Much simpler fare than most of the books near this point in the Peltedverse history, nevertheless this story contains some key pieces for both the past and the future of the these characters. I like the way Hogarth writes many of these books from the primary perspective of different characters, though switching to other when necessary. This one is written from Vasih't's point of view as he and his partner, Jahir, travel to his birth world to retrieve the three children he commissioned (for lack of a better yet more concise term)—artificially generated from a combination of his genetic material, that from a priestess of his race, and a third random sample (if I remember correctly, I tend to mix details like this up at times). Along the way they learn more about his race's esper powers and he discovers he is one of the fabled mind-mages of his kind. With just a little bit of excitement near the end, the majority of the book is background, though no less enjoyable for it. It's roughly half the length of other works in this set, and I devoured it in a few days (and, naturally, I find myself writing an unnecessarily long review). I also have to say that I am impressed with the improvement in editing. The earlier books from this excellent storyteller were riddled with editing errors that have gradually decreased over time, and I can't remember noting any in this book, though there is less of it to stumble across such issues. Fine work, though this Fallowtide sequence seems to be hinting at some conflict in the future of the Peltedverse and I wonder if those are books yet to be written or will be revealed in what is to come in the sequence (though the author's not in this books suggests the Fallowtide sequence is the period between the Chatcaavan War and "the beginning of… whatever comes next". I keep hoping to hear more from Alysha from the Stardancer series and Surela of the Shielmatron, but I suspect that's not going to happen.

Another excellent piece of the Peltedverse story, well told, with interesting and well-developed characters. The story is intriguing and uplifting, with important details tied together in a most satisfying way.

I absolutely loved this one. Even though the disturbing sexual mores that so bothered me about the previous three books of the series are still hinted at—and I'm still rather disappointed with the polyamorous direction Hogarth is taking my favorite characters in—there is little salacious content while it is loaded exciting action, intrigue, and multiple storylines that are masterfully woven together. Take the objectionable parts out, and this series, so far, is a masterpiece of storytelling. I read it in near record time, literally unable to put it down, and immediately started on the next book, "In Extremis". The rest of this series promises to be full of surprises and extreme levels of excitement.

Another excellent addition to the history of the Peltedverse, filled with well-developed and likable characters, great world building, action, intrigue, and a satisfying romance. I feel compelled to say I'm still nor comfortable with the sexual mores of the lead characters—I think it seriously detracts from their likability—but I suppose it has a purpose in emphasizing the non-conformity of the these characters in a galaxy where anything goes in either casual or serious relationships. I can overlook these elements, however, much as I do some of the nonsensical terms as 'solar system' and 'inter-galactic' which are frequently misapplied, because of the outstanding and ever improving storytelling. It's been a pleasure to watch Hogarth grow as a storyteller over the course of these books, and the editing even seems to be improving. This is another key chapter in the history of the Peltedverse, and I devoured it quickly. Highly recommended.

A masterpiece of great storytelling! I somewhat expected, from the description in seller's websites, this one would be short on details (an irrational fear), but was very pleased to find that I was as wrong as one could be. There were so many details to be nailed down, Hogarth can easily be forgiven for missing a very few as she did an amazing job of tying everything together in an extremely satisfying way. In my old age I have to admit to being easily brought to tears, and I did find myself weeping several times through this book, most notably when the Queen of the Chatcaava and one of the Eldritch mind-mages meet in an alternate reality and when she wakes and is able to make a permanent, and planet-shattering change to her body. The characters are very well-developed and likable, though flawed, and the threefold story merges in a powerful and exciting climax. My only disappointment is that I'd read the Shieldmatron duology before this and so I knew some of the details, yet there was so much more to the story and it all masterfully drawn together. There are a few questions I do wish I had answers to, and hope they will be in future books I have not yet read, like who was responsible for the atrocity on the pirate base, can and will Crispin be redeemed, and why didn't the Queen Ransomed demonstrate the many species she'd taken patterns for to her two lovers? Minor issues, truly, for such a masterful book.

