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Valdemar: Heralds of Valdemar #1–3
Queen's Own
This is the 3 in 1 book of the Queen's Own trilogy. It contains Arrows of the Queen, Arrow's Flight, and Arrow's Fall. These books were only released originally as paperbacks. This is the only way to get them as a hardback edition!
726 pages, Science Fiction Book Club Omnibus
First published January 1, 1990
About the author
Mercedes Lackey
473 books9,095 followersMercedes entered this world on June 24, 1950, in Chicago, had a normal childhood and graduated from Purdue University in 1972. During the late 70's she worked as an artist's model and then went into the computer programming field, ending up with American Airlines in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In addition to her fantasy writing, she has written lyrics for and recorded nearly fifty songs for Firebird Arts & Music, a small recording company specializing in science fiction folk music.
"I'm a storyteller; that's what I see as 'my job'. My stories come out of my characters; how those characters would react to the given situation. Maybe that's why I get letters from readers as young as thirteen and as old as sixty-odd. One of the reasons I write song lyrics is because I see songs as a kind of 'story pill' -- they reduce a story to the barest essentials or encapsulate a particular crucial moment in time. I frequently will write a lyric when I am attempting to get to the heart of a crucial scene; I find that when I have done so, the scene has become absolutely clear in my mind, and I can write exactly what I wanted to say. Another reason is because of the kind of novels I am writing: that is, fantasy, set in an other-world semi-medieval atmosphere. Music is very important to medieval peoples; bards are the chief newsbringers. When I write the 'folk music' of these peoples, I am enriching my whole world, whether I actually use the song in the text or not.
"I began writing out of boredom; I continue out of addiction. I can't 'not' write, and as a result I have no social life! I began writing fantasy because I love it, but I try to construct my fantasy worlds with all the care of a 'high-tech' science fiction writer. I apply the principle of TANSTAAFL ['There ain't no such thing as free lunch', credited to Robert Heinlein) to magic, for instance; in my worlds, magic is paid for, and the cost to the magician is frequently a high one. I try to keep my world as solid and real as possible; people deal with stubborn pumps, bugs in the porridge, and love-lives that refuse to become untangled, right along with invading armies and evil magicians. And I try to make all of my characters, even the 'evil magicians,' something more than flat stereotypes. Even evil magicians get up in the night and look for cookies, sometimes.
"I suppose that in everything I write I try to expound the creed I gave my character Diana Tregarde in Burning Water:
"There's no such thing as 'one, true way'; the only answers worth having are the ones you find for yourself; leave the world better than you found it. Love, freedom, and the chance to do some good -- they're the things worth living and dying for, and if you aren't willing to die for the things worth living for, you might as well turn in your membership in the human race."
Also writes as Misty Lackey
Author's website
"I'm a storyteller; that's what I see as 'my job'. My stories come out of my characters; how those characters would react to the given situation. Maybe that's why I get letters from readers as young as thirteen and as old as sixty-odd. One of the reasons I write song lyrics is because I see songs as a kind of 'story pill' -- they reduce a story to the barest essentials or encapsulate a particular crucial moment in time. I frequently will write a lyric when I am attempting to get to the heart of a crucial scene; I find that when I have done so, the scene has become absolutely clear in my mind, and I can write exactly what I wanted to say. Another reason is because of the kind of novels I am writing: that is, fantasy, set in an other-world semi-medieval atmosphere. Music is very important to medieval peoples; bards are the chief newsbringers. When I write the 'folk music' of these peoples, I am enriching my whole world, whether I actually use the song in the text or not.
"I began writing out of boredom; I continue out of addiction. I can't 'not' write, and as a result I have no social life! I began writing fantasy because I love it, but I try to construct my fantasy worlds with all the care of a 'high-tech' science fiction writer. I apply the principle of TANSTAAFL ['There ain't no such thing as free lunch', credited to Robert Heinlein) to magic, for instance; in my worlds, magic is paid for, and the cost to the magician is frequently a high one. I try to keep my world as solid and real as possible; people deal with stubborn pumps, bugs in the porridge, and love-lives that refuse to become untangled, right along with invading armies and evil magicians. And I try to make all of my characters, even the 'evil magicians,' something more than flat stereotypes. Even evil magicians get up in the night and look for cookies, sometimes.
"I suppose that in everything I write I try to expound the creed I gave my character Diana Tregarde in Burning Water:
"There's no such thing as 'one, true way'; the only answers worth having are the ones you find for yourself; leave the world better than you found it. Love, freedom, and the chance to do some good -- they're the things worth living and dying for, and if you aren't willing to die for the things worth living for, you might as well turn in your membership in the human race."
Also writes as Misty Lackey
Author's website
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
December 31, 2015
Recently, life has thrown me some curveballs, so I decided to re-read a character story that was similar to what I was going through. I found Arrows of the Queen early in life (either junior high or early high school) and loved the story then for almost the same reasons I wanted to read it again now. Also, DAW recently released the trilogy in a single paperback, which rekindled my desire to read the series.
I want to be honest here; I usually skip Arrows Flight in my re-read because not much happens. As one of Mercedes Lackey’s earliest writing endeavors, this trilogy suffers in a couple ways. First, the middle book is almost dead space with most of what is described being too drawn out. This really could have been a beefier duology and been a bit better for it. Second, the pacing is just a little off at times. I like getting to know how Court and Collegium work, and I like getting to learn more about Talia’s friendships, but there aren’t quite enough pages devoted to the action sequences. They read as very abrupt.
