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mleckie's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
vkorval's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
fletches's review against another edition
4.0
So, my basic summation of this is pretty simple: Reading about Valdemar is FUN.
Because there tends to be a big time gap (in the real world between publications AND in the world of Valdemar, in the sense that new series in the mega series can be anywhere on a rather long timeline) I always forget quite a lot- who is active in the world at this time, who are Valemar's enemies, what do and don't they know about their kingdom- in the span of hundreds and hundreds of years, a lot of amazing things about the kingdom get forgotten or rediscovered. Enemies change, alliances change, and interesting characters pop up in multiple series and sometimes it's hard to remember if/where you've seen someone before.
For a series with such convolution, I think its admirable that I enjoy every single darned book in the series so much.
The world Lackey has going on here is incredible in it's detail, intricacy, and consistency. You can be thrown in at any point and recognize it, but every adventure feels fresh. Plus, theres the added bonus of the fangirl thrill when a favourite character from a different point in the series is mentioned or idolized elsewhere (not super common, but not uncommon). I love the growth of this world and it's one of my favourite fantasy places.
In the case of this particular piece of the 5 part series, The Collegium Chronicles, does feel like a middle book. It relies on your knowledge of previous events and advances both the plot and the relationships, but only in a relatively small step. It's an important piece of the puzzle and probably could stand alone if you're new to the series, but I wouldn't recommend that. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed it- I held of reading it for a few days and have just finished it at 4 pm after starting it at 7 this morning- and I can't wait to get my hands on the next one. I am both frustrated and delighted that there's 5 parts to the series when I only expected 3.
The things I especially like about these Chronicles is the exploration of the spy aspect, something we haven't really seen in a Herald before,and the politics of re inventing the system for training Heralds, Bards and Healers. The Collegium is a standard in the later novels and it's exciting to glimpse its birth.
Im enjoying the addition of Kirball as well, although it is a bit of a flaw in the cohesion of the total series, since it doesn't feature in any of the 'later' (but published earlier) novels.
In any case, as always for me, Lackey has a solid and enjoyable read here. I'm a very entrenched Valedemar fan and I don't see that changing. Good stuff!
Because there tends to be a big time gap (in the real world between publications AND in the world of Valdemar, in the sense that new series in the mega series can be anywhere on a rather long timeline) I always forget quite a lot- who is active in the world at this time, who are Valemar's enemies, what do and don't they know about their kingdom- in the span of hundreds and hundreds of years, a lot of amazing things about the kingdom get forgotten or rediscovered. Enemies change, alliances change, and interesting characters pop up in multiple series and sometimes it's hard to remember if/where you've seen someone before.
For a series with such convolution, I think its admirable that I enjoy every single darned book in the series so much.
The world Lackey has going on here is incredible in it's detail, intricacy, and consistency. You can be thrown in at any point and recognize it, but every adventure feels fresh. Plus, theres the added bonus of the fangirl thrill when a favourite character from a different point in the series is mentioned or idolized elsewhere (not super common, but not uncommon). I love the growth of this world and it's one of my favourite fantasy places.
In the case of this particular piece of the 5 part series, The Collegium Chronicles, does feel like a middle book. It relies on your knowledge of previous events and advances both the plot and the relationships, but only in a relatively small step. It's an important piece of the puzzle and probably could stand alone if you're new to the series, but I wouldn't recommend that. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed it- I held of reading it for a few days and have just finished it at 4 pm after starting it at 7 this morning- and I can't wait to get my hands on the next one. I am both frustrated and delighted that there's 5 parts to the series when I only expected 3.
The things I especially like about these Chronicles is the exploration of the spy aspect, something we haven't really seen in a Herald before,and the politics of re inventing the system for training Heralds, Bards and Healers. The Collegium is a standard in the later novels and it's exciting to glimpse its birth.
Im enjoying the addition of Kirball as well, although it is a bit of a flaw in the cohesion of the total series, since it doesn't feature in any of the 'later' (but published earlier) novels.
In any case, as always for me, Lackey has a solid and enjoyable read here. I'm a very entrenched Valedemar fan and I don't see that changing. Good stuff!
declaired's review against another edition
3.0
Continuing along in this series! Mags gets down to some serious spy-work, we're given an explanation of why Book 1 Mags went from fairy-tale feral orphan to socially functional so quickly (Heralds are pretty helpful); at least this time when everyone went snappish it felt a) in character, because it's friends dealing with the same issues they've been dealing with for the past year (as Mags sighs with irritation himself) b) magically-sourced irritation
still always side-eyeing the treatment of mental health conditions in Valdemar but okay.
still always side-eyeing the treatment of mental health conditions in Valdemar but okay.
inferiorwit's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Child abuse, Violence, Stalking, Medical content, Kidnapping, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death and Death of parent
jasmeralia's review against another edition
5.0
I unfortunately cant leave any stars in this, as I do not remember finishing it as I apparently did. The downside of anti-insomnia meds for me is an amnesiac affect. I have a hard copy, like the rest of the series, but my hands hurt too much to hold them for long. So I'll put the epub version back on hold at the library and reread it... and hopefully remember it this time.
venusbloo's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
**Warning! This post may contain spoilers for the previous books in the Collegium Chronicles. Read at your own risk!**
Changes by Mercedes Lackey is the third installment in the Collegium Chronicles which takes place in the world of Valdemar. Mags, the orphan and former mine slave, has finally become comfortable with his place in Haven and at the Collegium as a Heraldric Trainee. He has made a few close friends in Bear, the Healer Trainee, and Lena, the Bardic Trainee, and he even has a sweetheart in Amily, the King's Own's daughter. Between these friends and his teammates on the Kirball team, Mags feels like he's finally fitting in and proving himself to everyone up on the hill.
Mags has even started more serious training with Nikolas, the King's Own, in spy craft. Together they take on the role of a pawn shop fence and his deaf, mute son down in the poorer parts of Haven. This soon leads to the discovery that the mysterious assassin's from last year haven't left Haven after all. In fact, they discover a new pair of assassin's even more skilled than the first group have come to town, and they appear to have informants from inside the palace itself! Mags must do his best to help avert disaster once again, and he must save someone dear to him from the machinations of the assassin's plans.
One of the things I enjoy the most about every book in the Collegium Chronicles is that while they have a real problem that needs to be solved in each book, that isn't what the whole book is about. Generally, the first half of each book reads almost like a slice-of-life fantasy in Valdemar. Mags goes about his day learning and training, but he also plays in Kirball games and helps his friends Bear and Lena. He also spends time with Amily in the Herald Archives helping get them organized. It's just relaxing to read about.
Also, this particular book is a turning point for Mags, Bear, and Lena. Mags finally begins working as Nikolas's partner, and he realizes that this is the kind of Herald he will be. Mags will eventually take over for Nikolas and help keep information flowing to protect the kingdom. His Gift of Mindspeech is so strong that he is able to be very helpful in spying for the Crown. Mags is also learning how to take on different personas to be able to insert himself anywhere to learn what he can about internal conflict as well.
Meanwhile, Bear is planning a big operation that will, hopefully, prove to his father and family that he is worthy. Bear's family, especially his father, firmly believe that Bear should go home and get married in the hopes of producing children with the Healing Gift that Bear himself lacks. Bear's father doesn't think Bear's genius with healing herbs is anything better than what a horse doctor could provide. However, the members of the Healer's Circle believe in Bear, which is why he's put in charge of figuring out everything needed to attempt the fix Amily's lame leg. It's an important operation, that if successful, not only will Amily no longer need to rely on others but also prove to Bear that he can be a successful Healer without a Gift.
Finally, Lena's father, the famous Bard Marchand, is still skulking around the Palace causing trouble. He's taken on a protégé, which is difficult for Lena. Marchand barely acknowledges Lena unless he needs to use her to get close to someone like Mags, and Lena finally goes to Mags for advice. She decides to be nice to the protégé, which turns out to be the correct choice. Lena also manages to uncover some skeletons in her father's closet that get him in trouble with the Bardic Circle. It turns out Bard Marchand barely deserves the title, and Lena is able to let go of her need to be accepted by him.
The final conflict and its resolution in this book is equal parts thrilling and satisfying. To avoid spoilers, I'll just say someone important is kidnapped by the assassin's. They almost manage to fulfill their goal in destabilizing Valdemar with this kidnapping, and it takes all of Mags's resources to fix it. The most satisfying part, though, was the revelation of who the informants inside the Palace ended up being. Let's just say some people who deserved a bad turn got what was coming to them!
It's easy to see why I love these books so much. I've re-read them so many times now, but I still enjoy them every time I do. The fantasy elements aren't so glaring that they are unbelievable either. It's like reading a story about people living in another country that just happens to have magical elements to it. I love reading about Mags and his friends, and I can't wait to get to more of the series.
I gave Changes by Mercedes Lackey four out of five stars. Once again, Lackey manages to craft a story filled with magic, friendship, and perseverance. Mags and his friends each tackle their problems head on in this book, and once again, Mags becomes a hero. For someone who doesn't seek out attention he sure manages to stand in the spotlight quite often. Luckily, he doesn't let it go to his head. Anyone who enjoyed the first two books of this series will also enjoy this one, and I think everyone should give the Collegium Chronicles a try.
ceels's review
I stuck with this one mainly because I love heralds and companions. An enjoyable read, but nothing on Arrows of the Queen
melanie_page's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0
To keep her characters from crying all the time, Lackey would have done well to imagine some sort of therapist Gift. The trainees are almost all children, who can come from any background before being Chosen. Who are they talking to about their trauma, such as child abuse, starvation, and homelessness? Even the older Heralds would need a therapist. Instead, they seemingly “get over” witnessing violence on the battle field, death of family, rape, torture, and their own near-death experiences with time — and no lasting effects.
Full review at https://grabthelapels.com/2021/03/25/changes/
hyzie's review
3.0
The pacing of this series is seriously off.
On some level, I feel like *this* was supposed to be book two. The same issues come up, but everyone deals with them the way they should have the last time around. Bear and Lena finally deal with some of their family issues. They fight some with both Mags and each other and don't say anything so horrible that anyone becomes suicidal. The Collegium discovers that there are agents from a foreign government at the Collegium and *doesn't* blame Mags and act like complete idiots. Why exactly did the last book exist if this one was going to do pretty much everything it did, but much better?
I loved all the little historical bits that make it clear that this book is taking place after The Last Herald Mage (and not *just* because that might be my favorite Valdemar series). The Stone in the center of the table and the discussion of the web that binds Heralds and Companions are always intriguing to hear about in a post-Herald Mage Valdemar where magic has to be explained in other ways.
Characterization is a bit of a mixed bag. I am still not going to forgive Lena and Bear for the mess they caused in the last book, even if it looks like Mags has forgotten it. I like Mags himself (except for the way he speaks. Dear Lord, that is hard to read.), though I can't really say why and am rather inclined to think it is just because he is doing interesting things and because Dallen likes him rather than for any character traits he actually has. I am getting really confused as to where on earth Master Soren and Lydia have been for two books now.
There is still way too much Kirball.
On some level, I feel like *this* was supposed to be book two. The same issues come up, but everyone deals with them the way they should have the last time around. Bear and Lena finally deal with some of their family issues. They fight some with both Mags and each other and don't say anything so horrible that anyone becomes suicidal. The Collegium discovers that there are agents from a foreign government at the Collegium and *doesn't* blame Mags and act like complete idiots. Why exactly did the last book exist if this one was going to do pretty much everything it did, but much better?
I loved all the little historical bits that make it clear that this book is taking place after The Last Herald Mage (and not *just* because that might be my favorite Valdemar series). The Stone in the center of the table and the discussion of the web that binds Heralds and Companions are always intriguing to hear about in a post-Herald Mage Valdemar where magic has to be explained in other ways.
Characterization is a bit of a mixed bag. I am still not going to forgive Lena and Bear for the mess they caused in the last book, even if it looks like Mags has forgotten it. I like Mags himself (except for the way he speaks. Dear Lord, that is hard to read.), though I can't really say why and am rather inclined to think it is just because he is doing interesting things and because Dallen likes him rather than for any character traits he actually has. I am getting really confused as to where on earth Master Soren and Lydia have been for two books now.
There is still way too much Kirball.