Ocean Light was fabulous, character driven beautiful story giving us a glimpse into BlackSea! While this wasn't fast paced action packed liked previous titles in the series, it's an all around awesome book with a new to the series heroine!

Another great entry into this series. Nalini Singh builds a world with such detail that sneaks up on you in ways. After I read this book I went back and reread some of my favorites in the series. I started to notice small mentions of Black Sea that show up in this book and it made me love this book even more.

I have always liked Bo, so it was great to get to know him more and Kaia was just wonderful. The best part of his book was getting to know more about Black Sea, and there are still so much we don't know about them! I'm hoping we get to visit with Black Sea some more in future books.

Can this series get any better?Of course it can!I loved so much Ocean Light, even more than the first book!I was hooked from page one till the end!

Ocean Light is the second installment of the Psy Trinity series and omg from the beginning it's full of tension and I was intrigued with the romance!This one is a little bit low in action like the previous book but believe me when I say the romance in this one is something else!

I'm so happy that I found this series, I can easily say Ocean Light is one of my favorite paranormal books!I'm looking forward to see what Nalini has for us!

4.5/5 Stars

I'm going to be real honest here. I've been wanting a Psy-Changling book about Bowen Knight since he made his first appearance in Branded by Fire. I've been dying to know his backstory because something pretty traumatic had to have happened to make him hate the Psy so much. Sadly, that little insight of mine was dead on. I've also wanted to know what kind of person his mate was going to be. I was kind of hoping he'd end up with a Psy partner but I'm totally happy with where the romance went. I ship it pretty hard actually.

Ocean Light worked for me on so many levels. If you read Silver Silence, then you know that our favorite Human Alliance security chief/leader is in bad shape and not just from the failing chip in his brain. I loved how BlackSea came into play with that. Plus, we got to finally learn more about BlackSea and the underwater deep sea station some of them reside in was absolutely fascinating!

BlackSea was more intriguing than I ever thought possible! They have so many different kinds o changelings in their pack and honestly the options to what creatures there could be are unlimited. I found it intriguing that they all are very secretive about what they changed into but nonetheless are fiercely protective of each other. It was a beautiful thing to read. The sea changelings aren't as charismatic overall as say the bears from the previous book but they were fascinating in their own way. I really hope the author writes many more books about BlackSea in the future.

Nalini Singh is a master of her craft and I was sucked into this book as soon as I picked it up. I just love this world she has created and how she continues to expand it. I was really into the sweet romance between Bo and Kaia from the start. They've both had some seriously traumatic things happen in their pasts and the learning curve for them to over come them is a steep one. Add in some treachery and deception that threatens to resolve the alliance between the two groups and the literal ticking time bomb in Bo's head and you have one hell of a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat until you turn the last page.

I instantly fell in love with Kaia's character. She has a very playful and loving nature that has a bit of an edge to it. She's tough but she's also kind of a big softy when comes to the people she views as hers. I loved that her way of taking care of her pack was to cook them their favorite foods! Kaia has issues aplenty but she made me laugh and smile. I was also very intrigued to find out what her changeling form was and I kept trying to guess as the clues were dropped. It wasn't until the last quarter of the book before I could finally have my suspicions confirmed on what her other form was. I did find her animal form to be very fitting. You'll just have to read to find out what she is. :)

I loved that we got to learn more about Bo and see a completely different side of him. He's still the paranoid security chief but he has a softness and protectiveness when it comes to Kaia that made me love him even more. I will admit that I am completely intrigued by so many of the side characters in this installment and I want to know more about them. High on that list is Miane and Malachai. They definitely need their own book(s) and soon so I can know what the heck they change into! I also want to see Kaia's other cousins get books or novellas! They remind me very much of Mercy's brothers in DarkRiver and I need more mischievous and lovable rogues in my life.

Ocean Light wasn't the book I imagined it would be when I first heard who it was going to be about but it was a perfect addition to one of my all-time favorite series! I'm dying to know who it's going to be about! I want more BlackSea but I also want a WindHaven falcon book or a Rainfire book. Sadly, we have another year of waiting for the next book when I just need it in my hands already. I guess it's time for another reread, right?

Bowen Knight has been hidden in an undersea location since the shooting that destroyed his heart. He wakes up when Kaia monitoring him while her cousin, the doctor responsible for his care, takes a break. His heart has been replaced. His brain chip is failing, and his sister gave him into BlackSea's care to see if they can heal him and stop the chip from degenerating.

Kaia is angry about Bowen being there as she distrusts humans. She has information on Bowen from her best friend, Hugo, who is now missing, and loathes Bowen because she blames him for the missing BlackSea changelings. So it's more than a bit of a surprise that they are attracted to each other. The forced proximity works very well here because this is the first time in his adult life that Bowen gets a break from being the head of the Alliance. He gets to know some of the Changelings as he heals and gets to woo Kaia surrounded by her friends and family. Most of the book takes place under the sea.

