Branded by Fire

Branded by Fire is the sixth full-length novel in Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling series. It features DarkRiver sentinel Mercy paired with SnowDancer lieutenant Riley. These two are both dominants in their packs, with Riley being the right-hand man of SnowDancer alpha Hawke, while Mercy is an invaluable and trusted soldier to her own alpha, Lucas. They’ve worked together as liaisons between their packs and generally tend to rub each other the wrong way. However, their relationship in this book gets off to a steamy start with them giving in to their animal lust in Chapter 1, but they think it’s only a one-night stand to scratch their itch after both going through a dry spell. As dominants, they don’t know if there can ever be show more anything more between them, because they both chafe at the idea of submitting to the other. Also with one of them being a wolf and the other being a leopard, their inner beasts are innately wary of one another, and they don’t know if their human sides can overcome that. But it doesn’t stop them from getting horizontal over and over again, while discovering that their feelings may run a lot deeper than they anticipated. While they try to figure things out, a political maelstrom is brewing. The Human Alliance ramps up their efforts to exert control in a world where they feel increasingly left behind, a plot to assassinate the entire Psy Council is uncovered, and several Psy seemingly go crazy, committing high profile acts of public violence. It was a very eventful book that provided a great deal of intrigue as the greater Psy-Changeling story arc continues to develop, while definitely not skimping on the love, romance, and steamy goodness between our main couple.

Riley and his siblings lost their parents at a young age, and although the pack cared for all of them afterward, he’s felt solely responsible for his younger sister and brother ever since. He grew up into a strong, dominant warrior for whom pack is everything. As Senior Lieutenant, Riley is the second-highest ranking member of the SnowDancer wolf pack, reporting directly to alpha Hawke. He’s earned the nickname, The Wall, because of both his strength and his stoicism. He has a reputation for never losing his cool and can sometimes be hard to read. Because of his strong sense of responsibility to both family and pack, he still bears some emotional scars and guilt from when his sister, Brenna, was kidnapped and mind-raped by a brutal Psy serial killer way back in Slave to Sensation, the first book of the series, even though she’s since fully recovered. When he has nightmares from it and seeks out Mercy’s comfort, it was a sweet moment of vulnerability for him. During his work as pack liaison, Mercy has driven him a little crazy, but there’s an undeniable physical attraction between them. After their first steamy night together, Riley doesn’t think he can get enough of Mercy, but it’s a difficult road to finding a balance in their relationship and getting to a place where their animal sides can trust one another completely. Riley screws up a few times along the way, but despite being a dominant, he isn’t unreasonable, nor too stubborn to learn from his mistakes. He’s good at finding compromises, even to the point of being willing to leave his own pack if necessary in order to be with Mercy. He’s also a deliciously generous lover.

Mercy comes from a good family and she loves them to pieces even though they sometimes meddle in her personal life. Her brothers tend to be bossy, while her grandmother, who is alpha of her Brazilian pack, thinks it’s high time for Mercy to get mated, and since her prospects in DarkRiver are slim to none, she sends a couple of her most attractive pack members to woo her granddaughter. Of course, this only serves to annoy Mercy and inflame jealousy in Riley. Mercy may not be interested in the Brazilian hotties, but with all her other fellow DarkRiver sentinels already mated, she’s starting to feel rather left out. She wants someone to share her life with, but fears that as a dominant, she might not be able to find someone who can respect her independence while also being strong enough to handle being with her. After eight months of celibacy, she’s also craving affection. For Changelings, physical touch and intimacy are like air and water to them, so when Riley shows interest, she can’t resist. Then he rocks her world, bringing her back for more. Soon Mercy finds that she’s drawn to Riley in more than a sexual way, but at the same time, she has doubts that two people who butt heads so often could make a good match. I usually tend to relate better to sweeter, more submissive type heroines, so alpha heroines can often be dicey for me. Knowing how dominant Mercy could be from her appearances in the previous books, I wasn’t sure how well I would like her, but I’m happy to say that she ended up being pretty relatable. She does get her back up a few times, which in other similar heroines, I’ve found to be rather annoying and bitchy. But with Mercy, it was more a case of her letting Riley know where her boundaries are, so she didn’t really push my buttons. She can also be reasonable enough to find middle ground and has a more loving, giving side as well, wanting to take care of Riley in the same way he takes care of her.

Branded by Fire boasts a plethora of supporting characters, many of whom have their own stories in the series. Lucas and Sascha (Slave to Sensation) play prominent roles with some interesting new developments in their lives. Hawke (Kiss of Snow) has an important role as well, while the tension between him and Sienna, his eventual heroine, increases, leading to a somewhat surprising change for her, too. All of the other DarkRiver sentinels, Nate (“Beat of Temptation” from Wild Invitation), Vaughn (Visions of Heat), Clay (Mine to Possess), and Dorian (Hostage to Pleasure), as well as SnowDancer lieutenants Indigo (Play of Passion) and Judd (Caressed by Ice) all look after their packs and help with investigating the kidnapping of a Lynx Changeling under DarkRiver protection. Riley’s brother Drew who becomes Indigo’s mate and his sister, Brenna, who is Judd’s mate, both support and tease their older sibling. We’re introduced to Mercy’s oldest brother, Bastien, who becomes the hero of the novella, Secrets at Midnight. Pack healers, Tamsyn, who is Nate’s mate, and Lara (“Texture of Intimacy” from Wild Invitation) help out during a couple of medical emergencies, while Tammy also gives Mercy advice. We’re introduced to Bowen, a human, who becomes the hero of Ocean Light. Kaleb (Heart of Obsidian) continues to be the enigmatic Psy Councilor who is equal parts deadly and cunning. I can’t wait to uncover all of his secrets. Then last, but not least, Psy Arrow Vasic (Shield of Winter) is briefly seen.

Overall, Branded by Fire was another excellent book in this series that I very much enjoyed. Mercy and Riley may not have been officially engaged in the mating dance until late in the story, but they take part in a dance of sorts throughout the entire book that was fun to read. With two dominant characters like they are, it could have been really frustrating reading for me, but each of them gradually gives a little in order to find the perfect middle ground that will make it possible for them to become mates. They may push each other’s buttons from time to time, but they never annoyed me or made me feel like they were constantly at each other’s throats, which was a major plus. The intrigue that progressed the overall series story arc was nicely woven into the background, although I have to admit that there was so much happening on so many different fronts that it did get a bit confusing at times. I figured out most of it by the end, but there were one or two small things that weren’t entirely clear to me, which is why I dropped the half-star. Otherwise, this was a great story that kept me engaged and has left me eager to pick up the next book soon. show less

Branded by Fire
5 Stars

Synopsis
As the liaisons responsible for the alliance between their Changeling packs, Mercy Smith, a DarkRiver Sentinel, and Riley Kincaid, a SnowDancer lieutenant, are locked in the ultimate battle of wills for dominance over each other. As they struggle with the passion between them, dangerous enemies are closing in with the aim of destroying everything the leopards and wolves are fighting for.

Review
The title of this book is extremely apt - the romance is explosive and the developments in the overall story arc are intriguing.

While the last two installments in the series were OK, neither managed to really sink their claws in, but Mercy and Riley's story succeeds where they failed. It is equal to and may even show more surpass Judd and Brenna's book.

Riley and Mercy just ooze sexual tension and chemistry. Their interactions are combustible as they test the boundaries of their relationship. The way in which they learn to accept and respect each others differences is very entertaining. Although they get together very quickly, it is believable given their Changeling natures and the fact that they have been pushing each others buttons for a while already.

Riley is a typical dominant hero but his usually calm and collected facade is shaken by the intensity of his feelings for Mercy. The fact that he recognizes when he is wrong, apologizes without coercion and is willing to make sacrifices for his mate make him a truly wonderful hero.

Mercy is my favorite type of heroine - strong, independent and warrior-like, she fears losing herself if she submits to a strong mate but learns that compromise is necessary. Moreover, she never descends into bitchiness (which is sometimes a problem with kick-ass females), and her interactions with the other women in the series are a highlight.

The plot is also compelling. All the information missing from the previous book regarding the Human Alliance is provided and there are new hints at the identity of the mysterious ghost (I have my suspicions and it will be interesting to see if they pan out). Hawke and Sienna's increasing attraction is another compelling aspect of the book and I can't wait to get to their story.

On a final note, there is a lot going on in this series and it is crucial to read in order so as not to lose track of the overall story arc. Dev and Katya's book is up next and we will finally get a glimpse at how a human and a Psy interact. show less

I won't talk about the story, really. It's the same as the previous ones, some annoyances at the beginning, better behaviour further on.

No, what bothers me about this one is the author's world building. She is obviously trying to put some equality in her books. We have a dominant female of high rank, and that there aren't very many is apparently a coincidence. There are female alphas.
But apparently, it's more difficult to be a female dominant than a male one, because it makes it more difficult for the female to submit to her mate. Yes. Because apparently it doesn't matter who is more dominant, the woman still has to put up with more bullshit than the man.
Also, Mercy will only accept a more dominant personality, not a ' weak' show more submissive one or a less dominant one. Interesting that the men have no such problem.
And instead of taking a chance for once, the author made the man a better fighter and just a bit more dominant. show less

I know this is an older title, but I have just recently discovered this series and have been working my way through it. I have not written reviews for all of them, but I had to write one for this one because it is hands down my favorite one so far! The first book, Slave to Sensation, does come very close, but this one is my new favorite. The reason? The undeniable chemistry between our two main characters, Mercy and Riley. They have that classic love/hate thing going on and watching it slowly unravel was beyond amazing. I loved the constant banter between the two of them and found myself laughing out loud numerous times throughout the story. I also will admit I have become a sucker for those changelings and since both the main show more characters in this story are changelings I was hooked.

One downside to this book? I want Hawke’s story now! If you have read this series before than you know exactly who his girl going to be just as much as I do, but watching him suffer through these books makes me just want to read what is going to develop with them that much more. I think I am subconsciously trying to drag out reading these books because I know I will soon be out of material to read and have to wait until June for Hawke. *pouts* I am sure it will be worth it thought, I am beyond excited about it.

Nalini continues to surprise me with her books. She has a perfect balance of the paranormal, action and romance, so you are never bored and always hungry for more. This series really is absolutely fantastic, I cannot say enough good things about it, so go find it in your bookstore or download it and start catching up like me :) show less

A Changeling research is captured – and it falls to DarkRiver Leopards and Snow Dancer Wolves to bring him back. They suspect, as always, the involvement of the Psy

But the Human Alliance is back in San Francisco with their very high risk, ambitious plan. While the Chanagelings may not be their direct target, the fallout can consume all of them

Which is leopard Sentinel Mercy and wolf Lieutenant Riley’s job to work together and solve. And work together without killing each other. And work together despite the increasing pressure of their mutual attraction despite the differing clans, differing shifter type and differing loyalties. And a whole lot of old fashioned ideals to be conquered.

I love the ongoing world building of this series, show more especially the focus on the complex issue of Silence and the Psy

This has been something that has been touched on before in previous books but the focus has been very much on threats to the Changelings. To them and the Psy defectors, the broader societal implications of Silence are less important than surviving the latest shenanigans from the Council

But in this book the prime antagonist is the Human Alliance and their prime target is the Psy. The fact the Changelings are not the centralised target (though they are certainly are involved because it’s happening on their doorstep and something can’t happen in their territory without getting involved) means we can examine the broader implications of Silence falling for the Psy. Rising violence rates, the fact the race was desperate when it adapted Silence, the fact that there are a lot of Psy genuinely terrified of the damage they could cause without Silence. Silence is way more than just a threat to conquer, it’s complicated and involved.

And this book really brings home how important Silence is – and how collected the Psy are. Because of the Psynet, thing that individual Psy do can actually affect the Psy as a whole. We begin to address some really interesting ethical debates about whether the Psy should be forced to quit Silence, whether Silence is a viable choice, especially when we consider that for some Psy with genuinely dangerous and need Silence to function in society and to survive, or the fact that crime rates spiking can affect everyone, or that the Psy falling could literally destroy society. What about personal choice? What about if that choice is being affected by scare mongering rather than just reality?

On top of that we have a nuanced look at the Council itself rather than just seeing them as the antagonist with a few decent members. From the nuance of Nikita to simply acknowledging the integral role that the Psy play and even if you hate the system, burning it all down isn’t that helpful to anyone.

We’re also seeing more involvement from the Human Alliance; again we have nuance. We acknowledge that the humans are frequently seen as the weak ones, the extras, the forgotten of society excellently following on from previous books. I love how they find their strength and capability, how they work to match the more powerful races

I love the meta of this series. The complexities of the world and the politics, how the three different races relate to each other and how all of this is developing over the world. I like how the packs are growing, uniting and changing. I like how we’re seeing characters reoccur since too often in long running Paranormal Romance tend to fade into the background: there’s definitely still some element of that in this series which annoys, but it’s still good to see that Sasha is still around, her powers and abilities still helping shape the characters and story.

So we come to the relationship in this book. And this is usually the point when talking about this series where I curse and stomp and hate how this wonderful world setting and amazing metaplot and excellent twisting world building and politics all unheld by some intriguing characters is dragged into the utter mud by retrograde, rigid gender roles and romantic “heroes” to whom consent is beyond and alien concept.

And this book… well it does several things better.

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3.5 stars

Branded by Fire was OK. I really liked Mercy and Riley. I thought they made a great couple, even though it was hard for them to relent at times. I felt there was way too much going on in the story and it seemed to really bog things down. Not the best in the series, but a decent read nonetheless.

I had neglected this book for some time: I bought it and then put it aside, despite having loved the series to date. Now I have finally picked it up again - and I LOVED it (of course)! It has made me want to go back and re-read the whole series again! The series is a great mix of romance and mystery/world blending. I love the way NS keeps bringing new threads into the story, but doesn't dwell on any one thread for long. She's setting up new situations all the way through... I can't wait to read Kiss of Snow (Sienna and Hawke's story).