Jahir and Vasiht’h have spent five years together in practice on Starbase Veta, and their life is everything they’d their practice is fantastic, their social standing great, and their domestic life a blissful routine. So when Vasiht’h discovers his partner has “accidentally” accrued enough continuing education credits to become a licensed healer-assist after deciding against that path in college, he can’t help but wonder… are they on the wrong path? Since Jahir himself isn’t talking, Vasiht’h decides someone needs to make some decisions. If those decisions lead them to the Alliance’s foremost resort planet, where the licensing exams are being held, well… surely they could use a beach vacation. Jahir sits his test, Vasiht’h has some purple drinks with umbrellas on the beach, and they both go home with a renewed sense of purpose. What could possibly go wrong?
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.
This is just a wonderful book. I love it that Jahir and Vasiht'h continue to grow and learn, while their love for each other is a solid foundation for everything they experience. The whole Dreamhealers series is just amazingly wonderful.
A wonderful conclusion to the Dreamhealers books. New adventures, filled with intriguing characters and sparkling worldbuilding, and of course more of the comfy domestic moments (and baking!) we're used to from these two.
Wavering between three and four stars on this one; I have tentatively given it four because the ending is a satisfying one for the series, but on its own this book is probably a three and was definitely a weaker entry in the series than Mindline or Dreamhearth to me.
Five years after the end of Dreamhearth, Jahir and Vasiht'h have settled in at Starbase Veta. They return to Seersana University to reunite with their old roommates and the children's hospital girls from Mindtouch and in the course of things it comes out that Jahir has acquired enough continuing education credits to acquire his healer's assist license after all, despite choosing against that course after the grueling events in Mindline.
Vasiht'h and his old mentor KindlesFlame push him into it, and they make arrangements to attend the testing on the lush resort world of Tsera Nova- Jahir will take the three-day test on the orbiting station while Vasiht'h enjoys himself in the resort below, making friends and trying to figure out how to be happy with his life, and then after the test they'll celebrate together.
As you might expect from the title and the little hurricane symbol on the cover, things do not exactly go according to plan.
The beginning of this book was disappointingly slight. I had hoped after the last book to see Jahir and Vasiht'h settled in and working and how their practice and techniques had evolved after five years, but through the whole early section of the book they hardly think or talk about work at all, and even once they're back on Veta for the ending section there are only really offhand mentions and we never see them with clients. It felt like a step backward from Dreamhearth, back to when they were students instead of working adults, and I think it let down Vasiht'h's plotline a little bit- how can we judge for ourselves how happy he is in his day-to-day life five years later, or, really, if he has changed that much from being a student if we never see him at it?
The reunion scenes we get are a little slight as well, especially the ones with the roommates; I would have liked to have gotten more updates on what they were all up to in their careers and less... hm, fawning over Jahir and Vasiht'h and how functional and perfect their relationship is (and I say that as a reader who enjoys their relationship being functional and happy!)
The resort on Tsera Nova is a neat setting, full of all sorts of technological wonders that we so rarely get to see used for convenience or pleasure in science fiction. Vasiht'h befriends a f/f couple (a human woman and a Pelted woman) who provide a nice complement to his and Jahir's relationship; like Jahir and Vasiht'h's relationship, theirs exists in an ambiguous space that seems neither wholly platonic nor wholly romantic. It's a spoiler to say that both women survive until the end of the book, and more formally commit to a relationship then too, but one I wish I'd had as a queer reader dreading the "dead queer woman" cliche through a certain segment of the book so I'll share it here now for others too.
The sequences surrounding the storm are the strongest parts of the book, Hogarth's writing generally being its strongest I think when we see people pulling together through a common cause, but there are some weaknesses too- Vasiht'h falls asleep from exhaustion before the actual passing of the hurricane and wakes up after it's over, and disappointingly we never do find out what exactly happened to the weather control systems (and the control office where nobody is answering) to cause the disaster. It was a small odd thing to me too that Vasiht'h's sister didn't know about the event until he called to tell her either, surely such an unlikely event at such a prominent vacation place (frequented mostly by the richest of the Alliance) would have attracted more attention?
The resolution was satisfying as well, bringing the characters to a comfortable resolution for their worries both in this book and for issues that have been ongoing since the fourth books. This is a thoroughly enjoyable New Adult series, and it feels solidly in that area rather than YA or adult. There are vignettes after this story too, mostly character moments between Jahir and Vasiht'h instead of episodes with clients this time, that were a nice extra, like an after-dinner mint after a satisfying main course.
Overall I would recommend this series and plan to reread it, though do see my caveat of Mindtouch for cautions for asexual readers- despite the author's tagging the books as asexual and promoting them as "an asexual romance," as an asexual reader I don't consider these books to really be satisfying ace rep for the reasons listed there. (Thankfully, the stuff about Vasiht'h's hormones was mostly limited to the first book, but one of the vignettes did go on about his "poorly designed" body repeatedly in a rather uncomfortable way this time, so it brought that to mind again.)
