Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey

 

Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey

Heralds of Valdemar #1

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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 that 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.

Magic's Price by Mercedes Lackey

 

Magic's Price by Mercedes Lackey - 351 pages

Last Herald Mage #3

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Valdemar—the once-peaceful kingdom protected by the magic of its Herald-Mages—is now besieged 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 even 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.

Magic's Promise by Mercedes Lackey

 

Magic's Promise by Mercedes Lackey - 320 pages

Last Herald Mage #2

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Wild magic is taking its toll on the land. Many Heralds and Herald-Mages have died fighting to preserve the 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 rest. Not when his Companion, Yfandes, receives a summons which can’t be ignored—a desperate cry of a magical holocaust in the neighboring kingdom. Almost overwhelmed by the devastations 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 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?

Magic's Pawn by Mercedes Lackey

Magic's Pawn by Mercedes Lackey - 349 pages

Last Herald-Mage #1

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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...

Into the West by Mercedes Lackey

 

Into the West by Mercedes Lackey - 486 pages

Founding of Valdemar #2

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Baron Valdemar and his people have found a temporary haven, but it cannot hold all of them, or for long. Trouble could follow on their heels at any moment, and there are too many people for Crescent Lake to support. Those who are willing to make a further trek by barge on into the West will follow him into a wilderness depopulated by war and scarred by the terrible magics of a thousand years ago and the Mage Wars. But the wilderness is not as empty as it seems. There are potential friends and rapacious foes....

....and someone is watching them.

Bastion by Mercedes Lackey

 

Bastion by Mercedes Lackey - 342 pages

Collegium Chronicles #5

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Mags returns to the Collegium, but there are mixed feelings--his included--about him actually remaining there. No one doubts that he is and should be a Herald, but he is afraid that his mere presence is going to incite more danger right in the heart of Valdemar. The heads of the Collegia are afraid that coming back to his known haunt is going to give him less protection than if he went into hiding. Everyone decides that going elsewhere is the solution for now. So since he is going elsewhere--why not return to the place he was found in the first place and look for clues? And those who are closest to him, and might provide secondary targets, are going along. With Herald Jakyr, Bard Lita, and his friends Bear, Lena, and Amily, they head for the Bastion, the hidden spot in the hills that had once been the headquarters of a powerful band of raiders that had held him and his parents prisoner. But what they find is not what anyone expected.

Redoubt by Mercedes Lackey

 

Redoubt by Mercedes Lackey - 330 pages

Collegium Chronicles #4

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Mags, a young Herald trainee in Haven, the capital city of the kingdom of Valdemar, has talents not commonly found in Herald trainees. Recognizing this, the King's Own Herald decides to train Mags as a spy in order to uncover the secrets of a mysterious new enemy who has taken an interest in Mags himself. Why is the even deeper mystery. The answers can only be found in the most unexpected corners of Mags' past...assuming he can live long enough to find them.

Changes by Mercedes Lackey

 

Changes by Mercedes Lackey - 326 pages

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Enter the thrilling third volume in the epic Collegium Chronicles. In Mercedes Lackey's classic coming-of-age story, the orphan Magpie pursues his quest for his parent's identity with burning urgency-while also discovering another hidden talent and being trained by the King's Own Herald as an undercover agent for Valdemar. Shy Bardic Trainee Lena has to face her famous but uncaring father, one of Valdemar's most renowned Bards. And Healing Trainee Bear must struggle against his disapproving parents, who are pressuring Bear to quit the Healers' Collegium because he lacks the magical Healing Gift.

Each of the three friends must face his or her demons and find their true strength as they seek to become the full Heralds, Bards, and Healers of Valdemar.

The Collegium Chronices by Mercedes Lackey

Foundation by Mercedes Lackey - 340 pages
Intrigues by Mercedes Lackey - 328 pages
Redoubt by Mercedes Lackey - 330 pages

The Collegium Chronicles

This is one of my favorite series.  I try to re-read it every few years.  It tells the story of Mags and his times training to become a Herald of Valdemar.  He also trains in espionage to protect his country and friends.

