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Jubilee Summer #1
Healer's Wedding
Nearly a year has passed since the conclusion of the Chatcaavan War... which means it's time for Jahir and Sediryl to marry, and Sediryl to kneel for the coronet of the imperial heir! All their allies are gathering to celebrate, from the expected, like the Queen Ransomed and Lisinthir, to mentors and friends from years past. But life doesn't pause for momentous events, no matter how joyous or anticipated. There are issues Jahir and Sediryl have yet to resolve, issues that reflect the greater challenges besetting their world and the Alliance. Before they can join hands for the wedding cloth, they'll have to face at least one of those challenges... and it won't be the first.
Healer's Wedding, Book 1 in the Jubilee Summer duology, brings together the characters from Her Instruments, Dreamhealers, and Princes' Game for a capstone season of politics and pleasure. Return to the homeworld of the Eldritch and the company of friends!
Healer's Wedding, Book 1 in the Jubilee Summer duology, brings together the characters from Her Instruments, Dreamhealers, and Princes' Game for a capstone season of politics and pleasure. Return to the homeworld of the Eldritch and the company of friends!
- GenresScience FictionFantasy
426 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2019
52 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
M.C.A. Hogarth
145 books387 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 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 3, 2019
This book is the first in a duology that serves as a capstone for Hogarth's six-book Prince's Game dark space opera series, picking up about a year after the end of that series. I can understand the decision to set the more upbeat events that the duology covers- in the first book, Sediryl's wedding to Jahir, and in the second book Sediryl's formal investiture as the Heir to the Eldritch throne- some distance in time after the immediate aftermath of the war, but it feels like the story lacks a certain connective tissue without showing more of how the characters processed their experiences and the first meetings of characters between the Prince's Game series and of Hogarth's separate Earthrise space opera trilogy which are tied into the storyline here.
Specifically, I still feel very vague on how the momentous events in both series are placed on the timeline, because there was little to nothing in Prince's Game about the Eldritch Civil War in Earthrise and vice versa, even though each of those ought to have impacted each other (the timeline at the beginning of the book implies that Earthrise came first and overlaps with the first and second book of Prince's Game, but given that the third book of Prince's Game was before the war proper started and included communication back and forth with the Eldritch homeworld, it seems odd that the catastrophic events didn't really so much as cross the characters' minds, at least not to a degree that I picked up on it having read Earthrise first). I'm hoping that since both were tied together here, at least future series will be more consistent with and aware of each other in-story from this common base on.
The plotting feels looser in this book than the later Prince's Game books did, given to meandering and long philosophical tangents that feel like Hogarth using the characters and their situation to muse on various aspects of life directly to- or with, maybe- the reader. This isn't an unusual aspect to Hogarth's work, nor entirely an unwelcome one, but sometimes I wished that they were more grounded in the characters and setting. There are some nice character interactions, with Sediryl making a friend of an Eldritch woman she had previously dismissed as airheaded and overly concerned with appearances and learning to value her political acumen and advice, Vasiht'h going off-world to reunite with characters from Mindtouch and Mindline and attempt to recruit them to the Eldritch homeworld, and a medical emergency sees Jahir settled into his work as a doctor in the hospital at Laisrathera, before things finally come together with the wedding in the end.
The main plot of this duology, though, relies on the conflict between Sediryl and Bethsaida, her predecessor as heir, who was set aside after traumatic experiences including torture and rape made her "unsuitable" for the position, a plot point I've long disliked and one which wasn't made better by this book, especially with its prologue from Beth's own point of view where we see that she her as a cruel manipulator without any redeeming qualities, characterized by one character supposedly on the side of good as a "petty, vengeful harpy" who "went into the big wide universe and cried her way through it" (crying while... she was being actually tortured, presumably). Besides the poor handling of that, I found it increasingly unbelievable that Liolesa would have even considered Bethsaida for her heir to the throne. The whole thing left a bad taste in my mouth that persisted even through the scenes that I liked.
Specifically, I still feel very vague on how the momentous events in both series are placed on the timeline, because there was little to nothing in Prince's Game about the Eldritch Civil War in Earthrise and vice versa, even though each of those ought to have impacted each other (the timeline at the beginning of the book implies that Earthrise came first and overlaps with the first and second book of Prince's Game, but given that the third book of Prince's Game was before the war proper started and included communication back and forth with the Eldritch homeworld, it seems odd that the catastrophic events didn't really so much as cross the characters' minds, at least not to a degree that I picked up on it having read Earthrise first). I'm hoping that since both were tied together here, at least future series will be more consistent with and aware of each other in-story from this common base on.
The plotting feels looser in this book than the later Prince's Game books did, given to meandering and long philosophical tangents that feel like Hogarth using the characters and their situation to muse on various aspects of life directly to- or with, maybe- the reader. This isn't an unusual aspect to Hogarth's work, nor entirely an unwelcome one, but sometimes I wished that they were more grounded in the characters and setting. There are some nice character interactions, with Sediryl making a friend of an Eldritch woman she had previously dismissed as airheaded and overly concerned with appearances and learning to value her political acumen and advice, Vasiht'h going off-world to reunite with characters from Mindtouch and Mindline and attempt to recruit them to the Eldritch homeworld, and a medical emergency sees Jahir settled into his work as a doctor in the hospital at Laisrathera, before things finally come together with the wedding in the end.
The main plot of this duology, though, relies on the conflict between Sediryl and Bethsaida, her predecessor as heir, who was set aside after traumatic experiences including torture and rape made her "unsuitable" for the position, a plot point I've long disliked and one which wasn't made better by this book, especially with its prologue from Beth's own point of view where we see that she her as a cruel manipulator without any redeeming qualities, characterized by one character supposedly on the side of good as a "petty, vengeful harpy" who "went into the big wide universe and cried her way through it" (crying while... she was being actually tortured, presumably). Besides the poor handling of that, I found it increasingly unbelievable that Liolesa would have even considered Bethsaida for her heir to the throne. The whole thing left a bad taste in my mouth that persisted even through the scenes that I liked.
May 6, 2019
I mean there are like fifteen books that come before this one, and if you enjoyed them you're probably gonna enjoy this one too. It's a warm book, showcasing Hogarth's uncanny knack to write highly compelling stories wherein almost nothing happens. It's worth the fifteen books it takes to get here.
March 12, 2019
A Lot To Take In But A Great Read
Since I came into the peltedverse with the Her Instruments books, there were a lot of culture shocks for me in this book. Lol but I got over them and honestly, Linsinthir is my new bae so it turned out beyond grand for me.
I have to admit, I'm really heavily into romance and kind don't care much for the political jibber jabber in these books. It's not to say that it all isn't interesting, I'm just kind of one track minded when it comes to my thirst for new (or old?) romance. I really enjoyed a deeper look into some of these new (to me, remember I only know the characters mentioned and/or introduced in the Her Instruments books) characters and Sediryl is already a new favorite of mine.
Sometimes I feel so dumb when I read these books though. The culture and the way these characters speak just throws me off sometimes. I found that to be the case with Hirianthial in the HI books too. It's just so...different. So I end up reading what they said and the paragraph about twenty times (with a dictionary at hand) to make sure I'm grasping what they're trying to convey. I'm just being honest here, if you're used to regular works of fiction and pretty simple storytelling, you may have a hard time with these books. I have bad reading comprehension in general so it takes me a long time to finish most works, has nothing to do with this magnificent author.
I have already purchased the second part of this book and am looking forward to the exciting ways this world progresses (or regresses, I'm ready for anything!) so that I can continue my pelted fix. The storm on the horizon gives me goosebumps! So, thank you to the author for allowing this simple girl to indulge in your world, even if it's just for a little while.
Since I came into the peltedverse with the Her Instruments books, there were a lot of culture shocks for me in this book. Lol but I got over them and honestly, Linsinthir is my new bae so it turned out beyond grand for me.
I have to admit, I'm really heavily into romance and kind don't care much for the political jibber jabber in these books. It's not to say that it all isn't interesting, I'm just kind of one track minded when it comes to my thirst for new (or old?) romance. I really enjoyed a deeper look into some of these new (to me, remember I only know the characters mentioned and/or introduced in the Her Instruments books) characters and Sediryl is already a new favorite of mine.
Sometimes I feel so dumb when I read these books though. The culture and the way these characters speak just throws me off sometimes. I found that to be the case with Hirianthial in the HI books too. It's just so...different. So I end up reading what they said and the paragraph about twenty times (with a dictionary at hand) to make sure I'm grasping what they're trying to convey. I'm just being honest here, if you're used to regular works of fiction and pretty simple storytelling, you may have a hard time with these books. I have bad reading comprehension in general so it takes me a long time to finish most works, has nothing to do with this magnificent author.