The tension throughout the novel is very well done. Singh keeps the storyline tightly woven and there's a lot less bouncing around through other character's stories as there have been in the series. The focus is on Bowen and Kaia, and the fact that he possibly has only two weeks left as her cousin tries a series of treatments designed to stop the chip from imploding. There's a lot of external conflict once the distrust between them in settled. I really enjoyed this new cast of characters and wonder if the next book will be here or back in bear territory, or which changelings could be next. I like the mysteries of the BlackSea changelings and that there's more to learn there. As more pieces of the mysteries of the disappearing changelings unfurl, the more we get closer to knowing who is behind it all.

Grade: A- Another winner from Singh! I think this one could work as a standalone though it helps to have Bowen's backstory.

It’s been over eight week’s since the attempt on the Human Alliance Security Chief, Bowen’s life, when he took a bullet and fell into the waters of Venice. Waking from a coma, he discovers he’s been in the care of the BlackSea physicians who are using him as an experiment to see if they can eliminate the degradation of the Psy blocker in his (and other’s) head. Agreeing to the high probability of experiment failure so he (and other humans) can live on his own terms, Bowen finds himself falling for the talent BlackSea chef, even though she brings him news of traitors within the Human Alliance.

Kaia has lived her adult life deep in the blackest parts of the ocean, happiest when she’s cooking for her pack mates. Suffering from the loss of her best friend, Kaia is on guard against the Human Alliance security chief, who may be behind the kidnapping of her kind. However, her instincts tell her Bo is trustworthy, and she is torn between walking away or loving him only to lose him.

Kaia and Bo are mates, each recognizing it from the first time they speak to one another, though neither is willing nor able to accept or acknowledge it. Their immediate attraction, coupled with the fact he may only live a few more weeks, gives each the push needed to just live life and enjoy each other. The opt for open communication and sharing quiet moments rather than allow the evidence the Alliance may be behind the brutal taking of the BlackSea members. It’s not smooth sailing, and the both make mistakes, but they don’t fall apart at the first sign of problems.

I love that Ocean Light focuses on the relationship between Bo and Kaia. While there is the seriousness of his procedure and the mystery of the Alliance betrayal, the story spends the bulk of its efforts sharing the tender moments, fun times, and all the instances in between for Bo and Kaia. The romance is always front and center, yet never overwhelming. The romance is woven around each aspect of the story, creating cohesiveness and even warm-fuzzies when the more serious moments shift to center stage.

In addition the wonderful romance between Kaia and Bowen, Ocean Light shares more fragments regarding the mysterious Consortium and the shifting balance in power since the fall of Silence. Furthermore, we finally see the inner workings of the BlackSea clan, something that has been illusive for far too long. There is still much to be unravelled and uncovered, but the author is developing strong ties and alliances that will be needed down the road if our heroes was to stop the Consortium.

In the end, I really enjoyed Ocean Light for its romance, action, and intrigue. As Ms. Singh’s Psy-Changeling world continues to grow, it only gets better and better.

My Rating: B, Liked It

I’m sorry to say it, but OCEAN LIGHT was kind of a disappointing read for me. After adoring the first book in this Psy-Changeling spin-off/continuation series, SILVER SILENCE, I was sure I’d love this one too. But the change in tone, character archetypes, and tropes meant that this story didn’t work for me nearly as well as the previous one.

After the assassination attempt that left him fatally wounded, human security expert Bowen Knight is airlifted to the BlackSea changeling base to undergo experimental cardiac and neurosurgeries. Helping him despite her fear and distrust of humans is Kaia Luna, BlackSea Changeling and scientist-turned-cook. Bo’s taken with the beautiful and enigmatic woman immediately, trying everything he can think of to prove that not all humans are dangerous to Changelings. If the experiment doesn’t take, the chip in Bowen’s brain that prevents telepathic manipulation by the Psy will kill him before he has the chance…

Although I liked Kaia and Bowen as characters, their romance fell flat for me. There’s some serious insta-love going on, and I confess that I found myself rolling my eyes quite a bit at just how quickly they fall for each other and the grandiose declarations they made. I get that Kaia’s a Changeling so mate bonding is a thing, but I thought Singh handled it way better in SILVER SILENCE than she did here. Bo and Kaia’s love for one another was sweet but rather abrupt for my liking.

I am enjoying the overarching plot of the series so far. Who’s the shadowy group know as the Consortium, and why are they trying to sabotage the Trinity of Psy, Changeling, and human efforts? If you’ve been keen to try Singh’s Psy-Changeling series but you’re intimidated by its length, I recommend giving this series a try. If you’ve not read the original series, some major plot elements will be spoiled, but that hasn’t impacted my excitement to go back and read the first Psy-Changeling books!

