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A review by indigoblue777
Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
A million years ago my friend and I had a conversation about how much we both enjoyed reading a certain infamous YA vampire romance <s>saga</s> series, and she recommended that I read Nalini Singh's books. I added it to my TBR and promptly forgot about it. This leads to a few months ago when I was reading [book:Bride|181344829] by Ali Hazelwood. In the author's note, Hazelwood states that she was inspired to write <i>Bride</i> because of Nalini Singh. I really liked <i>Bride</i>, and so I inevitably found myself wandering down the path of paranormal romances.
After a bit of research about Nalini Singh's extensive canon, I found [book:Slave to Sensation|178476] was the place to start. An interesting title, to be sure, but it <i>is</i> a mass market romance.
Actually, this is more of a murder-mystery-fantasy-paranormal-romance. The plot is that changeling (aka animal shifter) women are being murdered by a Psy serial killer. I think the book couldn't decide if it was supposed to prioritize this mystery or the romance. And because this is classified as a "romance", it prioritized the romance even though the story would have been better served by prioritizing the mystery elements.Spoiler: And then the mystery is resolved so quickly and poorly. It was so obvious that it was the councilor that I thought it couldn't possibly be him!
I didn't hate this book. I had a good time reading it. I enjoyed the mystery, the fantasy world-building, and some of the side characters were great. But overall I think it could have been better. Better organization of the story, better chemistry between the love interests, and better pacing to create tension.
The romance itself was just ok. Sascha's character arc was interesting, but it could have been more interesting if she started out from a place of self-denial instead of already knowing there was something wrong with her. I know these kinds of books are written for the female gaze, but the story would have been more dramatic if it started in Lucas's perspective so that the reader doesn't know Sascha has feelings or is aware of feelings. Don't even get me started on what kind of person Lucas is.
The author felt the need to name-drop the words "sensual", "slave", and "sensation" WAY too many times in this book. Lucas literally has no other character trait.
The world-building is impressive, but convoluted. There are so many details that get repeated over and over again, but are never easily explained, or are only explained much later. The Psy mental powers were hard to picture until Sascha finally entered the Psy Net. Also, where were the humans? Supposedly they exist, but there were none in this story!
After a bit of research about Nalini Singh's extensive canon, I found [book:Slave to Sensation|178476] was the place to start. An interesting title, to be sure, but it <i>is</i> a mass market romance.
Actually, this is more of a murder-mystery-fantasy-paranormal-romance. The plot is that changeling (aka animal shifter) women are being murdered by a Psy serial killer. I think the book couldn't decide if it was supposed to prioritize this mystery or the romance. And because this is classified as a "romance", it prioritized the romance even though the story would have been better served by prioritizing the mystery elements.
I didn't hate this book. I had a good time reading it. I enjoyed the mystery, the fantasy world-building, and some of the side characters were great. But overall I think it could have been better. Better organization of the story, better chemistry between the love interests, and better pacing to create tension.
The romance itself was just ok. Sascha's character arc was interesting, but it could have been more interesting if she started out from a place of self-denial instead of already knowing there was something wrong with her. I know these kinds of books are written for the female gaze, but the story would have been more dramatic if it started in Lucas's perspective so that the reader doesn't know Sascha has feelings or is aware of feelings. Don't even get me started on what kind of person Lucas is.
The author felt the need to name-drop the words "sensual", "slave", and "sensation" WAY too many times in this book. Lucas literally has no other character trait.
The world-building is impressive, but convoluted. There are so many details that get repeated over and over again, but are never easily explained, or are only explained much later. The Psy mental powers were hard to picture until Sascha finally entered the Psy Net. Also, where were the humans? Supposedly they exist, but there were none in this story!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder