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The Last Gift #0.1
Solace of Memory
Midwinter is a time for Remembrance. When the candles are lit, the dead walk among the living. Devotions are renewed, vigils are held, and forgotten souls find their peace. But for Gabriel, who has never believed in the Gods, there is little peace to be had.
Gabe’s last year at the Academy of Tirit Mindel promised to be a great one: good friends, a chance at a coveted spot in the College of Science, and work that he loved at the school clinic. All that was changed by the call for volunteer medical students to assist in an outbreak of wasting fever.
Working with the dying in the sweltering heat of southern Miriel was hard, but coming back from the front lines of the epidemic might prove even harder. Haunted by what he saw and faced with unexpected personal loss, for Gabe, this Midwinter would be different than all those before it.
For the first time in his life, Gabe needs a little faith, and what the Gods won’t provide, his friends and found family might be able to help with.
Gabe’s last year at the Academy of Tirit Mindel promised to be a great one: good friends, a chance at a coveted spot in the College of Science, and work that he loved at the school clinic. All that was changed by the call for volunteer medical students to assist in an outbreak of wasting fever.
Working with the dying in the sweltering heat of southern Miriel was hard, but coming back from the front lines of the epidemic might prove even harder. Haunted by what he saw and faced with unexpected personal loss, for Gabe, this Midwinter would be different than all those before it.
For the first time in his life, Gabe needs a little faith, and what the Gods won’t provide, his friends and found family might be able to help with.
- GenresMagic
83 pages, Paperback
Published December 12, 2020
3 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Allegra Pescatore
14 books126 followersBorn in a small Italian village, I went on a quest around the world and have finally settled into a magical cottage in PA. I write a lot, and I read a lot. Love all fantasy and sci-fi, especially if it features diverse characters or authors.
My ratings:
5 stars - Wonderful. I loved reading it, had a great time, and will likely read it again and talk about it with my friends.
4 stars - good, solid, enjoyable book. I had fun and while I may not read it again, I'm glad I did.
3 stars - Not particularly memorable, but I'm happy I found it. While it may not have been my cup of tea, I'm glad it exists.
2 stars - This had issues. Not unreadable, but not something I finished or enjoyed in the end.
1 star - DNF or read because I am a masochist to loves pain. Someone else might love it, but it was not for me.
No rating: Either I haven't gotten around to writing a review, I didn't finish it, or it was not my genre of choice and therefore I chose not to review it because I am not the intended audience.
My ratings:
5 stars - Wonderful. I loved reading it, had a great time, and will likely read it again and talk about it with my friends.
4 stars - good, solid, enjoyable book. I had fun and while I may not read it again, I'm glad I did.
3 stars - Not particularly memorable, but I'm happy I found it. While it may not have been my cup of tea, I'm glad it exists.
2 stars - This had issues. Not unreadable, but not something I finished or enjoyed in the end.
1 star - DNF or read because I am a masochist to loves pain. Someone else might love it, but it was not for me.
No rating: Either I haven't gotten around to writing a review, I didn't finish it, or it was not my genre of choice and therefore I chose not to review it because I am not the intended audience.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 21, 2020
A haunting little Midwinter fantasy tale to remind us about all those who have died and all those who have served on the front of this year's pandemic.
"Please remember me."
In a world ravaged by a deadly fever, some people are fighting to survive while others are fighting to save as many as they can. But medicine is expensive and not everyone can afford it. The nobles are safe, but those who are poor are left at the mercy of a government that lacks the resources to bring the medicine to each and every soul.
And in between we have the medics. Caught on the front lines of the epidemic, they are forced to fight a battle they're bound to loose. Because regardless of how many they saved, the beds always filled up again. And it didn't matter how hard they worked, because there wasn't enough medicine and there weren't enough doctors to make a difference.
Midwinter is a time for Remembrance. When the candles are lit, the dead walk among the living. Devotions are renewed, vigils are held, and forgotten souls find their peace. But for Gabriel, who has never believed in the Gods, there is little peace to be had since the call for volunteer medical students to assist in an outbreak of wasting fever.
Working with the dying in the sweltering heat of southern Miriel was hard, but returning from there proved to be the real challenge in the end. Because Gabe cannot forget.
The despair that had been his constant companion, the death, the pain, 'the helpless horror of realizing that his best would not be enough...' They haunt Gabe, just as the faces of the dead and the cries of the dying.
"What if he could have done more?" is a question that torments the young medic every time he closes his eyes. And for the first time in his life, Gabe needs a little faith. The kind that comes from within, alongside acceptance. The kind that only friends and found family can provide.
