ARC Review: Silver Silence by Nalini Singh.

Silver Silence
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling Trilogy
Publication: Berkley (June 13, 2017)

Description: New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh returns to her extraordinary Psy-Changeling world with a story of wild passion and darkest betrayal...

Control. Precision. Family. These are the principles that drive Silver Mercant. At a time when the fledgling Trinity Accord seeks to unite a divided world, with Silver playing a crucial role as director of a worldwide emergency response network, wildness and chaos are the last things she needs in her life. But that's exactly what Valentin Nikolaev, alpha of the StoneWater bears, brings with him.

Valentin has never met a more fascinating woman. Though Silver is ruled by Silence--her mind clear of all emotion--Valentin senses a whisper of fire around her. That's what keeps him climbing apartment buildings to be near her. But when a shadow assassin almost succeeds in poisoning Silver, the stakes become deadly serious...and Silver finds herself in the heart of a powerful bear clan.

Her would-be assassin has no idea what their poison has unleashed...

My Thoughts: This book is the first of a new trilogy that takes place after an alliance has been formed between the Psy, Changelings, and humans. It is currently a shaky alliance because the humans don't trust the Psy. They have years of memories of Psy abuse to get over. It also doesn't help because a secret group is determined to bring down the new, shaky alliance. Silver Mercant is in charge of a worldwide emergency response network and coordinates aide from all three groups. She is very busy because of both natural disasters and terroristic attacks. She is also both intrigued and bewildered by Valentin Nikolaev who is the alpha of the StoneWater bears and who is determined to court her.

Luckily, he is present when an assassination attempt is made on Silver. His quick thinking lets her survive the attack. Until her assassin can be tracked down, she takes refuge with the StoneWater clan which Valentin considers a positive step in his courtship. But Silver is Silent and believes that Silence is the only thing keeping her from going insane. Any kind of relationship with Valentin threatens her life. Unfortunately, her shields are crumbling and she sees insanity approaching.

I enjoyed this story. I liked that we had the viewpoint of the leader of the Human Alliance and the viewpoint of the terrorist who wants to bring it down along with Silver and Valentin's viewpoint. I loved the brief glimpses of some favorite characters from earlier books in the Psy-Changeling series. And I loved getting to know the bears. Wolves and cats are great, but ... bears! This book had great romance, some humor, and lots of intrigue.

Favorite Quote:

A glance up, Ena’s expression impossible to read. “Brash and astute. An unexpected combination.”

Valentin shrugged. “Element of surprise.” Many people took the bear‑ish approach to life as evidence that bears were dense and unintelligent. Bears made no effort whatsoever to dissuade the idiots.

I got this one in exchange for an honest review from Penguin's First to Read program. You can buy your copy here.