Reviews

I found this book in a used bookstore and I’m glad I did. I enjoyed the world building and the mostly low stakes book. I liked how quickly the issues were resolved in such an easy manner. Talia basically became a therapist so go her. It was surprisingly queer? I was shocked in the best way to see queer characters being written so that’s a big win. I do feel bad that she was constantly pushed into a mother role and I wish there were more scenes with her and Rolan.

tallyhotel's review against another edition

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5.0

**This is a re-read as an adult** I first read this book as a teen. My Goodreads name is derivative of the main character. I love this book and Valdemar as a whole.

This book brought tears to my eyes (both happy and sad) several times. I love the main character, Talia. I love how Lackey builds her characters and their surroundings. She gets you to feel what they are feeling, and understand completely what they are going through. The Companions and the Heralds gifts were a new "magic" system to me (at the time) and I still think it is a unique enough system in the genre 30+ years down the road. I love the OG covers by Jody Lee, but I see they've been redone to attract the more modern eye. I get it, but those original covers live on in my heart.

I plan to do a complete read through, this time on audio, since I've never listened to them. I did enjoy the narrator. They did an excellent job with accents from the different regions and Kingdoms.

kathlgpa's review against another edition

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3.0

I found it refreshing to just read a fantasy novel with complex world-building, characters with depth and an interesting plot.

I labeled it as Harry Potter because, even though this was published first, it had all the same things I loved about that series. Complex magical world, Chosen One character who reluctantly fills their role, and a group of friends surrounding them.

I only gave it 3 stars as I don't know if I will ever feel the need to re-read the series once I'm done. It hasn't pulled me in as much as Tortall or my other favorite lands but I'm going to continue the series and find out.

eletricjb's review against another edition

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4.0

I? Loved this?? And it was unexpectedly gay!? Christ, I was not expecting this at all. It is definitely, like, the exact opposite of that Tamora Pierce book I just read, in terms of quality. Similar premise, execution that's a trillion times better.

sarah_grace04's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted relaxing

4.5

chippyfiend's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

lexistargasm's review against another edition

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3.0

I genuinely adore Mercedes Lackey’s books. They’re not the most complexly written, but they don’t try to be. They’re cozy and comfortable, they’re fun and genuine. It’s nice to read a book were there’s not much tension and the stakes are low- it’s relaxing to read a story that just simply tells itself.

i think my favorite thing about Lackey’s work, particularly this book, Arrows of the Queen, is that the story is centered around unapologetically queer characters, semi-socialist queendoms, and explores trauma and the healing process in a way that is easy on the heart to read. plus it is INCREDIBLY refreshing to read high fantasy that isn’t littered with SA, violence against women, and classism. an absolute breath of fresh air!

it did start off a little slow and choppy, but the pacing found itself around chapter 3/4 and kept steady after that. the ending was beautiful, and it makes me really excited to read the sequel!

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