Last Guard is an emotional tsunami that hits you hard in all the feels when two lost souls deemed imperfect by their race come together to save the world and in turn, fall in love and save themselves. Overflowing with love, laughter, and inteigue, fans will devour this lastest installemnt in Singh's Pasy-Changling series.

An anchor book! How exciting. In this book, we meet Canto Mercant, cousin to Silver and Arwen, and Payal Rao, Tk, anchor, and CEO of her family’s corporation. So we’ve got two busy Psy who are just going to add a lot more work to their plates with Canto’s request for Payal to represent the anchors on the new council, as they are essential to the rebuilding going on in the Psy-Changeling world.
Like the F-Psy, the anchors have various health issues - physical and mental - due to the impact it takes on their bodies. We were previously introduced to an anchor character in Sophia Russo, but her situation was different and she is predominantly a J-Psy, so Last Guard delves into the ramifications of being an anchor, a designation not determined until later in childhood.
The contrast of family is very strong between the M/Cs; Payal’s is a restrictive, competitive nightmare, and she can’t trust her father or brother as they will kill her with the slightest chance. Canto was to be raised by his father’s family but after a series of horrifying events (child trauma), the Mercants took him back and raised him in a stable and (by Psy standards) loving environment. I loved Payal’s blunt responses and Canto’s tenderness.
I’m always amazed by Nalini Singh’s worldbuilding, and how different facets of the world are unveiled in each book. We learn so much more once again with both the anchors and the settings of Delhi and outside of Moscow (yes, bears!)

When I found out that one of my FAVORITE people in the world shared a love of Nalini Singh and her books with me, I knew I had to ask her to buddy read with me and write a guest review! If you follow me on Instagram, you’re most likely familiar with my friend Jessica (@ireadtorelax). Below is her guest review of Last Guard, which we both absolutely loved. If you aren’t obsessed with Nalini Singh and her books, you’re definitely missing out!

While each book in the series can be read alone, when read in order there is a larger story that builds fleshing out the amazingly imagined alternate world where shifters, Psy (those with psychic abilities) and humans coexist. In Last Guard, we continue to learn that the PsyNet, a mental network that connects all psy is dying, and if it ceases to exist, so will they. Our main characters, Canto Mercant and Payal Rao, are two of the most powerful anchors, psy who maintain the substrate layer that the PsyNet relies upon for a base, in Asia and they have come together to represent “designation A” in the worldwide discussions about healing the PsyNet.


When Canto and Payal meet to discuss the substrate, they realize they’ve met before; as children they were both sent to an abusive school for “defective” psy children. Canto, who is physically impaired and now relies on a custom wheelchair, was saved from almost being murdered by a teacher by a then ferocious and brave Payal. Their shared trauma created a deep bond, though they only knew each other as 3K and 7J for the briefest time.
Now, as adults, Canto and Payal struggle to work together. Though they are fiercely attracted to one another, each has deep emotional scars from their abandonment and abuse as children. Their trust in each other builds to unwavering loyalty and fierce love. And their bond begins to reveal new connections to and within the substrate, something that may just save them all.


Oh, how do I love this series. Every time I think Nalini Singh couldn’t possibly make me as fully invested in one of her romantic pairs as she did in previous books, I am proven solidly wrong. Singh is truly a master of paranormal romance. I have laughed, I have cried, I have smiled while tears rolled silently down my cheeks. This book was no exception. Canto and Payal broke my heart into teeny pieces and then glued it back together again.
My absolute favorite part was that their story intertwined with tidbits about Canto’s cousin, Silver Mercant, her mate and the Russian StoneWater Clan bears from the first book in the series, Silver Silence. I adore that book and it was so amazing to hear more about those beloved characters.

This book is now one of my favorites in a series that stands at the top already. The characters, Canto and Payal, own my heart. Each are wonderful alone but together they are magnificent. I loved revisiting the Psy Changeling world and am enjoying the the brilliance that comes with a Nalini book. The Psy Net and its workings is fascinating but this look into the fixing of the Net Mind is incredible. Five stars and give me more! The only thing I hate is the wait between books.

I am always amazed at the world-building in Nalini Singh's books! Last Guard has two more characters to fall in love with as we learn more about how the Psy-Changeling world is evolving since Silence has fallen.

The mysterious Mercant family is featured in this latest installment of the fabulous Psy-Changeling Trinity series. This time, Canto, one of Silver's family members is up front and center. Canto is a bit different than almost all Psy. He is physically not perfect. In fact, he is in a wheelchair. This is unusual but what is even more unusual is his specific psychic power. I read this book in one sitting. Then I proceeded to read my favourite parts over again.