I have already purchased the second part of this book and am looking forward to the exciting ways this world progresses (or regresses, I'm ready for anything!) so that I can continue my pelted fix. The storm on the horizon gives me goosebumps! So, thank you to the author for allowing this simple girl to indulge in your world, even if it's just for a little while.
January 26, 2019
All your Favourites having a party. Clouds on the horizon. What's not to like?
If your a reader of Hogarth's Peltedverse books, then this is basically a must-have. After the galaxy-shattering events of the Princes Game series, pretty much the entire surviving cast (including the guys from the Her Instruments series) are gathered together for Sediryl and Jahir's wedding. The general tone is of the Dreamhealers series, with a large dose of Rose Point Holiday thrown in. So massively bucolic and heart-warming, but with some major stormclouds gathering which come to fruition (and boy, don't they just) in the second book in the series, Farmer's Crown.
As usual, scene after scene will leave you grinning like a loon, this stuff really is balm for the soul. This isn't to say that there aren't tough and disturbing scenes, Hogarth always hides an iron fist in that beautifully embroidered velvet glove, but the real job of this book is to have a great time building us up for the rollercoaster ahead.
You're all invited, take a pew.
If your a reader of Hogarth's Peltedverse books, then this is basically a must-have. After the galaxy-shattering events of the Princes Game series, pretty much the entire surviving cast (including the guys from the Her Instruments series) are gathered together for Sediryl and Jahir's wedding. The general tone is of the Dreamhealers series, with a large dose of Rose Point Holiday thrown in. So massively bucolic and heart-warming, but with some major stormclouds gathering which come to fruition (and boy, don't they just) in the second book in the series, Farmer's Crown.
As usual, scene after scene will leave you grinning like a loon, this stuff really is balm for the soul. This isn't to say that there aren't tough and disturbing scenes, Hogarth always hides an iron fist in that beautifully embroidered velvet glove, but the real job of this book is to have a great time building us up for the rollercoaster ahead.
You're all invited, take a pew.
February 23, 2019
Glowing happiness
This story is a continuation of and the beginning of the culmination of many series (Her Instruments, Princes' Game, Dreamhealers) and I don't think it would make as much sense without reading at least some of those. But this story gives me such glowing happiness! It brings characters we have seen in other books together in new ways and broadens our knowledge of the Eldrich. Old friendships are renewed and new ones are formed.
It ends at an ending, which is not always true with a series, but there is enough unresolved that I am bouncing in anticipation of the next book! How will Sediryl counteract Bethsaida's scheming? What are the Faulfenzair up to? Is Jahir's mother really courting Sediryl's father?
This story is a continuation of and the beginning of the culmination of many series (Her Instruments, Princes' Game, Dreamhealers) and I don't think it would make as much sense without reading at least some of those. But this story gives me such glowing happiness! It brings characters we have seen in other books together in new ways and broadens our knowledge of the Eldrich. Old friendships are renewed and new ones are formed.
It ends at an ending, which is not always true with a series, but there is enough unresolved that I am bouncing in anticipation of the next book! How will Sediryl counteract Bethsaida's scheming? What are the Faulfenzair up to? Is Jahir's mother really courting Sediryl's father?
March 13, 2019
Recommended for Lovers, Also for fans of the Peltedverse
I loved this book. In many ways, it's a bit of a breather from other books in the series. It's quieter, more peaceful, and full of love. But, there are still life or death issues that complicate everything, and this is just the calm before the storm because we know there is a dangerous universe out there, hunting for the Eldritch homeworld, and there's trouble brewing closer to home, as well.
I loved this book. In many ways, it's a bit of a breather from other books in the series. It's quieter, more peaceful, and full of love. But, there are still life or death issues that complicate everything, and this is just the calm before the storm because we know there is a dangerous universe out there, hunting for the Eldritch homeworld, and there's trouble brewing closer to home, as well.
February 13, 2023
Wonderful sci fi adventure with some romance
The worldbuilding in this series is phenomenal, but I don't think I'll ever be in the right mood to read The Prince's Games section. Bad things may be in the future, but Wedding is about friends, family, love, joy, and opportunities. KindlesFlame has always been one of my favorites; his part in this book only added to my love for the character.
The worldbuilding in this series is phenomenal, but I don't think I'll ever be in the right mood to read The Prince's Games section. Bad things may be in the future, but Wedding is about friends, family, love, joy, and opportunities. KindlesFlame has always been one of my favorites; his part in this book only added to my love for the character.
March 6, 2019
Healer's Wedding honestly had less of the Healer groom than I expected, but that didn't keep it from keeping me reading every spare moment. It culminated quite appropriately, and I (not having read the Prince's Game series) got to know some of the other important characters in the Pelted timeline through a possibly unusual perspective. It definitely helps build to the Farmer's Crown..
September 14, 2020
This was a bit hard to follow at times, because I have not read the books recording the war with the Chatcaava Empire which come in between the Earthrise books and this one. That said, it was an enthralling read and I finished it at 12.30 am! I'm not certain of whether I will read the previous books - they are apparently quite nasty - but I will definitely read the next book in the series!
January 18, 2019
Excellent book. Neatly ties off old plot threads and sets up news ones.
March 9, 2019
Good writing, engaging. Disappointingly invalidated my liking of earlier books.
Read
March 9, 2020Really nice character development. I definitely recommend this book in this universe. It’s wonderful.
August 28, 2021
Fairytale
Sigh, after so much turmoil, finally some down time and pockets of happy moments for all of the characters. Still looking forward to what new adventures await.
Sigh, after so much turmoil, finally some down time and pockets of happy moments for all of the characters. Still looking forward to what new adventures await.
December 11, 2019
Wonderful story, masterfully crafted.
It is rare that when reading a science fiction novel I encounter even one unfamiliar word. Ms. Hogarth doesn't just break that mold, she absolutely pulverizes it! I found myself scrambling to invoke the dictionary feature of my Kindle approximately once in every five pages. Such an amazing vocabulary! I read science fiction to stretch my mind. I must admit that stretching my knowledge of English was not what I expected. So satisfying!
Healer's Wedding follows the Princes' Game stories, which in turn adsorb characters from the Dreamhealers series. This story also includes characters from the Rise Point stories. Therefore there is a lot of back-story that you must read in order to make sense of the social milieu and character traits depicted in this novel. Without this context, I'm afraid the story itself will make little sense, though the material in the appendix will at least give you a brief overview of the universe.
Make no mistake, this is a superior story. But it is built on three sets of equally superior stories. I urge you to read them all, in the order charted at the front of this book. I'm certain you won't be disappointed.
Finally, please note that the story continues in a soon to be published second work entitled Farmer's Crown. Which is not to imply that this novel fails to provide a satisfying conclusion; rather that the action peripheral to the attention of this work needs narration which, if included, would have made Healer's Wedding massive to the point of a gravitational singularity.
It is rare that when reading a science fiction novel I encounter even one unfamiliar word. Ms. Hogarth doesn't just break that mold, she absolutely pulverizes it! I found myself scrambling to invoke the dictionary feature of my Kindle approximately once in every five pages. Such an amazing vocabulary! I read science fiction to stretch my mind. I must admit that stretching my knowledge of English was not what I expected. So satisfying!
Healer's Wedding follows the Princes' Game stories, which in turn adsorb characters from the Dreamhealers series. This story also includes characters from the Rise Point stories. Therefore there is a lot of back-story that you must read in order to make sense of the social milieu and character traits depicted in this novel. Without this context, I'm afraid the story itself will make little sense, though the material in the appendix will at least give you a brief overview of the universe.
Make no mistake, this is a superior story. But it is built on three sets of equally superior stories. I urge you to read them all, in the order charted at the front of this book. I'm certain you won't be disappointed.
Finally, please note that the story continues in a soon to be published second work entitled Farmer's Crown. Which is not to imply that this novel fails to provide a satisfying conclusion; rather that the action peripheral to the attention of this work needs narration which, if included, would have made Healer's Wedding massive to the point of a gravitational singularity.
November 30, 2022
A very good addition to the three series that lead into it. It was nice to revisit all my favourite characters again and really spend time with them. The only thing detracting from it is the sub-plot about Beth and Amber, but I have to wait for the second part to see how that is resolved.
February 5, 2025
I re-read this book just after re-reading the Princes' Game series, and I revised my rating after the re-read. Hogarth's books intertwine and it's very much more enjoyable to know the characters more deeply when reading.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews