Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey

Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey - 320 pages

Talia has always dreamed of Heralds.  It is her deepest desire to see a Herald and its Companion one day.  So she is shocked when a Companion shows up without a Herald.  She decides it is up to her to return the Companion to the Capital.  Little does she know this is the start of her journey to becoming a Herald herself.

This is the first book in the Queen's Own (Valdemar) series by Mercedes Lackey.  This was the book that got me interested in reading fantasy as a teen.  I decided to read it again to see if I liked it as much now . . . I do.  I'm looking forward to re-reading the rest of the series.

Closer to the Chest by Mercedes Lackey

Closer to the Chest by Mercedes Lackey - 336 pages
The Herald Spy - 2

There is someone sending horrible, nasty notes to the women of Valdemar.  It's up to Mags and Amily to determine who is behind these attacks before they escalate and someone gets hurt.
This is my favorite author and series.  I can't wait until the new book is released each October.  This book doesn't disappoint.  I absolutely loved it.

Crucible by Mercedes Lackey

Crucible by Mercedes Lackey  342 pages

The voices of other authors add their own special touches to the ancient land where Heralds "Chosen" from all walks of life by magical horse-like Companions patrol their ancient kingdom, dispensing justice, facing adversaries, and protecting their monarch and country from whatever threatens. Trained rigorously by the Herald's Collegium, these special protectors each have extraordinary Gifts: Mindspeaking, FarSeeing, FarSpeaking, Empathy, Firestarting and ForeSeeing, and are bonded for life with their mysterious Companions. Travel with these astounding adventurers in these original stories.

Arrow's Fall by Mercedes Lackey

Arrow's Fall by Mercedes Lackey  319 pages

With Elspeth, the heir to the throne of Valdemar, come of marriageable age, Talia, the Queen's Own Herald returns 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.

Arrow's Flight by Mercedes Lackey

Arrow's Flight by Mercedes Lackey  318 pages

Set in the medieval fantasy kingdom of Valdemar, this unique and exciting novel continues the story of Talia. Having mastered the powers necessary to a guardian of the kingdom, she faces the final preparation for her initiation as adviser and protector of the Queen.

Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey

Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey  320 pages

Talia, a young runaway, is made a herald at the royal court after she rescues one of the legendary Companions. When she uncovers a plot to seize the throne, Talia must use her empathic powers to save the queen.

Bastion by Mercedes Lackey

Bastion by Mercedes Lackey - 342 pages
Book 5 - The Collegium Chronicles

Mags has returned to Valdemar after being kidnapped and attacked by demons in Karse.  The problem is that the people claiming to be his relatives will not give up.  So he goes with his friends to The Bastion - the caves where his parents were killed in the hopes of hiding and finding out more about his family. 
Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar novels are the only books that I insist on buying in hardcover the day they are released.  I simply can not wait for the new books to come out.  This one is her latest book about Mags.  I enjoyed discovering more about his past and the clan of assassins his parents escaped from.  This book contained more romance than you usually find in a Valdemar novel, but it was a nice progression of the characters and their story. Definitely worth reading.