Readers who aren’t accustomed to older styles of writing in the fantasy genre may become frustrated or annoyed by the editing presented in the originals. And, I haven’t had the opportunity to examine the new release to see if the editing was updated at all. However, I think the story of acceptance, bullying, family, and adventure overcome these minor negatives.
The reasons why I love this tale are tied to the main character, Talia. As a child, she was raised in a household that didn’t provide love or acceptance for who she was as a person. Then, when she traveled to the capital to become a Herald, she was met with bullies and court intrigue from early on, plus she had to work through her issues of trust, friendship, and communication. Mercedes Lackey shows a great deal of knowledge about the human psyche and emotions. Anyone who wants more LBGTQ, female empowerment, and diversity in their fantasy should check out any of Lackey’s works as she was one of the originals to feature positive reactions and acceptance of what was mostly considered normal (in the worldbuilding) relationships of that nature.
Also, who doesn’t love horse gods :)
I want to be honest here; I usually skip Arrows Flight in my re-read because not much happens. As one of Mercedes Lackey’s earliest writing endeavors, this trilogy suffers in a couple ways. First, the middle book is almost dead space with most of what is described being too drawn out. This really could have been a beefier duology and been a bit better for it. Second, the pacing is just a little off at times. I like getting to know how Court and Collegium work, and I like getting to learn more about Talia’s friendships, but there aren’t quite enough pages devoted to the action sequences. They read as very abrupt.
Readers who aren’t accustomed to older styles of writing in the fantasy genre may become frustrated or annoyed by the editing presented in the originals. And, I haven’t had the opportunity to examine the new release to see if the editing was updated at all. However, I think the story of acceptance, bullying, family, and adventure overcome these minor negatives.
The reasons why I love this tale are tied to the main character, Talia. As a child, she was raised in a household that didn’t provide love or acceptance for who she was as a person. Then, when she traveled to the capital to become a Herald, she was met with bullies and court intrigue from early on, plus she had to work through her issues of trust, friendship, and communication. Mercedes Lackey shows a great deal of knowledge about the human psyche and emotions. Anyone who wants more LBGTQ, female empowerment, and diversity in their fantasy should check out any of Lackey’s works as she was one of the originals to feature positive reactions and acceptance of what was mostly considered normal (in the worldbuilding) relationships of that nature.
Also, who doesn’t love horse gods :)
August 10, 2014
I love this story. It is an honest and at times very sharp coming of age story about a woman who is very familiar. In reading some of the negative reviews I'm struck at the similarity between the the negative reviewer comments and the bullies that torment Talia and the manipulators that try to destroy her professionally. The fact that she manages - mostly - to transcend the family that wants to force her to be a breeder against her will and interests, the bullies that just want to hurt her because she is a nice, decent, quiet, and attractive person, and the political types who's interest is in destroying her... but I won't type a spoiler. I especially like the in-story stories in book two. If you want a story that is just a tv-script or video game synopsis go elsewhere. If you want to read a story in which a nice, decent, quiet, attractive young female manages to survive and mostly prosper despite her family, bullies (who are very familiar to all of us), and power hungry scumbags (that infest all universes including this one).
May 23, 2011
I feel like I grew up with the Heralds of Valdemar even though I didn't begin reading them until college (when the series first began). Even though I've read the books over and over again, I still cry with Talia and get angry at her tormentors. I crush on Dirk and a few of the other Heralds and Elspeth makes me want to spank her (Talia has far more patience than I).
These books are best suited for mature teenagers and adults who love fantasy adventure. It's light reading with excellent characterization and a beautiful world setting. King Arthur lovers will love these books, too.
The Valdemar series has greatly expanded over the years but I haven't tired of it yet. I highly recommend Mercedes Lackey. Her Magics series is good, too.
These books are best suited for mature teenagers and adults who love fantasy adventure. It's light reading with excellent characterization and a beautiful world setting. King Arthur lovers will love these books, too.
The Valdemar series has greatly expanded over the years but I haven't tired of it yet. I highly recommend Mercedes Lackey. Her Magics series is good, too.
July 8, 2008
I actually read this as three separate novels, but it's easier to list this edition.
I think Mercedes Lackey gets too much criticism, even though I agree that her novels are almost generic in many ways. It is my opinion that within the fantasy genre, she's able to write novels that are fun to read even if they're not particularly insightful.
I believe I enjoyed the Queen's Own trilogy more than her other Valdemar novels mostly because they're the first novels of hers that I read, but I also think they're "tighter" than most of her other Valdemar novels, and generally have characters that are more likable and better thought out.
I think Mercedes Lackey gets too much criticism, even though I agree that her novels are almost generic in many ways. It is my opinion that within the fantasy genre, she's able to write novels that are fun to read even if they're not particularly insightful.
I believe I enjoyed the Queen's Own trilogy more than her other Valdemar novels mostly because they're the first novels of hers that I read, but I also think they're "tighter" than most of her other Valdemar novels, and generally have characters that are more likable and better thought out.
