Scan barcode
midici's review against another edition
3.0
As per the usual Valdemar formula, a new character is introduced through a few chapters that set up what their life is like, a choosing, a part where they settle in (or don't) at the palace, and some sort of mystery or problem to solve.
This series is about Mags, a slave in a mine who's lot in life is not great. He is rescued by his companion, Dallan. Mags comes across as not very bright - he's quiet, doesn't mingle, doesn't appear to do anything besides what he's told - which makes him the perfect choice to unobstrusively watch the foreign delegation that appear to be making trouble.
While a decent story, Mags and his new friends didn't hold my interest as much as some of the previous Valdemar characters have. However, the ending very clearly left several mysteries open, presumaby to be solved within the sequels.
This series is about Mags, a slave in a mine who's lot in life is not great. He is rescued by his companion, Dallan. Mags comes across as not very bright - he's quiet, doesn't mingle, doesn't appear to do anything besides what he's told - which makes him the perfect choice to unobstrusively watch the foreign delegation that appear to be making trouble.
While a decent story, Mags and his new friends didn't hold my interest as much as some of the previous Valdemar characters have. However, the ending very clearly left several mysteries open, presumaby to be solved within the sequels.
tckcallahan's review against another edition
5.0
Enjoyable read. I love the Valdemar series anyways. Looking forward to seeing how this character grows and fits into the epic tale.
jenvogel80's review
4.0
Mercedes Lackey is like my comfort food of books. Even though it's a predictable formula, something about it makes me feel like going back to a house that's always been home.
marci_travels's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
What a fun book! I loved the Companions - horses with the ability to mindspeech with their Chosen to create Heralds. The worlbuilding shines in this one with the building of the Collegium of Bards, Healers, and Heralds, the factions between the old ways and the new, the friendships of new schools, new surroundings, and a new life for our buddy Mags. Just a very nice introduction to Valdemar and a writer I have heard so much about on the fantasy forums, but haven't had a chance to check out until now.
lesemensch's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
mbs1236's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Another fun Valdemar book!
0uterspacebookwyrm's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
gfmatt's review
2.0
Same old, same old. Amusing enough that I will probably read the rest of the series. Lackey sure can crank them out.
books_n_critters's review against another edition
3.0
This next part of the Valdemar saga is off to a great start. Really enjoyed this book.
fyrekatz's review against another edition
5.0
I forgot how much I loved reading mercedes books til I finished this book... what sucks is that I have to wait for the next book! NO!