What do you think?
Rate this book
Psy-Changeling #20.1
Music in the Rain
A short story featuring Madame Zulenka and Zaira.
Timeline: Takes place some time after Silence has fallen.
The story can be found in Nalini Singh's December 2021 newsletter.
Timeline: Takes place some time after Silence has fallen.
The story can be found in Nalini Singh's December 2021 newsletter.
13 pages, ebook
First published December 23, 2021
9 people are currently reading
467 people want to read
About the author
Nalini Singh
252 books26.8k followersI've been writing as long as I can remember and all of my stories always held a thread of romance (even when I was writing about a prince who could shoot lasers out of his eyes). I love creating unique characters, love giving them happy endings and I even love the voices in my head. There's no other job I would rather be doing. In September 2002, when I got the call that Silhouette Desire wanted to buy my first book, Desert Warrior, it was a dream come true. I hope to continue living the dream until I keel over of old age on my keyboard.
I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page (updated every month).
So far, I've worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher and not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency but I call it grist for the writer's mill.
I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page (updated every month).
So far, I've worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher and not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency but I call it grist for the writer's mill.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
January 1, 2022
This one was so cute, by the end of it you had hope for one lost Arrow and hope for someone who others thought was nothing. I really would love to see more of Zuli, to see her be a staple at the Arrow home place.
December 26, 2021
A small little morsel, looking forward to part two.
June 7, 2022
This little clip of a story was excellent. I’m completely invested and hope we get a full story on this couple soon.
June 7, 2022
Can we have a full story or At least a novella please ?!
Alejandro was one of those Arrows, that I was always curious about.
Alejandro was one of those Arrows, that I was always curious about.
January 1, 2023
Um wow. Ok I loved this story. I loved Zuli and her violin. I want to know so much more about her and Alejandro. Zaira has stood by the side of the damaged Arrow and I love the thought of him getting help. Please tell me there will be more to this story! I really hope this is a tease for a longer novel about these two.
December 27, 2021
Nalini, This is a most excellent short story. Thank you! In fact, allow me to encourage you to expand it into a full book. I see so much promise there; an Arrow playing such an emotive instrument would engender so many varied reactions from others in that world. Everything from conflict to bliss and relief to fear. I hope you will think about the possibility. I wish you Peace and Happy Holidays from Georgia, U.S.A.
January 2, 2022
This is a cute story that shows a more personable side of the Arrows where Zuli and Zaira are basically teasing each other despite the recent fall of Silence and the differences in their Gradients. While there is no direct interaction with Alejandro, the references and back story are enough that it would be great to see these lessons unfold down the line in the series. Hopefully we will see more of these three interacting down the road.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2023
After the fall of Silence, a low-grade Psy working as a Vegas psychic and putting up with the insult of being thought a fake b/c her psy power level is low, reminisces over the blessings of a past of having a loving supportive family exactly because they were all low level, but also remembering the few times she had a profound foretelling. One of those times was when she accidentally brushed up against a powerful Psy Arrow and she gave him the prophecy.
Now, another Arrow comes into her shop and she learns the fate of that other Arrow and has an unusual encounter.
Superb and poignant short side story.
Now, another Arrow comes into her shop and she learns the fate of that other Arrow and has an unusual encounter.
Superb and poignant short side story.
August 20, 2023
Lovely short Psy-Changeling story from the 2nd Newsletter Collection, about Zuli, a low-level F-Psy trying to make a living as a Vegas fortune-teller. It was cool to meet Zaira again, one of the few female Psy characters from the main books.
February 26, 2022
Zuli (2.3 F-psy) is making a living by being a fortune teller, very rarely did she had an important vision, and years ago she had one about Alejandro, (the now broken arrow that has imprinted on Zaira) so Zaira pays Zuli a visit to learn a bit more.
In this visit there is another important vision, again about Alejandro, so Zaira makes a decision that I hope will bare fruits in the future, and hopefully another not so short story about Zuli & Alejandro.
In this visit there is another important vision, again about Alejandro, so Zaira makes a decision that I hope will bare fruits in the future, and hopefully another not so short story about Zuli & Alejandro.
February 24, 2022
This is a short little newsletter story, and free, here: https://madmimi.com/s/ea41331
Only took 20 minutes to read it, but in my opinion its one of the better pieces in the entire Psy-Changeling series. It really tugged on my heartstrings…with violin strings. See what I did there? I must admit, I prefer this author when she writes tightly and directly, as in this quick little read. I hope to see more of Zuli, Alejandro, and Zaira Neve.
