berls's review
5.0
This series just keeps getting better and better! Each book seems to be better than the last, at least with these last 3 or 4 books. This book was very exciting and showed some incredible development for the Arrows. I buddy read with Anne and we both loved it - giving it 5 stars each.
This book starts very intensely and with lots of action. I was immediately gripped. I think it helps that I'm already very attached to both of these characters, which only intensified as the book progressed. Aiden is such a complex character, such an amazing leader, and I love that he's clearly never been silent yet appeared fiercely so. I most love the way Aiden refuses to give up on Zaira. Zaira has so many issues from her childhood that make her feel that she cannot leave silence and Aiden won't give up on her or push her beyond what she can handle. They are one of my favorite couples.
The other thing that makes this book so great for me is the emphasis on children - you have the cruelty with which Aiden and Zaira (and many Psy children) have been raised/conditioned, the way that Changelings care for and raise their children, and the way Arrows will raise family groups moving forward without silence. In this last area especially, I fell in love with Zaira. She thinks she's so brutal and yet her fierce protectiveness of children and her maternal instincts are clearly not at all diminished by her life in silence.
As this book ends, I'm seriously starting to wonder how she wraps this series up with just 1 more book... but I guess the answer is that she doesn't exactly, with the spin off Trinity series - which we also saw the foundation for in this book. I'm excited to read the final book and I will definitely be reading the spin off Trinity series as well.
I've been listening to the series, and as always I love Angela Dawe's narration. She really does a great job with all the children's voices, furthering my enjoyment of that part of the book.
Qualifies for COYER Fall Scavenger Hunt Item #8 - read a book for Psychangling readalong.
This book starts very intensely and with lots of action. I was immediately gripped. I think it helps that I'm already very attached to both of these characters, which only intensified as the book progressed. Aiden is such a complex character, such an amazing leader, and I love that he's clearly never been silent yet appeared fiercely so. I most love the way Aiden refuses to give up on Zaira. Zaira has so many issues from her childhood that make her feel that she cannot leave silence and Aiden won't give up on her or push her beyond what she can handle. They are one of my favorite couples.
The other thing that makes this book so great for me is the emphasis on children - you have the cruelty with which Aiden and Zaira (and many Psy children) have been raised/conditioned, the way that Changelings care for and raise their children, and the way Arrows will raise family groups moving forward without silence. In this last area especially, I fell in love with Zaira. She thinks she's so brutal and yet her fierce protectiveness of children and her maternal instincts are clearly not at all diminished by her life in silence.
As this book ends, I'm seriously starting to wonder how she wraps this series up with just 1 more book... but I guess the answer is that she doesn't exactly, with the spin off Trinity series - which we also saw the foundation for in this book. I'm excited to read the final book and I will definitely be reading the spin off Trinity series as well.
I've been listening to the series, and as always I love Angela Dawe's narration. She really does a great job with all the children's voices, furthering my enjoyment of that part of the book.
Qualifies for COYER Fall Scavenger Hunt Item #8 - read a book for Psychangling readalong.
judythedreamer's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
rclz's review against another edition
5.0
Close to 500 pages of wonderful. I could barely put it down to go to work.
bookish_babe's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 Stars
Another amazing installment in the Psy-Changling series, Nalini has done it again! Let me start off by saying that I absolutely love Aden's character. I didn't think I'd like anyone more than Vasic but Aden is definitely a contender. I think Shards of Hope is likely the longest book in the series but you really don't notice the length because the book captivates your attention in such a way that you just can't stop turning the pages. The attention to detail is amazing. Nalini ties every thread with masterful perfection and we see so many previous characters throughout this book that its almost like a happy reunion. Where I think this book differed most from previous installments in the series is that it was very obvious that Aden and Zaira cared for one another from the get go and that they'd already formed a long lasting relationship. Neither had that near perfect silence that we'd come to see from most of the characters. Both were flawed in their own ways but its what made you love them that much more.
Zaira is fierce and protective and Aden is thoughtful and caring. They are such polar opposites yet still so similar. Aden was the star for me in this book. While I enjoyed Zaira and found her to be a great heroine, some of her stubbornness in thinking she was crazy got a little old for me but didn't detract from the story itself. Aden however was that character I continued to root for. I wanted him to succeed, I wanted him to win the girl and take on the world. He was the ultimate hero for me because he was willing to sacrifice everything for his people and for Zaira.
All in all, the book is a good in between novel. It ties up a lot of loose ends and lays things out for the aftermath from the fall of silence. Shards of Hope answers a lot of reader questions that I'm sure we all had after the end of Heart of Obsidian and while I consider it to be an in between novel, it is so exceptionally written that its one you just can't miss. After fourteen installments in the series, Nalini shows that she's still got in and the series is far from dead.
Another amazing installment in the Psy-Changling series, Nalini has done it again! Let me start off by saying that I absolutely love Aden's character. I didn't think I'd like anyone more than Vasic but Aden is definitely a contender. I think Shards of Hope is likely the longest book in the series but you really don't notice the length because the book captivates your attention in such a way that you just can't stop turning the pages. The attention to detail is amazing. Nalini ties every thread with masterful perfection and we see so many previous characters throughout this book that its almost like a happy reunion. Where I think this book differed most from previous installments in the series is that it was very obvious that Aden and Zaira cared for one another from the get go and that they'd already formed a long lasting relationship. Neither had that near perfect silence that we'd come to see from most of the characters. Both were flawed in their own ways but its what made you love them that much more.
Zaira is fierce and protective and Aden is thoughtful and caring. They are such polar opposites yet still so similar. Aden was the star for me in this book. While I enjoyed Zaira and found her to be a great heroine, some of her stubbornness in thinking she was crazy got a little old for me but didn't detract from the story itself. Aden however was that character I continued to root for. I wanted him to succeed, I wanted him to win the girl and take on the world. He was the ultimate hero for me because he was willing to sacrifice everything for his people and for Zaira.
All in all, the book is a good in between novel. It ties up a lot of loose ends and lays things out for the aftermath from the fall of silence. Shards of Hope answers a lot of reader questions that I'm sure we all had after the end of Heart of Obsidian and while I consider it to be an in between novel, it is so exceptionally written that its one you just can't miss. After fourteen installments in the series, Nalini shows that she's still got in and the series is far from dead.
book_whispers's review
4.0
It's so surprising to find out that a romance between two Arrows can feel so sweet and innocent. While I found myself a hair's breath away from being all consumed with fiery passion, I found myself happy to be in the middle of an adorable romance. Which is funny because Zaira is is one tough cookie, and refers to herself as a monster throughout the book. She's intense, scary sometimes, and thinks a bit differently. But I stand by what I say. The romance between both Aden and Zaira is adorable.
Maybe that's because both never got to experience true childhoods and with both their personalities they can see their love—and one another—in childish wonder. Especially since they both see the dark side of the world. The terrors and horrors. Zaira's selfishness and fire balances out Aden's over protectiveness and care for others. That's not to say they’re not great people. Zaira is amazing and I have to be honest the way she kept saying she was a monster got old fast. Because it's clear that she is a wonderful person and she cares deeply about others. Maybe it's just the contrast of how Silence made her believe that by defending herself as a child she was evil. I liked that Aden pushed her and let her know that he wanted her. However, it was Zaira observing her own actions that made her think that maybe she wasn't a monster. That’s not to say she doesn’t get scary violent.
Shards of Hope excellently displays the world after Silence has fallen and the Psy are taking tentative steps into their new hope. With the Empaths at the center of it, and the Arrows finding there footing in the world. It's a beautiful thing to see Aden's dreams for his Arrows. How he wants them to be more. To be a family. Much how Snowdancer and DarkRiver are. It's haunting and touching to see how not only the children can find hope and a new life, but the senior Arrows. It was fabulous to see the children become children. And the adult Arrows start to thaw out. To see some romances spark up! To just see the joy. Even as some very dark events haunt the squad as Aden tries to lead them into the brighter future.
This book is definitely an intro into the new world that the Psy/Changeling books are going. As well as a stepping stone as a new enemy appears on the horizon, The Consortium. They're crafty, and while are heroes come out on top this round it's clear that the Consortium is quite the enemy. They have learned from the Pure Psy and the Council's mistakes. It's also really fun trying to guess who might be the mastermind behind it all. (Come on we all had fun speculating who the Ghost could be, even after knowing 100% who it was.) It was like watching a crazy, and more exciting, game of chess. There were some devastating moments.
Oh, and RainFire is introduced. A new group of cats who are trying to setup and build their own pack! I loved how they helped inspire Aden and became allies. The members presented are characters I hope to see in future books. I have my fingers crossed.
Overall Singh does it again. I know a lot of readers are complaining about how it's a basic romance story. You know the two characters involved are going to end up together by the end of the book. However, Singh puts so much emotion into it I never get tired. Each new couple stand out. No two characters can be mistaken for the other. Plus, the world building is so fantastic that it not only influences the characters, but is influenced by them. I love how intricate the world is. How dedicated Singh is to the story, right down to the politics! Not to mention the dynamics between humans, Psy, and Changelings. It's all so believable, and I'm invested. Shards of Hope is very much a book of hope. For those who believe they're damaged and can no longer be human, the hope for a brighter future, the hope that the three races can truly interact together, and hope itself. I enjoy how much attention and importance Singh's books are about family and friends. The different aspects of them. Those values and ideas definitely shine here. Bravo! This series, and the world, is not running out of steam.
(For me the amount of characters and all the cameos are a treat! I love seeing all my beloved characters come back. However, there are a lot of characters and sometimes the guide at the front is not enough. Check out Wicked Scribe's character guide if you need to brush up. I know sometimes my brain stalls out. Especially with a year in between installments.)
Sexual Content: Some sex scenes, not as naughty as other installments. Sexual humor as well.
4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it.
Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.
Maybe that's because both never got to experience true childhoods and with both their personalities they can see their love—and one another—in childish wonder. Especially since they both see the dark side of the world. The terrors and horrors. Zaira's selfishness and fire balances out Aden's over protectiveness and care for others. That's not to say they’re not great people. Zaira is amazing and I have to be honest the way she kept saying she was a monster got old fast. Because it's clear that she is a wonderful person and she cares deeply about others. Maybe it's just the contrast of how Silence made her believe that by defending herself as a child she was evil. I liked that Aden pushed her and let her know that he wanted her. However, it was Zaira observing her own actions that made her think that maybe she wasn't a monster. That’s not to say she doesn’t get scary violent.
Shards of Hope excellently displays the world after Silence has fallen and the Psy are taking tentative steps into their new hope. With the Empaths at the center of it, and the Arrows finding there footing in the world. It's a beautiful thing to see Aden's dreams for his Arrows. How he wants them to be more. To be a family. Much how Snowdancer and DarkRiver are. It's haunting and touching to see how not only the children can find hope and a new life, but the senior Arrows. It was fabulous to see the children become children. And the adult Arrows start to thaw out. To see some romances spark up! To just see the joy. Even as some very dark events haunt the squad as Aden tries to lead them into the brighter future.
This book is definitely an intro into the new world that the Psy/Changeling books are going. As well as a stepping stone as a new enemy appears on the horizon, The Consortium. They're crafty, and while are heroes come out on top this round it's clear that the Consortium is quite the enemy. They have learned from the Pure Psy and the Council's mistakes. It's also really fun trying to guess who might be the mastermind behind it all. (Come on we all had fun speculating who the Ghost could be, even after knowing 100% who it was.) It was like watching a crazy, and more exciting, game of chess. There were some devastating moments.
Oh, and RainFire is introduced. A new group of cats who are trying to setup and build their own pack! I loved how they helped inspire Aden and became allies. The members presented are characters I hope to see in future books. I have my fingers crossed.
Overall Singh does it again. I know a lot of readers are complaining about how it's a basic romance story. You know the two characters involved are going to end up together by the end of the book. However, Singh puts so much emotion into it I never get tired. Each new couple stand out. No two characters can be mistaken for the other. Plus, the world building is so fantastic that it not only influences the characters, but is influenced by them. I love how intricate the world is. How dedicated Singh is to the story, right down to the politics! Not to mention the dynamics between humans, Psy, and Changelings. It's all so believable, and I'm invested. Shards of Hope is very much a book of hope. For those who believe they're damaged and can no longer be human, the hope for a brighter future, the hope that the three races can truly interact together, and hope itself. I enjoy how much attention and importance Singh's books are about family and friends. The different aspects of them. Those values and ideas definitely shine here. Bravo! This series, and the world, is not running out of steam.
(For me the amount of characters and all the cameos are a treat! I love seeing all my beloved characters come back. However, there are a lot of characters and sometimes the guide at the front is not enough. Check out Wicked Scribe's character guide if you need to brush up. I know sometimes my brain stalls out. Especially with a year in between installments.)
Sexual Content: Some sex scenes, not as naughty as other installments. Sexual humor as well.
4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it.
Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.
witandsin's review against another edition
5.0
My review cross-posted from Joyfully Reviewed: http://www.joyfullyreviewed.net/recommended-reviews/shards-of-hope-by-nalini-singh/
The Arrows live in the shadows, more myth than reality to many of the Psy race. They are justice, and they are seemingly invincible. And after the fall of Silence, they are in danger. When Aiden Kai, leader of the Arrows, wakes up in a cell, cut off from the PsyNet and without his abilities, he knows he’s in trouble. In the cell with him is the last person he would expect: Zaira Neve, the most lethal Arrow in his squad and the only woman who ever managed to break through his Silence and capture his heart. Neither Aden nor Zaira have any idea who would take them or why, but when they break out of their prison it’s only the beginning of the mystery. Someone is targeting the Arrow squad and Aden specifically, and the further Aden and Zaira dig the more they begin to see that a deadly conspiracy has been put into place, one that threatens not only the Psy, but humans and changelings as well.
Aden will do anything to protect his people, to foster a new age where Arrows are free to live and love. But to do so he needs Zaira’s help. And Zaira knows she can never open up enough to be the person Aden needs. For her, Silence was a blessing, containing the danger inside her. If she tears down her walls for Aden, the rage will slip out, destroying everything they hope to build.
Shards of Hope is a brilliantly crafted, powerful romance you don’t want to miss! Nalini Singh’s fourteenth full-length Psy-Changeling book is by turns exhilarating, heartbreaking, hopeful, and romantic
Aden and Zaira are impossible to resist and their romance is one that will make you melt. It’s clear from the start that Aden and Zaira love one another, but sometimes love just isn’t enough. Zaira’s powers are lethal and because of the way she was tortured as a child, she feels like she’s permanently broken inside. She fears that by letting Aden in, the dark and twisted part of her will overwhelm everything, making her a very real danger to others. Zaira isn’t exaggerating her power or the rage inside of her; she is lethal and the abuse she suffered as a child left an enormous scar. But she’s also far stronger than she knows and her capacity for love, compassion, and caring is unrivaled as well. She’s the perfect match for Aden, a man who was never truly Silent, a man who will sacrifice himself a thousand times over to protect his squad. Aden and Zaira see each other for who they are and love the whole of each other. It isn’t easy for them to get that elusive happily ever after, but it’s worth every rough spot on the journey. Aden’s faith and love in Zaira and her trust and love in him are simply beautiful.
The Arrows have long been prominent players in the Psy-Changeling series, but Shards of Hope brings the focus on the group as a whole like nothing before. The Arrows are some of the deadliest members of the Psy race, and that level of inherent power comes with a price. Silence helped many of the Arrows control their lethal abilities, and post-Silence they must now learn to adapt, to become the men and women they need to be not only to protect their race, but to nurture and guide the youngest generation. I absolutely loved watching Aden learn from the changelings and adapt the concept of Pack into something that works for the Arrows. Ms. Singh shows the inner workings and loyalties of the squad in a way she hasn’t done before and it’s truly marvelous to uncover the secrets of this mysterious group.
