Ocean Light (Psy-Changeling Trinity, #2)

by Nalini Singh

[Berls]

I have mixed feelings about Ocean Light. I definitely enjoyed it, but there were some things that really bothered me too. I'm actually writing this review to figure out what my rating is lol. I buddy read with Anne and she gave it 4.5 hearts/stars.

I was very excited to be learning more about the Water Changelings. And the majority of this book was in this sea station where quite a few live, so we go to see them up close and personal, after they've been a mystery for so long. And I was thrilled when reading the description to see that Bowen (Bo) was alive, because I thought he wasn't going to make it as of last book.

I really like Bo - have for some time. He's made some big mistakes, but he's not above admitting and learning from his mistakes. And, as we get to see more clearly in this book, he has very good reasons for his missteps and prejudices. Fear is a very powerful force! He shows a lot of growth in this book and some of the developments have me very eager to see where things will go as the series progresses.

And I quickly grew to love Kaia. She has such a big, generous heart. She cares so much for her people and that love shows in all the little things she does. I really think, were she a Psy, she'd be an empath. Pairing her with Bo makes a lot of sense, because he's not so very different from the deadly Arrows who are also finding so much solace in their empaths.

So lots of positives - but a few flaws that really tripped me up. It's a Paranormal Romance and I get that the romance can come on strong and fast - but this was Insta Love like I haven't seen in this series before (that I can recall). Their first kiss came out of NOWHERE. I didn't see it coming. It really caught me off guard; I was like wth? And their relationship developed with similar breakneck, out of nowhere speed. My one reason for kinda getting it -- Bo is living on a ticking clock and I can see that pushing them along faster than they normally would have allowed. Maybe.

The other thing is the way one plot piece was solved. It was far too easy. I can't explain without spoiling, but there was a 5% chance and the only obstacle ended up being external and unrelated? Really?! Call me skeptical.

But then there were some very marvelous plot points. I actually cried at one point. It was just so heartbreaking some of the things that have been happening to the water changelings. And I'm very excited for some of the resolution those tears may have brought.

So ultimately... I think I'm deciding on 4 stars for this book. Lots of greatness, and a little bit of irk.

Angela Dawe's narration was impeccable, as always. Very much looking forward to continuing to listen to this series.