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The Dreamhealers #2
Mindline
At the advice of Vasiht'h, his first and truest friend, Jahir Seni Galare has accepted one of the most coveted residencies in xenotherapy, even though doing so has severed him from all the relationships he's fostered since leaving his cloistered homeworld. But not all the simulations at school have prepared him for the reality of being an esper in a hospital large enough to serve the winter capital of the entire Alliance, and it's not long before he's questioning the wisdom of having left the university for the tumult of one of the largest port cities in the known worlds. When Vasiht'h follows Jahir to Selnor, he's not sure whether his plan is to help his friend survive his residency, or to drag him back to Seersana University and into a less strenuous program. But a storm is coming to Heliocentrus, one they're uniquely positioned to address, and their nascent mental link is about to receive its first test in the crucible that will either forge their lifelong partnership—or kill them both. Mindline completes the Dreamhealers duology that began with Book 1, Mindtouch.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2013
91 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
M.C.A. Hogarth
145 books386 followersDaughter of two Cuban political exiles, M.C.A. Hogarth was born a foreigner in the American melting pot and has had a fascination for the gaps in cultures and the bridges that span them ever since. She has been many things—-web database architect, product manager, technical writer and massage therapist—-but is currently a full-time parent, artist, writer and anthropologist to aliens, both human and otherwise.
Her fiction has variously been recommended for a Nebula, a finalist for the Spectrum, placed on the secondary Tiptree reading list and chosen for two best-of anthologies; her art has appeared in RPGs, magazines and on book covers.
Her fiction has variously been recommended for a Nebula, a finalist for the Spectrum, placed on the secondary Tiptree reading list and chosen for two best-of anthologies; her art has appeared in RPGs, magazines and on book covers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
July 30, 2021
Well, I accidentally the whole thing in a day. I didn't even plan to continue the series, it just happened - I guess I needed my dose of slice of life this desperately. As with the first book, I enjoyed it very much as a whole, which is...not really a surprise given how fast I devoured it. I liked how quiet and personal it is, I liked that therapy exists in this universe, I liked the hurt/comfort with Jahir struggling to adapt to the environment.
But. Again, there is a but. Two buts, even. First, and the more obvious one, I did not like how an instance of a female supervisor making unwanted advances and essentially assaulting a character was handwaved. Second, it's weirdly structured - after the main plotline finishes, it just...continues for a while in a completely different vein, as if it's two novels, or a novel and a novella stitched into one.
Enjoyment: 4.5/5
Execution: 3/5
More reviews on my blog, To Other Worlds.
But. Again, there is a but. Two buts, even. First, and the more obvious one, I did not like how an instance of a female supervisor making unwanted advances and essentially assaulting a character was handwaved. Second, it's weirdly structured - after the main plotline finishes, it just...continues for a while in a completely different vein, as if it's two novels, or a novel and a novella stitched into one.
Enjoyment: 4.5/5
Execution: 3/5
More reviews on my blog, To Other Worlds.
November 5, 2020
Jahir pursues the medical residency he worked for so hard in the first book, but to do so he has had to leave Seersana University to travel to Selnor, a major hub of the Alliance. The job their is high pressure, but it's also the best education he could get in xenotherapy. What he's not ready for though is the problems with the gravity of this new world, far worse than the problems he faced on Seersana. Also, without Vasiht'h and the nascent mindline that the two have established, Jahir is far less resilient than he was.
Vasiht'h is on his way though, but his arrival coincides with a medical issue that has hit Selnor that promises an issue that Jahir's unique talents are required to solve.
This is a less gentle book than the first one, primarily because of the risk of harm to Jahir, but the support he receives from everyone around him is wonderful. It's also great to see the two main characters of the series realize just how important they are to each other.
This continues to be a wonderful series.
Vasiht'h is on his way though, but his arrival coincides with a medical issue that has hit Selnor that promises an issue that Jahir's unique talents are required to solve.
This is a less gentle book than the first one, primarily because of the risk of harm to Jahir, but the support he receives from everyone around him is wonderful. It's also great to see the two main characters of the series realize just how important they are to each other.
This continues to be a wonderful series.
September 13, 2020
4.5*s. Even better than the first and so much I, myself, can relate to with my own health struggles.
July 26, 2017
This book picks up directly where the first one left off, with Jahir starting a medical residency on a planet with gravity way too heavy for his body and Vasiht'h realizing he's made a mistake letting Jahir go alone. By the time Vasiht'h gets to Jahir, Jahir has found that his esper talents may be the only source of information about a deadly epidemic sweeping the city- he can glean information from the minds of the afflicted at the moment of their death, and possibly even keep them alive, but at the risk of his own life.
I really liked this storyline, which takes up the first three quarters of the book, for the most part- it was tense and well-written, and the depths of the crisis really showed how functional and loving the partnership between the two leads is (to me, it feels like a queerplatonic relationship, but that word was not used.)
There is one misstep near the end of it though, and for me it was a rather large one, potentially triggering for some readers. As in the first book, we have a human woman who can't resist falling in love with Jahir, this time to the point of sexual assault- in a tense situation, she corners him and kisses him, having convinced herself that he returns her feelings somehow, which is also a mental violation given that his esper powers are touch-based. To make a bad situation worse, she is in a position of authority over Jahir's resident status, and there are no repercussions for her action beyond embarrassment. Jahir even reassures her that it's okay, and the power dynamics there are not really examined at all- instead, it's mainly a plot device to show how perfect Jahir and Vasiht'h's relationship is by having someone envy them. It left a bad taste in the whole resolution of this section of the book, and the whole thing was completely jarring and unnecessary in my opinion.
The last quarter of the book feels almost like a separate novella bound together with the other story, with a lighter tone more reminiscent of the first book. It follows up on Vasiht'h's dream therapy research from the first book and how it might be put into practice, and settling back into a more normal life after the previous crisis. I really enjoyed the domestic side of things, but I wish everything hadn't gone so smoothly with the practice, because there were some really big potential ethical questions to things that were sidestepped by everything going right. This subplot had another instance of a female supervisor/authority envying Jahir and Vasiht'h's relationship in a way that's beginning to get uncomfortable as a repeating pattern, though thankfully there wasn't the creepy obsession with Jahir from the earlier section of the book.
The epilogue gives some closure to some things from the first book, but it was unclear to me when it was set- it seems like a lead-in to the novella Family, but I understand that the next book Dreamhearth and the still-forthcoming Dreamstorm take place before that, so maybe not?
I really liked this storyline, which takes up the first three quarters of the book, for the most part- it was tense and well-written, and the depths of the crisis really showed how functional and loving the partnership between the two leads is (to me, it feels like a queerplatonic relationship, but that word was not used.)
There is one misstep near the end of it though, and for me it was a rather large one, potentially triggering for some readers. As in the first book, we have a human woman who can't resist falling in love with Jahir, this time to the point of sexual assault- in a tense situation, she corners him and kisses him, having convinced herself that he returns her feelings somehow, which is also a mental violation given that his esper powers are touch-based. To make a bad situation worse, she is in a position of authority over Jahir's resident status, and there are no repercussions for her action beyond embarrassment. Jahir even reassures her that it's okay, and the power dynamics there are not really examined at all- instead, it's mainly a plot device to show how perfect Jahir and Vasiht'h's relationship is by having someone envy them. It left a bad taste in the whole resolution of this section of the book, and the whole thing was completely jarring and unnecessary in my opinion.
The last quarter of the book feels almost like a separate novella bound together with the other story, with a lighter tone more reminiscent of the first book. It follows up on Vasiht'h's dream therapy research from the first book and how it might be put into practice, and settling back into a more normal life after the previous crisis. I really enjoyed the domestic side of things, but I wish everything hadn't gone so smoothly with the practice, because there were some really big potential ethical questions to things that were sidestepped by everything going right. This subplot had another instance of a female supervisor/authority envying Jahir and Vasiht'h's relationship in a way that's beginning to get uncomfortable as a repeating pattern, though thankfully there wasn't the creepy obsession with Jahir from the earlier section of the book.
The epilogue gives some closure to some things from the first book, but it was unclear to me when it was set- it seems like a lead-in to the novella Family, but I understand that the next book Dreamhearth and the still-forthcoming Dreamstorm take place before that, so maybe not?
December 2, 2023
This is the sequel to Mindtouch, which I read in 2020. It was about time that I picked this up. According to M.C.A. Hogarth this is the most pastoral story arc in her Peltedverse.
The story of Jahir and Vasiht'h continues. Jahir has gone to another planet to start his residency at a famous hospital. He does not only have to battle the crippling effect of the planet’s higher gravity on his health, but is also confronted with a mysterious series of comatose and dyeing patients in the hospital. Vasiht'h eventually follows Jahir and their deepening mental connection might be the saving factor in the growing crisis.
I wouldn‘t exactly call this cosy SF, there is a fair amount of drama. But despite that it feels quiet and introspective. It’s just as driven by character development that by the plot. It was a mostly relaxing read. I will probably pick up #3 in this series at some point and hopefully it won’t take me three years this time.
My review of Mindtouch. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
About the Peltedverse: http://mcahogarth.org/wiki/the-pelted/
Author‘s bookpage
Here is a summary of my old reviews of the series „Her Instruments“: https://cathysreadingbonanza.wordpres...
The story of Jahir and Vasiht'h continues. Jahir has gone to another planet to start his residency at a famous hospital. He does not only have to battle the crippling effect of the planet’s higher gravity on his health, but is also confronted with a mysterious series of comatose and dyeing patients in the hospital. Vasiht'h eventually follows Jahir and their deepening mental connection might be the saving factor in the growing crisis.
I wouldn‘t exactly call this cosy SF, there is a fair amount of drama. But despite that it feels quiet and introspective. It’s just as driven by character development that by the plot. It was a mostly relaxing read. I will probably pick up #3 in this series at some point and hopefully it won’t take me three years this time.
My review of Mindtouch. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
About the Peltedverse: http://mcahogarth.org/wiki/the-pelted/
Author‘s bookpage
Here is a summary of my old reviews of the series „Her Instruments“: https://cathysreadingbonanza.wordpres...
April 22, 2019
I find the second book in the series to be just as engaging as the first book. So engaging that I went ahead and bought the rest of the series. You will like the new plots that the protagonists are exposed to as it aids in learning about themselves and has moments that bring out what is poignant and enlightening to their journey.
It is the journey that counts and they are on an epic journey, exploring hitherto unknown areas of their life and the lives that intersect theirs. For this isn't just about them but about all the characters for no matter how small an imprint a character might seem to have, they all have an impact on one or both of the protagonists.
As unlikely a pair as our protagonists are they are perfectly suited for their chosen fields, and yes it is fields. I believe one reader here called them "soulmates" and I believe that to be an apt description for what they are to each other. Soulmates, though often used in romantic terms, really refers to those in your life that you feel a strong, deep, known connection to and it snaps into place quickly, easily, and without thought. These kinds of "soulmate friends" treat you as family and would do anything for you and always have your back. I have several friends I deem soul mates. Life rarely fits into cubes for anyone including the protagonists and other characters.
It is the journey that counts and they are on an epic journey, exploring hitherto unknown areas of their life and the lives that intersect theirs. For this isn't just about them but about all the characters for no matter how small an imprint a character might seem to have, they all have an impact on one or both of the protagonists.