Things ended on rather an ominous note the last time human Alliance Security Officer, Bowen Knight, was in the picture and now he turns up down deep in a Black Sea Changeling facility. I’ve always liked Bowen since he got his act together, but I have to confess that I was most intrigued when I learned that we were finally getting to pull the curtain aside on these most mysterious of the Changeling races. I was not disappointed. Just Magical!
Review

Ocean Light is the second installment of the Psy Trinity series which is the second season of the overall Psy-Changeling series. This is not a good place to jump into the series as much about it is already in play from previous books.

From the get go, Ocean Light has tension. Bowen’s mind is a ticking time bomb since the chip he has installed there to shield from Psy mental attacks is malfunctioning and will kill him when it goes. Now, he has been kidnapped with the aid of his sister to this deep underwater Black Sea facility where one of their leading research medical scientists is trying a long shot experimental treatment. Bowen learns that if it fails, he could be alive, but a vegetable. He wants no other human in the trials so he agrees to press forward.

Meanwhile, Kaia, the facility cook is angry and hates that this particular human is there. She sees Bowen Knight as the embodiment of all evil since, not only is he from the race that killed her parents, but her friend Hugo fingered him as the guy responsible for the disappearances of their people before he, too, disappeared. Only, things aren’t adding up when she observes Bowen and interacts with him.

The pair feel a sizzling undercurrent of attraction in their enemies to lovers romance, but Bowen’s got less than a five percent chance of surviving and he is from the land and she, from the sea. Doomed, or are they?

This one doesn’t get as action-packed as others in the series with the built in conflict of potential enemy and the deadly life situation with Bowen. There is building tension in the romance, but also in the intrigue going on as Black Sea slowly starts to realize that they might have Consortium moles.

There are a few character-driven plot threads including Kaia’s struggles now to work through her prejudice against humans that is rooted in fear and grief from losing the people she loves. Bowen, too, has to face his worst nightmares while he is vulnerable that lead back to traumatic past events. I was rooting them both on.

Beyond the insular romance and personal growth threads, the setting, backstory, and intro to a large new cast of characters to love in the Black Sea pack. Each time I get introduced to a new Changeling pack group from the leopards to the wolves, and most recently, the bears, I fall in love with the whole familial group. The Black Sea pack with all its different sea shifter types is no exception. Kaia, her large group of cousins, aunts and uncles, and her grandmother along with her best friends were all a delight. From whales to sea turtles, they were fabulous.

The end had some great twists and reveals, heartbreaking moments mixed with such lovely swooning times that I was not ready to close the last page on this wonderful, touching, and suspenseful story. Yep, already feeling the need for the next book. If you haven’t started, these are great for those who enjoy a marvelous blend of paranormal, sci-fi, and action-suspense.

My thanks to Penguin-Random House for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

The second book in the Psy-Changeling Trinity series (Psy-Changeling #17) didn’t start with a bang, but rather a gentle, easy getting to know you as readers are finally introduced to the Blacksea water changelings.

If you’ve followed this series through the years, and yes I consider it all one series even though there has been a shift to a new series title, you will recognize the name Bowen Knight. He’s the head of the Human Alliance and has been presumed dead after jumping in front of a bullet meant for his sister. Not that he wasn’t on limited time to begin with, since the chip in his head meant to keep out the Psy is literally a ticking time bomb. He wakes up from a coma to find himself at the bottom of the ocean, in the middle of a Blacksea stronghold and at the mercy of a brilliant doctor who thinks she might have a way to save his life.

Kaia Luna is a beloved member of the Blacksea community. Orphaned at a young age, she was taken in by her extended family and doted on by grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is a scientist, a chef, a friend and is intrigued by the human man who is under her cousin’s care. She only knows Bowen from rumors and suspicions about how his Human Alliance might be involved in the disappearances of her clan mates. Her heart and body know him almost immediately as someone different. Her mate.

I always enjoy diving back into this world and will admit that I’m a sucker for Ms. Singh’s changelings. It doesn’t matter which kind of changeling, I just like reading about skin privileges and mates and families that are families by choice and love. The Blacksea world is fascinating and I loved how well thought the underwater station of Ryujin was. Transparent walls where changelings in human form can watch their brethren swim, areas to rest and work and descriptions of how this tight-knit community comes together to eat and play and find comfort. The secondary characters introduced were interesting and there are quite a few I hope to see in the future. *cough* Malachai *cough*

Kaia and Bowen have an easy, soft, quiet love that begins almost from the first chapter and steadily builds throughout the book. Despite knowing Bowen may only have a short time left, and that Kaia has a few secrets she isn’t quite ready to share about how her past has effected her, they don’t fight their attraction for each other. There are a few bumps in the road, but they really weren’t that large or hard to get around. Kaia and Bowen won’t make your reader’s heart frustrated or worried, you might sigh a few times, just be prepared to fall in love with this hero and heroine as they fall in love with each other.