Vows and Honor series by Mercedes Lackey

The Oathbound by Mercedes Lackey - 302 pages
Oathbreakers by Mercedes Lackey - 318 pages
Vows and Honor series

Tarma Tale'sedrin is a Shin'a'in Swordsworn -- the last of her clan who has exacted blood feud against those who slaughtered her family.  Kethry is the runaway daughter of one of the Fifty Noble Houses of Mournedealth.  Together they are soul sisters.  Eventually they will repopulate clan Tale'sedrin, but first they must raise the money to support their clan.  So they become mercenaries . . . .

This is a two book series by Mercedes Lackey set within her world of Valdemar.  This series is slightly different from her other Valdemar books as they don't actually really deal with Valdemar.  Instead they focus on the Shin'a'in and neighboring countries of Valdemar, especially Hardorn.  Still it is a great addition to the world of Valdemar.

The Last Herald Mage series by Mercedes Lackey

Magic's Pawn by Mercedes Lackey - 349 pages
Magic's Promise by Mercedes Lackey - 320 pages
Magic's Price by Mercedes Lackey - 351 pages
The Last Herald Mage series

Vanyel Ashkevron is the most famous Herald in Valdemar's history.  This is his story from first arriving in Haven, meeting his love Tylendel, becoming a Herald-Mage, reconciling with his family, and his final battle with an evil magician determined to take over Valdemar.

I love the Valdemar books by Mercedes Lackey.  Since being in quarantine limits my books I determined to re-read the Valdemar series as they are some of the few books I actually own.  I would highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys fantasy.

Eye Spy by Mercedes Lackey

Eye Spy: A Novel of Valdemar by Mercedes Lackey -  326 pages
Family Spies #2

Abi has always hated the bridge in Haven.  She gets nauseous whenever she is forced to use it.  Then one day while crossing the bridge she all of sudden senses that it is collapsing.  Turns out she has a very unusual gift to feel the stress in structures -- she knows when those structures are failing.  After several years of study, she is planning her Master work to rebuild the bridge in Haven when she is asked to travel outside of Valdemar as part of a delegation to help them fix their failing structures.

This is the second book in the Family Spies series in the world of Valdemar.  It focuses on Mags and Amily's second child Abi.  I thought it was interesting that this is supposed to be a book about espionage but there was very little espionage in the story.  Still, I enjoyed the story.

The Hills Have Spies by Mercedes Lackey

The Hills Have Spies: A Novel of Valdemar by Mercedes Lackey - 360 pages
Family Spies - Book One

Mags and Amily are happily married with three children when a Herald near the Pelagirs asks for help.  It seems people are going missing. So Mags heads out with his oldest son Perry to see if they can figure out what is going on.  Perry is gifted with animal mindspeech which allows him to bond with the kyree Larral.  Things are going well until Perry and Larral decide to take matters into their own hands and investigate the "city" when people are disappearing.  Now he is trapped in that "city" and he must work to escape and protect those he cares for.

This is the first book in the Family Spies series set in Valdemar.  It follows the children of previous series' characters Mags and Amily as they find their way as spies.  I enjoyed this book.  I've already started on the second book.  Hopefully, the third book comes out soon.

Arrows Flight & Arrow's Fall by Mercedes Lackey

Arrow's Flight by Mercedes Lackey - 318 pages
Arrow's Fall by Mercedes Lackey - 319 pages


Talia is heading out on her year-long internships as a Herald.  She's shocked to find rumors circulating throughout the country of her misusing her empathic powers.

After completing her year-long internship, Talia is finally ready to take up her duties as Queen's Own Herald.  One of her first assignments is as envoy to the kingdom of Hardorn to see about a possibility of a royal marriage.


These are the final two books in the Queen's Own Trilogy set in Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar series.  This was the series that got me interested in reading fantasy.  So I decided to re-read them to see if I still would enjoy them as much as I had as a teen.  I did.  This is a great series for fantasy readers.

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.

Owlknight by Mercedes Lackey

Owlknight by Mercedes Lackey - 326 pages
The Owl Trilogy #3

Darian has always wondered what happened to his parents when they disappeared.  Now he has a clue that they might have been transported north.  He travels to the north with his friends to see if he can find them.

This is the final book in the Valdemar series featuring Darian.  It is a good conclusion to the series.

Owlsight by Mercedes Lackey

Owlsight by Mercedes Lackey & Larry Dixon - 389 pages
book 2

Darian has finally returned after four years to set up his Vale near Errold's Grove.  The town has been waiting ever since he left with the Tayledras for his return.  But just as he's returning, so does a problem from the North.  More barbarians are approaching . . .

This is the second book in the Valdemar trilogy about Darian.  It introduced the other main character -- healer Keisha.  I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the final book in the trilogy.

Owlflight by Mercedes Lackey

Owlflight by Mercedes Lackey & Larry Dixon - 342 pages

Darian isn't happy to be apprenticed to the mage after his parents disappear.  While his master Justyn is kind, Darian isn't interested in magic.  He wants to be a trapper like his parents were.  He loves the forest and would spend all his time there.  Which is what saves him when bandits from the north invade his village.  He was in the forest and manages to escape to the Hawkbrothers.

This is the first book of a trilogy in one of Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar series.  I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading the rest of them.

Choices: All-New Tales of Valdemar edited by Mercedes Lackey

Choices: All-New Tales of Valdemar edited by Mercedes Lackey - 351 pages

The twelfth anthology of short stories set in the beloved Valdemar universe, featuring stories by debut and established authors and a brand-new story from Lackey herself.

The Heralds of Valdemar are the kingdom's ancient order of protectors. They are drawn from all across the land, from all walks of life, and at all ages--and all are Gifted with abilities beyond those of normal men and women. They are Mindspeakers, FarSeers, Empaths, ForeSeers, Firestarters, FarSpeakers, and more. These inborn talents--combined with training as emissaries, spies, judges, diplomats, scouts, counselors, warriors, and more--make them indispensable to their monarch and realm. Sought and Chosen by mysterious horse-like Companions, they are bonded for life to these telepathic, enigmatic creatures. The Heralds of Valdemar and their Companions ride circuit throughout the kingdom, protecting the peace and, when necessary, defending their land and monarch.

Now, twenty-three authors ride with Mercedes Lackey to her magical land of Valdemar, adding their own unique voices to the Heralds, Bards, Healers, and other heroes of this beloved fantasy realm.

Closer to the Chest by Mercedes Lackey

Closer to the Chest by Mercedes Lackey  376 pages

Herald Mags, the King of Valdemar's Herald-Spy, has been developing a clandestine network of young informants who operate not only on the streets of the capital city of Haven but also in the Great Halls and kitchens of the wealthy and highborn. In his own established alternate personas, Mags observes the Court and the alleys alike, quietly gathering information to keep Haven and the Kingdom safe.

His wife, Amily, is growing into her position as the King's Own Herald, though she is irritated to encounter many who still consider her father, Herald Nikolas, to be the real King's Own. Nonetheless, she finds it increasingly useful to be underestimated, for there are dark things stirring in the shadows of Haven and up on the Hill. Someone has discovered many secrets of the women of the Court and the Collegia - and is using those secrets to terrorize and bully them. Someone is targeting the religious houses of women, too, leaving behind destruction and obscene ravings.

Mags and Amily take steps to minimize the damage while using both magic and wits to find the evildoer. But just as they appear to be on the verge of success, the letter writer tires of terror and is now out for blood.

Mags and Amily will have to track down someone who leaves few clues behind and thwart whatever plans have been set in motion, and quickly - before terror turns to murder.