As unlikely a pair as our protagonists are they are perfectly suited for their chosen fields, and yes it is fields. I believe one reader here called them "soulmates" and I believe that to be an apt description for what they are to each other. Soulmates, though often used in romantic terms, really refers to those in your life that you feel a strong, deep, known connection to and it snaps into place quickly, easily, and without thought. These kinds of "soulmate friends" treat you as family and would do anything for you and always have your back. I have several friends I deem soul mates. Life rarely fits into cubes for anyone including the protagonists and other characters.
February 9, 2019
Hogarth's Pelted Universe books tap into the kind of thing I used to think about before going to sleep when I was a child: cool space stations, amazing food and cat aliens. A gentle, charming story about the platonic friendship and deep mental connection between two very different creatures.
September 21, 2017
Part two of the Dreamhealer's duology naturally picks up right where Mindtouch left off.
Jahir starts his residency on Selnor, and finds that it has even higher gravity than the (for him) heavy gravity that he'd had to get adjusted to on Seersana. I was a bit tired on my own while reading this, and the combination of reading through Jahir's struggles with a planet too heavy for him grinding him down really made me feel it.
Vasiht'h chases after him and helps keep him going as they get drawn into a medical crisis that strains both of them. (This gets into one of my problems with psionics, as Jahir's purely mental (as in brain/nervous system) ability seems to be able affect something that from what very little description is given is more purely chemical.) In some books, this might be enough for the entire story, with a triumphant, but bruised ending.
But this is a book about two people, and not the external problems they come across. The crisis is maybe half the book, and definitely makes me think of Cordelia's Honor: "But I've always thought—tests are a gift. And great tests are a great gift." The second half is rebuilding from a test that nearly kills them (Jahir especially), and a clearer return to the themes of the first book.
The pair really are one story. There's a third book in the series now (and some short stories), but that's a sequel, and a new story, and so isn't essential to pick up immediately as this one is.
Jahir starts his residency on Selnor, and finds that it has even higher gravity than the (for him) heavy gravity that he'd had to get adjusted to on Seersana. I was a bit tired on my own while reading this, and the combination of reading through Jahir's struggles with a planet too heavy for him grinding him down really made me feel it.
Vasiht'h chases after him and helps keep him going as they get drawn into a medical crisis that strains both of them. (This gets into one of my problems with psionics, as Jahir's purely mental (as in brain/nervous system) ability seems to be able affect something that from what very little description is given is more purely chemical.) In some books, this might be enough for the entire story, with a triumphant, but bruised ending.
But this is a book about two people, and not the external problems they come across. The crisis is maybe half the book, and definitely makes me think of Cordelia's Honor: "But I've always thought—tests are a gift. And great tests are a great gift." The second half is rebuilding from a test that nearly kills them (Jahir especially), and a clearer return to the themes of the first book.
The pair really are one story. There's a third book in the series now (and some short stories), but that's a sequel, and a new story, and so isn't essential to pick up immediately as this one is.
September 13, 2020
I love this world that Hogarth has created. I read the first 2 books almost non-stop, and am now very irritated that the third won't load. The setting of these first 2 books is a university serving multiple races with a wide variety of identities, and this is accepted and normal. I'm so relieved to read books where these differences are not automatically a source of conflict, rather they're a background to the exploration of how such differences are navigated.
I appreciate that it's very easy to keep track of the plot and the characters. I get lost in complicated books that jump around in time, or have multiple plot lines.
I appreciate that it's very easy to keep track of the plot and the characters. I get lost in complicated books that jump around in time, or have multiple plot lines.
May 2, 2018
Sometimes I despair of the English language - and while trying to figure out the proper word to describe Jahir and Vasiht'h is one of those times. Friend is accurate, and probably the best word for it in English, but it's so tepid compared to what they are to each other. Lovers isn't right - and even if it was what they are, it still isn't enough. Honestly, I think I'm just going to call them soulmates. Sure, that word is usually used more for romance, but I think it fits these two very well because they ARE soulmates.
(Besides my little language crises, this book is awesome, I love it, I love Jahir and Vasiht't. Read the first book in the series first, though.)
(Besides my little language crises, this book is awesome, I love it, I love Jahir and Vasiht't. Read the first book in the series first, though.)
August 17, 2020
I wish there were more books in this series! Maybe someday . . .
March 2, 2022
Build Your Library 2022: a story about someone with superpowers (Jahir is a telepath)
Popsugar 2022: a book with a character on the ace spectrum
Spells and spaceships 2022: Non-human
I loved the first book in this series but took way too long to get to the next book!
This is a great series for people looking for a comfort read. It's essentially about a pair of graduate students in a non-human majority universe. The pair, Jahir and Vasiht'h, are both interested in psychology but are still figuring out exactly what their professions will be. Vasiht'h, who is a black and white creature somewhat like a centaur but with cat paws and a somewhat catlike face and wings, has gone against what most of his people do and has decided to go into clinical practice. Jahir has been interested in pharmapsychology and at the beginning of this book, he's left the university planet where Vasiht'h and he have been roommates and has gone to do a residency in the most prestigious hospital in the galaxy. Jahir and Vasiht'h have a nascent mindline (sort of an always-on empathy link), and Vasiht'h decides early in the book that he's going to go after Jahir to foster this link and be there to help his friend. Vasiht'h's people are usually largely asexual, although they love to have large families with many children.
