so poignant about these connections, the intimacy, and strong familial bonds is enthralling at times and the reader aches for it to be real. Its written in such a manner that astounds the reader every time you immerse yourself into this world.

Overall I found Storm Echo to be a romance that astounds and delves deeply; its a story that will gravitate the reader to the story in a unique way that you won’t want to let go of. Its a story of healing, deep layered emotion, the strength of one’s self, and the value of family connection and fierce love that is compounded into an essence of beauty and lively delights!

I’m with you. No matter what. Always and forever and back again.

[Courtnei · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Ivan’s book, he was mentioned maybe once or twice as a cousin of Silver, grandchild of Ena as they went over possible suspects when Silver was poisoned.

I was looking for possible hardcovers for the series for sale, but finding this is almost as good.

I may or may not have a character map with ever single person mentioned by name from all 20 novels, and novellas….

[Tara♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did I stay up late to finish this in one day? You betcha!

I don't know what I was expecting, I think I thought this wouldn't be as good as Last Guard or Wolf Rain, oh how naïve of me! She doesn't disappoint when it comes to Psy/Changeling!

Ivan really took me by surprise, like REALLY, I've a little bit of a crush on him, could be the tattoos or it could be how fabulously loyal he was. Whatever it is I love him.

And Lei!! The women of Trinity are just freaking awesome! I adore her. Honestly, I think I'm going to have to reread this one ASAP because I flew through it and I'm sure I missed things and also, I just love them both so much.

Can we also just take a second to appreciate how gorgeous the Ocelot is?



Oh and there was a 'reveal' that I totally guessed a million books ago. Everyone else likely did as well but Psy/Changeling fans are good about not spoiling things. I shouted 'I KNEW IT' at 1am so...



________________




Update: After a Alpha Night and Last Guard reread I'm going to take a guess that this might be Dr Maia Ndiaye book and I can't see how Cassius would fit in there.

"Dr. Ndiaye was a forty-one-year-old M-Psy with a specialization in neurology who hit 9.3 on the Gradient, but her face had no lines of age, and her presence didn’t pulse with power. She’d grown up in Silence, he realized, likely had intense control over what she projected."

Could she end up with an older Arrow?

Or holy shit!! Samuel?

That could be nice.

I think Cassius and Theo could be an interesting pairing so perhaps they'll get a future book!

I really don't care who it is though, I can't wait for the next book!

I do enjoy the guessing! :D
_______________

Kind of want this to be Cassius falling hard for a cardinal telepath! Is that cruel of me? :D

[Donne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 6th book in the Psy-Changeling-Human Trinity series but the 26th (that I’ve read) in the Psy-Changeling Universe by Nalini Singh, an award-winning author of urban-fantasy/paranormal romance genres. Singh’s futuristic (late 21st century) world of Psys/Changelings/Humans is one of a battle of dominance between three incredibly intelligent, powerful and fearless races. While the romance storylines can get pretty sexy and steamy, for me, it’s always a secondary storyline to the primary storyline that is the continuing saga of the Psy-Changeling-Human Trinity and the evil machinations of the small band of psychotic Psys who want to rule the world and rid it of the other races.

The book summary introduces the two different storylines so I’m not going to repeat them here. What the book summary doesn’t reveal is the reason why Lei is after Lucas. Singh’s story alludes to him killing her birth pack, but then Singh provides no details until much later in the story. Because of the previous 24 books that I’ve read in the series, I have come to adore Lucas for his devotion and dedication to not only his pack and his changeling race but most recently to the Psy-Changeling-Human Trinity pact to unite the races towards world peace. So, Singh’s decision to have this stranger going after Lucas without details as to why did not endear Lei to me. Even after it was revealed why she wanted to kill Lucas, I still disliked her. Ivan, on the other hand, I came to like and knew from the get-go that he was going to play heavy in the process of taking down the Scarabs, another small band of psychotic Psys trying to take over the world.

Most of the story is a slow build-up to the ending, which came too fast. At around 90%-mark, Ivan’s storyline came to a brilliant conclusion. As to be expected, in typical Singh style, the last paragraph sets up the premise to the next book. The Psy-Changeling-Human universe that Singh has created is a phenomenal, futuristic, urban-fantasy, paranormal-romance series and continues to be one of my all-time fave series. Plus, it's a nice break from all the crime mystery/thrillers that I read so much of these days😊

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable. As a romance, sweet enough, with some smexy stuff. Ivan and Soleil will surely live HEA. :)
Plot-wise, it was a nice twist, learning who Ivan isn’t…. and who he is. But, as an apocalyptic suspense, slow and lacking. Just another Psy who — SURPRISE — has an ability he thought was evil. WHODATHUNKIT. Ivan spends a LOT of time reflecting on his badness, his unworthiness, while meanwhile the world is ending for who knows how many? I don’t. We weren’t told. But no worries, for Ivan and Soleil save the day. Somehow. I think. It is HARD to visualize what goes on when everything happens in the mind. I prefer actual physical combat or surveillance in the REAL WORLD.

Each book, same thing. A new kind of Psy designation appears to fight off the new threat from Scarab Queen / Architect of the Consortium. But the fight ain’t over. Some day, soon, let’s get all these heroes to attack her together. Anchors, empaths, special empaths, netbuilders, etc etc

Sadly, predictably, I could totally believe how the book ended for one very nasty character, down in that bunker. We HAVE seen this before. I did guess who she probably was. Preen.

As a cautionary tale, this hit the mark for me. My heart went out to little Ivan. Jax. Jax users. Wasted. The halfway house. Sad. But a little hope exists.

Nice to see the Sky Elm ocelot changelings being all happy and safe with Dark River (see Allegiance of Honor) and I always love the adorable Ryder twins. But I wanted to see my favorite Arrows a bit more. Alas. But nice to see a little more of Ena Mercant, clan matriarch.

I also wanted to know how the broken PsyNet / DarkNet is doing, but nope. Instead, now we have the ChaosNet. So much for the net twins.

No horrible torture in the H/h childhood — thank the gods — but yet neither had happy or safe childhoods either. I wonder what would happen if suddenly someone came along who had a normal upbringing?

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the couple in this fine, but I am so deeply over the one person will die/they don't want to leave their mate storyline. I also just have NO IDEA what is going on plot wise at this point because the plot sections are written in a way that I cannot take seriously and aggressively skim over. I DID appreciate the relative resolution as to Shoshanna Scott. I feel like in phase one I had a relatively good idea what was going on and now it's all scarabs and gross spider imagery and I'm sort of over it. I don't THINK I am done with this series, but I can definitely envision a world in which I will be and that makes me sad.

[Mikky]

DNF At 81% (Audiobook)

I'm starting to think that that book slump I was talking about has not gone away because I'm bored out of my mind while listening to this book. The story is something I usually love to read about, the characters are interesting enough, and the chemistry is pretty great. I just can't bring myself to care about any of it. This is going to be a DNF for now. Maybe a NRN (Not Right Now) book for me. URGH book slumps suck 😭

[Shae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh gosh how I loved this book.

In this book, we are once again following a member of the Mercant family. We have seen him pop up in small ways throughout the trinity series, and it's time for his book. Ivan has always felt like he is a danger, and doesn't deserve happiness, because his mother fed him the powerful drug, Jax, while in the womb, as well as when he was a child. Once she died, he was saved by Silence, and the amazing head of the Mercant family, Ena.

One day while out training with the wolves, he comes across the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. That was Soleil, a healer shifter who was weirdly not attached to a pack. He wanted to understand her, get to know her, and her shifter side claims him before either of them truly knows what happened.

Soleil is a healer through and through, needing people and human contact. She hasn't had that since her former alpha disavowed her of the clan, only to have the clan killed and struck from the records forever. Soleil was distraught, and out for revenge on the DarkRiver alpha, Lucas. She doesn't remember the beautiful dangerous man, but her cat does, and makes sure that she does too.

I cried multiple times reading this novel, and the reveal at the end made me truly curious as to who the next book would be about. I hate that I have to wait, but I am still incredibly excited! This Trinity series is really doing things for me, and I can't wait for more!

[Scholar inArmor · Rating 4 out of 5]

AFTER READING:
SPOILERS AHEAD, BE WARNED!



I liked Ivan Mercant & Soleil; both solid characters, that felt very real!

Ivan's storyline involved him being a spider, which in the end turned out into heart for the Psy Island. That was cool resolution. Also, him being a son of Shoshanna Scott's sister - very intriguing.

Soleil, on the other hand, had much simpler storyline, with her becoming a DarkRiver healer. I am not going to lie, her scene with little ocelot cubs made me cry like a little bitch. And I am totally fine with this.

Auden Scott was mentioned in this book. Shoshanna's and Henry's daughter. It seems that Trinity series is revolving around Mercant's and seemingly broken children of the villainous ex-Councilors - Marshalls & Scotts. I really like this development as well.

Psy-Changeling & Psy-Changeling Trinity series reading order:

- novella
* bonus scene/chapter/short story

Silence Arc:
- Beat of Temptation (Psy-Changeling #0.5) [Wild Invitation Anthology]
- Whisper of Sin (Psy-Changeling #0.75)
Slave to Sensation (Psy-Changeling #1)
* The Shower (Psy-Changeling #1.1) [http://nalinisingh.com/extras/deleted...]
* The Cannibal Princess (Psy-Changeling #1.2) [Newsletter Exclusives Volume I]
Visions of Heat (Psy-Changeling #2)
- Echo of Silence (Psy-Changeling 2.5) [Wild Embrace Anthology]
Caressed by Ice (Psy-Changeling #3)
* Miss Leozandra's (Psy-Changeling #3, Chapter 21, Bonus Scene [http://nalinisingh.com/extras/deleted...]
- Stroke of Enticement (Psy-Changeling #3.5) [Wild Invitation Anthology]
Mine to Possess (Psy-Changeling #4)
* A Conversation (Psy-Changeling #4.1) [Newsletter Exclusives Volume I]
Hostage to Pleasure (Psy-Changeling #5)
- Dorian (Psy-Changeling #5.5) [Wild Embrace Anthology]
* A Gift for Kit (Psy-Changeling #5.6) [Newsletter Exclusives Volume I]
* Movie Night (Psy-Changeling #5.7) [Newsletter Exclusives Volume I]
Branded by Fire (Psy-Changeling #6)
* The Party (Psy-Changeling #6, Bonus Scene) [http://nalinisingh.com/extras/free-sh...]
Blaze of Memory (Psy-Changeling #7)
* Christmas in the Kitchen (Psy-Changeling #7.1) [Newsletter Exclusives Volume I]
Bonds of Justice (Psy-Changeling #8)
Play of Passion (Psy-Changeling #9)
* Wolf School (Psy-Changeling #9.1) [Newsletter Exclusives Volume I]
* Clean & Dirty (Psy-Changeling #9.2) [Newsletter Exclusives Volume I]
- Declaration of Courtship (Psy-Changeling #9.5) [Wild Invitation Anthology]
* Home (Psy-Changeling #9.6) [Newsletter Exclusives Volume I]
Kiss of Snow (Psy-Changeling #10)
* Wild Night (Psy-Changeling #10, Chapter Nine, Bonus Scene) [Newsletter Exclusives Volume I]
* Naya's Most Important Visitors (Psy-Changeling #10.1) [Newsletter Exclusives Volume I]
* Grocery Shopping (Psy-Changeling #10.2) [Newsletter Exclusives Volume I]
* Stalking Hawke (Psy-Changeling #10.3) [Newsletter Exclusives Volume I]
- Texture of Intimacy (Psy-Changeling #10.5) [Wild Invitation Anthology]
* Pancakes (Psy-Changeling #10.6) [Newsletter Exclusives Volume I]
Tangle of Need (Psy-Changeling #11)
- Partners in Persuasion (Psy-Changeling #11.5) [Wild Embrace Anthology]
* Dancing with Cooper (Psy-Changeling #11.6) [Newsletter Exclusives Volume I]
* Poker Night (Psy-Changeling #11.7) [Newsletter Exclusives Volume I]
* Making Dinner (Psy-Changeling #11.8) [Newsletter Exclusives Volume I]
* Sunday Morning (Psy-Changeling 11.9) [Newsletter Exclusives Volume I]
Heart of Obsidian (Psy-Changeling #12)
- Flirtation of Fate (Psy-Changeling #12.25) [Wild Embrace Anthology]
- Secrets at Midnight (Psy-Changeling #12.5)
* Hide and Seek (Psy-Changeling #12.6) [Newsletter Exclusives Volume I]
* New Year's Kisses (Psy-Changeling #12.7) [Newsletter Exclusives Volume I]
Shield of Winter (Psy-Changeling #13)
* Kaleb and Sahara’s Meeting with Sascha and Lucas (Psy-Changeling #13, Chapter 7, Bonus Scene) [https://madmimi.com/s/9b47e5]
* Housewarming at the Orchard (Psy-Changeling #13.2) [Newsletter Exclusives Volume I]
Shards of Hope (Psy-Changeling #14)
* Romancing Drew (Psy-Changeling #14.1) [Newsletter Exclusives Volume I]
* The Song of the Wolf (Psy-Changeling #14.2) [Newsletter Exclusives Volume I]
Allegiance of Honor (Psy-Changeling #15)
* Rowan (Psy-Changeling #15.1) [Newsletter Exclusives Volume I]
* Baubles and Ben (Psy-Changeling #15.2) [http://nalinisingh.com/extras/psychan...]

Trinity Arc:
Silver Silence (Psy-Changeling Trinity #1, Psy-Changeling #16)
* Ain't No Party Like A Bear Party (Psy-Changeling Trinity #1.1, Psy-Changeling #16.1) [https://madmimi.com/s/194d5d]
Ocean Light (Psy-Changeling Trinity #2, Psy-Changeling #17)
Wolf Rain (Psy-Changeling Trinity #3, Psy-Changeling #18)
Alpha Night (Psy-Changeling Trinity #4, Psy-Changeling #19)
* Wildcat Blues Pt. 1 (Psy-Changeling Trinity #4.1, Psy-Changeling #19.5) [https://madmimi.com/s/6b6d911]
* Wildcat Blues Pt. 2 (Psy-Changeling Trinity #4.2, Psy-Changeling #19.6) [https://madmimi.com/s/fb77c11]
* Wildcat Blues Pt. 3 (Psy-Changeling Trinity #4.3, Psy-Changeling #19.7) [https://madmimi.com/s/fb54021]
Last Guard (Psy-Changeling Trinity #5, Psy-Changeling #20)
* Music in the Rain (Psy-Changeling Trinity #5.1, Psy-Changeling #20.1) [https://madmimi.com/s/ea41331]
Storm Echo (Psy-Changeling Trinity #6, Psy-Changeling #21)

[S.R. Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to this series. I really loved how the original characters are now brought back into the mix.

I did enjoy getting to know the different changelings, I love my DarkRiver pack.

Ivan and Lei's story was different and wonderful. It was a nice twist finally finding out who was behind all the chaos in the Net because I completely forgot about that person.

I will admit that I am ready for the series to wrap up, I would like to see how this series finally end.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this review on Fresh Fiction

It’s always fun to head back into Psy-Changeling territory. STORM ECHO is book sixth in the Psy-Changeling Trinity and it features a Psy with Ivan Mercant and changeling by the name of Soleil.

It’s not uncommon to see this type of pairing from Singh, but I do find that in the past that I don’t tend to enjoy the Psy characters as much only because they tend to be more stoic. That is very true with Ivan’s character. He’s a cold solider who has suffered a lot. But I still found some heartwarming elements about him. That’s what I love about Singh’s characters. They may seem cold in the beginning, but as the book progresses, we see that softer side emerging. I feel like the heroine’s presence played a big part in this as well, making for a really great romance.

I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys slow-building romance and epic worldbuilding. Singh’s writing is exceptional and STORM ECHO is now exception. I thoroughly enjoyed the blooming romance of this book.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll try and get some words done for this book.

[Angela (Angel's Book Nook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Storm Echo is book six in the Psy-Changeling Trinity series by Nalini Singh and narrated by Angela Dawe.

As always, Singh delivered another amazing novel. The overall plot and story-arc continues to grow and expand. It’s always a pleasure returning to the Psy-Changeling world.

Storm Echo features Ivan Merchant, a Psy, and Soleil, a Changeling. As we have seen in the books the Psy are cold, but they are starting to warm up and show their softer emotional sides. I love seeing them change and find love. I very much enjoyed the development of Ivan and Soleil’s history and characters. Their romance is magical, heartwarming and a slow-build.

As always the world-building is epic and we get some surprises along the way. Sigh is a master, through and through.

This series is a spin-off of the Psy-Changeling and I’d recommend not starting with the Trinity series. You need the foundation from the first series. There is an overall story arc which carries throughout the series.

Audio: As always Dawe is Brilliant as our narrator. She brings life to the world and characters. Keeps the pace flowing and your senses engaged. I highly recommend the audiobooks for both the Psy-Changeling and Psy-Changeling Trinity series.

Storm Echo was another entertaining listen and I can’t wait to learn who the next couple will be, how things will develop in the world, and with the Psy.

Rated: 4 Stars

[Carrie Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't have words right now.
I just...
YES.
My new favorite of the Trinity series!

[♥Rachel♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivan Merchant never counted on falling in love, Silence never allowed for such a thing and then there is his leashed ability. But that was before meeting Lei, the vibrant, colorful woman, playful and full of love. However, just as he’s about to embrace this unexpected path, Lei disappears. It seems that’s a good thing because Ivan’s ability is harder and harder to control, and his only solution is to cage himself permanently.

Lei is on a mission since her pack was obliterated and it takes her straight to the heart of the Dark River Leopard’s territory. However, while there her inner animal sees Ivan and everything changes.

Ivan is part of the close-knit Merchant family, famed for being ruthless, protective and perfectly Silent. That was until Silence fell and now most know they are fiercely loyal with family being everything to them. Grandmother Ena Merchant is protective of all she claims as family so Ivan’s got another thing coming if he thinks he can just shut himself down forever.

Storm Echo was so so good! I’ve been loving the Psy-Trinity spinoff, but this has to be one of my favorites of the series. Love the Merchant family! This supposedly “Silent” clan is anything but! With hearts so big and full of love for each other and all the people they’ve been acquiring into the family through romance and extended connections. Loved getting mentions of the Bears and cameos of Kaleb, Lucas, Sasha, Tamsyn, and Nate! I was so excited with how it all turned out and what it could mean for the future of the Psy-Net!

A copy was kindly provide by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.

[GONZA · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mehh... lately, apart from the love stories, which tend not to hide surprises, all focused around the concept of mate, I do not think that even the basic Arc, with the Scarab Queen, can raise this series that has been languishing for some time now. Nevertheless we are always talking about Nalini Singh, who writes well, so it's not a total collapse, but rather a slow agony.

Mehh...ultimamente a parte le storie d'amore, che tendenzialmente non nascondono sorprese, concentrate come sono attorno al concetto di mate, anche l'Arc fondamentale con la Scarab Queen, non mi sembra che riesca a risollevare le sorti della serie che langue ormai da qualche tempo. Ciononostante stiamo sempre parlando di Nalini Singh, che scrive bene, quindi non é un tracollo totale, quanto piuttosto una lenta agonia.

I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

[AvidReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been waiting to read Ivan’s book and it didn’t disappoint.

Ivan Mercant really surprised me (should’ve known it’s always the silent ones!). He meets Lei unexpectedly while attending a training camp and they
Instantly connect. I loved both of them.
Ivan is this silent psy with a traumatising past who has a huge hidden heart and Lei is the passionate, sunshine healer who will give anything for her loved ones. When tragedy hits, they are separated and I was rooting for them and reading maniacally through those scenes.

I loved that Lucas and DarkRiver had a prominent role in this book. I didn’t realise until I read this, how much I missed them.
I enjoyed where the overall series is heading and the previous characters cameos are just cherry on top.

But I did wish it was a little bit more intense and concentrated on Lei and Ivan’s relationship. Compared to the other (awesome) books it was kinda a low angst but I did shed tears at one stage.

Recommended, V hero, and TW.

[Linda (un)Conventional Bookworms · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Singh made me wonder, and the whole story made so much sense in the overall story-arc and the overall plot of the series! I am always amazed at seeing how something that happened several books ago can come to fruition much later.

