Heroes

 

Alt Text - Quote from Allegiance of Honor: "Heroes, I've learned, don't always wear white. Sometimes they come from the darkness, shadows among shadows."

Who are your favorite fictional heroes? Which qualities do you love about them?

~Ashwini

Allegiance of Honor Sale

USA/CA folks: Allegiance of Honor (ebook) is currently on sale for $1.99. 🤩 This is a limited time sale, so if you're collecting the ebooks and don't have Allegiance, now's your chance!

This is limited to North America. As always, I'll share any international deals I see too.

Glimpse of Allegiance of Honor

When I first started writing Allegiance of Honor, I thought it would be a fun book filled with updates on the main characters (and a few others). I forgot how nothing in this world ever stands still. So what I ended up writing was a book that updates us on the characters but also moves the plot forward significantly - including a humdinger of a curve ball no one saw coming.

Now that I've teased you unmercifully, here's a glimpse of one of the fun catchup moments in the book. Hope you love it!

Excerpt from ALLEGIANCE OF HONOR

Out June 14, 2016

Lucas had had to chase Naya around the aerie at bedtime last night—her walk might still be a little shaky, but she was a rocket when it came to crawling. Dressed only in a diaper, she’d laughed uproariously and said a loud, firm “No” each time Lucas caught her and put her in her crib.

After which she’d clamber out—she’d figured out how to escape a month earlier—and the game would begin again. 

Of course, since Lucas was a cat, he’d been having just as much fun as their daughter. Sascha, meanwhile, had sat in the living room with a cup of hot chocolate and just indulged in the sight of her mate playing with their cub.

She’d had to pretend to be stern when Naya ran over and pleaded her case with loud sounds and wild gesticulations of her hands. “No, Naya,” she’d said, biting her tongue in an effort not to laugh. “It’s time for bed. Go with Papa.”

At which point, Naya had growled at her, eyes sparkling with mischief.

And Sascha had cracked, laughing so hard she’d had to put down her hot chocolate before she spilled it. Lucas had shaken his head as Naya plopped down on her diaper-covered butt and joined in, clapping her hands at having made her mommy laugh. 

“No discipline.” Lucas had mock-growled at her before picking up their misbehaving baby. “And you”—a growly nuzzle that made Naya laugh harder and pat his stubbled cheek—“time for bed.”

He’d finally got her to sleep—by walking around with her pressed up against his bare chest.

Copyright © 2016 by Nalini Singh

Longer excerpt(s) coming soon...

Allegiance of Honor

ALLEGIANCE OF HONOR. 148,017 words. 524 pages.

Writing Update

Writing update: I'm halfway through the semi-final draft of Allegiance of Honor and still adding/deleting as I go. LOTS happening in this book - there's so many connections between the characters. 

Which character would you love to see an update for??

Allegiance of Honor

...is the title of the next Psy-Changeling book. Release date: June 14, 2016

This is my ensemble cast book where everyone comes back. :) The official blurb should be finalized by the November 5th newsletter, if not sooner.

p.s. You can subscribe to the newsletter here. The Welcome newsletter contains several free short stories not yet available on the website. Any issues, email Ashwini: naliniDOTassistantATgmailDOTcom

Google Hangout Recording

I did a Google Hangout as part of the Gollancz Festival this weekend, answering lots of reader questions about all three series. Here's the recording! I hope you enjoy. :) p.s. I read out the question before I answer it, so you can skip anything that is a spoiler for you.

Newsy Stuff

Thank you for an amazing release week for Archangel's Enigma! I'm so glad you're enjoying Naasir and Andi's story. I had so much fun hanging out with these two (and the rest of the cast).

Before I share all the other news, don't forget to swing by the blog around 10am EST/September 8th. (That's Tues 3pm/London, 4pm/Berlin, midnight Tues/Wed Sydney, Wed 2am/NZ). I'll be posting the moody, gorgeous cover of Rock Redemption.

If you'd like to read an early review of Noah and Kit's story, reviewer Marilina shared this Goodreads review with me today.

This week, I'm finishing up the "secret" Psy-Changeling anthology I mentioned in this future of the Psy-Changeling series post. If you'd like to try to figure out what the final novella is about without first reading that post, check out this Instagram post I did.

As I said in the linked blog post, I didn't want to schedule the anthology until it was complete or close to complete, so I've only just recently spoken to my editor about it. More news to come, but it looks like it'll be releasing in the second half of 2016, so you'll get a bonus Psy-Changeling release next year. :-)

I'm also working on Psy-Changeling #15, my ensemble cast, family-focused book. (It's tougher than it sounds!!)

And, because I can't help myself, I'm also making notes for the next Rock book as well.

I hope you're all having an awesome start to the week. :-)

Catchup and Friday Book Club

Wow, it's Friday again already! How did that happen?!

I'm off to have a hot chocolate with Ashwini and a good friend this morning, then it's back into Psy-Changeling #15. If you missed this month's newsletter, Psy-Changeling #15 will feature an ensemble cast and be a book about family, whether that family is related by blood, by loyalty, or myriad other bonds.

While I was traveling, I made my way through Ramez Naam's Nexus trilogy. This is science fiction (no romance), and I found the concepts within it both fascinating and thought-provoking. Plus, it's a great action story.

My current read is an early copy of JD Robb's Devoted in Death (out Sep 15th). It's awesome as always.

Okay, your turn! What are you reading and loving this week?

Bright, Sunshiney, Wintery New Zealand

I'm back home and catching up on emails. Hoping to dive back into the next Psy-Changeling book this afternoon (woohoo!).

Also, a reminder that the next newsletter will go out August 12th (13th if you're in my timezone). Not sure what I'll be sneaking in there but you know there's always something. wink emoticon If you're not yet a member, you can join up on my website. Any issues, let Ashwini know: naliniDOTassistantATgmailDOTcom

News, Covers, Excerpts...

I've shared a lot of things over the past couple of weeks, and I thought it might be a good time to do a roundup of all of it so if you missed something, you can click back to read.

First though, I have some amazing news!

Shield of Winter has been chosen as one of the Best Books of 2014 (Romance) by Amazon.

Rock Addiction & Shield of Winter have both been nominated in the RT Reviewer's Choice Awards. Rock Addiction is in the Indie Press Contemporary category, with Shield of Winter in the Paranormal Worldbuilding category.

Shield of Winter is also through to the semi-finals of the Goodreads Choice Awards thanks to all of you! If you'd like to continue voting for Ivy & Vasic's story, here's the link.

Onto the news roundup!!

The excerpt from Secrets at Midnight, my Psy-Changeling novella in the Night Shift anthology is now up. Release date: November 25th

I've also released an excerpt from Rock Hard, featuring an ex-rugby player turned CEO hero, and a shy heroine who doesn't really want anyone to notice her, especially not the boss she calls T-Rex. Release date: March 10th, 2015

Slave to Sensation is being re-released with an awesome new cover (see larger image here). If you love the old cover (my precious!) and want a paperback of it, grab it in the next few months, because once those go, the next printing will feature the new cover. If you want the new cover (pretty!), it should start appearing around the middle of next year (I'll let you know once my publisher confirms its printing.)

Shards of Hope, the June 2015 Psy-Changeling novel has a cover and a blurb. Follow the link to see a larger image and read the blurb! No excerpt yet because I'm still writing it. These two are making me work for it, but I expected that... I mean, two Arrows? Would any of us ever expect easy? Nope. But this story needs to be written: it's their time and I'm so excited to go on this journey with them.

Also, I've updated my What's Next for the Psy-Changeling Series post with a couple of notes about my "secret" anthology. ;-)

If I missed anything, please leave a comment!

What's Next for the Psy-Changeling Series

The short answer is: Many, many awesome things! 

More detailed answers below - there will be some general spoilerage, so if you haven't yet read Shield of Winter, then save this post to read afterward. I'll add a link to it from the front page of the website, so you can easily find it when you're ready.

Also, I'd appreciate it if you could link back to this post if other fans have questions, so everyone has the same info. Thank you!

Onto the questions that need answers! Warning, long post below.

Who is Book 14 about?

Updated 31st October 2014: Cover and blurb for book 14 now available! Follow the link to see.

Book 14 will feature Aden as the hero. I'm not ready to talk more in depth about this book yet because I've just started writing it, and I always like to get deep into a book before I share details. I feel each book has an essence, a heart that needs to be nurtured until it's ready to be held up to the light.

Also, characters have been known to surprise me. That may sound odd, since I'm the author, but my characters have very strong personalities of their own, and sometimes, they just fold their arms and say nope when I think I've got things all figured out.

So give me a little time. In the meanwhile....

Bastien's novella, Secrets At Midnight, is coming out November 25th in the NIGHT SHIFT Anthology

I know many of you have missed the cats - with this novella, we return to the DarkRiver changelings, and specifically to the wild and wonderful Smith family. 

Mercy makes an appearance, as do her and Bastien's other brothers. The infamous "kitten-defurring" incident is recalled. We also see Lucas and Naya.

So there's lots of stuff for Psy-Changeling readers, but it's also written to stand alone, so don't worry if you're new to the series. You can use this novella as your introduction to the Psy-Changeling world without problem.

I haven't posted an excerpt yet as the release is several months away, but here's a fun snippet of Bastien being grilled by a pack elder.

"Why aren't you mated or with a long-term lover?" She poked him in the arm. "We both know you have no trouble attracting women."

The question grated against his insides. "Does no one respect my private life?"

"You're in a pack. Of course not," was the rapid response. "Now, answer me. I'm a hundred and twenty-five--I don't have time to dilly-dally."

"No one can pass Mercy's tests," he said, wanting Vera off the painful and currently maddening subject of mating. 

"Overprotective, is she?"

"If it's the right girl," he said, his leopard flexing its claws inside him, "it won't matter." Bastien might not know her name or what she looked like, nothing but her scent, but he knew his mate wouldn't be scared off. Smith mates had a way of surprising everyone.

- From Secrets At Midnight by Nalini Singh (this is from a pre-edit version of the manuscript, so it may change slightly in the final published novella).

Also, check out the awesome cover!

What happens after Book 14?

A number of readers have contacted me asking if book 14 is the end of the series. It isn't!

I think the rumor began because I've spoken about the "end of this story arc" in interviews. So what do I mean by that?

When I began the Psy-Changeling series, it was really important to me to have a coherent story arc, with a start and a satisfying end. I still deeply believe that. The only thing that has changed is that I realized as I wrote that this storyline wouldn't only have a single arc, but that the ending of the first arc would naturally be the beginning of the second. To end the series at the conclusion of this arc would leave too many avenues unexplored, too many characters with their stories untold. It would feel unfinished.

For me, a coherent story arc means a story that is moving forward with every book, heading for a critical climax. It's not standing in place. We're going on a journey, and that journey has a goal. With each arc, we have to reach that goal, have that sense of satisfaction. 

In my head, this arc is called the Silence arc. That has been the defining element of the series to date. Some people have said to me that for them, the Silence arc ended with Heart of Obsidian. I can totally see their point. So many things came to a conclusion in that book. It was a massive climax.

However, I feel that for a true conclusion to the arc, we need the "direct aftermath" books as well. The books that ask, what comes next? Shield of Winter was the first book. Aden's book will be the second, but having said that, I won't know until I finish writing it whether I can tie up all the loose ends that need to be tied up, in this book. So some storylines may be picked up in Book 15, making it the final book in the Silence arc.

Post Book 14 or 15 - or the Post-Silence story arc

I love the richness of the Psy-Changeling world, love that there are so many possibilities to explore, so many questions to answer, so many layers to peel back, and that it's peopled by so many amazing characters.

Those characters are interconnected on a deep level by myriad bonds, so even once we move away from the Silence arc, we won't be moving away from the characters we know and love.

Yes, there will be new players in the next arc, as is natural as we further explore the world, but some of those new players will end up with characters we already know, while others will link through in other ways.

For example, if I do a book on the WindHaven falcons, they're allied with DarkRiver and SnowDancer, so we'd see the cats and the wolves.

And Silence remains a major player - it may have fallen, but it casts a long shadow that will impact countless characters for years to come.

I've consistently been using "tangent" books to describe these future stories, but I've decided it still sounds too much like "spin-off" and that's not what I'm thinking. The books, characters, and storylines are too interlinked for that, with the second arc being as coherent and as connected as the first one. I think it's better and clearer to simply say we'll be opening up a new story arc, going on a new journey in this world.

Think of it like seasons of television, where a series has a strong background story/plot. We're coming to the conclusion of season one, but watch out - because something in that conclusion will lead directly into season two.

I hope that makes sense, and I hope you'll come with me into this new journey.

Who will get a story in the future?

I have so many people I want to write about! I can't list them all, because this post would be even longer than it already is, but here are just some characters I think will get either a book or a novella at some point:

The single SnowDancer lieutenants, Desiree from DarkRiver, Adam - the leader of WindHaven, one or more of the sea changelings, certain Psy characters it'd be too spoilerish to name here, Kit when he's a bit more grown up, Rina, Bowen from the Human Alliance... (and more!)

I'd also like to go back and write about some characters who appeared early on and who really need to have their stories told, like Zara, the wildcat who is a designer for DarkRiver, Finn, the poor healer who got manhandled by Nathan in Beat of Temptation, Tag and Tiara from Blaze of Memory, D'Arn and Sing-Liu - that's just the tip of my list. I don't know if they'd all get full novellas, or long short stories, but I haven't forgotten them.

Please don't worry if I didn't list your favorite character as a future story - I only mentioned a few names. There are more and some of them already have files opened for them on my computer, with notes entered. :-) 

Which leads me to my Secret Anthology...now no longer so secret. ;-)

Updated 12 December, 2015: Anthology has been scheduled for release in North America on August 23rd, 2016. International date still to come. Title: WILD EMBRACE.

--

Because I have so many characters who either need novellas or longer short stories, I've been thinking of doing another Psy-Changeling anthology. Similar to Wild Invitation, but with all-new stories.

However, since I do these shorter works around my full-length books, I can't promise you a release date right now. I don't want to schedule it and then disappoint you if I can't finish in time. I'd rather make it a nice surprise one day!

But, the good news is that I already have one novella in rough draft (it features Stefan, who was mentioned in Shield of Winter), and a couple of other things in middle stages, so I'm *hoping* I'll have it done by the end of this year.

I'll post as to how it's going soon as I have more news, or have finished another piece. I'll update this post, so you can just save this as a bookmark and come back in a couple of months to see what's happening.

Updated 12 December, 2015: 
#1 (Novella) - Stefan (Psy/Tk stationed on the deep sea station Alaris). Complete.


#2 (Novelette) - Dorian's story (exploring his growing up years, how being latent affected him, and how he became a sentinel). Complete.

#3 (Novella) - I've never before written the story of a submissive male changeling paired with a dominant female changeling, but this couple came out of nowhere and hit me hard. Complete.

#4. (Novella) - Kenji and Garnet (Jem). Complete.

When will the series end forever?

When I feel there are no more stories to be told in this world. I know everyone has their favorites, books/novellas that worked better for them than others, but as a writer, I am deeply happy with all of the entries in the series to date.

I feel each was needed, was necessary to tell part of the story, to give us a new insight into the world and its characters. I want to feel the same way about future entries, so when I come to a place where I feel the story is complete, and all the characters are in a good place, that's when I'll say good-bye.

I am nowhere close to that point, and I hope neither are you. Here's to many more journeys together into the Psy-Changeling world!

This is the end of a very, very, very long post. I hope that answers most of the burning questions. :-)