The pacing doesn’t really pick up until the last 25%, which is when some of the mysteries from the previous books start to come together and the identities of the villains kidnapping and killing water changelings are finally unmasked. There are even several appearances from familiar and much-loved faces. While there is a definite HEA for our main couple, one of the bad guys remains at large so I’m guessing that the ongoing plot of disappearing changelings and the involvement of the Consortium will continue in the next book in the series. I look forward to it and whatever comes next. Final Grade- B

Favorite Quote:

“Bridges are built over thin air. Someone must lay the first plank, the first brick, take the risk.”

Throughout the Psy Changeling series and the Trinity Arc, Bowen has been one of my favorite characters, and I was very excited to get my hands on this one. I'll admit I wasn't in love with the beginning of this book, but after we got over the initial bumps and bruises in the first part of Kaia and Bowen's relationship, the rest of the book really settles into a gripping read that definitely had me crying on my kindle through parts of it.

I love our heroine, Kaia, and the rest of her family. And it's really great to see a part of the Psy Changeling world, and get to know the Black Sea changelings. Not only that, but we get to see a lot more of the Human Alliance, which has been really pushed to the background since their introduction. It's also nice to see some old friends make an appearance, some in unexpected places.

For me, though, the romance really takes a backseat to the political stuff going on with the Trinity Accords, alliances, potential betrayals, and how it moves the whole Trinity Arc forward. I can't wait for the next one!

This review will post on The Blogger Girls on June 11, 2018.

4.5 Stars

This series is my ALL TIME FAVORITE series so I'm a bit biased but this book was amazing. I was sucked in right from the start and couldn't put the book down. I literally read this in just a few hours, which is rare for me nowadays because I just don't have the time. But I definitely made the time for this one and when I paused, I was jonesing to get back to it. I won't go too deep into the book because I don't want to give any spoilers. What I will say is this one explores more of the BlackSea changelings and the Human Alliance but also the fledging bond that stands between them and how easy it is for betrayal to run too close to home. It's set deep in BlackSea territory and deals mostly with Bowen's current condition after the shooting (if you don't know what I'm referring to then you definitely need to read Silver Silence). It was fascinating to see how the BlackSea changelings differed from the other changelings in this series so far. Not drastically but you could definitely tell their dynamics were different than the changelings on land.

I was honestly extremely intrigued with the situation Bowen was in and how he recovered from the shooting and the degeneration of the chip in his brain. It's been a while since we've had a human as part of the couple so I liked that we were able to see that POV again and not just in a few snippets. It was interesting to see the different side of worries that Bowen had to deal with that the other leaders haven't had to deal with. They might seem mundane to a changeling or a Psy but humans are the most vulnerable and Bowen has the most responsibilities because of that and he takes those responsibilities very seriously. With that said, it was great to finally see a water changeling but even better that Kaia didn't instantly fall for him or show her attraction. In fact, she hated him at first because of something she heard from a friend. But she made Bowen work for it and the bond they created had me so emotionally invested, I couldn't help but feel what they felt. I loved that Bowen and Kaia sorta knew things wouldn't last long because of their situations but they still took a chance anyway and I loved every minute of it. They were both such strong characters and they had their differences but their strengths complimented each other. I loved the banter between them and ultimately how Bowen was able to charm his way into becoming part of the BlackSea changeling family.

My only issue with this one was I was confused on how Kaia was once a scientist. It's mentioned in the beginning that she stopped being a scientist to become a chef but in the timeline that was mentioned, there was no hint of when she switched from being a scientist but instead it seemed like she's been a chef for years, since maybe she went to college after coming of age, which conflicts with the mentions of her handling the medical part of Bowen's recovery and being able to monitor him during his recovery. So every time it was mentioned that she was a chef or scientist, my mind would shout WHEN did this happen. Especially since she it was mentioned she hadn't left the station in like two decades so how did she even go to school to be a scientist, let alone a chef. I was very confused with that.

Overall, this was another great addition to an already phenomenal series. I loved getting Bowen's story and getting more involved with the BlackSea changelings. It was intriguing to see how things played out after Bowen's incident but I adored the chemistry between Bowen and Kaia. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series and hope it's another BlackSea changeling because, honestly, I want ALL of Kaia's brothers stories. Right. Now!

Well one of the reasons I don't write books (outside of that no talent and no imagination thing) is that I have no patience, I would have all bad guys dead by page 10 and wonder "where do I go from here". Fortunately Nalini Singh does not suffer from any of those afflictions and we have a story that manages to have drama, romance, loyalty and my favorite, violence all thrown together in a story to warm the heart while making the blood boil for those who suffer and takes us along on a pace that changes to suit the scene.

First of all my memory is terrible and I spent several chapters while reading trying to remember if Bowen had been thought dead in any previous books but since I was too lazy to go back and research it I finally decided it really did not matter (and it did not). Suffice it to say he was pretty much dead when we start this book and some medical miracle are the only thing keeping him alive and those might not be enough.

Then Kaia enters the scene and pretty much hates him on sight which always makes for a good story in the hands of a talented writer. We have a slow romance with a touch of insta-love thrown in but not too heavy handed (meaning there is no "MINE" moment just minutes after they meet). He will have to work at this one IF he manages to live long enough which does not look all that promising.

Enter a subplot of some residents of BlackSea disappearing over the last few months and it looks like humans (specifically the organization Bowen heads up) might be behind it.

Throw in a couple of hints, some red herrings, a bevy of suspects with a good mystery and along with an excellent romance you have a 5 Star story (which I actually rated 4.5).

We do get a slight bit more than a cameo of our favorite Psy - Kaleb Krycheck (who I personally love because he pretty much kills anyone who ever did Sahara wrong in any way LOL) but we do get a cameo of Sahara also towards the end. They obviously add to any book they are mentioned. We also get a really short cameo of Hawke just to add a bit of flavor into the story in how outsiders actually see him which I found interesting since we all still have Kiss of Snow in our heads which warps out viewpoint a bit.

My only minor complaint (go back and read paragraph 1) is that everybody I wanted to kill was not dead at the end of the book . I am assured there will be justice for all since this is actually book #17 of this series it is also book #2 of a trilogy with a bit of an overarching plot, so I can hardly wait to see where it goes from here. I did love the way she handled everything so there is nothing that resembles a cliffhanger but does leave a thread or two to make you want the next book immediately.

4+ Solid Stars

Before we get started, I have a confession to make...

I wasn't all that excited about reading this book.

I know, I know, how dare I, and all that jazz.

As I've said before in other Psy-Changeling/Trinity reviews, such as THIS one and THIS one, I prefer my P-C/T books to be about, well, changelings.

Or really powerful Psy à la Kaleb Krycheck.

Because I'm just snobby and alpha-driven like that.

Thus, when I found out that this book was about Bowen...

You know, we-thought-he-was-dead, he-has-a-degrading-chip-in-his-brain-so-is-almost-dead-anyway, Human Alliance, HUMAN Bowen...

I just...wasn't all that excited, to be honest.

But, never fear, Nalini Singh is here...

And you know who else was here?

BlackSea.

Black. Friggin'. Sea.

That's right my friends, you heard me correctly.

Singh FINALLY took us down under the sea and introduced us to the ways of the BlackSea ocean changelings clan in this installment.

She has been taunting us with details about BlackSea for several books now.

And while we don't necessarily get ALL the details we are all pining for...

aka MALACHI DETAILS...we still get enough juicy underwater goodness to make my heart pitter-patter like little PNR slut I am.

What do we also get?

A decently solid plot line and several other awesome cameos that will make your heart sing and rejoice.

Bowen also turned out to be a very solid and magnetically engaging Hero.
Not gonna lie, he's no Lucas/Hawke/Kaleb/Malachi...but, then again, who is?

Boom.

Cannot wait for the next one.

Ocean Light is pure delight! Life under the sea has not been this much fun since The Little Mermaid. Every time Nalini Singh invites readers into a new part of the Psy-Changeling world, I fall in love all over again.

Bowen Knight – the champion and effective leader of the Human Alliance – is living on borrowed time. The chip implanted in his brain to stop Psy attacks on his mind is failing and will more than likely take his brain down with it. His only shot at survival comes when he is taken to a clinic on Ryūjin, a BlackSea installation deep under the sea. Bo was an intriguing secondary character in the Psy-Changeling series and I’m thrilled that I finally got to read his story. Bo is incredibly smart, deeply caring, and protective. He also carries scars from his past that have made him all-too-aware of human vulnerability to psychic assault. His determination to protect humanity and put them on equal footing with Psy and Changelings may cost him his life, but Bo is the kind of man who will always put himself in the line of danger to protect others from harm. For so many years Bo’s focus has been on learning to defend himself and others, leaving no time for fun. That’s why I found myself smiling over and over as Bo found the playful, fun side of himself with Kaia.

Humans have long been positioned as the weakest race, but Kaia Luna knows that they can be just as deadly. The BlackSea Changelings’ history is filled with harm done to them by humans and Kaia herself has experienced trauma at human hands. Upon first meeting Bo, she’s suspicious of him, but her cousin needs her assistance treating the far-too-attractive male. Kaia’s wariness doesn’t last long and I loved watching her open up to Bo. Kaia is an absolutely wonderful heroine. She’s a chef who shows her love through food and her warm, caring nature simply sprung off the page. She’s the kind of heroine you wish were real just so you could be friends with her (and not just because she makes fantastic cookies). She and Bo are a perfect fit and their romance made me smile and sigh. The proverbial ticking time bomb in Bo’s head isn’t the only obstacle they face. Bo’s a creature of land and Kaia of the sea; finding a happy medium given their lives, obligations, and deep-seated fears isn’t easy. I was rooting for them every step of the way because I liked them both so much.