July 22, 2015
when you finish a book and say 'i'm so glad i'm finally done with that terrible piece of shit book' then you know it's not a good sign. that was pretty much the effect that this trilogy had on me.
the first book was alright. i made the sacrifice and suffered through the deliberate lack of style lackey offers to her readership with all due effort. fine.
the second book was, to put it mildly, completely pointless. it's as if this book was written for the sheer purpose of allowing lackey to say 'hey, look. i wrote a trilogy' - if not to kill trees. there was absolutely nothing worth while in this book that couldn't be covered in two pages in the third book.
which brings us to the conclusion, arrow's fall. this book was horribly formulaic and gushy, like the other books - except to the nth degree. i'm not sure whether it was drugs?, giving birth possibly?, or possibly a running competition with her editor to find a way to put mushy shit like 'honeykins', 'heartsister', 'goddesses and gods, i miss her/him', etc. on every page.
i think i deserve the two stars i gave this book for actually having read it.
the first book was alright. i made the sacrifice and suffered through the deliberate lack of style lackey offers to her readership with all due effort. fine.
the second book was, to put it mildly, completely pointless. it's as if this book was written for the sheer purpose of allowing lackey to say 'hey, look. i wrote a trilogy' - if not to kill trees. there was absolutely nothing worth while in this book that couldn't be covered in two pages in the third book.
which brings us to the conclusion, arrow's fall. this book was horribly formulaic and gushy, like the other books - except to the nth degree. i'm not sure whether it was drugs?, giving birth possibly?, or possibly a running competition with her editor to find a way to put mushy shit like 'honeykins', 'heartsister', 'goddesses and gods, i miss her/him', etc. on every page.
i think i deserve the two stars i gave this book for actually having read it.
December 26, 2015
The Complete Arrows Trilogy includes Arrows of the Queen, Arrow's Flight, Arrow's Fall, and lyrics to songs Mercedes Lackey has actually published that relate to the stories.
The books are rather consistent throughout in their execution, although Arrows of the Queen does not really escape from first book by an author syndrome.
Talia, a young girl living on the Border, in a strict polygamist family, runs away from home after she is told on her 13th birthday it is time for her to marry. She hears the sound of hooves, and trips down a hill to land in front of a Chosen, the famous magical and telepathic horses of the Heralds. The Chosen is without a rider, and Talia decides she will ride the horse back to the capital.
In fact, Talia is actually chosen by the Chosen, Rolan, to be a Herald. Being of such a backwater village, Talia is confused as to what is happening. She arrives at the Collegium and is informed not only is she going to be a Herald, she is going to be the Queen's Own, a special adviser to the Queen that is always paired with Rolan.
Of course Talia is completely overwhelmed. She grew up in a household of severe male authority and suppressed emotions. Talia is tasked with drilling some obedience into the Queen's daughter, Elspeth, who is also known as the Brat. Arrows of the Queen follows Talia in her studies to become a Herald and her development into an adult, along with all the bullies and relationship troubles that come as a teen.
When I first read that Talia had to whip up some manners and obedience for Elspeth, I thought it was a really silly plot point. She is essentially the most important Herald, and it is of the utmost importance that she has to make this little brat behave? However, that point has implications that are actually revealed further in the third book, Arrow's Fall, and I would never have realized the significance if I didn't read all three of the books.
Although Talia has a more rare ability, Empathy, and is given such importance, she is a character that has a lot of issues. Lackey doesn't really go into enough character development, so it's easy to classify Talia as someone who always gets everything rights. In fact, she is dealing with PTSD and her magical abilities going awry all three books.
That is my main complaint of the first book, is that the character development is rather cursory. Some of the females Heralds appeared interchangeable to me. There are lesbian couples, and I am assuming gay couples as well (no characters yet that have stated so) among the Heralds, and I appreciated that diversity, considering the contrast to Talia's upbringing. The Heralds have this open acceptance of sexuality, and having relationships that are not so restrictive.
I was reminded of Pern because of the references to Holders living out in the middle of nowhere, and the group of people with an animal that protect the realm (dragonriders vs. Heralds). Granted there is no sci-fi element, but I can see the influences. Later on, I was reminded of Robin Hobb's Fitz, as Talia must be completely loyal to the Queen, and the Herald's abilities reminded me of the Skill. So maybe this series influenced Hobb in some way.
Arrow's Flight and Arrow's Fall are more adult than Arrows of the Queen.
Arrow's Flight follows Talia and the Herald, Kris, on her apprenticeship, riding a circuit in the North near the border. Honestly, I think half of this book was Talia and Kris stuck in a cabin that is snowed in, but this middle book had good character development and conflict created by Talia's lack of control over her power. The border towns have problems that need to be judged/solved by the Heralds.
Arrow's Fall does have rape and torture, although it's not in graphic detail. Talia and Kris venture into the county of Hardon, to investigate a marriage proposal for Elspeth. A subplot is the relationship between Talia and Dirk, and misconceptions about her relationship with Kris. The last book finally pulls in the larger political scheming that was behind the previous books.
Certainly, these stories do show their age compared to more modern fantasy. However, I think it's good nostalgia reading for late 80s fantasy. I did find them at times to be slow because they often focus so tightly on Talia - the rest of the world is blotted out.
I am surprised I did not read Lackey at an earlier age. Magical horses?! In a way, I kind of wished the horses were more magical (no horses throwing magical fireballs unfortunately). The plots are not particularly unique, but I think there is something inherently enjoyable about a young girl magically bonded to a horse growing into and adult and learning her abilities.
Also, this trilogy has lyrics to songs Mercedes Lackey has recorded with other artists. They're all available on Youtube - it's nice to see lyrics that have actually been put to a song!
The books are rather consistent throughout in their execution, although Arrows of the Queen does not really escape from first book by an author syndrome.
Talia, a young girl living on the Border, in a strict polygamist family, runs away from home after she is told on her 13th birthday it is time for her to marry. She hears the sound of hooves, and trips down a hill to land in front of a Chosen, the famous magical and telepathic horses of the Heralds. The Chosen is without a rider, and Talia decides she will ride the horse back to the capital.
In fact, Talia is actually chosen by the Chosen, Rolan, to be a Herald. Being of such a backwater village, Talia is confused as to what is happening. She arrives at the Collegium and is informed not only is she going to be a Herald, she is going to be the Queen's Own, a special adviser to the Queen that is always paired with Rolan.
Of course Talia is completely overwhelmed. She grew up in a household of severe male authority and suppressed emotions. Talia is tasked with drilling some obedience into the Queen's daughter, Elspeth, who is also known as the Brat. Arrows of the Queen follows Talia in her studies to become a Herald and her development into an adult, along with all the bullies and relationship troubles that come as a teen.
When I first read that Talia had to whip up some manners and obedience for Elspeth, I thought it was a really silly plot point. She is essentially the most important Herald, and it is of the utmost importance that she has to make this little brat behave? However, that point has implications that are actually revealed further in the third book, Arrow's Fall, and I would never have realized the significance if I didn't read all three of the books.
Although Talia has a more rare ability, Empathy, and is given such importance, she is a character that has a lot of issues. Lackey doesn't really go into enough character development, so it's easy to classify Talia as someone who always gets everything rights. In fact, she is dealing with PTSD and her magical abilities going awry all three books.
That is my main complaint of the first book, is that the character development is rather cursory. Some of the females Heralds appeared interchangeable to me. There are lesbian couples, and I am assuming gay couples as well (no characters yet that have stated so) among the Heralds, and I appreciated that diversity, considering the contrast to Talia's upbringing. The Heralds have this open acceptance of sexuality, and having relationships that are not so restrictive.
I was reminded of Pern because of the references to Holders living out in the middle of nowhere, and the group of people with an animal that protect the realm (dragonriders vs. Heralds). Granted there is no sci-fi element, but I can see the influences. Later on, I was reminded of Robin Hobb's Fitz, as Talia must be completely loyal to the Queen, and the Herald's abilities reminded me of the Skill. So maybe this series influenced Hobb in some way.
Arrow's Flight and Arrow's Fall are more adult than Arrows of the Queen.
Arrow's Flight follows Talia and the Herald, Kris, on her apprenticeship, riding a circuit in the North near the border. Honestly, I think half of this book was Talia and Kris stuck in a cabin that is snowed in, but this middle book had good character development and conflict created by Talia's lack of control over her power. The border towns have problems that need to be judged/solved by the Heralds.
Arrow's Fall does have rape and torture, although it's not in graphic detail. Talia and Kris venture into the county of Hardon, to investigate a marriage proposal for Elspeth. A subplot is the relationship between Talia and Dirk, and misconceptions about her relationship with Kris. The last book finally pulls in the larger political scheming that was behind the previous books.
Certainly, these stories do show their age compared to more modern fantasy. However, I think it's good nostalgia reading for late 80s fantasy. I did find them at times to be slow because they often focus so tightly on Talia - the rest of the world is blotted out.
I am surprised I did not read Lackey at an earlier age. Magical horses?! In a way, I kind of wished the horses were more magical (no horses throwing magical fireballs unfortunately). The plots are not particularly unique, but I think there is something inherently enjoyable about a young girl magically bonded to a horse growing into and adult and learning her abilities.
Also, this trilogy has lyrics to songs Mercedes Lackey has recorded with other artists. They're all available on Youtube - it's nice to see lyrics that have actually been put to a song!
December 4, 2010
This was the second series that I had ever read in the Valdemar Universe. And it freaked me out a bit. I am surprised that Lackey started with Talia when she started writing... jumped right in there and took one of the scariest situations ever for a woman and wrote it into book three. I suppose if you made it through book one and two, you'd be a little more prepared for what happens in the last book, but I certainly wasn't.
Still, it didn't put me off the series, or the world! I love Valdemar so much (can I move there?!?) that even (or especially because) Lackey deals with such controversial issues such as torture, rape, child labor, etc I am still interested. I suppose part of that is due to the fact that her heroes and heroine's always manage to come out on top one way or another!
Talia is not my favorite character. She's just too sweet, too shy and too cute for me. But I do love some of the side characters that appear in this series!
Still, it didn't put me off the series, or the world! I love Valdemar so much (can I move there?!?) that even (or especially because) Lackey deals with such controversial issues such as torture, rape, child labor, etc I am still interested. I suppose part of that is due to the fact that her heroes and heroine's always manage to come out on top one way or another!
Talia is not my favorite character. She's just too sweet, too shy and too cute for me. But I do love some of the side characters that appear in this series!
June 26, 2019
I absolutely love this book and it helped me get through a lot of hard times. I love the characters and the range of their emotions. They speak to me personally. I can’t even say how much love I have for this trilogy.
June 20, 2021
This book are really awesome.
May 23, 2012
I usually adore Mercedes Lackey'work. If anyone were to ask me who my favorite author was I would say without hesitation it was Mercedes! And for what reason? Well in all honesty it's because she writes great Mary Sue's. I can usually plug myself into the role of her female heroines and enjoy myself immensely. Nothing wrong with that, it's not a secret shame or anything. I love reading about females in typical fantasy male roles thumping everyone on the head and running circles around everyone. When I was a young girl myself I would imagine myself picking up a sword (or bow, or spear, or magic, or what have you) and throttling the bad guy for all I was worth!
But for some reason this time I found it lacking. The first novel was great, spot on rise to position for the young girl. I think my trouble started when they spent an entire book trying to get Talia's gift in control. It got realllllly repetitive. After that I just lost interest and stopped really caring what happened to the characters. Ah well.
But for some reason this time I found it lacking. The first novel was great, spot on rise to position for the young girl. I think my trouble started when they spent an entire book trying to get Talia's gift in control. It got realllllly repetitive. After that I just lost interest and stopped really caring what happened to the characters. Ah well.
November 18, 2013
I read this series in my pre-teens, and still enjoy reading it now and again as an adult. It was one of my favorites, but since time has passed, I've grown to love other book series far more than this one, though this one is still pretty stellar.
Young Talia is a brave young woman of whom I wish I could've been, because I would've loved having a Companion like Rolan, and being in the Academy where students actually talk to Companions (horses) and they talk to you in return.
Queen's Own series was one of my favorites right alongside Over Sea and Under Stone by Susan Cooper, and Narnia by CS Lewis.
Young Talia is a brave young woman of whom I wish I could've been, because I would've loved having a Companion like Rolan, and being in the Academy where students actually talk to Companions (horses) and they talk to you in return.
Queen's Own series was one of my favorites right alongside Over Sea and Under Stone by Susan Cooper, and Narnia by CS Lewis.
February 19, 2014
Excellent series. Book 2 was okay though I was glad Talia finally learned how to control her power and her shields. The old not saying exactly what's going on got a little old especially by the 3 book. Though I do love how everything that was a problem in 1 i.e. refering to the troubles with Elspeth get revielded in 3. I especially enjoyed the true danger and Talia fighting her enemies holding her captive in 3. The rescue was amazing and the battle was too. I love Mercedas Lackey and I can't wait to try other books she has written and to return to the Kingdom of Valimar.
March 23, 2014
I must say that I rather enjoyed this book. While it isn't the normal genre that I read, I found myself completely sucked in to Talia's world. This book took me on a long journey through light and dark...or "Sun and Shadows", that I thoroughly enjoyed. I was devastated in book three by what happened to Kris and the horrific ordeal that Talia lived through. I had to walk away for a bit and collect myself before continuing the story. All in all, this was a fantastic book and I thank my best friend for "making" me read it.
May 1, 2014
The Queen's Own series was one of my favourite of Lackey's Valdemar work. I always adored her female characters. I like that some are strong, some are weak, some are sexual, some are not, some are straight, some are gay, and they are all treated as humans. They are treated the same as men are, but with more variation and that's the real appeal of Mercedes' work.
March 14, 2024
It's been ten years since I last read this trilogy and picked it up with this new paperback edition.
There were a lot of scenes I remembered, a lot that I didn't, and some scenes that became new favorites. The Valdemar series has always been my favorite, and I loved this one more the second go around.
There were a lot of scenes I remembered, a lot that I didn't, and some scenes that became new favorites. The Valdemar series has always been my favorite, and I loved this one more the second go around.
May 20, 2020
For anyone who loves the Alanna the Lioness Quartet.
August 9, 2022
I wonder if I'd come across this book when I was just getting into reading as a teen, would I have enjoyed it more? Initially I thought this book reminded me a lot of Tamora Pierce in her ability to include strong, exciting, female heroes who go on amazing adventures and encounter fantastical creatures. We did get a fairly strong female protagonist, I will admit, but there was something... off? Like slightly watered down cola - not a lot, but enough that it doesn't taste quite right.
There's a choice some authors make when writing that includes showing, physically, how evil the villain truly is. I am very picky with how this is shown because it is a very real, very serious thing that happens in the real world all the time. It is a horrible thing. So when an author chooses to use this awful thing as a plot device, in my opinion, it better be used to its fullest (to spread awareness, to show what it might be like, etc.) or else it immediately leaves a bad impression I find hard to overlook. That happens in this book.
Maybe I was overhyping myself, this trilogy had such a strong beginning, it was so interesting, so new, and it gave me nostalgia vibes! Then it just kept getting watered down; book two is summed up as "Cabin time for 98% of the book", but it's a middle book, notorious for setting up a big finale. This book took a lot of turns I didn't expect, and not in an interesting way. Despite all this, it's not a bad book. It's just very plain that this was written at a different time. I'm glad for reading it, since I'd always meant to, but will set aside Lackey's older works and instead remember how much I adored the Joust series.
There's a choice some authors make when writing that includes showing, physically, how evil the villain truly is. I am very picky with how this is shown because it is a very real, very serious thing that happens in the real world all the time. It is a horrible thing. So when an author chooses to use this awful thing as a plot device, in my opinion, it better be used to its fullest (to spread awareness, to show what it might be like, etc.) or else it immediately leaves a bad impression I find hard to overlook. That happens in this book.
Maybe I was overhyping myself, this trilogy had such a strong beginning, it was so interesting, so new, and it gave me nostalgia vibes! Then it just kept getting watered down; book two is summed up as "Cabin time for 98% of the book", but it's a middle book, notorious for setting up a big finale. This book took a lot of turns I didn't expect, and not in an interesting way. Despite all this, it's not a bad book. It's just very plain that this was written at a different time. I'm glad for reading it, since I'd always meant to, but will set aside Lackey's older works and instead remember how much I adored the Joust series.
August 12, 2021
There are a lot of people who like this trilogy. I am not one of them. I picked this up because I read an article on how the Vanyel trilogy is getting a tv adaptation. I hadn't actually read any Mercedes Lackey books before this one despite the fact that there were many of her books in my parent's house. I do believe at one point (I must have been fairly young) - I did pull one of the Valdemar books off the shelf and I have vague memories of not liking the adult content and also of my mom taking the book away from me and telling me I wasn't old enough for her books. I do not believe it was this series as there isn't really anything that I would have objected to in the first and second books - however, the third book definitely takes a more adult tone. I think if I had picked up these books when I was 16, I probably would have enjoyed them. My readings tastes have evolved a lot since I was 16.
Some things I liked:
1. There is a queen (Selenay) currently ruling Valdemar. She was once married - her husband did not become king when she married him.
2. The current heir to the throne is a girl.
3. The heir to the throne is not always the child of the ruler as there are additional qualifications (they must be a "chosen" by amagic horse Companion as well) meaning that a queen or the wife of a king is not just a baby factory.
4. There are lesbians.
5. Gender does not seem to be an obstacle when it comes to profession/life goals.
6. Selenay has men and women on her council thing.
7. Female main character.
8. Talia in the first book.
9. Talia's main love interest is considered ugly, but he is kind and good-hearted.
10. There is some exploration of egalitarian (Valdemar) society vs misogynist, patriarch society (Talia's birthplace).
11. An attempt to discuss the ethics of Talia's empathy powers.
Some things I definitely did not like:
1. Although girls can become heralds they are outnumbered by 2:1 for no real reason. I'm not sure what was driving this choice as it seems a more equal ratio would have been a better choice. It was stressed multiple times that more men were heralds to the point where it was either a deliberate choice on Lackey's part to undermine the egalitarian appearance of the setting or by her publishers.
2. Homophobia. In particular, because the homophobia only seemed to be present to make a scene near the end of book 1 more dramatic. It was a cheap ploy and quite lazy. The scene didn't really need the extra drama and it could have been added without relying on homophobia to ensure a particular character felt isolated.
3. So much brooding. Characters brood over everything rather than talk to each other. And in the second and third books, we get multiple characters brooding over the same series of events multiple times.
4. The narration is a form of third-person omniscient so the reader frequently gets the same scene from another perspective - sometimes it's few lines other times it just enables the repeated brooding. I think the book would have been much better served by third-person close generally focused on Talia and only when absolutely plot necessary - another person.
5. Life bonds. I didn't like the execution of any plot involving life bonds.
6. How Talia and Dirk's relationship played out. To be honest, I don't hate the idea of Dirk being insecure because of the difference in his and Kris' looks, or being conflicted because he thinks Kris and Talia are in love. But I didn't like how this turned him into a moody, broody, drunk, stalkery type. I didn't like how they were meant to be "obsessed" with each other. At the beginning of book 2 I thought maybe Lackey was going to take a slower route, but nope, book 3 prologue and Talia is obsessed with Dirk. They barely have any interaction and certainly not enough to make any sort of genuine romantic feelings believable.
7. Book 2. Overall book 2. I'm not sure if book 2 had any redeeming qualities for me. So much brooding, but in particular the developments between Kris and Talia were HUGELY problematic for me.
8. Disucssions of ethics. I liked that there was an attempt - but there definitely could have been more discussion in my opinion. If more of the plot of book 2 had been Talia and Kris having discussions about ethics and Talia's gift instead of both of them angsting and thinking that they are failures, the book might actually have been enjoyable.
8. Kris is worried about the ethics of using his gift, but not about the ethics of sleeping with someone who is basically his student. I mean, they even use the word "intern" in the book.
9. The fact that the driving motivations behind characters actions seems to be - what is the most melodramatic and angsty way for me to handle this situation? Yes, let's do that.
10. The repeated mention of Talia being emotionally affected when her magically bonded stallion is "getting frisky" with the mares. She apparently can't block him out because her special, unique empathy gift doesn't let her. So she is emotionally and physically(?) affected by this. There was one scene where she had to go an talk a walk alone because of the affects on her. (If this happens in other books this might have been one of the things that weirded me out when I was a kid.)
11. Pacing. The pacing of all these books was not good. There was a lot of chaff. According to my kindle this trilogy is ~700 pages long. I think this could have been a 350-400 page single book or duology with less brooding, less moping, the loss of most of book 2, and more political intrigue and action. It's mentioned that at one point Talia attempted to return home and rescue one of her sisters - it went poorly. But, that could have been on page instead of Talia just telling someone else about it. That would have been way more interesting than another 50 pages of why is Dirk avoiding me, and why is Kris being a stupid head.
There is more that I didn't like (I have about 6 pages of notes), but this list is getting long. I am hoping that a lot of these issues are due to the fact that this series was written in the 80s and there is more awareness of how mysogny can show up in writing unintentionally (as well as editors who can look for that specifically) and to Lackey's inexperiance as a writer. I am going to read the Vanyel trilogy. Hopefully I don't hate it as much.
Some things I liked:
1. There is a queen (Selenay) currently ruling Valdemar. She was once married - her husband did not become king when she married him.
2. The current heir to the throne is a girl.
3. The heir to the throne is not always the child of the ruler as there are additional qualifications (they must be a "chosen" by a
4. There are lesbians.
5. Gender does not seem to be an obstacle when it comes to profession/life goals.
6. Selenay has men and women on her council thing.
7. Female main character.
8. Talia in the first book.
9. Talia's main love interest is considered ugly, but he is kind and good-hearted.
10. There is some exploration of egalitarian (Valdemar) society vs misogynist, patriarch society (Talia's birthplace).
11. An attempt to discuss the ethics of Talia's empathy powers.
Some things I definitely did not like:
1. Although girls can become heralds they are outnumbered by 2:1 for no real reason. I'm not sure what was driving this choice as it seems a more equal ratio would have been a better choice. It was stressed multiple times that more men were heralds to the point where it was either a deliberate choice on Lackey's part to undermine the egalitarian appearance of the setting or by her publishers.
2. Homophobia. In particular, because the homophobia only seemed to be present to make a scene near the end of book 1 more dramatic. It was a cheap ploy and quite lazy. The scene didn't really need the extra drama and it could have been added without relying on homophobia to ensure a particular character felt isolated.
3. So much brooding. Characters brood over everything rather than talk to each other. And in the second and third books, we get multiple characters brooding over the same series of events multiple times.
4. The narration is a form of third-person omniscient so the reader frequently gets the same scene from another perspective - sometimes it's few lines other times it just enables the repeated brooding. I think the book would have been much better served by third-person close generally focused on Talia and only when absolutely plot necessary - another person.
5. Life bonds. I didn't like the execution of any plot involving life bonds.
6. How Talia and Dirk's relationship played out. To be honest, I don't hate the idea of Dirk being insecure because of the difference in his and Kris' looks, or being conflicted because he thinks Kris and Talia are in love. But I didn't like how this turned him into a moody, broody, drunk, stalkery type. I didn't like how they were meant to be "obsessed" with each other. At the beginning of book 2 I thought maybe Lackey was going to take a slower route, but nope, book 3 prologue and Talia is obsessed with Dirk. They barely have any interaction and certainly not enough to make any sort of genuine romantic feelings believable.
7. Book 2. Overall book 2. I'm not sure if book 2 had any redeeming qualities for me. So much brooding, but in particular the developments between Kris and Talia were HUGELY problematic for me.
8. Disucssions of ethics. I liked that there was an attempt - but there definitely could have been more discussion in my opinion. If more of the plot of book 2 had been Talia and Kris having discussions about ethics and Talia's gift instead of both of them angsting and thinking that they are failures, the book might actually have been enjoyable.
8. Kris is worried about the ethics of using his gift, but not about the ethics of sleeping with someone who is basically his student. I mean, they even use the word "intern" in the book.
9. The fact that the driving motivations behind characters actions seems to be - what is the most melodramatic and angsty way for me to handle this situation? Yes, let's do that.
10. The repeated mention of Talia being emotionally affected when her magically bonded stallion is "getting frisky" with the mares. She apparently can't block him out because her special, unique empathy gift doesn't let her. So she is emotionally and physically(?) affected by this. There was one scene where she had to go an talk a walk alone because of the affects on her. (If this happens in other books this might have been one of the things that weirded me out when I was a kid.)
11. Pacing. The pacing of all these books was not good. There was a lot of chaff. According to my kindle this trilogy is ~700 pages long. I think this could have been a 350-400 page single book or duology with less brooding, less moping, the loss of most of book 2, and more political intrigue and action. It's mentioned that at one point Talia attempted to return home and rescue one of her sisters - it went poorly. But, that could have been on page instead of Talia just telling someone else about it. That would have been way more interesting than another 50 pages of why is Dirk avoiding me, and why is Kris being a stupid head.
There is more that I didn't like (I have about 6 pages of notes), but this list is getting long. I am hoping that a lot of these issues are due to the fact that this series was written in the 80s and there is more awareness of how mysogny can show up in writing unintentionally (as well as editors who can look for that specifically) and to Lackey's inexperiance as a writer. I am going to read the Vanyel trilogy. Hopefully I don't hate it as much.
January 9, 2021
I'm pretty sure that if I had found these books when I was a magical-horse-loving 12, they would have been the entire world to me. Instead, I encountered the Pern books and went off in that direction. I appreciate how queer-friendly and trauma-aware they are for the time they were written. But they're a little bit too mawkish overall, and the third one, especially, has a few too many illogical leaps in narrative for adult me to get into them. I do understand why so many others cherish them, though.
April 22, 2020
I am slightly at a loss as to how to rate this trilogy. It was published in 1987 so you have to take that into account and would probably be classed as classic or high fantasy. The first book was extremely twee and I began to wonder if it was young adult. The Good characters were Very Very Good as opposed to the Very Evil characters and this was the standard of characterisation. The plot development was what you would expect in that the Heroine Talia found her feet after trials and tribulations. Book 2 was a snore-fest wandering around the world created as she struggled with her gifts. The Companions joining in song (they are horses!) had me completely perplexed. Did I even read that properly? The third part was better. The political intrigue was better but the awful events near the end was more reminiscent of gritty fantasy and felt out of place. There was a 'happy ending' of sorts although the series apparently carries on. I read this free from a library loan and if I didn't have loads of time due to lockdown wouldn't have finished it and would have been upset if I'd bought it. Gave it 2 stars as I skimmed it to get the ending whereas a 1 star is a complete DNF and there was one strong point in the portrayal of gay characters.
August 10, 2015
This trilogy was a disappointment. It certainly could have been to reduced to two books if not one. I blame editors for that though; they're always trying to drain every cent they possibly can out of readers.
It seemed to me Lackey couldn't decide what kind of book to write. It's heartwarming and adventurous then petty, then it becomes surprisingly dark. There are holes and lags in the plot like you wouldn't believe. I still liked it. It was so heartwarming and fun at times. It was what I needed at the time.
It seemed to me Lackey couldn't decide what kind of book to write. It's heartwarming and adventurous then petty, then it becomes surprisingly dark. There are holes and lags in the plot like you wouldn't believe. I still liked it. It was so heartwarming and fun at times. It was what I needed at the time.
March 10, 2020
Cherished favorite
The trilogy is my favorite. It is a an old friend I pull out and reread often. This was probably the first series I read as a young teen about the same age as the main character when the book starts. This series was also my first exposure to LBQT characters and has probably done a lot to shape my opinions/feelings on the matter. I LOVE these books and I adore Mercedes Lackey. Highly recommend it!!! These books gave me my love of reading and I discovered them at a time in my life when I needed them most.
The trilogy is my favorite. It is a an old friend I pull out and reread often. This was probably the first series I read as a young teen about the same age as the main character when the book starts. This series was also my first exposure to LBQT characters and has probably done a lot to shape my opinions/feelings on the matter. I LOVE these books and I adore Mercedes Lackey. Highly recommend it!!! These books gave me my love of reading and I discovered them at a time in my life when I needed them most.
July 15, 2020
The only reason I didn't give this a 5-star rating was because the level of violence escalates dramatically in the last section (Arrow's Fall). I was comfortable with where I was, and didn't want things to get so desperate. But it did fit in with the story line. As a debut novel, this set is amazing, and yet Lackey's writing gets even better with her following work. Keep enjoying! I find myself wishing for my own companions (which are the best part of the stories....).
April 28, 2018
I love these books.
I read these books when I was younger and just started to listen to the audible of the first one with my daughter and couldn’t wait so I picked up this to read while waiting to be able to finish the first one with her. I am excited that she seems to like it as well and got another generation addicted to this series.
I read these books when I was younger and just started to listen to the audible of the first one with my daughter and couldn’t wait so I picked up this to read while waiting to be able to finish the first one with her. I am excited that she seems to like it as well and got another generation addicted to this series.
August 9, 2019
I enjoyed this more than my first foray into Valdemar (the last Herald-mage) as it was less angst. But it was still far more angst than any of her other series, so I didn't enjoy it quite as much as her other stuff. But I'd probably read more if in the mood, it's fairly easy reading, if a bit sad and dark at times.
September 6, 2019
I read this after the Last Herald mage. I then understood why it had to end the way it did. It still makes me sad though.
I really enjoyed this book. The main character does a lot of growing and evolving through the series. She turns from a insecure young girl to a confident young woman. It is a really great beginning to a wonderful series.
I really enjoyed this book. The main character does a lot of growing and evolving through the series. She turns from a insecure young girl to a confident young woman. It is a really great beginning to a wonderful series.
December 23, 2019
Always a good read.
I have Read the series more than once and it is always been a fabulous read and every time I read it I'll come back with something different so do yourselves a favor read these books and all the other books Written by this author and in the same series of books. You won't regret it.
I have Read the series more than once and it is always been a fabulous read and every time I read it I'll come back with something different so do yourselves a favor read these books and all the other books Written by this author and in the same series of books. You won't regret it.
March 20, 2008
These are great books--especially for girls. But I would NEVER let anyone younger then 15 read them. There are a few scenes that, while clean, suggest homosexuality is correct and sex before marriage is acceptable. I disagree wholeheartedly. Other than this, these books are worth the time!!
Read
August 8, 2008Valdemar Omnibus: Arrows of the Queen,Arrow's Flight,Arrow's Fall
January 5, 2012
Reread this on a whim: one of yon books of MY CHILDHOOD. It stood up better then I expected, but the nostaliga helped push it up a star. Certain themes (emotional instability, power grabs, etc) were much more clear on this reread
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