Jahir finds more than he bargains for once he arrives at his residency. The planet is much heavier than his home world. This is a plot point that I thought was odd, although I think the author needed a reason to eventually get Jahir off the planet. Jahir has already been through the whole adjustment to a heavier world when he began his studies. Would he really not know that he was in for some difficulty on this new world? Jahir also ends up in a very strenuous situation at work. There are multiple coma patients being admitted and no one knows why. Jahir, with his telepathy, ends up being able to connect with these patients as they die (and die they do). Even though he's just begun a residency and is struggling with his own medical condition, his supervisor thinks it's just fine for a telepath to be linked to a dying person to help that person feel less alone. In the end, Jahir ends up pushing himself and Vasiht'h to the brink as he struggles to keep patients alive long enough for their families to arrive and say goodbye. Jahir risks death for both himself and Vasiht't by doing this, and I found it hard to believe that he wouldn't at least have concern for Vasiht'h's risk.
This first part of the book, to be fair, isn't especially a comfort read, except that Jahir and Vasiht'h strengthen their bond and Vasiht'h is able to help Jahir. The book really feels like two different novellas, because the second half is this duo returning to their school and continuing their education.
In this half of the book, there's more about yummy food, nesting in a new home, and the wonder of the mindline building. Jahir is now considering clinical work, and he has Vasiht'h have a practicum in which they can practice their dreamhealing, which they've barely begun to understand. There's some drama about their supervisor with this that I found mildly annoying, but most of the rest of the book is pretty laid back.
I like these two together and like the gentle world with mature characters which they inhabit. There are neat ideas like a humanoid dolphin who speaks through sign language and who sees the physiotherapy that Jahir needs. The mindline uses synesthesia to communicate emotions and I liked that too. Jahir is a bit stuffy and Vasiht'h is a bit anxious, but they balance each other. I think the thing that I like best is that the two main characters feel as though they are really seen by each other and by their academic advisors. This is a rare thing in my experience.
I rated this book a bit lower than the first book because I thought some of the first part strained credibility a bit. This is very much a "journey is more important than the destination" read. I also couldn't remember a lot of the species from the first book and there wasn't a lot of description given, so I felt a bit at sea with that.
Popsugar 2022: a book with a character on the ace spectrum
Spells and spaceships 2022: Non-human
I loved the first book in this series but took way too long to get to the next book!
This is a great series for people looking for a comfort read. It's essentially about a pair of graduate students in a non-human majority universe. The pair, Jahir and Vasiht'h, are both interested in psychology but are still figuring out exactly what their professions will be. Vasiht'h, who is a black and white creature somewhat like a centaur but with cat paws and a somewhat catlike face and wings, has gone against what most of his people do and has decided to go into clinical practice. Jahir has been interested in pharmapsychology and at the beginning of this book, he's left the university planet where Vasiht'h and he have been roommates and has gone to do a residency in the most prestigious hospital in the galaxy. Jahir and Vasiht'h have a nascent mindline (sort of an always-on empathy link), and Vasiht'h decides early in the book that he's going to go after Jahir to foster this link and be there to help his friend. Vasiht'h's people are usually largely asexual, although they love to have large families with many children.
Jahir finds more than he bargains for once he arrives at his residency. The planet is much heavier than his home world. This is a plot point that I thought was odd, although I think the author needed a reason to eventually get Jahir off the planet. Jahir has already been through the whole adjustment to a heavier world when he began his studies. Would he really not know that he was in for some difficulty on this new world? Jahir also ends up in a very strenuous situation at work. There are multiple coma patients being admitted and no one knows why. Jahir, with his telepathy, ends up being able to connect with these patients as they die (and die they do). Even though he's just begun a residency and is struggling with his own medical condition, his supervisor thinks it's just fine for a telepath to be linked to a dying person to help that person feel less alone. In the end, Jahir ends up pushing himself and Vasiht'h to the brink as he struggles to keep patients alive long enough for their families to arrive and say goodbye. Jahir risks death for both himself and Vasiht't by doing this, and I found it hard to believe that he wouldn't at least have concern for Vasiht'h's risk.
This first part of the book, to be fair, isn't especially a comfort read, except that Jahir and Vasiht'h strengthen their bond and Vasiht'h is able to help Jahir. The book really feels like two different novellas, because the second half is this duo returning to their school and continuing their education.
In this half of the book, there's more about yummy food, nesting in a new home, and the wonder of the mindline building. Jahir is now considering clinical work, and he has Vasiht'h have a practicum in which they can practice their dreamhealing, which they've barely begun to understand. There's some drama about their supervisor with this that I found mildly annoying, but most of the rest of the book is pretty laid back.
I like these two together and like the gentle world with mature characters which they inhabit. There are neat ideas like a humanoid dolphin who speaks through sign language and who sees the physiotherapy that Jahir needs. The mindline uses synesthesia to communicate emotions and I liked that too. Jahir is a bit stuffy and Vasiht'h is a bit anxious, but they balance each other. I think the thing that I like best is that the two main characters feel as though they are really seen by each other and by their academic advisors. This is a rare thing in my experience.
I rated this book a bit lower than the first book because I thought some of the first part strained credibility a bit. This is very much a "journey is more important than the destination" read. I also couldn't remember a lot of the species from the first book and there wasn't a lot of description given, so I felt a bit at sea with that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2018
About 3.7 Goodreads stars.
The intense crisis of this book (the unresponsive patients dying at the capitol hospital) involves Jahir endangering his life due to risky mental connection with the dying while his constitution is already strained by the world's heavy gravity. Vasiht'h's arrival provides a desperately needed emotional anchor, and a refusal to lose him, even as Jahir's residency becomes very different from anticipated.
However, be aware that the whole end section of the story is after that situation is resolved, as they move forward with their realizations of what their lives' work really should be. The conflict at this point is quieter, merely trying to figure out how to prove their methods' effectiveness and safety to the non-espers who have the authority to certify them or not.
Themes include needing balance in one's life, partnership, and accepting that saving everyone is impossible. Jahir's too-high hopes for the marvels of Alliance medical science make his disappointment worse. The fact that his long life-expectancy means he can pursue more than the one career most mortals must limit themselves to, but also that he will lose many people he allows himself to care for, makes for an interesting angle in his decisions.