Ocean Light takes readers deep into the heart of BlackSea territory and I couldn’t be happier. What I wouldn’t give to live on the Ryūjin installation with its friendly, unique characters and fascinating feats of engineering. BlackSea is different from many of the Changeling groups we’ve seen so far not only because of the variety of species, but because they’re spread out across the world. It made for a different dynamic that was fascinating and fun to see. How often would you expect to see a conversation with a whale or shark or a fight with a walrus, all in human form? Every character Ms. Singh introduces us to is intriguing and when you add in a plotline involving the missing members of BlackSea, it’s easy to see why I didn’t want Ocean Light to end.

Romance, action, and a bright, vivid world all make Ocean Light a captivating read. I read Kaia and Bo’s book late into the night until I couldn’t possibly keep my eyes open any longer, only to finish it as soon as I woke up the next morning. Ms. Singh’s writing continues to be incredibly addictive her characters never fail to grab my heart. I loved Ocean Light and I hope to see more of BlackSea soon!

Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling is a long-standing series and I really love that the author is taking readers on a new story arc with the Trinity series. Ocean Light revisits recurring character, Bowen Knight, and takes him on a deep sea adventure where readers are treated to a closer look at the sea dwelling changelings. Very cool stuff here.

Fans of Singh's series will naturally enjoy this newest addition; however, I do feel that this one lacked some of the power present in the previous books. Or, at least, fans who prefer the Psy-focused stories will - sadly, there is very limited appearances by the Psy in this one. Bowen is not a fan of the Psy and Kaia is more than a little afraid of humans and the outside world. Naturally, this makes their romance a tad complicated, and Singh does an admirable job in overcoming those obstacles.

For me, Ocean Light is not the best in the series, but it is a must-read for fans of the world that Singh has created. Outside forces continue to hamper any unity between the Psy, Changeling and Human factions, and as per usual I'm left disappointed that I don't have another book in the series to read.

Ever since it was discovered that the chip some humans had implanted in order to prevent Psy mind invasion has an expiration date, Bowen Knight, leader of the Human Alliance, has been searching for a fix. Unfortunately, being a prominent figure, he didn't get very far before he was targeted by those opposed to the Trinity Accords and what they stand for.

Saved by the changelings of BlackSea, Bo seemingly gets another chance at life, albeit in the form of an experiment. Bo agrees to let the BlackSea scientists study the implant and see if they can figure out a way to keep it from self-destruction. Luckily he's protected under the guise of lab rat, because when proof surfaces that the Human Alliance might be behind the vanishings that have been happening within BlackSea he's quickly considered persona non grata especially by Kaia Luna who's childhood friend has recently become one of the missing which reminds her of the similar loss of her parents at a young age, and hurts her deep within her soul.

However much Kaia wants to keep her impressions of Bo restricted to that of enemy, she can't help also being drawn to him. As she gets to know him, she begins to realize that he would never be a part of such a heinous plot. What also becomes clear is that there is a traitor somewhere in their midst, and with time counting down on Bo's chip remaining viable, they'll have to work fast.

Ocean Light is the second book in Nalini Singh's new story arc within her Psy-Changeling world and we finally get a BlackSea changeling book! I have been waiting and waiting for a BlackSea book since they were first introduced what feels like eons ago and Nalini Singh also took this opportunity to tie up some of the more pervasive story threads that have been running in the background for quite a few books now. Namely, the vanishings within BlackSea and the human mind chip malfunctions.

I felt like Ocean Light took the opportunity to resolve and / or make a big headway in resolving these things without adding extra layers as previous books in this series have done. For example, the vanishings themselves were a side story in a previous book (I'm sorry I can't recall which book at this time) in the series, but there's really none of that here. Instead the focus remains on the missing changelings and trying to figure out a way to help the humans with the implants, which also intertwines Kaia and Bo's own stories as they are effected by what's going on.

While I enjoyed the story overall, I found it took me a little bit longer to get into it than previous books. I don't know if it was the more sedate feeling pacing - despite Bo's brain being on a countdown - with much of the solving of the mystery happening closer to the end, or the fact that it takes Kaia a little bit to fully open herself up to Bo that had me taking my time with it. There's so much dedicated time to BlackSea, I almost felt like other pressing matters (i.e. The Consortium) in the Psy-Changeling world fell away for the moment.

Regardless, I loved that most of the action takes place in BlackSea. It really hits home how different BlackSea's world is even from other changeling groups. The sea below is so vast and unknown. I feel like we've only broken the surface of this changeling group and I hope Nalini Singh doesn't make us wait too long before we get to revisit them.

It's been awhile since we've had a human and changeling pairing, but I felt like Kaia and Bo really embodied the world this series has become after everything that happened in the first story arc now with the start of the new trilogy. I don't want to say too much more because Nalini Singh takes her time developing these characters, especially Kaia, but I really loved their romance. It felt really different from what I'm used to reading in this series, yet it's still incontrovertibly the Psy-Changeling world.

