This is the installment that made me decide I wanted to spring to own the audio volumes for these novellas rather than just borrow them. The author has a gift for the language of character motivations. There are many quotes that feel beautiful and poignant, while still retaining a simplicity of language. The characters are clearly drawn and memorable, yet their inner lives feel complicated. Even though this installment was almost pure portal fantasy with little aftermath, it still felt like it fleshed out the world(s)building. Love it.