This book moved me because I fell in loved with the characters. I am not sure how Ms. Singh is able to create such different characters yet with the consistent thread of trauma. The trauma both physical and psychological are all diabolical and cruel. I cried for both Canto and Payal. The childhood they lost due to their designation is heartbreaking.

These two new characters help build out this world even better and explains how the Net is going to heal. I love this new designation and how Ms. Singh introduces it and shows the history of how this designation is hidden and why. There are some who rail at this new book because they demand for other secondary characters from previous books to receive their love story. I'm not sure where people believe that secondary characters must receive their own novel because that is not a steadfast rule. I instead like how the author takes us on a beautiful journey through the world they have created with characters of their choosing.

The richness in emotion, culture and empathy of this story is almost overwhelming. There are several times whilst reading this tale that found tears slipped down my cheek. Ms. Singh lays bare the soul of two individuals who have suffered so much and yet risen against every challenge. I loved seeing how the two families - Mercant and Rao differ from each other. I try to make glaring stereotypes, but I find it interesting that Rao is a patriarchy and Mercant is a matriarchy. Not that it means much because it has been flipped around several times in this universe. Both men and women can be unbelievably ruthless.

Some of the scenes in this story are so painful yet cathartic that I feel as if they are burned in my memory. Ms. Singh creates a dark world of danger and lethal punishments for helpless children. She gives only a sliver of hope through a little glimmer of rebellion. This carries through to a world of where damaged children can either bring the world down or build it back up because they know what it is like to be broken. It is all about choices. Love it! This paranormal romance is highly recommended to readers who love characters who fight to overcome all adversity and succeed.

I have to be totally honest here; I have tried to write this post at least half a dozen times, and it keeps spinning out of control. To explain why, I have to show you something—

[IMAGE APPEARS IN ORIGINAL POST]

That’s the tattoo I got a couple of years ago with my best friend, who still lives back home in Australia. It might seem out of place here, but allow me to explain… It’s a tribute to books that my bestie and I share a total, and somewhat obsessive, love for. Those books? The Guild Hunter and the Psy-Changeling series by Nalini Singh.

The latter of which Last Guard, the book I am going to be talking about today, is a part. In a way. I’ll come back to that.

But first, let me make sure I am being completely clear: I love Nalini Singh’s books so much, I tattooed a reference to them on my body. (FYI: The blue angel wings represent Illium from the Guild Hunter books, while the wolf and “pack” refer to the Psy-Changeling series.) I even put it in a really obvious place — my right wrist — when my previous tats were all easily hidden by my clothing, because I want people to ask me about it. I want to tell them that years ago, my best friend told me about a series of vampire/angel books called Guild Hunter she loved and thought I would also enjoy. And that her recommendation led to the most epic of binge-reads, one that’s become an annual occurrence.

So, when I say this post kept spinning out of control, it’s because I could quite literally talk about Nalini’s books endlessly. (Side note: like how I call her Nalini, like we’re buds? In my mind, we are. Forgive me.) All my previous attempts at writing about Last Guard have gone off on random tangents that range from a discourse on the diversity in both the Guild Hunter and Psy-Changeling universes, to a flaily-armed love letter to the author, to a VERY SERIOUS post about the state of the world and how it’s reflected in the events of the Psy-Changeling series. None of which are so bad, I’d be ashamed to share them. But they also didn’t get straight to the heart of Last Guard, which is what this post is supposed to be all about. So, buckle up and let’s (finally) get started, shall we?

For those unfamiliar with the Psy-Changeling series, it spans 15 books and then spins off into the Psy-Changeling Trinity series, into which Last Guard falls. It’s the fifth book, and since I am already being honest, let me just say that I don’t think you could pick up this book and start reading without a good deal of confusion. Then again, I don’t think I could bear it if someone dived into this series without experiencing the absolute excellence that is Silver Silence, the first Psy-Changeling Trinity book. (We probably need a separate post for me to extol the virtues of Valentin and Silver and the bears, which I will happily write with the smallest amount of encouragement.) And if you read Silver Silence, then it only makes sense to enjoy the three that came between it and Last Guard.

And hey, while we are talking about going back and reading books to get the absolute most out of Last Guard, it would be really smart (and hella enjoyable, believe me) to go allllllll the way back to Slave to Sensation, which kicked off this series in the late 00s. After all, if Psy-Changeling Trinity is a spin-off of Psy-Changeling, it stands to reason that you need to read those books too, right?