Only took 20 minutes to read it, but in my opinion its one of the better pieces in the entire Psy-Changeling series. It really tugged on my heartstrings…with violin strings. See what I did there? I must admit, I prefer this author when she writes tightly and directly, as in this quick little read. I hope to see more of Zuli, Alejandro, and Zaira Neve.
March 6, 2023
Excuse me!!
EXCUSE me!!!
EXCUSE ME!!!!
I'm actually shook!!
A low gradient violin playing F Psy with a connection to Alejandro? I legit got emotional with the idea that he could have a chance at living a better life!
I really, really, really hope that this is not the end of these two!!
"Zuli's not a fake. A long time ago, she told me I'd be lost one day, but that I could find my way home if I followed the notes."
December 29, 2021
Como siempre. Nalini.
Es poco lo que no me puede gustar de esta mujer,.
Una historia corta y me encanto y solo puedo esperar por màs.
Es poco lo que no me puede gustar de esta mujer,.
Una historia corta y me encanto y solo puedo esperar por màs.
January 19, 2022
really really loved it <3
November 25, 2024
Beautifully written.
December 29, 2024
A lovely short story set in the Post Changeling universe.
December 24, 2021
I enjoyed it! Hope the characters show up in a book!
December 24, 2025
24/12/2025. re-reading for the third time and i love them 😭
Nalini does it again!
I've been reading Nalini's books for almost 10 years now, and PC is my ultimate favourite series ever. I just love everything about it. And it's amazing how I fall in love instantly with every new piece of writing I read of it! I love everything from the novels to novellas to these short stories that make my days.
I didn't know what to expect before reading this, and I would've never guessed. It's one of the most beautiful short stories in the series and I need more! That's my only complaint! I was so happy to see Zaira again, she's my favourite. Happy to meet Zulli and psyched to have Alejandro in here! I just wish it was longer!
Please please release a novella for these two 🥺
I need to know more about them! We've met Alejandro many books ago, but we never really knew his story! Please let it be a second part of this!
January 16, 2022
Music in the Rain on Books On Track
A short story introducing Zuli, a low gradient F-Psy who comes to the attention of some Arrows.
I am looking forward to reading more about Zuli and the mysterious Alejandro in a future story.
December 25, 2021
A great short story, about an F-psy who is a 2 gradient! Loved this story, though I really hope that we get a part 2, because we didn't get to see her and Alejandro interact in the present! And to see him heal, which after what he went through, he needs!
December 30, 2024
Nalini Singh continuously stuns me with the beauty of emotion that her characters evoke.
December 27, 2021
I desperately need a short story or novella or book with a proper romance between Zuli and Alejandro please and thank you.
August 6, 2023
A free* short story, 05.1 in the Psy-Changeling Trinity series (and 20.5 in the Psy-Changeling universe), revolving around Changelings, Psy, and humans. The focus is on how Silence damaged even the weak. If you're interested, there is a chronological listing of the Psy-Changeling books on my website.
* This story was given in Singh’s December 23, 2021 newsletter.
My Take
Oh . . . I cried. It’s a side note to the damage Silence did to an entire race of people, using Zuli’s memories, fears, and joys.
Singh uses third person protagonist point-of-view from Zuli’s perspective, so we understand the emotional extent of Zuli’s fears and joys.
It’s a brilliant short story in which Singh uses a few characters to show us how Silence affected even the weaker Psy and yet how those same people got around it — when it counted. On a contrary note, “Music in the Rain” also shows how much damage the protocol is still doing to people. The fear that surrounds it.
I loved Zaire’s insight. She’s come such a long way from Shards of Hope , 14. I’ll be hoping that Singh brings Madame Zulenka back in a future story.
The Story
Her life is a struggle, having such a low Gradient, but Zuli is happy, being able to do what she wanted with her life.
Then an Arrow walks into her shop. A Psy assassin.
The Characters
Madame Zulenka, a.k.a. Zuli Anne Flowers, runs a Fortune Telling Salon and has a 2.3 in Foretellling and 1.1 Tp. Her parents, Rex and Eugenia Flowers, run a grocery store and have always loved their daughter.
Onyx, a Gradient 8.7 telepath, had become a friend in grade school.
Zaira Neve is a female Arrow who is a 9.8 combat telepath ( Shards of Hope ).
Alejandro is a damaged Arrow who only remains stable when he's around Zaira ( Shards of Hope ). Kaleb Krychek ( Heart of Obsidian , 12) and Payal Rao ( Last Guard , 5 (20)) are very powerful Psy. PsyClan NightStar is the most powerful clan of Foreseers ( Visions of Heat , 2).
Ms Hoity Toity Fox is a snotty changeling.