I liked this one a lot more than Dreamhearth, as we spend more proportional amounts of time in both protagonists' heads. I find Vasiht'h's anxiety difficult to spend a lot of time with. The boys also come to some personal realisations and make progress in their relationship, while Dreamhearth felt more like they were spinning their wheels. And of course, I always enjoy it when one of the two goes all romantic!hero for the other.
This is the fourth of Hogarth's books about two non-human xenopsychologists, Jahir and Vasiht'h. I first met the pair of them just two weeks ago, yet they already count among my favorite fictional friendships. I liked this book very, very much, though I would strongly encourage beginning with the opening volume in their adventures, Mindtouch (a book that I entirely loved). Much of the book is comparatively uneventful, yet it contains softly moving moments reminiscent of Mindtouch, moments that are gentle but sometimes almost overwhelm me. There is also an extended action/adventure sequence that is more standard--well done and compelling, but not as unusual. I'm not sure how many others would be as struck by these books as I am, but I love them. Highly recommended.
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).
There's a bit more action in this book of the series. Vasiht’h and Jahir have been in practice together for several years and are invited to the wedding of a classmate on the planet where they went to college. Being back where they first met opens up some new avenues for them as Jahir decides to test out to become a Healer assist. Traveling to a vacation world for Jahir to take the test places them in unexpected peril. The main focus of the series, the exploration of their mind connection relationship, continues in this book. Any relationship is a living, evolving thing and it's interesting to see how theirs progresses. I was left with an unanswered question though; how did Krystal intuit what was going to happen? You'll know what I mean when you read the book .
Jahir and Vasiht’h have established a home and a practice on Starbase Veta over the last five years and while their start was rocky and tenuous, their present is idyllic. At least it is for Vasiht'h. Jahir agrees their life is blissful but he still finds himself feeling guilty for being away from his home planet and enjoying the benefits of so much that the people there don't have. That has driven him to subconsciously accrue enough continuing education credits to become a licensed healer assist. When he and Vasiht'h return to Seersana for Lucy's wedding, his mentor Kindlesflame advises him of a program he can follow which will allow him to continue to work while gaining needed experience in healer assist field. The only catch: the licensing exams are being held on the Alliances foremost resort planet. Can he talk Vasiht'h into a beach vacation full of fruity drinks and days of sun and ocean play?
This continuation of the series does an excellent job of capturing all the nuances of Jahir and Vasiht'h relationship and keeping that relationship winsome and enjoyable. While I found the main plot of the story a bit unbelievable I still really enjoyed time spent with the characters.
More alien, otherworldly content would be appreaciated...
I love Jahir and Vasiht'h,they are wonderful and I followed them since the beginning, but I couldn't help being dissatisfied with the last two books, especially this one. It's just that it is not sci-fi enough. I could cope with the endless unrealistic wisdom talk, but the problem is, the things the characters experience here are so ordinary, it could be transferred easily to our time and any Western country. It's not sci-fi enough! I could understand the need to have a gentle story, without any hair-raising adventures, but I feel acutely the lack of otherworldness, of more fantastic setting and experiences. Even the uniqueness of the protagonists, the telepathic abilities, is kind of unexplored, even suppressed, and the more dramatic moments of the main story could happen anytime in this century, on this Earth. I finished the main story, disappointed, and started reading the additional short stories - and there it was, what I was looking for! The feel of alien, extraordinary life, the heroes using their abilities! Oh, what a waste of pages! The author would better to write a series of little less sketchy short stories... O well, I am glad I paid for the book, after all, for those short final glimpses.
Vasiht’h has always know Jahir has had a knack for the medical track he abandoned. And when the opportunity comes up to persuade Jahir into getting his actual license, he decides it's worth it for his partner and friend to pursue the things he obviously enjoys. And out-of-school exams tend to be held at vacation resorts, so they might both be able to have some fun during this test . . .
It's hard to talk much about the plot without bringing up something that's much better left as a surprise. So I'll only say that this has the flavor of life, where the best-laid plans don't always go as expected, and sometimes you just need to deal with what's in front of you.
It is fun contrasting Jahir and Vasiht’h's experiences in the same place. Jahir is here to take a test---Vasiht’h is here to drink fruity things with umbrellas and enjoy the beach. The ultimate beach vacation is further enhanced by this being a science fiction novel, which allows for all kinds of fun waterside attractions.
Overall it's a good next chapter in their story. It's nice to see Vasiht’h less nervous about himself, and Jahir realizing that he doesn't have to be JUST one thing. I rate this book Recommended.
my emotional support aroace furries in space series has come to an end? rude and disrespectful.
i really liked the first two dreamhealers books but the last two were prime twirling my hair kicking my feet material. vasiht’h and jahir's story is just unfiltered neurodivergent aroace touch-averse wish-fulfillment. yes, a hot mysterious alien prince who looks like giant legolas and talks like he's arrived straight from the 18th century will come to you, too. yes, his idiosyncrasies will fit yours like puzzle pieces and you will become forever-friends. yes, he will also pay for your expensive vacations. even though you're a little four-legged crechur with anxiety. so this is basically twilight for aroace autistics ig is what i'm saying😅
given the dire situation with aro/ace rep we have currently despite the books with said type of rep increasing in number, i think it's worth looking into why this particular series succeeds in depicting the aroace qpp experience - and that is imo the care and gravitas mca hogarth gives to the relationship moments that have nothing to do with sex and romance. it's not about vasiht’h and jahir identifying as anything, it's about them finding each other and nurturing their mindline through friendship, intimacy, trust, shared experiences etc and eventually deciding that this is for life. there are a couple of tiny hints that jahir might not actually be aroace at all - which makes him choosing to bond with vasiht’h even more profound, if you ask me🤷♀️
idk how to end this review so. ig the moral is disrupt binaries, question identities, make straight men kiss other men, make allo people live sexless lives with their aroace partners 2k23
next day edit: just read the family novella and i emphatically recommend not bothering with it if you don't want to be left with a sour taste in your mouth after finishing the series😒
Neither as wrenching as some of Hogarth’s books, nor as deeply moving as others, but right in the zone of comfort and reassurance. (Hogarth refers to some of her books as pastoral—maybe that’s what she means?) We get to revisit people from the early stories, like the girls and KindlesFlame, along with various family members. Lots of therapist conversation, some drama and then it lands in a lovely sense of knowing where and who you are and feeling that it’s exactly right for you. I don’t know another author who can do that and I’m glad to have discovered this one with her wide range, as there’s a Hogarth to read or reread for any mood I’m in.
I loved this book! The relationship between Jahir and Vasith't is by itself enough to keep the reader enthralled. But each of the characters introduced in this story grabs the heartstrings and tugs for dear life as the storm of the century hits the resort in which they find themselves. With Ms. Hogarth, there can be no doubt of a happy ending, but even knowing that, I was on the edge of my seat through most of the book!
Another excellent entry into the Dreamhealers saga. This one has some more action than the last one, and even some physical danger for our heroes! Like always, Hogarth manages to create a warm sense of belonging in the characters and envelops the reader in the world. As a side note, I read this after November 5th, 2024, and this has some very wise words on how to weather chaos in life. Very much recommended right now.
More drama and story to make you demand more of the Eldritch and Galesh main characters for many years to come. This is what makes the series such a hard one to put down after all this time I hope to grow old with these two !
Amazing g as ever and if you've read the others you have to continue isn't life about the trip!? Seriously give it a read you won't be disappointed.
Yet again I loved this book. The pace is slower than my usual reading of page turners, however this allows for the beauty of the writing and the added richness, flavour (literally) and purity of the romance travelling the mindline between these two complex characters. An absolute delight to read.
Another brilliant installment of this series. A business / vacation trip goes very awry. Several new friends and clients. We meet back up with the not so little young ones from the hospital and get an Xmas tree. Love the client sessions & sketches at the end of each book.
Literally JUST finished this and...honestly, I don't know what to say. It's just as sweet and adorable as the previous three and I'm pretty sure anything I said about them hold true for this one. Though, I do have to add that Krystal and Gladdie kind of stole the show when they were around.
This series is starting to feel a little self-indulgent. The characters are super-perfect and secondary characters mention it often. Like the very frequent mention of baked goods--not a balanced narrative diet.
These books have given my mind respite during this confinement! I haven't been able to leave home for two months and I have to say the adventures these characters have given me have been a vacation in my brain. Thank you! On to book 5. 😁
Fun to read with further character development and introduction of new players loved the case notes at the end. Thanks M.C.A Hograth for such a delightful story. Looking forward to reading more of your work.
I hate that this author is so amazing. I am so jealous she gets to visit the Pelted universe whenever she wants and hang out with all the characters in their many worlds. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.
But really bad things happen, although some delightful new characters are introduced, and some beloved older characters return. Laughter, tears, grief, and joy abound in a Dreamhealers book. I love this series and the Pelted Universe.
I really love this book. It was a wonderful story but just dealt with two peoples relationship deepening and some of the challenges that happen in day-to-day life. I definitely high recommended book.
Wonderful as always, and had some heart stopping moments! The moment my sweet boys were reunited made up for it though. They never fail to be inspiring and beautiful.
Reading these stories of the Dreamhealers is like snuggling down into a warm quilt - they are so warm and cosy. I love them and will look for more from this author.
If you don't like your science fiction too alien, this might be the series for you. The protagonists are likable and their surroundings and problems will sound pretty familiar for the most part.