I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young girl is chosen to become a Herald to the Queen of a faraway kingdom in author Mercedes Lackey’s “The Heralds of Valdemar” Trilogy.
The Synopsis
With over 40,000 ratings and 1,600 reviews on Goodreads, Mercedes Lackey’s 1987 novel Arrows of the Queen tells the story of Talia, a daughter of the repressive Holderkin, who is Chosen by the Companion Rolan to become one of the legendary Heralds of Valdemar.
Companions like Rolan are mystical horse-like beings with powers beyond imagining—including the power to sense an awakening potential for special talents of the mind in certain young men and women, like Talia.
With Rolan’s help, Talia will learn to master her uniquely strong Gift of empathy, and will grow from a shy and uncertain Herald trainee to become the most important Herald of all: the Queen’s Own.
As the story continues in Arrow’s Flight and Arrow’s Fall, Talia and Rolan will fight to protect the queen, the heir to the throne, and the entire kingdom—from dangerous conspiracies, looming unrest, vicious treachery, and even an evil and ancient sorcery beyond the magic of the Heralds themselves.
The Review
This trilogy is such a powerful and engaging read. The author does an incredible job of crafting a unique world that feels both magical and immersive at the same time, delving into the path of becoming a Herald and the connection between them and their Companions means to the kingdom itself. The powerful imagery allows the reader to easily visualize the kingdom of Valdemar, from the bleak Eastern border to the lush fields and brightly lit halls of the palace, and much more. The way “magic” works and the mythos surrounding this kingdom and the Herald/Companion connection were the foundation of this series that really drove home the narrative.
Yet for me, the story hinged on the amazing character development throughout all three books. For sure, the story of Talia and how she became the Queen’s Own Herald, rising above the patriarchal, authoritarian village she came from and was born into to learn the truth of the Kingdom of Valdemar and how Heralds gain their Companions, to becoming one of the most trusted and highly regarded Heralds in the Kingdom, and the found family that came along the way. The supporting cast, from the instructors at the palace to the other students and the various vocations that they embodied, to the Queen and Heir themselves, and the unique way Talia had to step in to help the Heir grow as a person worthy of the crown one day, made this trilogy and the political intrigue and dangers they all faced feel more grounded and keep readers emotionally invested.
The Verdict
Thrilling, adventurous, and entertaining, author Mercedes Lackey’s “The Heralds of Valdemar” is a must-read trilogy of fantasy-driven stories that readers won’t be able to put down. With a unique campaign to get an updated, hardcover, sprayed-edges, and special artwork edition created, readers won’t want to miss out on the chance to delve into this world and explore the intrigue and emotional character dynamics that Talia and her found family create along the way. From powerful losses and shocking revelations to emotional and heartfelt connections readers will root for, this is one book trilogy that will hold a special place in fantasy fans’ hearts. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today in digital format, or support this crowdfunding effort to get an amazing hardcover special deluxe edition by clicking the link below!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Mercedes Lackey is the acclaimed author of over 145 novels and many works of short fiction. In her “spare” time she is also a skilled needleworker, jewelry maker, and collector and costumer of asian ball-jointed dolls. Many of her works go to charity auctions for good causes. She has also been known to play City of Heroes MMORPG and D and D with a close group of friends. Mercedes lives in Oklahoma with her husband and frequent collaborator, artist Larry Dixon, and their flock of parrots. Over half of their parrots are rescues. Her website is www.mercedeslackey.com
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