The Title
The title is about Zuli and the physical and metaphysical acts of “Music in the Rain”.
* This story was given in Singh’s December 23, 2021 newsletter.
My Take
Oh . . . I cried. It’s a side note to the damage Silence did to an entire race of people, using Zuli’s memories, fears, and joys.
Singh uses third person protagonist point-of-view from Zuli’s perspective, so we understand the emotional extent of Zuli’s fears and joys.
It’s a brilliant short story in which Singh uses a few characters to show us how Silence affected even the weaker Psy and yet how those same people got around it — when it counted. On a contrary note, “Music in the Rain” also shows how much damage the protocol is still doing to people. The fear that surrounds it.
“The more I know a person, the deeper the fortunes I can see.”Unfortunately, Singh also shows the cruelty of people in that snotty fox changeling. She could certainly use some empathy!
I loved Zaire’s insight. She’s come such a long way from Shards of Hope , 14. I’ll be hoping that Singh brings Madame Zulenka back in a future story.
The Story
Her life is a struggle, having such a low Gradient, but Zuli is happy, being able to do what she wanted with her life.
Then an Arrow walks into her shop. A Psy assassin.
The Characters
Madame Zulenka, a.k.a. Zuli Anne Flowers, runs a Fortune Telling Salon and has a 2.3 in Foretellling and 1.1 Tp. Her parents, Rex and Eugenia Flowers, run a grocery store and have always loved their daughter.
Onyx, a Gradient 8.7 telepath, had become a friend in grade school.
Zaira Neve is a female Arrow who is a 9.8 combat telepath ( Shards of Hope ).
Alejandro is a damaged Arrow who only remains stable when he's around Zaira ( Shards of Hope ). Kaleb Krychek ( Heart of Obsidian , 12) and Payal Rao ( Last Guard , 5 (20)) are very powerful Psy. PsyClan NightStar is the most powerful clan of Foreseers ( Visions of Heat , 2).
Ms Hoity Toity Fox is a snotty changeling.
The Title
The title is about Zuli and the physical and metaphysical acts of “Music in the Rain”.
July 24, 2023
I know Resonance Surge is a bear shifter story and going to be completely amazing, but I’d really love a full length Zuli and Alejandro story. Pretty please?
Alejandro isn’t even in this story and I can still feel the pull between them, and Zuli comes across as such a sweet character, full of love and joy and hope. The Arrows deserve that after everything they’ve endured. Fingers crossed these two are the main couple for book 23.
Alejandro isn’t even in this story and I can still feel the pull between them, and Zuli comes across as such a sweet character, full of love and joy and hope. The Arrows deserve that after everything they’ve endured. Fingers crossed these two are the main couple for book 23.
December 30, 2024
The Fortune Telling Salon Zuli encounters a female Arrow Zaira. Zuli was outed as a fraud by Foxface(a fox changeling) but Zuli never lied. Her F-Psy gradient was low a 2, so she had the freedom to live Silence free. She had a vision on the street to a mysterious Psy with puma eyes-Alejandro. Zaira asks for a fortune, and Zuli sees Alejandro playing the violin. Zuli is a self-taught musician, loves the violin. Alejandro wants her to play for him and teach him-which she happily agrees.
December 28, 2021
Cute snippet of a story featuring a different type of Psy heroine. Hopefully, there will be more mention of the characters within other novels or another newsletter bonus story. The potential hero in this story has been mentioned in another novel but it was a tiny and sad part. No sad ending in "Music in the Rain."
December 24, 2021
A lovely short story in the Psy-Changeling world sent out via Nalini Singh's newsletter on 12/23/21. The email was titled "Short Story Gift and New German Release"
I hope she writes more about Alejandro!
I hope she writes more about Alejandro!
Read
January 19, 2022free in the december newsletter
zuli, a low grade psy foreseer, meets zaira, a high grade telepath. zuli learns that the man in her visions, alejandro, has been helped by the brief vision she shared with him in the past, and wants her to teach him to play the violin.
zuli, a low grade psy foreseer, meets zaira, a high grade telepath. zuli learns that the man in her visions, alejandro, has been helped by the brief vision she shared with him in the past, and wants her to teach him to play the violin.
August 1, 2022
I like the plot line of this but there is no conclusion to what happens next, so that made this less enjoyable. It was okay so I gave this two stars which for such a short piece, without a full conclusion is as good as it gets.
December 31, 2024
I actually have tears in my eyes from this. This is one of the most poignant short story I've ever read. I am fully invested in Zuli and would love to see if Alejandro is able to be healed fully. I think this is possibly my favorite snippet from Nalini.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews