Though these characters do show up in other (more intense) books at other points in this sci-fi world, these books have a slower-paced and very character-focused action to them. I find them comforting reads, because while there are struggles and questions in the stories (so it's not boring at all!), these people we're spending time with are good people and you care about them. These can also easily be read and very much enjoyed if you haven't read other entries in this sprawling world, IMO--I have read a few other things in this world but not even close to 50% of that material, and these still remain ones I come back to to re-read upon occasion.

These novellas do a wonderful job of engaging the question of how someone who is truly religious would handle an apocalypse, as well as having delightful RPG components to our newly-entered magic system. Even if you yourself are not religious, these are really enjoyable reads, but for those of us who are (I do not share Haley and Nana's specific religion, but I do overlap) it also reads as respectful, well-researched, and insightful.

Additionally, these are completely clean and totally appropriate for children as well. I'd say interest-wise, it probably starts around age 11, but YMMV, of course. My oldest child (currently 13 yrs) has read and enjoys these!

This book does a wonderful job of engaging questions of growing up and discerning your calling without being annoying, preachy, or heavy-handed (while still being clear and easy to see for younger readers). An honestly very impressive balancing act, and I'm really hoping we get the rest of Marda's years/story soon. I enjoyed it very much as an adult as well as finding it a wonderful entry to give to my children to read.

I picked up this book during the UK lockdown as a free book, I think. I quickly fell in love with the Eldritch. Who doesn’t like space elves? But Jahir is such a self effacing, wonderful character to follow as he learns the limitations of his own lived experience and embraces a new culture. This is a warm hearted story of friendships and I would recommend it. I quickly bought the next one, and then the next one, and then the rest of this author’s stories.

I have been reading the various connected series (that's plural) in M.C.A. Hogarth's Peltedverse for years, though not as many years as she's been writing them. I'm utterly and happily hooked, and will be somewhat bereft when she wraps things up within a few more books -- though her other series (still plural) are also terrific, and I hope she moves on to yet more of them. You'll find plenty of character depth and growth, terrific worldbuilding, well-constructed plots, and underlying it all, fundamentally important issues.

I found out only after reading most of this book that this isn't the first Kherishdar book. I don't remember whose recommendation led me to buy the book, after reading and greatly enjoying many other books by this author, but that person thought it would work perfectly well as a stand-alone -- and so says the description. I agree. In fact, I enjoyed learning this new world and culture gradually as I read, without the clues the earlier books would have provided.

The worldbuilding here is beautiful, awe-inspiring, immensely thought-provoking. And there's a compelling story and complex characters to go with it, seamlessly interwoven. Hogarth plays the reader's emotions like an instrument, with the expertise of a virtuoso.

Bryer has always been one of my favorite citizens of M.C.A.'s universe. I was thrilled to see him proudly fly his 5 banners and send for a bride. And the best bride definitely wins.

Always Falling was a new sort of character to me, with new sorts of experiences. I enjoyed the journey a lot!

Whenever I feel like reading a cup of tea in a sunbeam on a cool, clear and brilliant autumn day in the company of a really good friend, this is where I go. I keep going, and it keeps working.

I love the author's work and her drawings. I also love to color. This will be the perfect combination of two of my favorites.

Romance, the girl who saved herself, an excellent partner for Bryer,.more about the Phoenixae, what more could you ask for in a short story?? Excellent home run again, as always!

I’m on the record as really liking Bryer, so I was delighted to get a whole story about him and the conventions of the Phoenixes. The bride we meet is fascinating, and I look forward to knowing more about her and the one who stays to work with her. Honestly, it could have been longer and dug more into some of the other personalities, and that also would have been awesome.

I am in awe of Hogarth's ability to bring together the varied strands of her several story lines! And, as a student of theology, I am also impressed by the underlying theme of purpose and an ultimate goal that the characters are moving towards, despite -- or because of -- their profound differences. More please! 🙏💕

Kherishdar isn't itself without the interstitial conversations, and with the demise of livejournal, it's a real treat to have them collected here, in a way you can hold in your hands. And no, you don't have to have been there--these provide wonderfully satisfying context for anyone who read the Kherishdar books themselves, and wants to know more.

I came late to this one, and was familiar with the characters from Prince's Game, so there was some whiplash seeing where they came from! Enjoyable and sweet, demonstrating non-sexual love between friends, and the budding formation of family. And the girls in the hospital are the best.