Interesting review. May I ask some questions? I've been low-key avoiding Singh because most of the reviews on her pnr I've seen either rave about the romance or are kinda apologetic for the problematic bits, but I'm really curious, because it's evident her books are liked, and the mythical side of it really appeals to me. And now I come to this review and it's really articulate, so now I REALLY want to try her so... big introduction done, where would you recommend I start? Would Silver Silence work as a starting point, or do I need the background of previous novels? Would it be worth it?
Singh is kinda weird for me. I tried her Guild Hunter series, and I gave up after 3 1/2 because I hated them so much. The world was not interesting to me at all, and I found the romances repellant. She fetishizes possessiveness and domineering alpha dudes in ways I don't think are entirely healthy. Sometimes even in family relationships, not just romantic ones.
That said! I think you might be able to pick up Silver Silence without reading the others, and the alpha asshole stuff is definitely dialed back in that one, because bear changelings are pretty happy go lucky. Of course you won't have all the backstory, but I'm not sure it'll matter; shes working off of pretty standard PNR tropes i/r/t shifters. I think all of the books have an intro with world history, such as it is. Shield of Winter might not be a bad introduction either, as it deals with two Psy. Whether it's worth it? As usual, your mileage may vary. One of my very grouchy friends dug this series on my rec, but you never know.
"She fetishizes possessiveness and domineering alpha dudes in ways I don't think are entirely healthy."
Excatly the issues I'm trying to avoid. Will start on either of those, then. Thanks!
Best of luck! I know I always feel weird when I can't get into a series that everyone seems to love, but I totally get why someone would cry off Singh's romances.
That said! I think you might be able to pick up Silver Silence without reading the others, and the alpha asshole stuff is definitely dialed back in that one, because bear changelings are pretty happy go lucky. Of course you won't have all the backstory, but I'm not sure it'll matter; shes working off of pretty standard PNR tropes i/r/t shifters. I think all of the books have an intro with world history, such as it is. Shield of Winter might not be a bad introduction either, as it deals with two Psy. Whether it's worth it? As usual, your mileage may vary. One of my very grouchy friends dug this series on my rec, but you never know.
Excatly the issues I'm trying to avoid. Will start on either of those, then. Thanks!