Okay, this might just be me trying to recruit new readers to one of my all-time favorite series, so I have new people to talk to about Lucas and Hawke and Mercy and Indigo and (insert any number of characters, big and small, here). But whatever, the point is, Last Guard was always going to be most appreciated by those who have read all the books that came before it, because the world building is a thing of beauty and finding all the connections and references and pay-offs is part of its appeal. Yes, it’s a 20-book commitment before you even start, but hey, it was an 11-book commitment for me when I started and look at me now! Proudly tatted-up and failing/flailing while writing about it. #ItsAllGood.

Let me get this back on track before this train of thought ruins another perfectly acceptable article. Last Guard is probably not a standalone book; in fact, it’s almost certainly not. But it is a great example of why investing your time and money into this series (if you haven’t already) is a fan-freaking-tastic idea. It’s also a great indication that, for readers like me who have been with this series for years, Nalini has so much more to offer us. The story follows two Psy, Payal Rao and Canto Mercant, who are navigating a post-Silence world. Both are damaged by their pasts. Both have uncertain futures. And they share a dark connection that made me want to cry.

You know, I’m beginning to think I’m a bigger softie than I ever gave myself credit for, especially since I re-read Slave to Sensation this past weekend for what’s probably the seventh time and I still had to fight back the tears. I know what happens, why do I still cry?! Regardless, the way Payal and Canto’s past is presented caused an ache in my (soft) heart that made me want to reach into the pages of the book and console them. But that past also served another purpose than merely making them seem sympathetic.

It proved, as the Psy-Changeling series has many times in the past, that romance protagonists don’t have to be perfect. Not physically, not psychically, not in any way—except for each other, of course. Because the world they exist in isn’t perfect. Flawed is the name of game when it comes to this series (and if you have read Slave to Sensation, then you know what I mean). But the flaws in the writing are few and far between. Getting back to the total honesty thing, I truly can’t remember once thinking I didn’t like something that happened in this book. I was enthralled from page one to the very end, and that enthrallment continues even now.

The reason why is simple enough: Last Guard serves as a new piece in an ongoing puzzle. It propels some parts of the overarching storyline along, introducing new problems while solving others, and rewards loyal readers with cameos from characters that may not have been spotted for several books. It’s always nice to see what old favorites are up to, how the changes that we’ve seen have impacted their lives and their loves.

Despite all the action, all the aching glimpses into the past and the uncertainty that permeates the pages, Last Guard is a comforting read. It has veins of humor (because bears) and heart, it reminds that family is what you make it, that loyalty is earned not stolen, that things can be awful, terrible, no-good, very bad, and hope still exists. And in the world we’re currently living in, it’s kind of nice to know that.

Yes, it’s fictional. But the message is not. Even when it seems all is lost, a light remains to give us hope, to anchor us as we navigate the unknown. Nalini Singh presents that message in a book that left me not only happy and satisfied, but also absolutely desperate for the next book in series and ready to launch my annual re-read of the entire series (yes, all 19 books that came before this one, plus the short stories and anthologies, to which you can find a reading order HERE), so that I could start my re-read of Last Guard itself.

After all, I don’t consider a Nalini book read until it’s been read at least twice. And apparently, I also don’t consider a post about her written until I’ve done it at least half a dozen times… Who knew?

Absolutely wonderful! I loved every moment of the story, especially learning more about the elemental parts of the Psy Net structure.
It was interesting to have a disabled hero. I cannot speak to the representation as I am able bodied and my disability is invisible. I liked that his disability was not a major part of the story, but I wondered if he would not think about it once in a while.
Overall, another great addition to the series and one I know I will return to again and again.

Since I absolutely adore Nalini Singh's book, I would have to say I am a bit biased, but this installment in the Psy-Changeling series is a solid 4 stars for me. Thanks to a lot of info dumping throughout the novel, there were a few slow parts during the plot, that kind of bogged things down for me, but the information was still important to the series.

All of the new characters were fabulous additions to a very large ensemble cast, and if you are a long time reader, various characters from past books make cameo's in this one, so there's a little something to look forward to. Also, this book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, so I am very excited to see what Singh has in store for us next with this series.