Haunting, heartbreaking and beautifully written, this little tale gives you a glimpse into the pasts of three of the characters from Where Shadows Lie - Allegra's debut novel.
It also makes you reflect and remember. In a way that is bound to touch even the hardest hearts.
Happy readying everyone
Stay safe and healthy
and remember.
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
"Please remember me."
In a world ravaged by a deadly fever, some people are fighting to survive while others are fighting to save as many as they can. But medicine is expensive and not everyone can afford it. The nobles are safe, but those who are poor are left at the mercy of a government that lacks the resources to bring the medicine to each and every soul.
And in between we have the medics. Caught on the front lines of the epidemic, they are forced to fight a battle they're bound to loose. Because regardless of how many they saved, the beds always filled up again. And it didn't matter how hard they worked, because there wasn't enough medicine and there weren't enough doctors to make a difference.
Midwinter is a time for Remembrance. When the candles are lit, the dead walk among the living. Devotions are renewed, vigils are held, and forgotten souls find their peace. But for Gabriel, who has never believed in the Gods, there is little peace to be had since the call for volunteer medical students to assist in an outbreak of wasting fever.
Working with the dying in the sweltering heat of southern Miriel was hard, but returning from there proved to be the real challenge in the end. Because Gabe cannot forget.
The despair that had been his constant companion, the death, the pain, 'the helpless horror of realizing that his best would not be enough...' They haunt Gabe, just as the faces of the dead and the cries of the dying.
"What if he could have done more?" is a question that torments the young medic every time he closes his eyes. And for the first time in his life, Gabe needs a little faith. The kind that comes from within, alongside acceptance. The kind that only friends and found family can provide.
Haunting, heartbreaking and beautifully written, this little tale gives you a glimpse into the pasts of three of the characters from Where Shadows Lie - Allegra's debut novel.
It also makes you reflect and remember. In a way that is bound to touch even the hardest hearts.
Happy readying everyone
Stay safe and healthy
and remember.
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
December 28, 2022
Allegra Pescatore is an author whose work I have only discovered this year, and who has fast become one of my favourites. This prequel story to the Last Gift series takes place when Gabriel, Fayrian and Fredrik are students in their final year at the Academy. Gabe is learning to be a doctor and has been on the front lines working with people dying from a wasting disease. This story was written during the COVID pandemic and it’s heartbreaking reality of the sheer numbers of the dying is undoubtedly a result of it. Interspersed among the main story are flashbacks at the beginning of each chapter to Gabe’s horrifying experience of his time looking after the dying.
The characterisation and world-building are excellent as I have come to expect from Pescatore. We are introduced smoothly to the information that the world contains magic and dragons, despite the focus of the story being on the friendship of the three main characters and the harshness of their reality. The story is set around the Holidays with a Remembrance service acting as a catalyst for Gabe to begin voicing his feelings and recent experiences and no doubt begin his path to psychological healing. This story works well as an introduction to the series and its world and is free to download from Amazon.
The characterisation and world-building are excellent as I have come to expect from Pescatore. We are introduced smoothly to the information that the world contains magic and dragons, despite the focus of the story being on the friendship of the three main characters and the harshness of their reality. The story is set around the Holidays with a Remembrance service acting as a catalyst for Gabe to begin voicing his feelings and recent experiences and no doubt begin his path to psychological healing. This story works well as an introduction to the series and its world and is free to download from Amazon.
October 31, 2023
I read this short novella immediately after finishing a re-read of book 1 in the Last Gift series, Where Shadows Lie, and it was fascinating to get a peek back into Gabriel, Fay and Fedrik's student days. We see the three friends familiar traits and quirks, but with added layers of innocence and hope that have been ripped from them by the time the main series starts.
It was a nice touch that Elenor's wasting disease is seen here - separate from her character - but in its full plague horror, and the author has neatly linked it to both the real-life pandemic at the time of her writing and to themes of remembrance and conflicting priorities that we see continued in the main series.
A good bonus read for series-lovers, and a nice introduction to the author's writing for those new to her books.
See my full review here: https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
It was a nice touch that Elenor's wasting disease is seen here - separate from her character - but in its full plague horror, and the author has neatly linked it to both the real-life pandemic at the time of her writing and to themes of remembrance and conflicting priorities that we see continued in the main series.
A good bonus read for series-lovers, and a nice introduction to the author's writing for those new to her books.
See my full review here: https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
July 7, 2022
I’ve been reading some Christmas books for a Christmas in July theme, and I found this book on a list of fantasy books to read for Christmas. It wasn’t exactly what I was looking for, but it was a pretty good novella.
I haven’t read the series that this book is a prequel for, but I will at some point. 😃
Anyway, this story centers around three friends at school. One of them is a medical student who volunteers to help out at a hospital that is overwhelmed by patients during an epidemic. He returns from this haunted by everything he’s seen, and angry at the lack of treatments available to anyone that isn’t wealthy.
I almost want to describe this as a crisis of faith, but the main character says he doesn’t believe in the Gods. In any case, he attends a Midwinter celebration where he does pray to one of the Gods, and finds the strength to open up to his friends about everything he saw.
I liked it, but I think I may have liked it more if I’d read the main series first. This is almost always the way I end up feeling about prequel novellas. I’ve gotta stop reading them first, lol. Oh well. Anyway, the story sets the stage for what promises to be more action and higher stakes going forward, so I’m going to dive into that at some point 😃
I haven’t read the series that this book is a prequel for, but I will at some point. 😃
Anyway, this story centers around three friends at school. One of them is a medical student who volunteers to help out at a hospital that is overwhelmed by patients during an epidemic. He returns from this haunted by everything he’s seen, and angry at the lack of treatments available to anyone that isn’t wealthy.
I almost want to describe this as a crisis of faith, but the main character says he doesn’t believe in the Gods. In any case, he attends a Midwinter celebration where he does pray to one of the Gods, and finds the strength to open up to his friends about everything he saw.
I liked it, but I think I may have liked it more if I’d read the main series first. This is almost always the way I end up feeling about prequel novellas. I’ve gotta stop reading them first, lol. Oh well. Anyway, the story sets the stage for what promises to be more action and higher stakes going forward, so I’m going to dive into that at some point 😃
August 26, 2021
An excellent intro to a new world
This book is very well written, although a tad enigmatic. It took me quite a while to piece together the storyline--nothing is explained outright and, since it was my introduction to this world, I floundered a bit before having that "aha!" moment when understanding hit. The story is really complex and draws you in before you realize that it's happening. The characters are interesting, but it will take another visit to make me fully care for them and feel their depth. My only negative about this book is the language. I didn't see the need to use 'f##k' frequently in the conversations. It felt contrived and out of place in such genteel surroundings. I do recommend this book to readers over 18.
This book is very well written, although a tad enigmatic. It took me quite a while to piece together the storyline--nothing is explained outright and, since it was my introduction to this world, I floundered a bit before having that "aha!" moment when understanding hit. The story is really complex and draws you in before you realize that it's happening. The characters are interesting, but it will take another visit to make me fully care for them and feel their depth. My only negative about this book is the language. I didn't see the need to use 'f##k' frequently in the conversations. It felt contrived and out of place in such genteel surroundings. I do recommend this book to readers over 18.
November 14, 2021
On a scale of cotton candy to Brussels sprouts, Solace of Memory is a cup of spiked bengal spice tea. Slow sips are key, and the hot liquid warms from temperature and alcohol.
Gabriel can't forget what he saw during the plague as he cared for so many sick and dying individuals, and while he may have physically returned to the academy and his friends, his mind lingers back at the medical camp that he's just returned from. During the midwinter holidays, Gabriel must determine what's next for him.
This was my first Allegra Pescatore book, and her characters shown as individuals as they moved through this thoughtful story. I kept wondering what had hooked me to these characters since the story didn't really have an obvious plot, but I think I truly found the characters relatable and the pacing of this novelette was so intentional.
If you're looking for a pensive story that feels like a jumping-off point to a great adventure, you'll want to read Solace of Memory.
Gabriel can't forget what he saw during the plague as he cared for so many sick and dying individuals, and while he may have physically returned to the academy and his friends, his mind lingers back at the medical camp that he's just returned from. During the midwinter holidays, Gabriel must determine what's next for him.
This was my first Allegra Pescatore book, and her characters shown as individuals as they moved through this thoughtful story. I kept wondering what had hooked me to these characters since the story didn't really have an obvious plot, but I think I truly found the characters relatable and the pacing of this novelette was so intentional.
If you're looking for a pensive story that feels like a jumping-off point to a great adventure, you'll want to read Solace of Memory.
February 10, 2022
This novelette, which is really more of a long short story (in my opinion, given its tight, self-contained structure) is a beautiful meditation on caretaking and loss. As someone who works in a helping profession, it really captured those feelings of attachment and sorrow, and the grieving process we go through when we just can’t do enough to help. It was a gorgeous response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which can be hard to do within the world of fantasy.
I rarely make time for these kinds of extended=universe works, but these are both phenomenal.
See full review here https://anyajosephs.wordpress.com/202...
I rarely make time for these kinds of extended=universe works, but these are both phenomenal.
See full review here https://anyajosephs.wordpress.com/202...
September 7, 2021
This novelette visits Gabe, Fay and Fedrik at Midwinter, a memorial festival. Not having read anything of the series, I was pleased with the worldbuilding, able to pick up enough to understand the world and how it worked without being info-dumped on.
Written in winter 2020, it deals with one doctor-in-training’s experience at the front lines of a plague. Really, really well done, and with some blistering lines delivered about the helplessness loved ones feel about the unfairness of all illness. A lovely read, and made me want to pick up more in this world!
Written in winter 2020, it deals with one doctor-in-training’s experience at the front lines of a plague. Really, really well done, and with some blistering lines delivered about the helplessness loved ones feel about the unfairness of all illness. A lovely read, and made me want to pick up more in this world!
September 17, 2021
Solace of memory was an ok read, a story about loss and remembering those lost to us.
The story presents the interactions of Gabe, Fay and Fredrik as a holiday event approaches. Gabe just returned from his medical volunteer trip and is plagued by loss, nightmares and the future. While being happy to see his friends he feels hollow, even in the face of his college acceptance letter. It was pretty clear that he suffered such a drastic change after his time in the hospital and I want him to get better.
The story presents the interactions of Gabe, Fay and Fredrik as a holiday event approaches. Gabe just returned from his medical volunteer trip and is plagued by loss, nightmares and the future. While being happy to see his friends he feels hollow, even in the face of his college acceptance letter. It was pretty clear that he suffered such a drastic change after his time in the hospital and I want him to get better.
March 27, 2022
There was a part about religion and belief and purpose in this story that really resonated with me. It dealt with death and remembering people as individuals and not numbers, especially people you will never meet or interact with, and the struggle that comes with trying to do the right thing.
April 16, 2022
A very heart-rending story about a pandemic.
October 26, 2023
4.5 rounded up.
Book 0.1 in The Last Gift Series. The 7th Novella I've read for SFINCs.
My initial rating wavered between 4.5 and 5 stars. It was an incredibly moving story that left me speechless. Based on feeling alone, this was a 5 star read. See my CAWPILE breakdown below.
CAWPILE Breakdown:
Characters: 9 - The characters were full and realistic and had so much feeling. They spoke to my heart. I loved seeing them develop in such a short space.
Atmosphere/Setting: 9 - The atmosphere was right on. We have this one world where people are constantly dying of this disease in the epidemic that just can't be defeated. And the fear, and sorrow, and helplessness that comes with that is felt. And then there's the "outside" world that is only affected by the people from this "other" - I felt both the helplessness but also the "this happens elsewhere, not here" feelings of this world. The setting was also done well. Pescatore took just enough time to describe the setting so that I could see it as I was reading.
Writing Style: 9 - Pescatore's writing made me cry, which lately has been unsual for me. I haven't cried while reading in a while.
Plot: 7.5 - While it did read like this novellas was mostly character development, there was a simple plot line of a character trying to move beyond all the deaths he's seen and depression - I'd like to have seen more of his coping after addiction, but maybe that's in the other books.
Intrigue: 5 - Not really a lot of intrigue, in the way I think of intrigue. It was mostly just really interested in our characters and wanting to know more. I also was a bit intrigued by this pandemic, how did it start, what was it exactly, does it affect everyone the same or different for different people?
Logic/Relationships: 8 - The epidemic part of this novella made too much sense, after coming through (or still in, depending on your view), the COVID pandemic. Relationships were great, genuine, authentic - again I just wanted to know more.
Enjoyment: 9 - I truly enjoyed reading this novella and it has made me glad that I ave the next 3 books in this series already. I can't wait to see what Pescatore does with a larger canvas.
CAWPILE Total: 56.5/7 = 8.07 = 4.5 stars.
Book 0.1 in The Last Gift Series. The 7th Novella I've read for SFINCs.
My initial rating wavered between 4.5 and 5 stars. It was an incredibly moving story that left me speechless. Based on feeling alone, this was a 5 star read. See my CAWPILE breakdown below.
CAWPILE Breakdown:
Characters: 9 - The characters were full and realistic and had so much feeling. They spoke to my heart. I loved seeing them develop in such a short space.
Atmosphere/Setting: 9 - The atmosphere was right on. We have this one world where people are constantly dying of this disease in the epidemic that just can't be defeated. And the fear, and sorrow, and helplessness that comes with that is felt. And then there's the "outside" world that is only affected by the people from this "other" - I felt both the helplessness but also the "this happens elsewhere, not here" feelings of this world. The setting was also done well. Pescatore took just enough time to describe the setting so that I could see it as I was reading.
Writing Style: 9 - Pescatore's writing made me cry, which lately has been unsual for me. I haven't cried while reading in a while.
Plot: 7.5 - While it did read like this novellas was mostly character development, there was a simple plot line of a character trying to move beyond all the deaths he's seen and depression - I'd like to have seen more of his coping after addiction, but maybe that's in the other books.
Intrigue: 5 - Not really a lot of intrigue, in the way I think of intrigue. It was mostly just really interested in our characters and wanting to know more. I also was a bit intrigued by this pandemic, how did it start, what was it exactly, does it affect everyone the same or different for different people?
Logic/Relationships: 8 - The epidemic part of this novella made too much sense, after coming through (or still in, depending on your view), the COVID pandemic. Relationships were great, genuine, authentic - again I just wanted to know more.
Enjoyment: 9 - I truly enjoyed reading this novella and it has made me glad that I ave the next 3 books in this series already. I can't wait to see what Pescatore does with a larger canvas.
CAWPILE Total: 56.5/7 = 8.07 = 4.5 stars.
February 21, 2022
Touching on a healer's own sense of loss and frustration, this book of sorrow and loss during an illness was also made to reflect current events in our world, while not taking away from its otherworldly origins. The reader gets to spend more time with characters from "Where Shadows Lie" and "A Last Gift". I don't know how well it stands if used as a standalone book, but as a companion to the other books in this world, we get to see more of these characters and learn their histories. I'm sure many people may be able to relate to the loss experienced by the main protagonist in this story.
July 16, 2025
Short but thought provoking
Oh gods - I'm still in tears over this one. While it was a short novelette, it has lots of conversations on death and remembrance. Also it was written in the thick of C19 and it shows. Some of the dragon oaths are going to be incorporated into my being for a while.
Loved this and looking forward to more.
Oh gods - I'm still in tears over this one. While it was a short novelette, it has lots of conversations on death and remembrance. Also it was written in the thick of C19 and it shows. Some of the dragon oaths are going to be incorporated into my being for a while.
Loved this and looking forward to more.
August 30, 2025
**NO SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW**
Solace of Memory is such a delightful, illuminating bite-sized prequel to the happenings of Where Shadows Lie. This novelette focuses on several of this Universe's key players (which have rich stories that span even beyond what's included in the central novels in this series).
I'd never read such a short addition to a longer series, but it's the ideal way to further build upon the passionate atmosphere of the larger story.
If you love magic, politics, romance, and everything in between (AND Where Shadows Lie)... This is a must-read!
Solace of Memory is such a delightful, illuminating bite-sized prequel to the happenings of Where Shadows Lie. This novelette focuses on several of this Universe's key players (which have rich stories that span even beyond what's included in the central novels in this series).
I'd never read such a short addition to a longer series, but it's the ideal way to further build upon the passionate atmosphere of the larger story.
If you love magic, politics, romance, and everything in between (AND Where Shadows Lie)... This is a must-read!
December 13, 2020
This was a deeply emotional novella to write, both because of the subject matter and because of the year I wrote it in. I hope it is as cathartic to read as it was to write, and provides a sweet look into the pasts of three of my characters from Where Shadows Lie.
August 11, 2023
Solace of memory is a wonderful book by allerga Pescastore. It was wonderful characters and world building.
December 23, 2023
An interesting start to a new world and characters, it is also a very quick read.
September 18, 2024
The first time I read this, I hadn't started the Last Gift series yet. After having listened to the first 2 books in the series, it gives it so much more meaning. Knowing what I know about these characters, I understand it so much more. And now I understand what Eleanor goes through in the main series as well. It takes them back to a time when they all got along and gives the reason Gabe and Fay didn’t end up staying at Tirit Mendel.
This is a prequel novel for the Last Gift series, which I have not read yet. I’m not sure if that makes a difference or not, but this was a good story. It’s about love and friendship between 3 people in their last year of school. Gabe wants to be a doctor and has been helping out with sick people who are dying from a disease before he comes back for break. It’s a sad story at times that really pulls on your heart strings when he has his flash backs to Tom. I’m not sure how they fit into the series, but it is going to be on TBR now.
This is a prequel novel for the Last Gift series, which I have not read yet. I’m not sure if that makes a difference or not, but this was a good story. It’s about love and friendship between 3 people in their last year of school. Gabe wants to be a doctor and has been helping out with sick people who are dying from a disease before he comes back for break. It’s a sad story at times that really pulls on your heart strings when he has his flash backs to Tom. I’m not sure how they fit into the series, but it is going to be on TBR now.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews