• Heart of Obsidian

  • Psy-Changeling, Book 12
  • By: Nalini Singh
  • Narrated by: Angela Dawe
  • Length: 13 hrs and 8 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,813 ratings)

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Heart of Obsidian

By: Nalini Singh
Narrated by: Angela Dawe
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Publisher's summary

In 2006, Nalini Singh introduced the beguiling and sensual Psy-Changeling world in Slave to Sensation, which spawned a series that has had readers and critics cheering. Throughout the incredible 11-book run there has been one question that has tantalized Nalini's legion of fans. Now, in the eagerly awaited 12th book in the series, Nalini Singh finally reveals the answer to the biggest Psy-Changeling mystery - an answer so surprising we wouldn't dare spoil it. Even if we knew.

©2013 Nalini Singh (P)2013 Tantor

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What listeners say about Heart of Obsidian

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing read, but be warned...

What did you like best about this story?

This book contains the three elements that are always the key to a good read, in my opinion;

First, dynamic characters. Though due to the nature of Kaleb and Sahara's backstories, it takes a while to get to know them well enough to be truly invested in their happily ever after. Especially Kaleb, because with his past, and his motivations shrouded in mystery, he comes across as a morally ambivalent (at best!) character for most of the book.

Second, an intricate plot. Singh introduced Sahara's abduction waaaaaay back in Visions of Heat, but the mention was so brief you would almost certainly miss it. Is it possible she has been planning this storyline for several years? She has definitely been developing the mystery around Kaleb for the last few books. And even as far as halfway through the novel I was still not quite sure what-all was going on--a nice change from so many books where everything is laid out in the first three chapters and you spend the rest of the book just waiting for the characters to figure it out.

Third, an amazingly complex, evolving world to provide backstory, conflict and infinite possibilities. Without crossing the line into providing so many details as to be overwhelming, Singh has created a futuristic world to serve as a backdrop for this series that is vibrant, fascinating and unforgettable.

Have you listened to any of Angela Dawe’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

AD is a fantastic narrator. She has narrated the entire series and has kept her voices and character interpretations consistent throughout. Her pacing is good, and she dramatizes dialogue without overacting, which is always appreciated!

Any additional comments?

This is a fantastic book, worthy of Singh's talent and the grand scope of this series. However, be warned; do not read this book if you are only going to be able to lend it half an ear--you really need to concentrate, because the story moves quickly and there is a lot going on in every chapter. I tried to listen while grading my students' math tests and finally had to give up and rewind because I kept missing things!

Also, this story is not a light-hearted romantic comfort read. It is quite dark in places, as both protagonists have tortured pasts which effect them on every level. This novel is also distinctly short of those cute, amusing, funny pack interactions we are so used to enjoying in many of the other Psy-Changeling books. Be warned! You'll love the story,but this is definitely not the book to start if you're in the mood for a fluffy summer romance.

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28 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Another great Psy Book

I've listened to all of the Psy-Books and I've loved them all. I've been waiting for this story from the beginning and I loved hearing the story. I don't want to give away any spoliers but if your like me and have followed the previous stories then your going to be very pleased with this book. I think if you are unfamiliar with this series that you need to start from book 1 because this book is not a stand alone book. Allot of questions are answered in this book but it also leaves more room for many more great books for this series. This is a creditworthy purchase as are all the books in this series. In my opinion this is one of the best paranormal series out there.

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11 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Highly Anticipated

If you're not a fan of the series, this probably isn't the book to start with. It is, however, a wonderful series, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone who loves smart paranormal romance. Nalini Singh has created a complex paranormal world, each featuring a romantic couple, but with an ongoing back story and a world of such complexity that to understand it properly one needs to follow the series in order. Start with Slave to Sensation. You won't be disappointed.

I read book related blogs and book websites often, This book has been possibly the most highly anticipated book so far this year among paranormal fans. The identity of the main characters were kept secret until the release, only adding to the suspense. The lead male character is someone Psy-changling readers have been following with interest for quite a few books now, but his motives always seemed a bit opaque. Now we find out his motives and what drove him in past actions. Nalini Singh's genius really shows here, as she ties together a story line arc that has been ongoing through the eleven previous books. She pulls the threads together in a intricate weave and she does it with a fluidity that suggests she's been planning this story for a very long time.

Now, the big question is, did it live up to the hype? For me, it most certainly did. It was not an easy read. I admit to having to rewind quite a few times to listen again to a section where I didn't quite get the gist of what was happening, but that was a small price to pay. In the end, it was a glorious read, and a huge story line arc was tied up neatly.

Angela Dawe, if I'm not mistaken, has read all of the Psy-changling series, and she is amazing. The consistent narration definitely helped the series thrive, particularly since she's one of the best narrators out there, and I can't imagine anyone doing it better. She's a true professional, and it shows.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

My favorite of all the Psy-Changeling books

Would you listen to Heart of Obsidian again? Why?