While I do think this one is a bit slow to get going (the first ~20% felt rather info-dumpy since these were characters/character groups we haven't seen as much of before), this combined the things I loved about Slave to Sensation with the plot type of my favorite book in the series, Heart of Obsidian, so.... I mean, sold. I had a great time with this one, and I appreciate how it explored themes around trauma and abledness. Luckily I'm in the middle of my big reread for the podcast (Changeling Cast, if you're not listening ;)), so I won't have my yearly withdrawal while I wait for the next installment

CW: violence against children

Absolutely love this series and this book does not disappoint! Great characters and a compelling story. Can’t wait for the next entry!

The designation ‘A’—Nalini Singh’s most overlooked Psy—finally get their chance in the spotlight with ‘Last Guard’, as Singh turns the focus onto what the Anchors do and what afflicts them, starting off with Payal Rao and Canto Mercant’s story.

Both Payal and Canto aren’t familiar characters at all, but represent a step further into this massive world that Singh has built (and is burrowing into still) as they were held brutally together as children, then reunited by chance at the very beginning. As Anchor-psy, they help hold up their own feedback network helping all Psy to survive post-Silence, but Psy-Net is always doing funny things in a cyclical cause/effect when it comes to the very people holding it up just as the ’net sustains them. Payal/Canto cautiously wade into this complicated mess and find each other once again, all the while dealing with unknown shifts and unseen enemies that lurk in the darkest corners.

Psy-characters are always hard to read ‘around’, so to speak, given their hard, distant and emotionless surfaces that Singh exploits to the fullest, which means they aren’t also the most likeable sort of characters. If I was initially excited about the bond that Payal/Canto had as children, their first interaction left me more bewildered than excited as they ping their own hard exteriors off each other while discussing the situation surrounding the anchors.

‘Last Guard’ was unfortunately, a more or less lukewarm read that doesn’t count my favourites in this series. From a storytelling POV, it’s a solid offering, though somewhat drier than others, which made it harder to keep my nose in the pages despite Singh’s thorough and creative exploration of anchors. Point is, if you like the ‘technical’ aspects of the PsyNet—and it’s delving deep into the Psy-part of the universe here—, then this is the book to go for. What it isn’t however, is the more straight-up, earthy romance and pairings of the first ’series’ of the Psy-changeling universe that first enraptured me, and that’s really the wilder and more windblown aspect I find myself missing the further along we go.

LAST GUARD has officially become my favorite Psy/Psy book and I know will be one I reread often. I'm not only blessed to have received an early copy, but truly blessed to watch Nalini's talent soar.
A beautiful, thrilling, and soul-aching book, I cannot wait to read again.

Another winning entry in the Psy Changeling universe! This was a wonderful second chance romance featuring two childhood trauma and abuse survivors. The romance seemed a little fast to me given that Psy have only recently embraced emotions and that both Payal and Canto have hidden their pasts and themselves from the world but I think it worked overall. Readers have had glimpses of the Psynet anchors in previous books (Sophia in Bonds of Justice for instance) but this book really brings them into focus and give much more detail on the Psynet and how it functions. I enjoyed the interactions Canto has with the bears (I love the bears!) and the glimpses we get of Pavel and Arwen's relationship. Singh also gives us small glimpses of Kaleb and how he has grown emotionally (even if he'd never admit it).

4.5 Hearts
SJ, Romance Junkies

NYT Bestselling author Nalini Singh adds to her Psy-Changeling Trinity series with LAST GUARD, a compelling romance between two Psy who aren't as cold and unfeeling as many would think.

Payal Rao is a cardinal telekinetic and CEO of her family's business worth millions, stationed in Delhi, India. But she's also an Anchor—a Psy designation that is holding the PsyNet together.

Canto Mercant is a cardinal telepath and anchor as well. He's extremely powerful but is considered imperfect because of his reliance on a wheelchair to get around. But being part of the Mercant family means he's loyal to those he considers his, and with ties through that family to bear changelings in Russia, he's got more than his share of feelings to deal with on a daily basis. There's nothing cold or silent about Canto.

What follows is an emotional roller coaster between Payal and Canto, who have a history that brings them close together, while also keeping them apart because they so deeply understand what the other needs.

The romance that blossoms between the pair is absolutely lovely, but the psy speak for what happens in the PsyNet and how the two connected on the psychic plane and with other anchors at times got a bit confusing and convoluted. 

Many members of the changeling and Psy worlds make appearances in this book, and their appearance is a welcome reminder of how richly Singh has woven threads in her worlds. Terrific world-building that continues to grow with likeable characters and a romance you will root for.

