Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Caressed By Ice Spoiler Thread

This is the thread where you can freely discuss Caressed By Ice and the previous books in the Psy/Changeling series. *SPOILERS* allowed, so if you haven't read CBI yet, click away! This link will take you back to the main blog.

So, if you're sure this is where you want to be....let the discussion begin!

For those of you who aren't bloggers, you can still comment - just choose the Anonymous option and sign off the comment with your name if you'd like folks to know who you are.

NB: I might pop in now and then as time allows, but this is really for readers. If there are specific questions you want to ask me, email's better. Have fun!

33 comments :

LesleyW said...

ooohh. Looks like I'm the first to post.

CBI is my favourite of the series so far. I'm finding it interesting that some people prefer the Changeling heroes. But I obviously have a preference for the Psy hero.

I like it not only for Judd and Brenna's story, but also for how the overlying arc has been developed. And how we get a glance back into history as well.

I also like the small glimpses we get into the lives of other characters - Sienna's frustration, Hawke's loss, Nate and Tamsyn's love, Kaleb's ambiguity.

I'm so glad that we are still not certain who Kaleb is.

Kati said...

Lesley - I very much enjoyed Judd and Brenna's story, but Lucas will always hold a special place for me. I have a very strong feeling that Hawke will too. I like the strong alpha personalities.

I'm captivated by Hawke now. His history is so tragic, I just need for him to get his HEA, now. You know what I mean?

I do think that CBI was the most emotional of the books, despite having a Psy hero. I've only read CBI once, so I'll have to go back and reread it.

But now more than anything, I want Hawke's book. And I'll tell you, I've tried to draw Nalini out about Hawke and she's not giving an inch. The wench! LOL! I'm going to start offering up bribes soon, I think.

Jenny Schwartzberg said...

I think Nalini gets better with each book. But I've read them all at least 4 times each or more. I love all the characters (well, not the bad guys) but everyone else. I want more, more. I'm currently rereading CBI. I love Judd for his struggle to protect Brenna. Did any of you note how subtly Nalini hinted at their bond although they didn't recognize it until Judd removed his conditioning? From Brenna's reaching out for him while asleep and dreaming and Judd's noting the nudge at his mind while out bombing that lab onwards. And the statement near the end that through their link, as smothered as it was, she had been able to bleed off the effects of becoming psychic so that her mind didn't explode. Oh there's so much there from the very beginning that shows how strong their link is no matter how much he fights against it.

I do wonder if Sienna is Hawke's mate reborn as a Psy? It's stated Hawke lost his mate two decades ago and Sienna is 17. Hmmm. He might not sense the bond because of her conditioning, the way Judd and Brenna couldn't until he broke conditioning. So what will happen when Judd removes his niece's conditioning? Though I'm uncomfortable with the age difference between Sienna and Hawke. What if Hawke's mate was abducted by the Psy all those years ago and he finds that out and tries to rescue her? Hmmmm.

Do any of you wonder if Kaleb could be the Ghost? But if he was Santano Enrique's accomplice on those early murders like Nikita assumes that doesn't fit. Especially since there's a mention of the NetMind having reported on another serial killer and behaving erratically like it did before under Enrique. Or, could Enrique have forced him to watch his killings without being able to interfere in order to "shape" him into a good Psy? But then why didn't he leak the knowledge to people if he was repulsed?

Did you note at the end that Toby may have E-Psy ability because he's generating color sparks on the Lauren-net? Cool. Sascha will be delighted to find another E-Psy.

I can hardly wait for October and Nate and Tamsyn's story and then we have to wait until February for Clay's. Groan. I want more more more!!!!!

Jenny

Prue said...

I just don't really know how to sum all of what I feel up. It was an amazing book and I loved it. I loved Judd and Brenna!

I hope that sienna is Hawke's HEA. There is something so right about them, despite the age gap.

I also have to say that I love Kaleb! Put me in the Kaleb fan club!

Thanks Nalini, you did it again.

Anonymous said...

Hi, I read CBI yesterday and I loved it, I want to say it is my favorite but I still believe that title goes to STS, mostly because I wasn't expecting STS to be that great, now I expect NS books to be sensational, wonderful, emotional, etc. etc. What did I like about CBI, as always, the interaction between the two main characters. The bond between them was strong, even if t he two characters didn't recognize the mating bond till the end. The way Judd was willing to feel pain just to have happiness. The way Brenna was willing to accept Judd for the way he was, but at the same time understanding that he needed her. Other things that I love about this book and NS others are the interaction of the children, the way the changeling will do anyting to protect the children, the scene with Judd and the 4 year old where he tried to hide him was great. But I also liked that NS added that the changeling and the psy are the same in the fact that both species can produce monsters. That with the good you have to bad. Now that I read CBI in one day, I have to wait another 5 months for Clay's story, the preview grabbed my attention. And I also believe that Sienna is Hawke's HEA. She seems to be able to break through to him and make him feel, how long do we have to wait for his story!!!

Anonymous said...

I Loved CBI. Of course I would. I love everything NS writes. I told her she could probably write a textbook and make it hard to put it down. I reread VOH and then read CBI over the 3 day weekend. These stories are pure gold. I took the quiz and it said Judd. It was right. I absolutely love guys like him.

I also think that Sienna is Hawke's mate. I think she will be like a female Judd if she keeps up her training with Indigo. I am so happy that we got a look into the wolves den. I love Indigo, Lara, Andrew, and Riley. NS made me fall in love with their characters like I fell in love with every other character she has ever invented. I have loved Hawke since he flirted with Sascha in STS.

I can't wait until Clay's story. Being that I am black I love a story about someone of my race wrote by my favorite author. I also can't wait for the vampire story and Nate & Tamsyn's story.

Christine said...

I loved CBI! I love the Psy-Changeling world that Nalini has created. It is so unique and offers many potential conflicts... and many amazing and insightful solutions! Sooo much to think about!

The love story between Judd and Brenna is so powerful. I think their story is so gratifying to me because both of them had such tremendous personal battles to fight and they both had to struggle to understand and accept their love for each other. All those complications made for a wonderul story.

I can also see Hawke and Sienna together some time in the future. She constantly rattles his cool demeanor and he constantly pisses her off. They're perfect. I know it was said that there is one and only one true mate for Changelings, but perhaps there is some loophole.... or like explained by Brenna in CBI, many couples live and love each other exclusively for life without having found their true mates. I hope so anyway.... they would make for one rocking novel!

I think I missed the vibe about Kaleb possibly being the Ghost. How'd I do that? :? lol

I completely agree with you, lacarma minter, about Clay's story.... and all of the Psys and Changelings for that matter. I am in an interracial marriage and have two daughters who are obviously mixed race and heritage and I absolutely positively love the way Nalini has created this world where so many of the characters are of different and mixed races accepting and loving each other. AND the fact that the Psy, Changeling, and humans are coming together, too? LOVE IT! I think it is wonderful, and so very important, for authors to write characters with such diverstiy as Nalini has done. =)

Jenny Schwartzberg said...

A quick question. I was looking at the Psy/Changeling page and noted that there's an untitled novella after Clay's story. Whose story is that, hmmm? Rubbing hands in anticipation. Also, will you be posting more of a teaser for Clay's story later? The bit at the end of CBI is not enough!

Jenny

Anonymous said...

Jenny - you need to drop me an email. You won the contest linked to my post at the Writing Playground. :)

The novella is set in the past, in the aftermath of the Territorial Wars. You get a look at what Psy used to be like among other things.

Clay's book - yes, I'll probably put up more of it a bit later. Not just yet though. You might get a deleted scene from CBI sometime before then. ;)

Susan said...

http://susan-thoughtsfromtheedge.blogspot.com/2007/09/caressed-by-ice-by-nalini-singh-isbn.html

I just posted this today. Wow what a good book, I love them all, but this one was awesome. What a good testament to the power of love, the strength of will and the true power we each have in us.

I have to say this entire series is outstanding and I will be patient for the next installment, but it is going to be very hard.

Jenny Schwartzberg said...

Nalini,

My email is schwartzbergj@newberry.org. What did I win??

Jenny

ShellBell said...

A deleted scene from CBI!!!! Can't wait to read it.

Pam P said...

CBI was outstanding. Nalini's making it very hard to pick a favorite hero or story. I'm going with two equally, Lucas for the Changeling, Judd for the Psy. And then, there's still Hawke's story to come.

I've been thinking of Hawke and Sienna together even before reading CBI. If we're all right, it's going to be interesting to see what comes out in that story about the bonding.

I can't decide yet who the Ghost is, but have wondered a bit about Faith's father.

Also, curious to see more about the Net Mind in future books, and how it comes into play.

Did you also notice the mention of a half human child?

Anonymous said...

Oh...my....God!

This was such a satisfying book! I have to agree with an earlier comment that I think this was the most emotional despite the fact the Judd has been the main character most entrenched in Silence. Normally, I fly through a book that I love as much as this one. I have to say, though, that I could only read a few chapters each night. (I think it was the emotional toll) I didn't want to rush through it and miss anything. I would read my couple of chapters and then anticipate what was happen tomorrow!

What I've truly appreciated about Nalini's books so far is the diversity of the characters. While each has similar admirable traits, they are all very distinct people. Some times you read a series of books from an author and you can interexchange the main characters. They might change surface details (name, place of birth, station), but underneath it's the same. Nalini, however, includes nuances, likes/dislikes, habits, etc, that really develop each individual person.

Like several others, I am looking forward to Hawke, Sienna, and hopefully Kaleb's stories. Is it weird to say, though, that I'd love to see a story about the evoluation of the NetMind? I feel like it is a being that is craving connection, and may one day create a physical manifestation to go along with its mental development. Oh well, we'll see! :)

Anonymous said...

I am so glad I am not the only one who can see Hawke and Sienna! I am craving for Hawke's story now. As much as I love Clay and Dorian, I don't know if I can wait through their stories ^_^

I just wish we saw Walker more. I love Judd and the rest of the laurens, and I just wish we saw more of his interaction with the rest of his family. I loved the scene with Sienna, though; it was perfect, and left me curious as to what her power can be. Is Walker going to get his own story, or will we at least learn what his designation is?

Unknown said...

*waves*
CBI was my introduction to the psy-changeling world and *sighs* wow. I'm a sucker for stories involving heroes who, like Judd, need to learn to feel:) This was an amazing story of love, recovery and a very lovely glimpse of the series arc. I won't comment on the rest of the arc, since I haven't read the books;) Though I am intrigued by the ghost and who it is... But I'm another one who wants to see Walker's story, and I also agree with the group who seem to believe Sienna will be PERFECT for Hawk:)

Sigrid said...

I enjoyed STS very much, but I found VOH lacking, and now CBI is absolutely great! Nice to read the blog and fantasizing about how the stories are going on! I hardly can wait till the next book is released, I´ve already read Nate`and Tamsyn´s Story, that was quiet nice, too.

Frances said...

I loved CBI!!
Ms. Singh just gets better and better...and Judd was oh-so-hot, haha I totally wasn't looking forward to this one, but when I read it I was like WOW! I am so glad to see Brenna healed, she broke my heart in StS.

Hawke and Sienna...so glad it's not just me, and about the age difference -- Tammy and Nate are 10 years apart, and Hawke and Sienna not that much more. Also, I feel like even though you are only given one mate, Hawke never finished the mating dance, so since she was never fully his mate, maybe there is a loophole?

I think Faith's father is the Ghost, but I am wondering about Kaleb...he seems veerrryyy interesting.

Also, looking forward to Kit's story, although Ms. Singh has said he needs more time to grow...

Yay for CBI!

Anonymous said...

I have to agree with Frances; Sienna said in CBI something about how she (Hawke's potential mate) died before the mating could be complete, so I am thinking that is the loophole.

And I am not sure who the ghost is, I think a part of me wants it to be Kaleb so we see more of him, and I am just liking him more each time I reread ^_^

Stacey, I hope you read the other 2 books in the series! They are also wonderful!

Anonymous said...

Woops, I meant to write that Brenna said (not Sienna) in CBI hawke's mate died before the mating completed.

Anonymous said...

Oh thank the heavens I'm not the only one who thinks Hawke & Sienna need to get together! How explosive would that be??!!!

As for CBI - LOVED IT! Like so many here have said, love the series, impatient to read the next one & can't get enough of this wonderful world.

Brenna broke my heart in STS. She needed a super strong hero to help her heal.

Enter Judd.

Judd was so Psy he was almost scary - but having him defect with the family - you just knew there was more to him than Silence from the beginning. And then to read that he wouldn't have had to have rehabilitation, but he still defected? Well, we (the readers) knew it was loyalty and love for his family behind it all. Which was what we needed to see him as a worthy mate for Brenna.

Theirs wasn't an easy journey (most of the best aren't) but you knew that when Judd finally broke all the barriers that he would be the one to steal anyone's heart (mine included!).

More of the NetMind, more of Hawke (whatever we can get for now) and just more of this fantastic world . . . . that's what's on my Christmas list!! lol

Anonymous said...

WOW this was the best read i had
i love all the books sts got me from the first page

one thing that i absolutly love about ns is how after she writes a story she does't let it go we see them again and how they're doing

am so glad am not the only one that thinks that hawke and senna are mates i mean there's parctically enough heads wondering what happen and its a real threat we're going to get to gothere and and write it ourselves. i know i want to. am Dieng for that story.
*sighs* too bad ns the only one who knows what is what

i mean we don't even know for sure it may not even be them together
but they make sure a perfect couple!!!!!!!!

am going crazy *tear*

ns
your my # 1 model in writing style i love your structure in writing. that means EVERYTHING!

Anonymous said...

sorry i meant your my model
i follow you example

Anonymous said...

I'm also very, very glad that i am not the only one who is for Hawke and Sienna *phew*. loooove their interactions, and i can not wait for Hawke's book.

Here is an interesting tidbit, when i took the Quiz, one of the questions was which Psy power could you have, and i choose the "one that is unknown and beautiful, but can destroy world" or something like that, and my answer ended up being HAWKE. coincidence, i think not! lol



i also loved CBI, and have already read it twice, and i am probrobly going to go read it again now, :).

i can't wait for the next book to come out!

Anonymous said...

Having read shwartzburgj's comment, I am inclined to agree about Hawke and Sienna. I have read all of the books many, many times and I have asked myself "what the f**k is going on with Hawke and Sienna?" more than once. She really gets to him, gets such strong emotional reactions out of him, like no one else. She "seems to ahve made her personal mission to annoy Hawke in as many and as varying ways as possible." I would like to see her interact with some of the juvinals too, although we know that she likes to mess with them and freak them out, much to Hawkes agravation.
I am only 18, so naturally I can relate to and understand characters like Sienna and Kit very well, so they really peak my interest. What I question most, though, is who "the forgotten" are? A group of Psy who never hooked up to the net?
CBI was my favorit book so far-probably because I am just so damn attracted to Judd. I like that he is slightly evil and how very dark he is. I do prefer the Psy hero over the Changelings-Judd's icyness is very hot. Not that I don't love Lucas and Vaugn. I can't wait for Mine to Possess. Feb 5 can't come fast enough.

Anonymous said...

I have to agree with samantha from md! Everything she said about Hawke & Sienna, but I am curious about the forgotten and what part they will play in this. I think there is something great about an icy psy hero, too ^_^

Nightshadow, I chose the same and got the same answer ^_^ I am really, really curious as to what Sienna's ability is. NS hinted so wonderfully that it was from the same deep core as Judd's yet is different but still scares everyone. Any hints, Nalini?

Anonymous said...

CBI was an utterly fabulous book. Judd was awesome, I loved his interactions with Brenna, and that scene with Sienna towards the end was great stuff.

It definitely sounds like Hawke and Sienna will end up together. I'm going to have a lot of fun reading about them. Hawke is such an enigma... any body else wonder about how he could he have known about E-psy?

And finally, a question for Nalini, have you revealed who Dorian's heroine is going to be? Psy, human or changeling???

Btw, anybody else get the feeling Ashaya Aeline (sp?) will be a lead in one of the future books?

Anonymous said...

I loved CBI and looking forward for Clay`s story. - Thanksfully it`ll realeased next week!

To refer CBI:
I`hope too, that Sienna and Hawke will get together in the future. They fit perfekt!
Till then, it would be fine to read more about Sienna; to see more of her personhood.

Jenny Schwartzberg said...

I too think Ashaya Aleine is going to be a heroine in a future book. In fact I think she's Dorian's mate. Look at the clues in Mine to Possess....

Anonymous said...

I`think Indigo is Dorians heroine. - They`re to passages in CBI, that sounds like that...

Anonymous said...

No, Jenny. - You`re right. Now I think too, that Ashaya Alaine ist Dorians heroine.

Anonymous said...

I totally agree. I just read mtp and thought ashaya is definetly gonna be a psy heroine. She's perfect for Dorian.

Anonymous said...

I don't know if people are still reading this thread but...I just finshed re-reading CBI in anticipation of HTP.

Anyways to the point. I have been reading the post and I would like to address some points made.

Hawke is not that much older than Sienna. The age gap is only 15 years I see their story around when she turns 20 and he is 35. Also I do think that Sienna may be able to use mind viruses like Nikita.

Also Kaleb is not the Ghost. I don't think he could be since Nikita suspects him of being a serial killer like Enrique since that was his mentor. I believe he made Kaleb watch him torture his victims. He may just be a future villian. I hope not because I kinda like him to. But I do have a weakness for bad boys.

Also I can't believe everyone missed this but Toby is and E-psy. I missed it the first time too. After Judd broke Silence, Walker mentioned the color sparks from Toby's mind. It was suppressed by Silence. Sascha has colored sparks too.

I would have liked to see more of Walker too. I think Walker should have a hard woman since he is such a fatherly Psy. Maybe a changeling solider? Maybe a leopard? I don't know maybe its a shot in the dark.

On to re-reading MTP. I didn't comment on it the first time.