I have listened to this book too many times to admit.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Poor murderous Kaleb, how my heart broke for you. I thought his history with Sahara was wonderful. His actions spoke so much regarding: Sahara, Judd & the priest, the net, the world, etc.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Whenever Kaleb confessed to Sahara (about anything & everything.)

Any additional comments?

Do not start the series with this book. You should not read these books out of order. There is a huge story arc spanning many books and you will spoil it for yourself if you don't begin with the first book.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

You really are a genius, Nalini

If you've lasted up to this point oblivious to whom this book is about, I urge you to look away, now.

I won't give away the identity of the ghost or the identity of the main girl, but I do say who the main male is in this story.

Book after book fans have speculated as to the true motives of Kaleb Krycheck. Young, lethal, and ambitious he swept through the pages with strength and power deadly to any in opposition. His intelligence combined with his dual cardinal abilities, physical strength, and meticulous patience makes him a dangerous force. He can level the world with just a thought. The story unfolds in the most beautiful and heartbreaking way. Weaving in and out of a broken mind to mend pieces together to tell a tale of young love and the devotion only someone with the will and fortitude of a man on a mission can display. Kaleb is so much more than the minute glimpses of his character we have seen throughout the series. Underneath the cool and calculated facade lies a tortured soul searching for the only salve that has been his focal point, a woman he's spent years searching for and once he finds her, he will lay waste to the lands if they every take her from him again.

This is the 12th book in this phenomenal series and it absolutely blew my mind...and my heart right out of their designated spaces from within my body. A lot has happened throughout the series and when we get to this point we have already seen camaraderie across the species while they work together to fight off the threats from the Pure Psy group. The conflict carries over into this tale with the enemy desperate in their attempts making them even more dangerous and destructive. Additionally there is something corrupting the NetMind threatening the entire psy race that is linked to it. Kaleb is at the focal point of all this chaos being the only one strong enough to stabilize the NetMind in the capacity that is needed and powerful and connected enough to fight Pure Psy’s deadly ploys.

As a fan of the series (it is one of the best PNR series out there), I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Even after how many books in the series, Nalini still manages to write a unique tale of romance and love with the elements of paranormal equally interesting. My only negative comment is the revelation of the ghost. It was rather uneventful, although it could've been because I sort of knew who the ghost was by process of elimination.


Narrator: Angela Dawe
Performance 5/5
Speed: 1.25X
I love that the same narrator has read for all of the books in the series. It keeps the story consistent especially since I have listened to all of the books in this series. Dawe does a great job with character distinction and pace of the narration.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Even Darkness Can Brought Into the Light

I loved this emotional and wonderful love story of a man trapped in darkness and his light. Kaleb and Sahara’s story is brought to full life with Angela Dawe’s performance. Totally loved it and recommend it.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Simply magnificent

Nalini Singh is a master at bringing two people together in the most darkly, beautiful ways. With this book, the story is so far removed from the entire world. So isolated. You don't see, or hear, much of anyone else. It's just him and her while the whole world is falling down around them. The setting beautifully emulates their feelings toward each other. The simplicity made the perfect setting. It's so beautiful; I never felt like anything more was needed. I won't spoil anything for anyone. If you're even a teensy bit of a Psy/Changeling fan - this is a must read.

I just love this book so much. It's a masterpiece. The darkest love story I have come across and it's just perfect. Truly amazing!

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

DIVINE! The best so far!!

This is the best of the series. I had originally had planned to wait and use my credits to get this book (the book came out the 4th and my credits on the 6th), that plan lasted until the morning of the book release and I was like "I can't wait." It was the best decision of my life. I couldn't stop listening!! It had me on the edge of my seat the whole time.

although in this book Nalini does go from one character's point of view to another's with no time to adjust that you are seeing the world through another's eyes.Other than that small draw back this book was divine! And I have every intention on re-reading this book time and time again. In fact I'm on my second go-a-round and it gets better with every listen.

I'm not going to tell any of the potential listeners what the book is about (that frustrated me that I didn't know what the book was about, but it made the book that much more enjoyable for me), so all I can say is get the book and you will know why I can't say ANYTHING about the book in this review. It is just that good.

This is one book you won't be disappointed in reading!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Dark turns to light gray as the new leader emerges

I was surprised and captivated by the characters and the story. I now adore the leader that emerged - which is a complete turn-around from the way I viewed him in earlier books, and I was completely surprised by the ghost's identity. I will listen to Heart of Obsidian again.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Best of Series?

Caleb's story has been inevitable, and I couldn't wait to read it.
A little heavier than some of the other books- and similar in places to other storylines, but this one is just, plain different and more intriguing than the others, and I've read all but last two and novellas. A little twist of a surprise at end that I loved as well.
If I had to choose a favorite, this would be it. Though not sure would understand it unless you progress through series from beginning.

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