Slave to Sensation is a near perfect book.

I’ve read this four times now and every time I find new layers, nuances or insights. We‘re talking about a book with a strong romantic centre, a fascinating shapeshifter paranormal culture and an intelligent psychic-based political/economic structure that provides a futuristic SciFi aspect.

The world building is impeccable in its detail, complexity and consistency. I find it remarkable that book one of this series was Nalini Singh’s first foray into paranormal romance and yet she sets the foundation for her world in Slave to Sensation that remains consistent throughout the rest of the series.

Her world is one of the future where three groups co-exist – sometimes quite uneasily: humans, the Psy and Changelings. In fact it is the intersections between these groups that provide both the creative tension in the plots and the potential for passion and love in the face of seemingly impossible odds.

Sascha Duncan is one of my favourite characters of all time. She’s intelligent, strategic-thinking, courageous yet also we learn that she is a well of emotional warmth and compassion, quite at odds with her Psy conditioning. And when she is matched to the Leopard pack alpha, Lucas?? Well just wait a moment while I have a glass of water to cool down! Just let me say – the pages sizzle!

Sascha watched Lucas return to the car to pick up his phone to call the SnowDancers. Protected by his turned back, she allowed herself to appreciate his sheer male beauty. He was quite simply … luscious. She’d never used that word before, had never found anyone or anything worth using it for. But Lucas Hunter definitely fit the definition.
Unlike the cold formality of the Psy men, he was playful and approachable. That only made him all the more dangerous. She’d glimpsed the predator lurking beneath the surface – Lucas might play nice but when it came time to bite, he’d go for the throat.

As well as the romantic heart of the book, there’s a very strong SciFi feel as we get to understand the Psy. The detail taken in explaining this world requires that at times the plot slows down while concepts are explored, but this adds a depth and richness that raises this from simply being a good read for a weekend to being a book that is worthy of multiple readings.

Slave to Sensation is one of my favourite books and a wonderful entre into the fresh new world of the Psy-Changelings.