This book is best read as part of the series, as newcomers will probably be confused by what's happening. But a must-read for the many Psy-Changeling fans out there. A wonderful addition to this addictive series.

The Last Guard reminds me so much of Sahara and Kaleb's story. Canto and Payal met when they were young and had to fight against monsters together. Nalini gives us a closer look at the Mercant's family structure which I enjoyed immensely. It is nice to see the growth of old characters and the introduction to new ones. It was interesting to see a Psych that was not physically perfect. Though Canto is limited in physically abilities one does not notice in the story. HIs character is brash, direct and strong. Payal I feel is the Kaleb in this relationship. Canto is her calm and her anchor. Pun intended. Nalini has pushed the plot along leaving us wanting to know who is this Architect and what the hell is going to happen to the Net. A great and satisfying installment.

Canto Mercant, joined the family late and learned the value of family and loyalty the hard way. Thrown away by his father because of his "imperfections" and especially the one that he can't hide, his spinal injury. In addition to his work as an anchor he also is the Mercant family's intel chief. It's these two roles that lead him to Payal Rao. She is the perfect Psy: cardinal telekinetic, CEO of a major conglomerate, beautiful—and emotionless.

Canto and Payal must use their pasts to help ensure that the Psy have a future. Because the very foundation of the PsyNet is fracturing. And that destruction, if not stopped will collapse and kill the entire Psy race with it.

Why I started this book: Netgalley sent me an ARC in exchange for my review, and I dropped everything and pick up this book.

Why I finished it: Singh is one of my top favorite authors and I am always eager to return to her worlds and characters. Every time I declare a favorite, she introduces a new character or reveals hidden facets that bring even more depth and delight to her worlds. I'm currently in love with Bears, and the Merchant family. I'm tickled pink that they are tied together, and can't wait to share this with other readers.

Wonderful as usual, Singh rarely ever disappoints. The general relationship plot and paving was pretty much one we’ve seen replicated in this series before, very similar in some ways to the Obsidian and the Aeden books but the characters were different enough it still satisfied. The world building continued to be developed in interesting ways. I love to see Singh starting to stretch her characterizations in recent years and start to explore characters of different physical abilities, neurodivergence, gender identity and sexuality. Though I hope we get main characters of different specialities and gender identities soon as so far there’s been only side characters. Still it’s good to see some growth there and I hope for more. I’m somewhat disappointed because I thought we were soon to get our first Singh m/m story but side story in this novel seems to indicate those characters may not get their own story. Perhaps the author isn’t ready or comfortable to tell a full length novel story that’s not between two straight cishet characters yet but I hope that changes. Starting to get sick of waiting for some payoff to other storylines that were introduced, Nakita snd Anthony and the wolves introduced in Aeden’s story. Plus we met so many bears and haven’t gotten to reconnect with them yet. I think the series is slightly losing its tightness as the world expands. The initial series arc was more tightly contained with two main groups, dark river and snow dancer snd then the E’s and Arrows so we got Introuced to side characters who quickly got their orb stories. It created a warm community feel. Now the world is expanding so much that each book feels extremely disconnected from the previous, I’m losing some if that community feel and miss it. Nevertheless the series continues to be enjoyable and this book was good too.

Having recently re-read the first three books of this series I realize that Singh is playing a very long game.. I loved the new characters, major and minor. Hopefully we'll hear more about them in the future. Nice representations of disability, neuroatypicality, and gender neutral folks. She' seems to have closed out Act 2 of the series, setting us up for the next couple of years to develop Act 3.

Last Guard reminded me of bit of HEART OF OBSIDIAN. Similar to Kaleb, Payal was such an interesting character. Disciplined and cold on the outside, but broken on the inside. Her demeanour was fascinating. And she is probable the most distinctive character in this new series of books. And her relationship with Canto was romantic, deeply moving, and palpable. A relationships that was forged during childhood and was unbreakable.

Canto was a wonderful hero. Possessive, dangerous, smart, calculating, and decisive. When he finally found Payal he didn’t play around but bounced. He also displayed the most endearing Bear characteristics. And taking care of Payal was ingrained into his personality from a very young age. I also realised that The Mercant family is one of the most interesting families in this series, outside of the two big packs, SnowDancer and DarkRiver. And I would love to read more about them.

With each new book in this series, a slew of new characters are introduced. And with each book there is an additional layer to the overall story, another layer to the PsyNet. Also with each book I read I feel like I’ve heard it all, only to be shown that I know nothing. There is still so much to come.