Secondary characters include some old and some new. I enjoyed meeting one of the sole water-adapted Pelted race.
As for the editing, it was not quite as nearly-clean as the first. There was one logically-questionable comment made: There were a few assorted minor typos, of course, but the most annoying mess-up was in the epilogue, where every single opening quote that should've been at the beginning of a line was missing! I also continue to be brought up short by MCAH's use of "raveled" in the constructive sense re. their initial bond, when the word more often has the connotation of fraying or at least tangled snarling.
Still, never doubt that the writing has many lovely and/or thoughtful lines, and appealing characters to care about and keep you reading.
The intense crisis of this book (the unresponsive patients dying at the capitol hospital) involves Jahir endangering his life due to risky mental connection with the dying while his constitution is already strained by the world's heavy gravity. Vasiht'h's arrival provides a desperately needed emotional anchor, and a refusal to lose him, even as Jahir's residency becomes very different from anticipated.
However, be aware that the whole end section of the story is after that situation is resolved, as they move forward with their realizations of what their lives' work really should be. The conflict at this point is quieter, merely trying to figure out how to prove their methods' effectiveness and safety to the non-espers who have the authority to certify them or not.
Themes include needing balance in one's life, partnership, and accepting that saving everyone is impossible. Jahir's too-high hopes for the marvels of Alliance medical science make his disappointment worse. The fact that his long life-expectancy means he can pursue more than the one career most mortals must limit themselves to, but also that he will lose many people he allows himself to care for, makes for an interesting angle in his decisions.
Secondary characters include some old and some new. I enjoyed meeting one of the sole water-adapted Pelted race.
As for the editing, it was not quite as nearly-clean as the first. There was one logically-questionable comment made: There were a few assorted minor typos, of course, but the most annoying mess-up was in the epilogue, where every single opening quote that should've been at the beginning of a line was missing! I also continue to be brought up short by MCAH's use of "raveled" in the constructive sense re. their initial bond, when the word more often has the connotation of fraying or at least tangled snarling.
Still, never doubt that the writing has many lovely and/or thoughtful lines, and appealing characters to care about and keep you reading.
June 26, 2020
This is the second half of a science-fiction duology. I devoured it in a day and a half, enjoying it very much indeed, albeit not quite as much as the opening book (which I entirely and completely loved). If you haven't read that book--"Mindtouch"--then I would recommend skipping this review and seeking it out. The setting for the duology is a future rich with humans, the Pelted (species engineered from humans), and aliens. The two main characters are xenopsychology students of different species. Both are very likable, both have telepathic abilities, and they have a particular telepathic sensitivity to each other. As with the first book, I love the friendship between them. And, as with the first book, I also found several of the secondary characters very sympathetic, this time particularly Naysha (a member of an aquatic species) and KindlesFlame.
To repeat myself: I enjoyed this very much indeed. Yet reading it clarified my impression that the first book was exceptional. It was such a quiet, soft, almost understated book, yet at the same time moving, verging on profound. (For me at least.) This second book, while very good, is more conventional. Minor spoilers ahead. Highly recommended (if that wasn't obvious already!)
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
To repeat myself: I enjoyed this very much indeed. Yet reading it clarified my impression that the first book was exceptional. It was such a quiet, soft, almost understated book, yet at the same time moving, verging on profound. (For me at least.) This second book, while very good, is more conventional. Minor spoilers ahead. Highly recommended (if that wasn't obvious already!)
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
January 1, 2022
CN for Drugs, Drug-related death, Self-harm through overwork
This is the second book in the Dreamhealers series, and follows seamlessly where the previous one left off: Jahir arrives at the big hospital where he is supposed to do his residency, while Vasiht'h is trying to follow him with as little delay as he can. Said residency turns out to be difficult to the point of being dangerous: Jahir is struggling with the gravity of the planet, which is higher than anything he's used to, and of course the work he's expected to do on the emergency station is also very difficult. It becomes even worse when a series of unresponsive patients arrive, and the only way of getting any kind of information out of them is if Jahir is telepathically linked to them at the moment of their death. Vasiht'h's arrival and the fully-formed mindline between them is the only thing keeping Jahir from coming to serious harm.
I loved the first book, and had high expectations for the second. I was NOT disappointed. Mindline is just as good as Mindtouch. The world-building is of course still wonderful, and I have come to really appreciate the utopia setting. This book too deals with some pretty serious topics, like drug abuse, coming to terms with death and mortality, and what it means to decide to spend the rest of one of your lives with somebody (as in, until one partner dies, not as in regeneration like in Doctor Who). But the world itself isn't broken, the characters are all fundamentally good, and this makes the story surprisingly relaxing to read.
And of course, I really, really appreciate the queerplatonic relationship between Vasiht'h and Jahir. It is a very beautiful and deeply loving one, and they really form a unit together.
TL;DR: I love this series and am looking forward to reading the rest.
This is the second book in the Dreamhealers series, and follows seamlessly where the previous one left off: Jahir arrives at the big hospital where he is supposed to do his residency, while Vasiht'h is trying to follow him with as little delay as he can. Said residency turns out to be difficult to the point of being dangerous: Jahir is struggling with the gravity of the planet, which is higher than anything he's used to, and of course the work he's expected to do on the emergency station is also very difficult. It becomes even worse when a series of unresponsive patients arrive, and the only way of getting any kind of information out of them is if Jahir is telepathically linked to them at the moment of their death. Vasiht'h's arrival and the fully-formed mindline between them is the only thing keeping Jahir from coming to serious harm.
I loved the first book, and had high expectations for the second. I was NOT disappointed. Mindline is just as good as Mindtouch. The world-building is of course still wonderful, and I have come to really appreciate the utopia setting. This book too deals with some pretty serious topics, like drug abuse, coming to terms with death and mortality, and what it means to decide to spend the rest of one of your lives with somebody (as in, until one partner dies, not as in regeneration like in Doctor Who). But the world itself isn't broken, the characters are all fundamentally good, and this makes the story surprisingly relaxing to read.
And of course, I really, really appreciate the queerplatonic relationship between Vasiht'h and Jahir. It is a very beautiful and deeply loving one, and they really form a unit together.
TL;DR: I love this series and am looking forward to reading the rest.
February 12, 2023
Loved it. Even more than the first book. Where I thought that one was a little sedate, especially in the beginning, this one did not have that problem. It was still heartwarming, cute, and caring, but there were also serious problems to overcome.
I did think the medical professionals, both in the hospital and the supervisor at the university, were out of line. I don't understand why the medical profession has such an obsession with exhausting their residents, but not to allow for the severe medical condition that Jahir has is ridiculous. To then push him to endanger himself when they don't even understand what they are asking from him is criminal. To scoff at him having been endangered when he's just collapsed, just because he did it in a hospital that could have helped him, is callous. I don't care what motivated it, this was not good medical ethics. And the supervisor had no right to play with them as she did. It was disrespectful.
But I loved Vasiht'h standing up for Jahir. I loved the mindline, the care of Jahir's therapists and some of his colleagues. I also liked the student cases and the more leisurely pacing of the second half of the book.
I would say that story-wise, maybe this is not a 5 star book. The story is relatively simple and I've definitely read books that are way more intricate, with better world building as well. But the world building is still good, and the simple story doesn't detract from its enjoyment. Perhaps it adds to it. In any case, this book is so positive, warm, and caring, and so good at what it is, that I'm ending up with 5 stars anyway.
I did think the medical professionals, both in the hospital and the supervisor at the university, were out of line. I don't understand why the medical profession has such an obsession with exhausting their residents, but not to allow for the severe medical condition that Jahir has is ridiculous. To then push him to endanger himself when they don't even understand what they are asking from him is criminal. To scoff at him having been endangered when he's just collapsed, just because he did it in a hospital that could have helped him, is callous. I don't care what motivated it, this was not good medical ethics. And the supervisor had no right to play with them as she did. It was disrespectful.
But I loved Vasiht'h standing up for Jahir. I loved the mindline, the care of Jahir's therapists and some of his colleagues. I also liked the student cases and the more leisurely pacing of the second half of the book.
I would say that story-wise, maybe this is not a 5 star book. The story is relatively simple and I've definitely read books that are way more intricate, with better world building as well. But the world building is still good, and the simple story doesn't detract from its enjoyment. Perhaps it adds to it. In any case, this book is so positive, warm, and caring, and so good at what it is, that I'm ending up with 5 stars anyway.
August 3, 2023
3.5-3.75⭐️
Okay! I caved and immediately picked up the next book in the series. It is difficult to stay away when I find a story I want to stick to. I am very much a mood reader and there are times where I pick up books and do not finish reading them or rarely find amazing books that not just make me go back to see what is next in store for the characters I have come to love but hold my interest after.
In the case of Mindline this was a great sequel to Mindtouch. I still loved the feel of the latter more than the latter. But not by much. There were parts in this book to do with power dynamics (as mentioned in some reviews) that give me pause and make me dissatisfied in the way it was handled, but all in all I loved this read.
In comparison to Mindtouch, Mindline was more intense in the topics it touched upon and it was also more direct in approaching them. Though there were topics you wouldn't think would be in a cozy book, in the end this was a cozy book in the sense that we see 2 people who find a partnership that is beyond ordinary and find contentment in the simple things that make their bond extraordinary. I am unsure how to word the feelings that these stories have evoked in me but for now these stories are still in the cozy universe for me.
I will not make a pronouncement that I will not pick up the next book so soon but I won't promise I will either. Discovering this series has lead me to learn of other books that have intrigued me and I might pick them up soon too. I am looking forward to reading Dreamhearth though and to see what our MC's will get up to now that they are licensed to practice.
Okay! I caved and immediately picked up the next book in the series. It is difficult to stay away when I find a story I want to stick to. I am very much a mood reader and there are times where I pick up books and do not finish reading them or rarely find amazing books that not just make me go back to see what is next in store for the characters I have come to love but hold my interest after.
In the case of Mindline this was a great sequel to Mindtouch. I still loved the feel of the latter more than the latter. But not by much. There were parts in this book to do with power dynamics (as mentioned in some reviews) that give me pause and make me dissatisfied in the way it was handled, but all in all I loved this read.
In comparison to Mindtouch, Mindline was more intense in the topics it touched upon and it was also more direct in approaching them. Though there were topics you wouldn't think would be in a cozy book, in the end this was a cozy book in the sense that we see 2 people who find a partnership that is beyond ordinary and find contentment in the simple things that make their bond extraordinary. I am unsure how to word the feelings that these stories have evoked in me but for now these stories are still in the cozy universe for me.
I will not make a pronouncement that I will not pick up the next book so soon but I won't promise I will either. Discovering this series has lead me to learn of other books that have intrigued me and I might pick them up soon too. I am looking forward to reading Dreamhearth though and to see what our MC's will get up to now that they are licensed to practice.
February 20, 2018
This is book two of the dreamhealers and begins with Vasiht'h and Jahir separated. Jahir has gone to the capital planet of Selnor to begin an elite residency. Complications arise almost immediately. The gravity on the planet is much higher than he is used to and he can't utilize the medical option to fix this. Even as his health is suffering, greater problems occur within the hospital. People are arriving comatose and not even their best brain surgeons and organic healers can help them. Jahir wears himself to exhaustion trying to use his psychic powers to connect with the patients. When he finally meets with success, he could never have anticipated the consequences.
Immediately after Jahir left, Vasiht'h realized he should never have let him go alone. Two weeks of space travel later, and he arrives on Selnor to turn the sterile apartment Jahir lives in into a home. And to care for his seriously ill love as Jahir wears himself into an exhaustion finding out what is happening -- and why.
I liked the story, though I would have prefered Vasiht'h play a more active role in the healing process during the medical crisis. The nice thing is, th author once more concentrates on her characters and their developing relationship as the two try to figure out how to turn two lives into one. Both Vasiht'h and Jahir are easily likable and their domesticity is an written in a comforting, cozy way so that the reader feels welcome at their feasts and finds themselves enjoying the time in that universe.
Immediately after Jahir left, Vasiht'h realized he should never have let him go alone. Two weeks of space travel later, and he arrives on Selnor to turn the sterile apartment Jahir lives in into a home. And to care for his seriously ill love as Jahir wears himself into an exhaustion finding out what is happening -- and why.
I liked the story, though I would have prefered Vasiht'h play a more active role in the healing process during the medical crisis. The nice thing is, th author once more concentrates on her characters and their developing relationship as the two try to figure out how to turn two lives into one. Both Vasiht'h and Jahir are easily likable and their domesticity is an written in a comforting, cozy way so that the reader feels welcome at their feasts and finds themselves enjoying the time in that universe.
September 19, 2025
This sequel is much different than the first book. Where the opening volume was full of feeling and emotional depth, Mindline feels flatter and more distant. The sense of connection that drew me into the first story just isn’t as strong here.
The first part of the book is pretty good, with solid pacing and interesting developments. But as the chapters progress, events and scenarios begin to repeat themselves, and the resolution doesn’t land as powerfully as it could. The primary plotline actually wraps up about two-thirds of the way through the novel. After that, the story tension crashes completely for fifty or sixty pages—it feels more like a travel log than a narrative, and I found myself skimming long portions. A final subplot does arrive near the end, but it’s short and predictable, so there’s never much tension or doubt about the outcome.
Another frustration was plausibility. Even allowing for the freedoms of science fiction, too many events and outcomes felt implausible. I won’t give details to avoid spoilers, but these moments pulled me out of the story abruptly and unpleasantly.
Overall, Mindline is not nearly as good as Book 1, which I considered one of the best stories I’ve read recently. This second book was a disappointment, but I’m giving it 3 stars because the first half is decent.
The first part of the book is pretty good, with solid pacing and interesting developments. But as the chapters progress, events and scenarios begin to repeat themselves, and the resolution doesn’t land as powerfully as it could. The primary plotline actually wraps up about two-thirds of the way through the novel. After that, the story tension crashes completely for fifty or sixty pages—it feels more like a travel log than a narrative, and I found myself skimming long portions. A final subplot does arrive near the end, but it’s short and predictable, so there’s never much tension or doubt about the outcome.
Another frustration was plausibility. Even allowing for the freedoms of science fiction, too many events and outcomes felt implausible. I won’t give details to avoid spoilers, but these moments pulled me out of the story abruptly and unpleasantly.
Overall, Mindline is not nearly as good as Book 1, which I considered one of the best stories I’ve read recently. This second book was a disappointment, but I’m giving it 3 stars because the first half is decent.
January 15, 2022
The first half of this book was rather dark and difficult to read. Thankfully, the second half was much brighter.
Here are some spoiler about the first half of the book (so don't keep reading if you don't want to be spoiled!) :
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In the first half, we basicaly see Jahir self destruct and the people with autority around him are absolutly failing to prevent that.
Jahir's work is killing him and Jahir should absolutly have had a full week or two of sick leave. Not just one day here and there!
Given that Jahir is working at an hospital and that almost everyone around him is aware of how sick he is, why did no adult (especialy his doctors/healers/therapist) stepped in to push him to take a sick leave???
If you are reading and are finding yourself in a similar situation than Jahir: I am begging you, please, for the love of yourself, take a sick leave! And rest! Work is not worth dying over for. Even if your work involve saving other people's life. Your life have value too. And if your work is so important, there should ne someone else here who can do it. If there isn't someone else here to do your work, that mean that the system has failed you and you shouldn't suffer because of that.
So please, take this sick leave.
Here are some spoiler about the first half of the book (so don't keep reading if you don't want to be spoiled!) :
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
In the first half, we basicaly see Jahir self destruct and the people with autority around him are absolutly failing to prevent that.
Jahir's work is killing him and Jahir should absolutly have had a full week or two of sick leave. Not just one day here and there!
Given that Jahir is working at an hospital and that almost everyone around him is aware of how sick he is, why did no adult (especialy his doctors/healers/therapist) stepped in to push him to take a sick leave???
If you are reading and are finding yourself in a similar situation than Jahir: I am begging you, please, for the love of yourself, take a sick leave! And rest! Work is not worth dying over for. Even if your work involve saving other people's life. Your life have value too. And if your work is so important, there should ne someone else here who can do it. If there isn't someone else here to do your work, that mean that the system has failed you and you shouldn't suffer because of that.
So please, take this sick leave.
July 18, 2018
A continuation of a really thoughtful story, really more like two big chapters as Jahir heads off for his residency--which involves his difficult acclimatization to the heavier gravity as well as an epidemic that needs to be figured out, thanks largely to Jahir's peril, and then the greater part of the story is their developing relationship, which is fascinating--a platonic love between two men (I find myself wondering if this leaves room for a third or fourth party and children, or if Jahir will simply enjoy this in itself and leave a wife to the future...)
The issues of space travel seem well considered. I don't recall any sci-fi movies addressing the problems of a person's physical structure versus planetary mass and gravity. The Eldritch's long lives makes for a sad subtext.
I note also that I seem to have discovered the later series first, thanks to a BookBub freebie, so I'm having to integrate the few references to the Eldritch world being before all the "prior" excitement and Jahir's references to the Veil that apparently is still in effect. If you're just discovering this author, you might do enough research to read them in proper order.
The issues of space travel seem well considered. I don't recall any sci-fi movies addressing the problems of a person's physical structure versus planetary mass and gravity. The Eldritch's long lives makes for a sad subtext.
I note also that I seem to have discovered the later series first, thanks to a BookBub freebie, so I'm having to integrate the few references to the Eldritch world being before all the "prior" excitement and Jahir's references to the Veil that apparently is still in effect. If you're just discovering this author, you might do enough research to read them in proper order.
August 12, 2025
This is going to be the oddest review this book has ever gotten, but I think it's about as good of a summary as you're going to get out of me on this little sleep: I finished Mindtouch and Mindline and then got a batch of foster kittens because my foster lost her litter. She isn't producing enough milk yet and they have a tendency to go to stupid places and get cold before they get cold enough to get mad and start yelling, so I kind of have a kitten stuffed down my shirt a reasonable proportion of the time right now. I was reading Wingless and (without offering any spoilers) just sort of thought, "Oh, dear, Lisinthir is not appropriate for three week old kittens," so I went back to reread some of Mindline. In short: so warm and fuzzy you can actually use it for baby animals. In the best possible way. Many, many thumbs up. (The kittens verdict is out, since a) they only communicate in Screamulon and b) they slept through way too much of the book to offer a proper opinion. Jerks.)
February 22, 2018
After one of the girls at the hospital dies in his arms, Jahir the Eldritch decides to become a doctor to treat and assist the short-lived individuals in the alliance. He completes medical school and is accepted at two universities. His closest friend Vasiht'h, a small centaur-like Galeash suggests he goes to the best hospital for his residency. After he leaves, Vasiht'h realizes he can't make it without his help and follows to assist him at the new hospital. After arriving he finds Jahir having difficulty coping with the higher gravity of the world, and combined with a medical emergency that comes up, changes the two and their relationship forever.
March 7, 2020
I started this book at five minutes after midnight and read it until 3:35 in the morning. Then, I woke up at 11:30 made my coffee and finish the book. An amazing entry into the series. You can really see the characters growing, learning, and really excepting what their relationship means. It’s not a romance in a typical sense but it makes the relationship more beautiful even because of that. There are two people working towards what they want but getting there is going to be hard. The book was really well written. You could feel the struggle and the trauma of some of the events in the story but man it was worth every second.
Now, I’m in the middle of the third book
Now, I’m in the middle of the third book
June 18, 2020
This second in the Dreamhealers series continues the story of Jahir and Vasiht'h, two medical students who have forged an unusual bond. It's unusual because it's rare to form the strong mindlink that they have and unheard of to form one between two different species. As with the first book, the story is mainly the development of their bond and their interaction with others. In this book, however, a crisis involving a dangerous drug heightens the action in the plot. To see a strong bond of non-sexual love grow between two species, follow them as they grow into it and learn to navigate their studies is intriguing and calming, although some might find it dull as a story, I enjoyed it.
March 9, 2019
A Buddy story at its heart, Mindline finds our main characters learning to deal with the psychic bond they’ve found, but it has them leaving their university digs for a residency in a prestigious inner system hospital. While Jahir suffers under atmospheric pressure that is quite literally killing him, he and Vasiht'h the authorities find the drug related cause to a series of mysterious deaths. Forced back to Seersana, they attempt to use their psychic skills as mind healers in ways never before considered.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2023
4+ stars. I didn’t expect much from these books and what a pleasant surprise they were. I'm reviewing the duology. It started with an elf from an up tight planet where people lived a very long time. He goes to another planet to study xenopsychology. At first it seemed like a typical freshmen year at college but the characters had so much depth. The relation ship between two different intelligent species was moving and heartwarming. World building was well developed without any warfare going on. Two main characters had to conquer their own foibles to become admirable and caring creatures.
January 30, 2020
You can start in the middle!
I very, very, very much appreciate and applaud authors who write books that can stand alone although part of a series. I was hesitant at first and was unfavorably comparing to White's series but then....I really ended up enjoying the world building and the story overall. It seemed to be following in true fairy tale fashion that what you wish for can be granted in unexpected ways.
I very, very, very much appreciate and applaud authors who write books that can stand alone although part of a series. I was hesitant at first and was unfavorably comparing to White's series but then....I really ended up enjoying the world building and the story overall. It seemed to be following in true fairy tale fashion that what you wish for can be granted in unexpected ways.
May 10, 2020
Allow me to reiterate: I did not expect to be drawn into a medical practice SF novel. The first book was so good, however, that here I am again - and it keeps the story, characters, and world building very well indeed. A favorite series, and in a genre I mostly abhor.
Seriously. This same subject matter in other author's hands have given me the crawling horrors. Here, it was handled with grace, solid craft, and comfort.
I cannot give either a novel or a series higher rating.
Seriously. This same subject matter in other author's hands have given me the crawling horrors. Here, it was handled with grace, solid craft, and comfort.
I cannot give either a novel or a series higher rating.
March 7, 2020
Can you care too deeply?
I didn’t cry as much in this book, but I did continue to delight in the growing love and attachment between these two as they explore the question of caring too deeply and how to repair the damage done when you do. Together with book one, highly recommended. I’ve found myself another favourite author.
I didn’t cry as much in this book, but I did continue to delight in the growing love and attachment between these two as they explore the question of caring too deeply and how to repair the damage done when you do. Together with book one, highly recommended. I’ve found myself another favourite author.
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