I simply love the way this author focuses on interpersonal relationships. The characters are so deep and their struggles are easy to slip into and experience, even when they are so different from my personal experiences. This author is also incredibly gentle in presenting trauma. It's there. It shapes us, is integral to our reactions, but the way its presented in these novels is gentle and conscientious. Even though this author doesn't shy from the darker side of life, I didn't find triggering any of the scenarios described. That takes some serious skill.
In Search of Magic Fire is the third book in this series, but it can be read as a standalone. Some characters from previous books make an appearance, but the main story focuses on a new set of characters, and I absolutely loved all of them. The dual romance, featuring two couples, was also beautifully portrayed. The slow burn was excellent, as is the way these wonderful, empowering, and supportive relationships are presented. This author provides excellent examples of what a whole range of positive relationships look like, in blatant contradiction to Tolstoy's assertion that Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. For even happiness is unique to each person, and I love how Gabriel explores that.
I thoroughly enjoyed how the epic overarching plot between stories is expanded in this volume. While each story takes a smaller chunk of the worldbuilding and politics, as a whole, this series is wonderfully epic while still remaining completely low fantasy. The world is different from ours, but could be ours for all the differences. It's a wonderful concept and I absolutely love it.
Check out my reviews of the other books in this series:
A Crack in the Rock, Book 1
The Warrior Prince of Berush, Book 2
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