Tag Archives: Mercedes Lackey

Brightly Burning by Mercedes Lackey

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Brightly Burning

Title: Brightly Burning
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Series: Valdemar #15
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Daw fantasy
Year: 2000
5th sentence, 74th page: He won’t kill me.

Synopsis

A CURSE OF FIRE

When Archer and Nelda Chitward moved their family from a small rural village to the bustling city of Haven, it was cause for great celebration. After all, their textile skills had made them leaders among their Guilds, welcomed into the highest of Guild social circles.

But not everyone in the Chitward home was happy about this “improvement” in the family’s position. Lavan, their middle son, had no desire to be a cloth-merchant, needleworker, cloth-dyer, or anything related to his family’s Guilds. He didn’t really know what he wanted to be – except back home in Alderscroft! To make matters worse, his parents had enrolled him in an “exclusive” private school. It was a place where the arrogant older students were expected to keep discipline, and as a lanky, undersized, sixteen-year-old newcomer, Lavan quickly became the primary scapegoat.

It didn’t help that whenever the older boys caught him he turned a bright scarlet with suppressed rage – a rage which left his skin feeling sunburned and tender, and so filled his mind that he was unable to see, hear, or even to think. For days on end Lavan was overwhelmed by blinding headaches and was unable to attend classes, yet even his pain was a welcome respite from the daily torture he suffered at school.

But nothing could have prepared Lavan or anyone in Haven for what was to come. For from his rage a Gift unlike any known in Valdemar would be born in a fiery conflagration which Heralds and Healers alike would be hard-pressed to contain…

Thoughts

As usual, Mercedes Lackey managed to seriously surprise me with this story. Similar to The Last Herald Mage trilogy, I knew that Brightly Burning would be a tragic tale – it’s mentioned in some of the other Valdemar books. But, it still hooked me and took me on an amazing journey through Lavan’s short, and sad journey.

I’ve read about homosexual and heterosexual characters, and love triangles until I’ve been blue in the face, but Brightly Burning is the first story that I can remember reading about a character that is asexual. Or at least, that is the way he seemed to me. There is a huge difference between a lack of sexual interest in the storyline (because they are too young, or it isn’t part of the author’s plot), but to read about a character that actually doesn’t appear to have any sexual interest in another was really interesting. I have read articles that say that Sherlock Holmes is supposed to have been asexual too, but I haven’t had the privilege of reading the original stories yet. So this was a really welcome difference. It was refreshing.

Even though I knew that Lavan wasn’t going to have a happy ending, it was really nice to find out the whole story. As myths and tales of our past are warped with time, I felt that the truth of Lavan’s tale was so much more exciting and surreal than the pieces I had managed to put together throughout reading the other Valdemar books. Lackey is a master of intertwining completely different generations throughout her books – Valdemar has become a very real place within my head because of this. It is so multidimensional that I can’t store all of the facts in my head, much like real life.

The final moments of this book are etched into my mind forever. All I have to do is think of fire of Lavan Firestorm and I can picture his final moments. To so vividly engrave a moment into my mind is a mark of how brilliant Lackey is.

<- Closer to the ChestOathbound ->

Image source: Pinterest

Exile’s Valor by Mercedes Lackey

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Exile's Valor

Title: Exile’s Valor
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Series: Exile #2, Valdemar #21
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Daw fantasy
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: The very novelty of the frozen river would bring skaters – the skaters would draw vendors of food and drink, and those would attract musicians, skate sharpeners, skate vendors, and probably more merchants than that.

Synopsis

QUEEN OF HEARTS

Alberich was a Herald of Valdemar, but once he had been a captain in the army of Karse. It hadn’t been easy for Alberich to transfer his loyalties, nor had it been easy for the court of Valdemar to accept a Karsite Herald. But Alberich had more than proved himself during the Tedrel War when he had almost single-handedly turned the tide of battle, winning honor and respect from the troops, and victory for Valdemar.

Valdemar had suffered terrible casualties during this bloody conflict. Worst of all, they had lost their king, a tragedy which forced his teenage daughter Selenay, weakened by sorrow and still in mourning, to ascend the throne prematurely. But the Valdemaran Council saw Selenay’s ascension as an opportunity to wrest power from the crown by marrying the young queen to a man of their choosing – a puppet who could seize control of the throne and do the Council’s bidding.

But though Selenay was young and inexperienced, she wasn’t stupid or malleable. She had absolutely no intention of marrying anyone she did not personally choose, nor would she allow her consort to take control of her kingdom.

Herald Alberich, now the Collegium’s Weaponsmaster, and Selenay’s personal protector, was well aware of the devious plans of the Council. But could Alberich protect his vulnerable queen from the conspiracies to steal her throne that were brewing among the aristocratic classes of Valdemar and its allied kingdoms?

Thoughts

Where Exile’s Honor dealt with coming to terms with a changed reality, Exile’s Valor shows us how it is possible to take strength from this adversity and embrace it. This is a story of coming to terms with oneself and using this to create a better future – not just for yourself, but for others. This story reminded me of the fact that even though change tends to rock me to my core and leaves me feeling unshakey and unsure at the best of times, it has always been a great agent for obtaining a better future. No matter whether the change is good or bad, desired or not, it can be used to make your future better… at least, that’s the way that I choose to see it.

Not only did Exile’s Valor expand on Alberich’s tale, it also helped me to understand Selenay’s. She seems so strong and put-together throughout The Heralds of Valdemar series, that I really struggled to understand how she could fall prey to a self-centred, not-so-good man and marry him. It just seemed so incredibly out of character. But, the retelling of this tale through Exile’s Valor and from the Alberich’s experiences finally helped me to place it into context. It went from being an inconceivable notion to completely understandable and justified. A fact that I very much appreciated.

Whilst this story seems to be primarily about settling into a new life and making it your own – it also bought home the realities of war and fighting. They weren’t glorified or toted as a desirable aspect of life, rather, it was a necessary evil. The creation of a new type of war game really highlighted this – Alberich is almost sad to be training his young charges in the weaponry. He knows that the seriousness of defending oneself will leave a mark on their souls and that it is not just a simple, carefree matter. I loved this take. I don’t think that such a sensitive and difficult area should ever be taken lightly, and Lackey certainly doesn’t glorify it.

<- Exile’s HonorTake a Thief ->

Image source: Pinterest

Exile’s Honor by Mercedes Lackey

Book Review, , , , , , ,

Overview

Exile's Honor

Title: Exile’s Honor
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Series: Exile #1, Valdemar #20
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Daw fantasy
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: Even the smell was the same: clean sweat, leather, leather oil, a hint of sawdust.

Synopsis

TRAINING THE ENEMY

Alberich has spent most of his youth in the Karsite military schools training to be an officer. As the son of an impoverished mother, he had had no other career choice open to him. And Alberich had risen in the ranks with almost unnatural speed. He developed expertise with many weapons and excelled in academic subjects with an ease that was the envy of his classmates. But in fact, the reclusive Alberich studies long and hard, pushing himself ruthlessly.

In battle, Alberich had always had a sort of “sixth sense” about things which were about to happen – when and from where the enemy would attack. Instinctively, he hid his ability, for the Sunpriests kept careful watch for anyone exhibiting the “demon powers” which were the hallmark of Karse’s greatest enemy – the witch-nation of Valdemar. Those they caught were “cleansed” in the fires of Vkandis Sunlord.

Both Alberich’s skill and secret served him well in the army of Karse, and when Alberich became one of Karse’s youngest captains, he received a special gift – a powerful white stallion “liberated from the enemy.” But this honor was merely a distraction, for the Sunpriests had laid a trap which even Alberich’s strange foresight could not predict…

Saved from burning as a witch when his odd white stallion braved the flames and carried him over the border into Valdemar, he was healed by the same enemies he had been taught to hate his entire life. Though he knew he could never again return to his home, Alberich also knew he could never truly become a Valdemaran. How could Alberich remain true to his own people and still retain his honor while helping to train the direst enemy of Karse?

Thoughts

I’ve read a lot of fantasy books that have a tough arms master to train the main character in self-defence. Regardless of the period of history or the weaponry used, they all seem to have the same things in common – they are tough, strict, unsmiling and incredibly efficient at killing, fighting and making sure their charges survive. So it was a real pleasure to read a tale that helped me to understand how a man could become an arms master.

I really enjoyed discovering how a Karsite could become the weapons trainer for Valdemar, they’re enemy states after all. Alberich’s journey explained just this phenomenon. But it went deeper than that, it helped to show me why there was a war being fought between these two literary countries. Even though it is fantasy, it highlighted the reason behind wars being fought both today and in times past.

It was incredibly interesting and insightful to view two sides of the same argument (or war). It reminded me of something that my Mum always told me growing up; it takes two to tango, or there’s two sides to every story. Even though Lackey helps us to side with Valdemar (after all, this is the home of all of her main characters), she also helped me to feel sympathy for the soldiers on the other side – forced or tricked or manipulated into fighting a war.

It’s always hard to embrace change, but Alberich is forced to do so, and very quickly within the occurrences of Exile’s Honor. Instead of being a simple transition from the ‘bad’ side to the ‘good’, it was a journey of emotional and spiritual turmoil that was prevalent throughout the entire book. I loved that Lackey didn’t try to simplify such an act that would certainly tear a man in two.

I loved the complexity of this book and that Lackey chose to investigate the grey areas of such potent discussions.

<- Stolen SilverExile’s Valor ->

Image source: Goodreads

Take a Thief by Mercedes Lackey

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Take a Thief

Title: Take a Thief
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Series: Valdemar #22
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Daw fantasy
Year: 2001
5th sentence, 74th page: Arter supper ye got out t’ Clave.

Synopsis

TO CATCH A THIEF

Skif was an orphan. For as long as he could remember he had worked as a drudge in his Uncle Londer’s dreary inn in the slums of Haven. Sleeping on a pile of rags under the stairs, wakened before dawn to do the lowliest and filthiest of tasks, Skif would have died from malnutrition and exposure if he had never met Deke.

Deke was a pickpocket. The oldest member of a group of young boys who, with the guidance of their teacher and leader, a crippled man named Bazie, survived by their wits and their nimble fingers. But Bazie was more than just the head of a band of young thieves – Bazie cared about the boys. Uncle Londer barely cared whether Skif was alive or dead. It was an easy decision for Skif to abandon his former life and throw in his lot with Bazie’s crew.

By the time Skif was twelve, he was an accomplished cat burglar and one of the leaders of Bazie’s gang. Light on his feet, silent as a ghost, small enough to slide between protective window bars, his “take” had evolved from silk hankies slipped from laundries and pockets to gold and silver jewelry stolen from “hidden” cupboards in affluent houses.

But it wasn’t until Skif decided to steal a finely tacked-out white horse, which was, oddly enough, standing unattended in the street, that this young thief discovered that the tables could be turned on him…

Thoughts

I loved the character of Skif from Lackey’s The Heralds of Valdemar trilogy. So it was such a pleasure to read more about his adventures and Choosing. I really enjoy how Lackey’s books continue to expand upon the stories of well-loved characters. This prolonged exposure is instrumental in my (slightly ridiculous) attachment to her characters.

Take a Thief showed a very different style to Lackey’s normal writing. I really enjoyed this change of pace. I found that although I normally love her books, they tend to be very dark and confronting at times. Skif’s tale, whilst it had some not-so-nice components (in Skif’s history and upbringing), it was a much lighter and more humourous journey. This perfectly reflected the mentality and personality of the main character. The ability to change her writing style and use it to reflect the characterisation of the chief protagonist is yet another thing that makes Mercedes Lackey one of my favourite authors.

I found Skif’s journey to becoming an apprentice Herald a really nice, light and easy to read tale. It was full of wit and humour, but it also showed how those who come from outside our world can sometimes have a very unique (and sometimes more correct) view of our interactions. This clear view of his new surrounds was what also allowed Skif to take such an important role in the events of The Heralds of Valdemar.

Lackey also introduces other characters, both good and bad that I first met in The Heralds of Valdemar, my literary experiences of them throughout this storyline may have biased me, but I think that Lackey beautifully foreshadowed their future actions.

<- Exile’s ValorArrows of the Queen ->

Image source: Fantastic Fiction

Magic’s Price by Mercedes Lackey

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Magic's Price

Title: Magic’s Price
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Series: The Last Herald Mage #3, Valdemar #6
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Daw fantasy
Year: 1990
5th sentence, 74th page: What if he thinks I’m just some kind of bedazzled child?

Synopsis

Valdemar – the once-peaceful kingdom protected by the magic of its Herald-Mages – is now beseiged on all fronts. The king lies near death, the neighboring land of Karse wages a relentless war against Valdemar, and the forces led by a master of dark forbidden magic are massing to strike the final devastating blow against the kingdom.

And Vanyel, the most powerful Herald-Mage Valdemar has ever known, has become the primary target of the evil which is reaching out to poison all the land. With all his fellow mages slain, Vanyel alone remains to defend his people against the dark master’s army. yet a dream vision has revealed to Vanyel the fate which awaits should he and his Companion Yfandes take up the dark master’s challenge. And if either Vanyel or Yfandes falters, the dream will become a horrifying reality in which both Valdemar and its last Herald-Mage must pay the ultimate price…

Thoughts

I loved the entire The Last Herald Mage trilogy, and the finale certainly didn’t disappoint. Even though I knew what the ending would be from mentions in other Valdemar books, but, I still wanted to watch the entire tragedy unfold.

This stunning conclusion not only restored your faith in the world and love, but it also took you on a journey to the creation of so many things within the Valdemar world. The woods were Talia and Kris fought, the vrondi from the Collegium chronicles, the fact that the Heralds became automatically connected – it all made sense because of this story. Not only did I have the pleasure of watching Vanyel’s last stand unfold, Lackey helped me to understand so many other aspects of the Valdemar-verse that I didn’t even realise I was misunderstanding.

And then there was the introduction of Stefan – Bard Stefan who we hear so much about in the other books finally bought to life in all of his beauty and vibrancy. The moment he entered the pages, I was in love. Actually, his purity, sweetness and talent reminded me so much of one of my best friends that I just wanted to hold him.

Although I knew how Vanyel’s last stand would end – I did not expect the ending to the book. Lackey takes a feeling of disappointment (after Vanyel finally finds Stefan and vice versa) and makes it into a beautiful ending that will definitely bring a tear to your eyes.

<- Magic’s PromiseFoundation ->

Image source: Wikia

Magic’s Promise by Mercedes Lackey

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Magic's Promise

Title: Magic’s Promise
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Series: The Last Herald Mage #2, Valdemar #5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Daw fantasy
Year: 1990
5th sentence, 74th page: The Inn had certainly marked his passage into a different world, though young Vanyel Ashkevron, more than half a prisoner of his escort, had not gotten the attention that Herald-Mage Vanyel got now.

Synopsis

The wild magic

Is taking its toll on the land. Many Heralds and Herald-Mages have died fighting to preserve peace. Even Vanyel, the most powerful of the Herald-Mages is almost at the end of his strength, in need of a respite from the dual threats of war and dark magic.

But for Vanyel, there can be no reast. Not when his Companion, Yfandes, receives a summons which can’t be ignored – a desperate cry for help which draws them both into the heart of a magical holocaust in the neighboring kingdom. Almost overwhelmed by the devastation they discover there, Herald-Mage and Companion must try to unravel this tragic mystery. Is the young Prince Tashir, a newly Chosen Herald who can’t control his own magic, responsible for the destruction? Or is Tashir a pawn in a deeper, more deadly game – and, if so, will Vanyel be able to find and defeat the true destroyer before this master of dark powers can strike again?

Thoughts

It took me a while to pick this one up after the first book in this series. Actually, I had to go and read an entirely different, but happier book to be able to face more of Vanyel’s tale. But, on the same token, I was just itching to find out what happened next in his journey. And, let me tell you, I wasn’t disappointed!

The book starts years after Vanyel has learnt to deal with the pain of his loss. And I say deal with, not accept. And not move on. Sometimes there is only one true love in life, and I can’t fathom losing such a one so early in life. I found that very thought to be so incredibly gut-wrenching and heart-breaking. But, also in dealing with such loss in life to serve and protect others, a kind of light and inspiration. That we may feel pain, and we may lose loved ones, but there is always someone left behind who needs you. I think that this is a tie for many people to the living world, and it very much struck me that this was the case with Vanyel.

Not only has Vanyel found a purpose in a life without romantic love, but he also has managed to gain control of an unfathomable amount of power. I loved that this was a story about a man with power – who used it for the greater good.

Even though I still think that this is the darkest series I have so far read by Lackey, I also found it to be the most inspiring. It’s true that there is no light without the dark, and I think that this is just so beautifully highlighted in this book. Just make sure you have some chocolate next to you to light your way in the darkest moments…

<- Magic’s PawnMagic’s Price ->

Image source: Goodreads

Magic’s Pawn by Mercedes Lackey

Book Review, , , , , , , ,

Overview

Magic's Pawn

Title: Magic’s Pawn
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Series: The Last Herald Mage #1, Valdemar #4
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Daw fantasy
Year: 1989
5th sentence, 74th page: She watched the power-barrier he had built about himself with her Mage-Sight, and Saw the pale violet half-dome waver as he turned his attention to her question and lost a bit of control over the shield.

Synopsis

Mage-craft

Though Vanyel has been born with near-legendary abilities to work both herald and Mage magic, he wants no part of such things. Nor does he seek a warrior’s path, wishing instead to become a Bard. yet such talent as his if left untrained may prove a menace not only to Vanyel but to others as well. So he is sent to be fostered with his aunt, Savil, one of the famed herald-Mages of Valdemar.

But, strong-willed and self-centered, Vanyel is a challenge which even Savil can not master alone. For soon he will become the focus of frightening forces, lending his raw magic to a spell that unleashes terrifying wyr-hunters on the land. And by the time Savil seeks the assistance of a Shin’a’in Adept, Vanyel’s wild talent may have already grown beyond anyone’s ability to contain, placing Vanyel, Savil, and Valdemar itself in desperate peril…

Thoughts

This is one of the most hard-hitting books that I’ve read in a long time. Ever since I read The Pact by Jodi Piccoult, actually. I think that it probably impacted me so heavily because Lackey investigated ideas of depression and not really believing that you are worth the air you breath. Feelings that I experienced a long time ago. This reminded me of those moments, but it also reminded me that I got through it and the strength that it can take to overcome such a debilitating illness.

This book for me was about not only dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts, but also about coming to terms with who you are. Which, for me, is a large part of overcoming such mental illnesses (I am well aware that this is different for everybody). Vanyel does this through the acceptance of his sexuality – as I said, this is a pretty hard-hitting book, not only does it investigate mental health, but also the struggles of the LGBTQ community. I haven’t read many books about this aspect of life that I have enjoyed so thoroughly and that have made me think and connect with my LGBTQ friends.

At the beginning of the book, Vanyel appears to be a very selfish, and almost unlikable hero. But, as it develops, you understand this is a coping mechanism (we all have them, and it’s fascinating how different people cope in different ways). Following him on his journey you discover more about how systematic abuse can seriously damage and change people and how the understanding of self and sexuality can be so integral to a healthy outlook on life and self. Thus far in reading the Valdemar books, Vanyel is definitely the most flawed and damaged hero. But in the end, this unique vulnerability and incredible journey is what really pulls on the heartstrings.

I haven’t felt so emotionally distraught and vulnerable after reading a book in a long time, and for that I’m glad. This was a book that made me think about my own past experiences and sympathise with what others around me are going through in their quest to accept themselves.

<- The Silver GryphonMagic’s Promise ->

Image source: Goodreads

Arrow’s Fall by Mercedes Lackey

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

Arrow's Fall

Title: Arrow’s Fall
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Series: Heralds of Valdemar #3, Valdemar #25
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Daw fantasy
Year: 1988
5th sentence, 74th page: I’ve told you that before.

Synopsis

VALDEMAR’S PERIL!

With Elspeth, the heir to the throne of Valdemar, come of marriageable age, Talia, the Queen’s Own Herald retursn to court to find Queen and heir beset by diplomatic intrigue as various forces vie for control of Elspeth’s future.

But just as Talia is about to uncover the traitor behind all these intrigues, she is sent off on a mission to the neighboring kingdom, chosen by the Queen to investigate the worth of a marriage proposal from Prince Ancar. And, to her horror, Talia soon discovers there is far more going on at Prince Ancar’s court than just preparation for a hoped-for royal wedding. For a different magic than that of the Heralds is loose in Ancar’s realm – an evil and ancient sorcery that may destroy all of Valdemar unless Talia can send warning to her Queen in time!

Thoughts

Arrow’s Fall was an epic end to my first Mercedes Lackey trilogy. The climax that had slowly been building in the previous two books finally reached a crescendo, and I’m not ashamed to say that I shed more than a tear or two.

Talia is finally strong enough to face her demons; both internal and external, and her ability to triumph in the worst of situations is awe inspiring. Not only does she overcome her own ragged insecurities, she survives torture and loss to eventually come home to love in the final chapters.

The highly climatic end to the trilogy perfectly sets the storyline of Valdemar for the next trilogy (Mage Winds) which I have yet to read. The series leaves you content because Talia’s battle has been won, but also tense because you know that your beloved characters are on the precipice of war. I really loved this combination of tying up loose ends and setting the reader up for the next series.

All of the Valdemar books tend to do this – they are very interrelated and once you have read one series, you generally have access to main characters in another. But they are also easily read in isolation of one another, so you can start reading these emotionally turbulent books at any point within the chronology of the Valdemar universe.

<- Arrow’s FlightBy the Sword ->

Image source: Fantastic Fiction

Arrow’s Flight by Mercedes Lackey

Book Review, , , , , , ,

Overview

Arrow's Flight

Title: Arrow’s Flight
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Series: Heralds of Valdemar #2, Valdemar #24
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Daw fantasy
Year: 1987
5th sentence, 74th page: “So that you have an excuse to carry arrows wherever you go,” Kyril replied.

Synopsis

HERALD’S CHALLENGE!

Talia could scarcely believe that she had finally earned the rank of full Herald. Yet though this seemed like the fulfillment of all her dreams, it also meant she would face trials far greater than those she had previously survived. For now Talia must ride forth to patrol the kingdom of Valdemar, dispensing Herald’s justice throughout the land.

But in this realm beset by dangerous unrest enforcing her rulings would require all the courage and skill Talia could command – for if she misused her own special powers, both she and Valdemar would pay the price!

Thoughts

Lackey is a unique writer. She takes insecurities and some (very) deep seated issues and turns them into a sort of power, or a hurdle to jump. It’s why I love her books, depression, anxiety, even a variety of forms of abuse are taken and help to shape her characters into stronger people. I know that it doesn’t always work like that in real life, but the idea that you can take all of those bad things and become a stronger person is somewhat inspiring. It’s what I’ve spent my life trying to do.

Arrow’s Flight takes the insecurity and unsurity of person that Talia felt in Arrows of the Queen and investigates what happens when these feelings are amplified. It asks what happens when others prey upon your insecurities? What happens when they get amplified tenfold? The addition of supernatural powers just helps to illustrate her point even better. I loved this take on a main character; the fact that she is just so damn vulnerable makes her a heck of a lot more relatable and loveable.

Not only were Talia’s insecurities explored, but through this journey, her strength and abilities were found. This, along with her growing sense of self and relationship with her mentor made Arrow’s Flight an incredible journey. The growing relationship between Kris was one of my favourites of the whole series. For all of Talia’s softness, she has a backbone and when Kris oversteps his bounds, she puts him straight back into his place. It’s a mixture of comradery, passion and familial love and it just works beautifully.

The juxtaposition between strength and vulnerability in this book is awe-inspiring and made me realise that I have flaws, but I have strengths too. And we can all use these.

<- Arrows of the QueenArrow’s Fall ->

Image source: Goodreads

Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

Arrows of the Queen

Title: Arrows of the Queen
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Series: Heralds of Valdemar #1, Valdemar #23
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Daw fantasy
Year: 1987
5th sentence, 74th page: Bright Havens, child, he’s your Companion now; if you really wanted to, you could sleep in his stall!

Synopsis

A KINGDOM IMPERILED!

Chosen by the Companion Rolan, a mystical horse-like being with powers beyond imagining, Talia, once a runaway, has now become a trainee Herald, destined to become one of the Queen’s own elite guard. For Talia has certain awakening talents of the mind that only a Companion like Rolan can truly sense.

But as Talia struggles to master her unique abilities, time is running out. For conspiracy is brewing in Valdemar, a deadly treason which could destroy Queen and kingdom. Opposed by unknown enemies capable of both diabolical magic and treacherous assassination, the Queen must turn to Talia and the Heralds for aid in protecting the realm and insuring the future of the Queen’s heir, a child already in danger of becoming bespelled by the Queen’s own foes!

Thoughts

Words can’t even express how awesome I found this book. I’m reading it for the second time in a week as I wait for the next one in the series to arrive. I think I’ve found my new favourite author! A good heroine, a great fantasy world and a fantastic story line. What more could you ask for?

It’s rare that I find a heroine that isn’t sassy, sarcastic and has a major attitude problem that I can love and admire. But, Talia manages to mix humility and insecurities in a quiet, withdrawn persona with a backbone of steel. Talia’s journey from ignorant, abused border girl to a strong and powerful Herald in her own right underpinned her adventures and experiences throughout the story.

This book was a great introduction to the Valdemar universe and the Companions that create such a peaceful realm. If you like fantasy, then this is a highly recommended series – an oldie, but a goodie.

<- Take a ThiefArrow’s Flight ->

Image source: Amazon