As I said, I hope this book is a starting off point to get even more stories about BlackSea. Like with DarkRiver and SnowDancer, there are secondary characters who beg to have their own stories revealed, and as I said, the sea is so vast. Plus, there are some undeniable repercussions I can see arising from events in this book, I can't wait to see where we go next!

Water changelings of the BlackSea coalition are some of the most secretive and enigmatic in the Psy/Changeling Trinity series as well as the Psy/Changeling books. They are a disparate group who came together for protection against Humans, Psy, and even on occasion, land based Changelings. Kaia Luna works in a station deep below the ocean as head chef though she is also a trained scientist. She assists her cousin, Atalina, the doctor in charge of an extremely important patient: Bowen Knight, leader of the Human Alliance. Recovering from a deadly attack, Bo carries a brain chip designed to protect humans from the Psy. That chip is now nearing critical failure giving Bo very little chance for survival. Kaia is in turns drawn and resistant to Bo because of his ruthless reputation, and what humans have done to her family and species. Kaia has been traumatized by past events for a long time and so while her underwater home may be a refuge, it also a keeps her locked away from living life fully in the larger world.

Bo spent much of his life dealing with a trauma too after being brutalized by a telepathic Psy as a young boy. Since then, his mission has ever been finding a way for protection from the powerful Psy abilities to control humans and ravage their minds. Now, as part of the Trinity Alliance formed of Human, Psy, and Changelings, he is going against his instincts learning to work with former enemies, new allies and in this case, loving someone so very different from humans. Bo and Kaia’s attraction forms quickly; however, they have very little time until his chip catastrophically fails.

Unlike with previous Changeling stories, it’s not immediately evident what Kaia’s other form is although there are hints along the way. Bo becomes deeply immersed in experiencing life on this deep sea station while keeping in touch with his people in Venice because it seems, they may have a traitor working with the Consortium which is a group threatening the fragile Trinity Alliance. Kaia feels a constant tension between being intensely attracted to this Alpha male and feeling torn because he just may be the enemy. BlackSea Changelings have been kidnapped; those behind their taking know too much for it to be random. This new Alliance has much work to do in order to save the world from plunging into chaos and despair.

Kaia’s struggle to be the hero of her own life and no longer a victim coupled with the love story between two people from very different backgrounds gives this tale a lot of heart. It’s also quite pleasing getting some time with some of our favorite wolf and cat changelings plus a certain deadly and seemingly, the most powerful of all Psy, Kaleb Krychek. The Psy/Changeling Trinity series remains one in which I cannot wait to find out what happens next. Ms. Singh’s stories always entertain, frequently enlighten, and continue to be a great pleasure.

In Ocean Light (Psy-Changeling Trinity #2) by Nalini Singh, Bowen Knight's life--and his heart, literally--was shattered when he took a bullet meant for his beloved younger sister. As the head security specialist for the Human Alliance, he's used to his life being on the line. But when he wakes from his coma it's to find out that, although he's still alive somehow, the chip in his brain that shields him from the Psy is on the verge of killing him. Bo is willing to try the experimental procedures being offered by BlackSea, considering they already have him in their station far below the ocean. Because even if he doesn't survive, at least they can use the information to hopefully save his family and fellow Alliance members. Although Bowen prays he'll pull through so he can get a chance to prove to Kaia Luna, a BlackSea changeling whom he can't seem to stay away from, that their bond is worth cultivating--and worth any sacrifice to hold onto what they have together.

BlackSea's talented chef Kaia was unbelievably angry when she learned Bowen would be staying onboard their station. As one of the head members of the Alliance, she doesn't trust him a bit, especially after the suspicious disappearance of some of her clan. Her compassionate nature may mean that she feels sad about his seemingly hopeless situation, but Kaia tries her hardest to stay away from Bo. Although doing so is much more difficult than she expected. Her connection with him is electric and something she never thought she'd find--or want in her life. And just when they begin to call a truce of sorts, finding that they fit on many levels, Kaia is forced to face her childhood fears head on in order to save a close friend. With secrets she just can't seem to tell Bowen about, she knows she's walking a fine line and may end up brokenhearted in the end if they can't save her friend and figure out a way to fix the chip threatening Bo's life.

Ocean Light was impressive, complicated and everything I hoped it would be. With an amazing plot and warm, tender romance tinged with a sense of urgency due to our hero's impending medical disaster, Nalini Singh continued this fantastic series with even more deceit and powerful connections than ever before.

I swear I say this every time I review one of Nalini Singh's books, but I *adore* her writing style! It's so difficult to describe why it resonates with me so deeply but I think it basically boils down to two things with this story: character development and depth of emotion. There is something very intimate about the way Singh writes dialogue as well as the overall interactions of her characters. Whether it's between family members, friends, or lovers, emotions are the driving factor in everything they do. And Singh knows just how to position the conversations and those personal moments to bring out the most of each character's personality as well as each scene they are in.

With Bowen and Kaia, that couldn't have been more true. Their attraction was almost visceral and instantaneous, although there was also a world of anger on Kaia's end as she thought Bowen was partly to blame for some of her clan vanishing. As with all of Singh's books (and couples) our hero and heroine had quite the battle to get their HEA. I do love it when a happy ending is earned. It makes the reward seem so much more satisfying. And boy did Kaia and Bowen have to fight not only their own fears and personal issues, but they had to work together to figure out who was behind the disappearances. I really thought they made a terrific couple: they were both brave and rather selfless, loyal, and they loved fiercely. *sigh* It was rather heartbreaking to find out what was behind the issues BlackSea and the Alliance faced--as well as who was involved--but things ended on a more positive note than book one in the Trinity did.

I must mention that getting to know the members of the BlackSea clan was ridiculously fun. I love all things aquatic/maritime so figuring out what each changeling's animal or creature was had me laughing and feeling like a detective. Singh dropped some hints along the way about some of the clan members, and outright told us who others were, but we didn't find out for sure until the last third of the book what Kaia was. (I did guess right, but admittedly had a few ideas as the story progessed. lol) Seeing Bowen's fascination with BlackSea--and especially with Kaia--was really wonderful. For someone who was reserved and hid his emotions, I loved that he eventually felt like BlackSea was his family.

Nalini Singh packed a ton of goodness into Ocean Light. And the stakes couldn't have been higher for our couple, nor could the tension between them have been stronger. The powerful lessons they learned about love, friendship, family and trust, I think, will be something for readers to treasure and take forward into their own lives.

Ocean Light continues the Psy-Changeling Trinity series, but I really feel you could probably grab this one without being lost. Ocean Light focuses on a changeling group that has been introduced in previous books but is VERY secretive so I was dying to get more info on Black Sea.

We initially met Bowen Knight early on in the initial Psy-Changeling series. He is the security chief for the Human Alliance. His hatred for the Psy runs deep due to a traumatic event when he was a child. This leads him to get a chip implanted in his brain to block psychic interference. Bad idea when the chip wasn't fully tested and now he has only days to live. He gets shot at the end of Silver Silence and ends up at the hands of a doctor in Black Sea who MIGHT have a way to save him.

Kaia also had a traumatic event in her past, but it caused her to hate humans. She hasn't set foot on land since her parents death and spends most of her time in one of Black Sea's underwater cities. She gave up her career in science and now serves as the head chef for the city. There are instant sparks between Bowen and Kaia, and she is NOT happy about that. First, he is human. Second, he is the leader of the Human Alliance and she had recently learned some information that made them sound shady. Finally, she knows his chance of survival is only 5%. None of that is able to prevent her for falling for Bowen.

Both Bowen and Kaia have some serious issues with racism. Bo hates all the Psy. He is getting better and more open minded. I understand WHY he hates them, but to treat a whole race with disdain because of the actions of one? Not cool. Kaia is even worse though. She has such a deep hatred for humans because they didn't save her parents that she refuses to interact with them in any way. She always assumes the worst of humans. Again, I get it-some humans did her wrong. But, seriously, to hate a whole race because of a small group?

Plot wise, you have the push/pull of attraction between Bo and Kaia, the eminent and deadly malfunction of the chip in Bo's brain, the mystery of who is the mole in Black Sea and the Human Alliance, and what kind of shifter is Kaia. Seriously, I was DYING to know! All Black Sea members are very secretive about their animal which is so different from the previous changelings and was fascinating.

Like all Singh books, I love the depth she brings to all the characters. Kaia and Bowen might not be my favorite couple, but Singh develops them so well that you still appreciate them. Like always, I adored the supporting cast of characters because they add so much to the story. The Psy-Changeling books are always going to be favorites of mine and I will reread many times to come because I just adore the world Singh has created.

As always, Angela Dawe does a phenomenal job with narration. Her performance is always spot on and delightful!
(blog link live on 6/11/18)

Take a dive into Ocean Light, Singh's newest addition to the long-running, and still excellent, Psy-Changeling Series, you won't regret it! After a bit of a fumble last year with Silver Silence, I'm please to say that Singh is back and better than ever this year with the long awaited HEA for Bowen Knight. In a series that often under-develops and underutilizes human characters, Bowen stood as a strong, complex, and well drawn addition to the series' cast. We also finally gained more insight into the mysterious and diverse BlackSea culture, and it did not disappoint! Although the "ticking time-bomb in your head" plot line has been used and re-used by Singh more often than I'd like, the plot nevertheless retains it's suspense and intrigue, largely thanks to the compelling main and side characters who drive the story forward. Ocean Light stands as another lovely entry into a much beloved series, fans of which will devour it with glee.