Shards of Hope begins a new storyline, one involving a dangerous new group that’s targeting all three races. Though this is bad news for the characters we’ve come to love, it’s great news for readers. This compelling storyline brings together almost every single major character from the Psy-Changeling series. The fact that Ms. Singh can seamlessly blend together so many points of view is truly a marvel. The new plotline (which I won’t spoil) spans the globe and all three races, creating intriguing new opportunities for future books. Because of the breadth of this storyline, Shards of Hope likely shouldn’t be read as a standalone. But fans of the series are going to love it, not just for Aden and Zaira but for all the characters who’ve already found their way into our hearts. And though I won’t spoil it, I will say that readers should prepare to see a major character-building payoff from a supporting character who has been with the series from the beginning.
Shards of Hope is smart, complex, and touching. Aden and Zaira’s romance is powerful and the world of the Psy-Changeling series continues to develop in new and interesting ways. There’s so much to love about Aden and Zaira’s book and I have barely touched on what readers will uncover. Psy-Changeling fans, don’t miss Shards of Hope. I Joyfully – unreservedly – Recommend it!
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Arrows live in the shadows, more myth than reality to many of the Psy race. They are justice, and they are seemingly invincible. And after the fall of Silence, they are in danger. When Aiden Kai, leader of the Arrows, wakes up in a cell, cut off from the PsyNet and without his abilities, he knows he’s in trouble. In the cell with him is the last person he would expect: Zaira Neve, the most lethal Arrow in his squad and the only woman who ever managed to break through his Silence and capture his heart. Neither Aden nor Zaira have any idea who would take them or why, but when they break out of their prison it’s only the beginning of the mystery. Someone is targeting the Arrow squad and Aden specifically, and the further Aden and Zaira dig the more they begin to see that a deadly conspiracy has been put into place, one that threatens not only the Psy, but humans and changelings as well.
Aden will do anything to protect his people, to foster a new age where Arrows are free to live and love. But to do so he needs Zaira’s help. And Zaira knows she can never open up enough to be the person Aden needs. For her, Silence was a blessing, containing the danger inside her. If she tears down her walls for Aden, the rage will slip out, destroying everything they hope to build.
Shards of Hope is a brilliantly crafted, powerful romance you don’t want to miss! Nalini Singh’s fourteenth full-length Psy-Changeling book is by turns exhilarating, heartbreaking, hopeful, and romantic
Aden and Zaira are impossible to resist and their romance is one that will make you melt. It’s clear from the start that Aden and Zaira love one another, but sometimes love just isn’t enough. Zaira’s powers are lethal and because of the way she was tortured as a child, she feels like she’s permanently broken inside. She fears that by letting Aden in, the dark and twisted part of her will overwhelm everything, making her a very real danger to others. Zaira isn’t exaggerating her power or the rage inside of her; she is lethal and the abuse she suffered as a child left an enormous scar. But she’s also far stronger than she knows and her capacity for love, compassion, and caring is unrivaled as well. She’s the perfect match for Aden, a man who was never truly Silent, a man who will sacrifice himself a thousand times over to protect his squad. Aden and Zaira see each other for who they are and love the whole of each other. It isn’t easy for them to get that elusive happily ever after, but it’s worth every rough spot on the journey. Aden’s faith and love in Zaira and her trust and love in him are simply beautiful.
The Arrows have long been prominent players in the Psy-Changeling series, but Shards of Hope brings the focus on the group as a whole like nothing before. The Arrows are some of the deadliest members of the Psy race, and that level of inherent power comes with a price. Silence helped many of the Arrows control their lethal abilities, and post-Silence they must now learn to adapt, to become the men and women they need to be not only to protect their race, but to nurture and guide the youngest generation. I absolutely loved watching Aden learn from the changelings and adapt the concept of Pack into something that works for the Arrows. Ms. Singh shows the inner workings and loyalties of the squad in a way she hasn’t done before and it’s truly marvelous to uncover the secrets of this mysterious group.
Shards of Hope begins a new storyline, one involving a dangerous new group that’s targeting all three races. Though this is bad news for the characters we’ve come to love, it’s great news for readers. This compelling storyline brings together almost every single major character from the Psy-Changeling series. The fact that Ms. Singh can seamlessly blend together so many points of view is truly a marvel. The new plotline (which I won’t spoil) spans the globe and all three races, creating intriguing new opportunities for future books. Because of the breadth of this storyline, Shards of Hope likely shouldn’t be read as a standalone. But fans of the series are going to love it, not just for Aden and Zaira but for all the characters who’ve already found their way into our hearts. And though I won’t spoil it, I will say that readers should prepare to see a major character-building payoff from a supporting character who has been with the series from the beginning.
Shards of Hope is smart, complex, and touching. Aden and Zaira’s romance is powerful and the world of the Psy-Changeling series continues to develop in new and interesting ways. There’s so much to love about Aden and Zaira’s book and I have barely touched on what readers will uncover. Psy-Changeling fans, don’t miss Shards of Hope. I Joyfully – unreservedly – Recommend it!
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
ndouglas11's review
4.0
I listened to this audiobook and I just have to say that Angela Dawe might be the best audiobook narrator I’ve listen to - and also JoJo the baby is the fucking cutest audiobook toddler I’ve ever heard
katereads2much's review against another edition
5.0
After struggling through the previous book in this series (even though I really wanted to love it), I thought maybe my interest in this world was waning. I was so wrong. In reading "Shards of Hope" I remembered all the reasons I loved this world. I have to say this was definitely one of my faves of the series. I'm so impressed by how the world has changed and grown and how the plots have evolved with this world. I'm really looking forward to the chess game with this new opponent.
sonni89's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars? I didn't love this and I didn't hate this. It's definitely not going to be my favorite of the Psy Changeling series, but it's also nowhere near my least favorite.
I actually really enjoyed Aden and Zaira. I didn't think I would, and this should definitely be the last Psy-Psy romance in a while because there just isn't enough variety in the stories to tell, but yes. I really liked them. I just wish their romance hadn't been put on the backburner to further the one million other stories that were going on in this.
I really, REALLY liked the new changeling pack. Jojo is a delight and I would definitely be down to read Remi's story sometime soon.
I'm really happy the setup of the book allowed us to check in with Lucas/Sascha, Kaleb/Sahara, and Sienna/Hawke. I CANNOT BELIEVE Mercy is only six months pregnant at this point. GIVE ME THE DAMN PUPCUBS ALREADY!!!!! I also REALLY LIKED what we saw of Nikita/Anthony and I will require at least a novella for them sometime soon.
I was invested in almost everything that was happening in this book, but it felt like there were maybe one or two subplots too many to actually resolve them the way they should've been, and definitely too many to get enough of Aden/Zaira, especially in the second half of the book.
But I like the direction Aden and Zaira are taking for the Arrows now. FOUND FAMILIES. GIVE ME ALL OF IT!!!!!
I actually really enjoyed Aden and Zaira. I didn't think I would, and this should definitely be the last Psy-Psy romance in a while because there just isn't enough variety in the stories to tell, but yes. I really liked them. I just wish their romance hadn't been put on the backburner to further the one million other stories that were going on in this.
I really, REALLY liked the new changeling pack. Jojo is a delight and I would definitely be down to read Remi's story sometime soon.
I'm really happy the setup of the book allowed us to check in with Lucas/Sascha, Kaleb/Sahara, and Sienna/Hawke. I CANNOT BELIEVE Mercy is only six months pregnant at this point. GIVE ME THE DAMN PUPCUBS ALREADY!!!!! I also REALLY LIKED what we saw of Nikita/Anthony and I will require at least a novella for them sometime soon.
I was invested in almost everything that was happening in this book, but it felt like there were maybe one or two subplots too many to actually resolve them the way they should've been, and definitely too many to get enough of Aden/Zaira, especially in the second half of the book.
But I like the direction Aden and Zaira are taking for the Arrows now. FOUND FAMILIES. GIVE ME ALL OF IT!!!!!