[Monadh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sneaky cat gets her claws into chilled Psy…

… and refuses to let go. OK, so I realize that Nalini Singh’s Psy-/Changeling romances all follow the same playbook, but there is still enough variation to keep me engaged, even though we are now over 20 books into the series, and 6 books into the new expanded Trinity arc. Also, I am a sucker for stories involving (male) Psy virgins who know how to turn the control they learned under Silence to good use.

Ivan Mercant is the oldest of Ena Mercant’s (grand-)children, and though his job title is security specialist, he really is the family fixer. Before Ena found him, he had a horrific childhood and he thinks the drug abuse of his mom permanently warped him and his abilities, so he has poured all his energy into being useful and loyal to the family who has accepted him into their fold, always being aware of the fact that one day he would lose the tight control over his destructive talent.

Soleil Bijoux García is a healer and a free spirit. She is also a loner, not by choice, but by circumstance, as her parents roamed the earth and after their death the Alpha of her Changeling group never really accepted her. After an attack that leaves her severely wounded, she believes her whole group dead and the only she can focus on is to kill the alpha whom she considers responsible.

When Ivan and Lei first run across each other, neither knows who the other is, but they form a tentative bond, but then they are torn apart. The next time they meet Lei is all but dead and Ivan keeps her tethered to life, and recognizing him, Lei’s cat marks him, but when she wakes again, Lei does not remember him…

I appreciate that Nalini Singh is not trying to make each subsequent Psy MC more powerful than the previous ones (after all, nobody will be able to hold a candle to Kaleb Krychek as a dual cardinal in terms of sheer raw power), but that she comes up with variations on established talents. And her alternate universe of Psy/Changeling/Human is a metaphor for how the fabric of society is held together by people of different talents, abilities, and backgrounds and how elevating one segment while denigrating another endangers the cohesion of the society as a whole.

I really liked the romance in this one, the slow and poignant journey of (re-)discovering love and trust, of (re-)establishing ties of family and friendship. We also get an indication of who The Architect might be, though much of their ultimate goal remains nebulous. But overall I felt there was a stronger focus on the romance and the development of the two MCs than on advancing the plot of the underlying story arc. Still, I was riveted and cried a few good tears (self-sacrificing heroes do that to me every time)!

Purchase info:
This link worked for me (international edition, ordering from Switzerland thru Amazon US)

[Janine Ballard · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

The following joint review appeared on Dear Author on August 10th, 2022.

Storm Echo is book six in the spinoff/continuation Psy-Changeling Trinity series. The protagonists are Ivan Mercant, a Psy and the scion of the powerful Mercant family, and Soleil “Lei” Bijoux, a healer and a feline shifter. Lei and Ivan meet when he is taking part in a wilderness training course and she is out collecting mushrooms. She stumbles on Ivan shortly after a rock has cut him and treats the injury. Ivan, though he has never been very drawn to a woman before, is instantly taken with Lei and realizes only after she leaves that he doesn’t know how to find her.

He does find some mushrooms like the ones she collected, though, and he waits by them, hoping she’ll turn up to collect them. She does. This time her interest is just as caught as his own, and they meet a few more times. Theirs is a sweet courtship; there’s an open happiness to Lei that attracts Ivan, and Lei is equally drawn in by his solemn, “still waters run deep” interest in her.

Jennie: I really thought their initial meeting and courtship was lovely. Also, the fact that it’s all shown from Ivan’s PoV gives Lei an air of mystery that kept me interested.

Janine: Yes, it was, and great point. I didn’t note that but you’re so right.

In earlier years, Ivan feared that mating or marrying would not be appropriate for him—in typical Psy protagonist fashion, he carries a dark power in his brain that could pose a serious threat to him and anyone attached to him. But by this point, the power hasn’t manifested and Ivan has relaxed some of his guard. He decides to let himself be happy, but first, he shares with Lei that he is something of an assassin, one who kills drug trade leaders to save the people they prey on from a destructive addiction to the drug Jax.

This is a partial review. The whole thing can be found here:

https://dearauthor.com/book-reviews/o...