Heart of Obsidian (Psy-Changeling, #12) by Nalini Singh

• Title: Heart of Obsidian (Psy-Changeling, Book 12)
• Classification: Adult Fiction
• Genre: Paranormal Romance
• Format: Hardcover; 368 pages
• Publisher: Berkley Hardcover (June 4, 2013)
• ISBN-10: 0425263991
• ISBN-13: 978-0425263990
• Author's Website: http://www.nalinisingh.com/

Notes: I bought this one.

For seven long years he waited, carefully plotting out his course. He gained power and prestige in order to gain the information he needed, and anyone standing in his way would not stand for long. When the opportunity arose, he grabbed it and finally was able to fulfill the promise he made to her. The promise that he'd come for her and find her. All she had to do was stay alive. And she did. Now vengeance and fury will be his because nobody takes what is his. And make no mistake, she is his. There is absolutely nothing he wouldn't do for her and when he's finished, the Psy-Changeling world will never be the same.

This is the 12th book of the Psy-Changeling series and unlike many of the series that go on this long, Nalini Singh hasn't lost her touch. These books are interwoven together and build upon each other and each is unique unto itself. I would recommend reading all of them in order to get the full enjoyment from the story she creates.

Kaleb Krychek has been a man of mystery until now. Under the tutelage of a madman since the age of five, he's somehow managed to survive, although not totally unscathed. He has both a dark and a light side to his nature and if his dark side were ever to take control, no one would be safe. His psychic abilities are so powerful he could destroy the world if he wanted. He is a dual cardinal, the only one in existence. We know from the previous books that he was Santano Enrique's protégé,  but we didn't know how involved, if at all, he was in the the madman's murderous schemes. In 'Heart of Obsidian', that question will finally be answered as will many others.

Seven years ago Enrique thought to mold Kaleb into his own image. That didn't happen. What resulted was Sahara Kyriakus of the NightStar clan being kidnapped and Kaleb has spent the last seven years of his life searching for her. Now he has her and those involved will pay dearly for their mistake.

When Sahara Kyriakus was first kidnapped, she created a complicated labyrinth of her mind to keep  those who would use her from doing so. For seven long years she's been disconnected from the PsyNet retreating within her own mind. She's been tortured and caged, but the labyrinth  kept her from having to deal with the pain and horror of her ordeal. Her captors had hoped to one day utilize her unique ability, but could not find a way through the labyrinth no matter how hard they tried. At the time of her abduction, she'd been only 16 years old. When Kaleb finds the now 23 years old Sahara, she doesn't know him, doesn't remember much of her past, and is only a shadow of the person she once was. Chunks of time from her incarceration are missing, and the only thing she seems to know is that an inner voice keeps telling her that she can trust Kaleb. With him she feels safe. While many would tell her otherwise, she knows Kaleb would never hurt her. With his help, she'll find her way back out of the labyrinth. Back to the people she loves.  Back to the man who would give his life for hers, and we'll learn the story of why she is so dear to Kaleb.

Besides going after those who kidnapped Sahara, Kaleb is also attempting to stop Pure Psy from taking over leadership of the Psy world. Pure Psy believes the Psy race is superior to all others and should not be tainted by mixing their DNA with that of the other races. If it had its way, the Psy would rule the world. In 'Tangle of Need', the Psy Council was dismantled. The question of who will take control is up for grabs. Pure Psy is throwing its hat into the ring through a series of violent strikes against those who oppose their beliefs and innocent people are getting caught in the crossfire. As Kaleb and his team of loyal Arrows attempt to find those responsible for the ensuing massacres, the Arrows' and Kaleb's high visibility help in rescuing victims is setting Kaleb up as a prime candidate to take over leadership in many a Psy's eye. One way or another a new leadership will rise out of the ashes. The question is will it be the right one? If Kaleb has his way, Silence will be no more.

I gave this one 5 out of 5 roses. Ms. Singh has created a truly unique and wonderful paranormal world which she breathes life into with every stroke of her pen. An action-packed suspenseful adventure of a read filled with drama, emotions, and an earth shattering romance to boot. If you enjoy the Psy-Changeling series this is a must read. This is one series I would love to see turned into a TV series. It would be phenomenal. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one scores a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed. I HIGHLY recommend this series.

Order of the series