I discovered the paranormal romance Psy-Changeling series by New Zealand author, Nalini Singh about a decade ago, and have just recently binged the last four books from the library. Last Guard, book 20 in the whole series, and book 5 in the Psy-Changeling Trinity group was new to me (others were a re-read), and not only did it satisfy all the world-building, plot-heavy, paranormal romance I’ve come to expect from Nalini (she’s lovely, by the way, I’ve met her a couple of times at book events), it’s also an excellent example of well done, responsible representation and inclusion in fiction.
Nalini created a designation of Psy (the calculating, mental race of people whose skills can range from teleportation to telekinesis, with every mind skill in between), called Anchors, who are so completely connected to the neural network that keeps the Psy alive that when its health declines, so do the A-Psy who hold it together. That decline shows up as physical and mental challenges in an otherwise “perfect” race – Canto has spinal tumors which put him in a wheelchair, and Payal’s brain chemistry contributes to the neurodivergence that was exacerbated by childhood trauma.
Nalini has been deliberately inclusive in her cast of characters throughout the twenty Psy-Changeling novels, and the writing in Last Guard showcases how she does it so successfully in book after book. Canto’s wheelchair isn’t a prop--conveniently forgotten when it gets in the way--nor is it even a challenge his character must overcome. He survived the encroaching paralysis when he was young, and has now arranged his personal world to manage the logistics of his chair. It is as much a part of his character as the telepathic connection he has to Payal, and has nothing to do with the obstacles his character faces. The wheelchair is referred to as an assistive device, is addressed in every scene in which it might be relevant, and Canto’s paralysis does not become a plot point.
Payal’s neurological chemistry is a bit more central to her character’s arc, but the neuro-atypical way she interacts with the world is never presented as a problem to be overcome. Nalini has woven her characters’ physical challenge and neurodivergence into the fabric of the story without making it part of the actual plot pattern. Her characters are who they are, with all their attendant personalities, back stories, and issues, and whatever challenges they face are not because of the ways they are physically or neurologically atypical, which is why they feel like real people, plucked from the world in which we live (despite their awesome skillset and Psy designation) because that’s the truth of being human.
I have no idea if Nalini sent Last Guard to sensitivity readers or if she or anyone she loves is neurodivergent or needs assistive devices. I assume she did her research because that’s what responsible authors do, and my point is not to question whether it was done, but to point out an effective, responsible, and respectful way to write outside one’s default (otherwise known as your own life experiences).
I was talking with a friend who does tremendous work with companies and their inclusion and diversity policies. The subject of writing inclusively came up, and she questioned whether authors should write outside their default if they’re at risk of taking space from an underrepresented author. I understand the question, especially in the world of gatekeeping publishers who still believe in author/character quotas. But my answer is an emphatic YES. I like to think of the traditional publishers as the farmed crop, where dinner is assured, if a little predictable, and independents as the wild plants that may or may not be recognizable or expected. In the romance genre, which also happens to be the best-selling genre of all, and to a lesser degree, sci-fi/fantasy, independent authors help drive sales and trends. Inclusion and diversity has been happening in romance and sci-fi/fantasy to a much greater degree than in other genres, with independents helping to change the expectations for the landscape in general. And just like in nature, when a wild crop proliferates, the whole environment can shift to something ultimately much healthier for the eco system.
Another element of Last Guard that really spoke to me is the Anchor designation itself. It’s a job that no one notices when it’s being done well, and only gains importance when something fails. That description applies to many things, but parenting jumped immediately to mind. I speak from my position as a mother (and do not discount any other parenting role in this) when I say that we’re rarely noticed because we do our jobs so well, and it’s only when we’re not there that we see visible proof that we matter to the people we parent. Also, Anchor Psy do the job because they have the skillset and ability, and because it needs to be done. Whether or not it was a conscious choice, Nalini wrote a perfect description of a Psy designation that literally holds the fabric of the world together just because they can and someone needs to.
There are lots of parallels throughout the whole series to the world we currently live in, and like most well-written fiction, it’s a wonderful way to explore themes and difficult topics without having to watch the news. If you haven’t picked up any of Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling series, consider starting at the beginning. The series has evolved over time, and each book can be read alone, but the world Nalini writes is so rich and full of interesting plots and characters that it’s worth binging (or re-reading) from page one.