A simply outstanding continuation of this important and powerful series. Though I'm still not comfortable with the loose sexual mores, there is little mention of it in this book and when it is alluded to the incidents are fleeting and easily ignored while breezing over them. The storytelling is matchless and the action is both endless and sweeping. I normally would have taken five or six days to read a book this long, but I finished it in two as I was literally unable to put it down. The characters are admirable, though flawed, well-developed, and easy to root for. Hogarth does an amazing job of blending three distinct, though related storylines. Having read Surela's Shieldmatron duology I knew roughly how things would come out in this war, but there are still surprises and many details that are being filled in. I love it, and can't wait to read the next, and last book of this series.

Everything's coming together! Lots of twists and surprises. Very satisfying.

Great collection that lets us spend more time with these characters we love.

Not the best book in the series, but still enjoyable and an important piece of the history of these two important characters. The storytelling is, as always with this excellent author, is first-rate and the characters are extremely likable. I keep waiting to read that Jahir is informed of the coup attempt on the Eldritch home world, hoping the author has conceived of the development even if it hasn't been written yet (perhaps unfortunate that I've read that part of the Peltedverse history already).

Again I have to rave over MCA Hogarth's stellar storytelling in this excellent second book of a great series. Although this non-space opera type of story is not my normal kind of fair (though I find myself at a loss for why this is true), I chose to read this series just because I've enjoyed so much of Hogarth's writing and I want to consume anything I can get my hands on about the Peltedverse. The characters, as always, are well-developed and likable, and the story is loaded with drama and excitement. Highly worth your time. I purchased this book direct from the author, as I did with the next, and I just now am realizing I cannot, sadly, post a review of it any of the vendor sites I normally purchase from.

Purchasing from Stardancer is easy and quick, and importing the content into either Kindle or Kobo form is virtually seamless. The prices are lower than from online booksellers—not sure how the jungle site lets you get away with that—but you can't post reviews on those other sites once you've read the book.

A bit different from Hogarth's normal fair, I really liked this one. She introduces new characters, primarily the eponymous protagonist of the series for which this is a prequel. The characters, especially the main one in this excellent series, are very well-developed and extremely likable. As the author, herself, compares this series to Star Trek (with furries), it seems appropriate to refer to Alysha as a female, alien version of James T Kirk. That, however, is a thin comparison, as she has different and arguably more admirable gifts. The story is darker than others, self-rated as an R equivalent due to the sexual violence and disgusting activities of the young Fleet cadet. Still, the story is masterfully told and is engaging and satisfying. It's not necessary to read this prequel to fully enjoy the series, but it gives a great deal of background toward understanding Alysha Forrest.

The kid writes good! I know, I know, she's a mother raising 3 or 33 kids (& said parenting experience resonates in her character, Spot.), but sitting up here atop the world, North Pole, Alaska, with four score and seven years behind me I see her as a youngster, one who write delightful interesting novels.

Spots the Space... is a very enjoyable read. The rate the plot progresses,the characters, etc., makes this novel a pleasure to read. I'm not saying it's so riveting you can't put it down, I did around 2 a.m. so it took me two sittings to finish.

I also like the fact that I didn't have to buy it through the almost monopolistic publishing house, Amazon (Who publishes, controls over 70% of the ebooks sold in the U.S.).

Bottom line, whoever, wherever you are I think you'll enjoy it!

Read these years ago on scribd (rip) and was so excited to buy epubs to do a full pelted reread! These books are so fun, one of my favorite slow burny space stories

I read the first Haley and Nana book last year when I was going through a rough time, and during that period it was the only thing that could pick up my mood at all. The book was short but I was still in a better place by the time I finished it, so I've been strategically waiting for the next time I need a new comfort read to go on with the series. I have no doubt at all that the bundle will prove to be a worthwhile investment.