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Her Instruments Box Set, Books 1-4: Earthrise, Rose Point, Laisrathera, and A Rose Point Holiday

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Merchant Trader Reese Eddings just wants to be left alone to run her (failing) operation in peace... so naturally she spends four books wrapped up in spies, pirates, and a space elf civil war! The "Her Instruments" box set contains all four novels:

Earthrise
Reese Eddings has enough to do keeping her rattletrap merchant vessel, the TMS Earthrise, profitable enough to feed herself and her crew. So when a mysterious benefactor from her past shows up demanding she rescue a man from slavers, her first reaction is to run for the hills. Unfortunately, she did promise to repay the loan. But she didn't think it would involve tangling with pirates over a space elf prince...

Rose Point
Reese is only just getting used to running the Earthrise in the black—and with an Eldritch in her crew—when Hirianthial starts showing powers that even the Eldritch have only in legend. He badly needs training, support and advice, and the only place he can find them is... at home. To see the world of the Eldritch is a once in a lifetime opportunity. And to finally meet the Eldritch Queen! You'd have to twist her arm to get her to admit it, but Reese can't wait to go. But a court out of fantasy and a breathtaking land aren't enough compensation when they come packaged with a rabidly xenophobic species whose world is falling apart....

Laisrathera
The Queen of the Eldritch has offered Reese Eddings a life out of a fairy tale. Now the only thing between Reese and a castle of her very own is a maniacal alien despot, his native quisling and all the Eldritch dead-set on preventing the incursion of aliens at any cost, including the ousting of their current usurper, who happens to be an alien himself. The stakes have never been higher, and this last time will count for all...

A Rose Point Holiday
With the Eldritch civil war over, a castle to renovate, and a wedding to prepare for, the last thing Reese is thinking about is taking a break. But the new year is coming and the Eldritch take their holidays very seriously, so Reese decides it can’t hurt to observe the local proprieties. Who knows? Maybe it’ll make good practice for what Felith is calling the wedding of the century. Of course, that was before Reese realized it was going to involve gifts. And decorating. And a town full of recalcitrant Eldritch tenants who have no reason to trust her...

1240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 12, 2017

97 people are currently reading
81 people want to read

About the author

M.C.A. Hogarth

145 books386 followers
Daughter 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.

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5 stars
156 (71%)
4 stars
49 (22%)
3 stars
12 (5%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Alexis.
119 reviews14 followers
January 23, 2021
Once again its a 10 for me

Once again Hogarth has completely enraptured me with her Peltedverse. I absolutely loved this entire series, and it will join my frequent reread shelf very soon. I'd describe the first two novels in the series as classic sci-fi adventure insofar as anything with the Pelted can be considered classic sci-fi (they are often outrageous!). The third novel takes a hard turn to a more fantasy sci-fi realm due to the majority of it taking place on a very medieval planet. But I honestly can't think of anything to criticize.

For those who like "fans of __ will love this" comparisons, the only author who has touched on Hogarth's often pastoral take on adventure for me is John Scalzi. And really only one of his books is even remotely similar. What can I say, Hogarth is a hard act to describe!
Profile Image for Thistle.
7 reviews1 follower
May 14, 2019
An intriguing and engaging sci-fi fantasy series

I had no idea what to expect with this series and am really glad I picked it up. What started off as intrigue and adventure developed into an exciting story with fully fleshed characters who learn and grow, discover who they are and their potential, as learn to accept themselves and others. There's romance in there, which wasn't what I was expecting but it fitted in with the plot. What made it seem real for me was the characters' baggage and the way they each dealt with things differently. By the end I was really interested in them doing well and succeeding. A well fleshed out universe with different species and planets, dating adventure, romance, and proper character growth.
64 reviews2 followers
October 1, 2020
Unsurpassable

This is one of the best stories I've ever read. Since I have been reading for 55 years that should give an inkling of how wonderful it is. I was totalling devastated at finishing this box and discovering there was no book 5. I hope
with all my heart that Ms. Hogarth isnt done with the story of Reese and. Hirithienal. I know I want more of this story where the characters are so complex and have so much depth, the story line so full of harrowing experiences, moments that are emotionally riveting, and acted throughout with humor, umbrage, tragedy, loyalty, tenderness, cruelty, and all the conflicting emotions that charge a really epic story. This is one of those few in a lifetime stories that I will treasure, hold dear, and revisit from time to time.
472 reviews3 followers
February 17, 2025
Wonderfully heartwarming, suspenseful adventure, great characters

Love, love, love this series! These novels are wonderful on so many levels.
I gradually came to love all the main characters as their diversity and individuality are revealed by their contributions to solving the many difficult challenges they encounter. They come from multiple cultures and worlds. It's wonderful to watch their relationships become deeper, more nuanced, and completely believable.
They eventually bond deeply and become a loving family. The attraction between Reese and Hirianthial grows into love throughout the course of the four complex novels. Other interesting characters join the storyline and enhance the world-building.
Ten stars for this series!
Profile Image for Li.
1,039 reviews34 followers
December 22, 2018
I'd heard so many good things about this series and really should have listened. This hit all the right buttons for me - a fast-paced space opera centered around found family, a slow-burn romance with a stoic and mysterious hero... what more could I ask for?

An excellent trilogy, with a perfect-in-a-schmooopy-way extended epilogue in the form of A Rose Point Holiday.
143 reviews2 followers
May 23, 2020
I sense that some parts of these books may have been written earlier in this brilliant author’s career. The amazing characters and fascinating plots, are there, as always but some of the copy editing and some barely noticeable content editing isn’t as developed in the first three of these four books as is usual by this writer. I still endorse them whole heartedly for any lover of sci fi, science fantasy and even steam punk. I continue to read everything she writes in this genre and am sad when a book is finished because I want to stay in her worlds forever
Profile Image for H.A. Kirsch.
Author 10 books1 follower
July 11, 2020
Disclaimer: I actually haven't read "A Rose Point Holiday" but I read the other books and am too lazy to find them all on here individually.

Imagine a space opera that's also a (self-aware!) romance and a demonstration of diversity. That is this book series. It's also furry, but the kind of furry you can give anyone and not tell them and they'll just think, "oh, space cats, interesting."

I greatly enjoyed the series and recommend it to anyone who likes the above genres.
Profile Image for Alayne.
2,461 reviews7 followers
September 12, 2020
An excellent and totally enjoyable set of stories which are really one story. Set in MCA Hogarth's Pelted universe, and featuring the Eldritch world as well as others, this takes us into far more detail about the Eldritch and the Pelted than the Mindhealer series. Character development was great - I really didn't like the main character, Reese, in the first book but as she changed for the better and became more self aware, she became very likeable. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,117 reviews
January 7, 2018
Such an excellent well written series! I enjoyed reading about the adventures of Reese, Hirianthial,Sascha, Irine and so many more. Reese is such an interesting person who has her ups and downs but manages to grow and change to be funny, romantic and very strong. I really enjoyed Allacazam as he was a very interesting species. Read this action packed story and have a couple of Kleenex handy.
Profile Image for Lisa.
666 reviews
November 3, 2018
Reese's bigotry and fear of Hiranthirial take way too long to be resolved, and wow, do they go through some shit, but I enjoyed the books overall. I purchased this box set after finishing a re-read of book 1 that already I owned, because it seemed a good deal. Be aware that "A Rose Point Holiday" is a novella, but a very cute one.
322 reviews5 followers
July 27, 2020
What a story!

One of the VERY BEST stories ever! Get immersed in a universe of "people"of all kinds in this immense epic tale of adventures, friends, enemies, love and so much more. It can be intense, touching, and will make you feel as if you really know the people in these stories. Told excellently well!
3,323 reviews30 followers
July 30, 2020
Her instruments

This series is world building at its finest. The best part is the integration of such a disparate group that are family despite their captain's nascent ability towards irritability. The spaceship crew pull together for the greater good. Sounds too good to be true but you will have to read this fascinating tale to find out.
25 reviews
January 4, 2021
This is a very imaginative sci-fi story that bleeds a little into fantasy. I liked the characters and felt very empathetic with them. It might not have as many battle scenes and fights to satisfy some but I liked the breaks in the action that allowed the characters to develop relationships amongst themselves. The way the author evolved those relationships was very satisfying.
93 reviews16 followers
January 14, 2018
Excellent Series

Having started with the Dreamhealers series first, it was interesting to read a more action based addition to the Pelted Universe. Throughly enjoyed all of the books, but I'm glad I read them all together because the second book ends on a huge cliffhanger.
20 reviews
April 5, 2018
Enjoyable Science Fiction

I thoroughly enjoyed this series. Genetically created species, space pirates, a strong willed female protaganist, adventure and even some inter species romance thrown in for good measure - what more could one ask for.
55 reviews
July 16, 2018
Interesting and beguiling characters.

I love fantasy and science fiction novels. Am always on the outlook for new space horizon stories that allow me to picture new species when written as well as Hogarth has done. I look forward to her continuing these characters ' stories.
3 reviews
May 10, 2020
Excellent

The series has started off quite excellently. Reese is a marvelous heroine as is Alysha. The entire cast of characters in all the books are loveable despite some of their less wonderful attributes.
496 reviews
August 4, 2020
This is the second series I have read from this author. I like the work, and while there are some changes I would make, it is a very good and easy to read and entertaining. The ending is such that another series can be added to this, and I hope there is another one continuing this tale of fiction.
411 reviews5 followers
August 3, 2021
Really good!

This series and the main character grew on me as I read it. ( She had a Lot of growing to do ;). Fun world , adventure, flirtation, and character building and enough light to offset the dark. I look forward to reading more in the pelted universe!!
Profile Image for Lia Jones.
70 reviews
January 19, 2018
Fantasy at its best

Part romance, part adventure, a lot of intrigue and all told by fantastical creatures of science and fiction. Couldn't put it down.
Profile Image for Vicki Farsoun.
4 reviews
August 5, 2018
Really enjoyed the series. Read the first in The series for free and immediately bought the full series. Enjoy!
18 reviews
May 26, 2019
This series is truly addictive!

Once I started reading this series I couldn't put it down. It captures your attention and delivers on every front.
Profile Image for Shirley.
28 reviews
July 30, 2019
Bit of a romcom and unbelieveable but an easy read.
5 reviews
December 10, 2019
Loved it !!

Nicely designed world and well rounded characters. An imaginative and intriguing story make for a very good read ! Wonderful.
Profile Image for Jan Marshall.
Author 3 books1 follower
March 11, 2020
A saga to love

Yet again I have been entranced by these characters, these worlds, these lives and their entwining. I put off other things so I could keep reading.
2 reviews
March 8, 2022
Tremendous read.....kept me rapt all through.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sin-Yaw Wang.
106 reviews
September 22, 2018
I read only 3 of the 4-book set, since the story ended.

Each step of Reese's journey connected and move her to the next phase of her growth. Characters in this book have depth and truly touched me. A very interesting future of humanity of many evolutionary ideas and experiments, also quite imaginary on some non-human-based species. A bit weak on the technologies. I will call this a love story with SciFi settings.
Profile Image for Richard Griffis.
26 reviews
Read
April 25, 2018
This was a big change from my Stephen King, Dean Koontz and Kathy Reich diet. A four book Sci if series that was a very enjoyable read!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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