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mbs1236's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
A better entry than the previous book. A fun Valdemar book!
kraley's review against another edition
3.0
I was a little disappointed in the caricatures of characters that were in this installment. I mean, would any real person cry as much as Leena, be as big of a wimp as Bear? I liked Mags' character and thought he was well developed and interesting, but, I didn't believe that he could all of a sudden become as good as master thieves, etc. the interaction with the heartstone was interesting. I was disappointed not to find out more about Mags' past. The good thing is that even though this was labelled as a trilogy, it is obvious that another book will be forthcoming.
alboyer6's review against another edition
3.0
A good audiobook series, I enjoy the narrator and the story though a few spots the characters got a little whiny. I'm looking forward to the wrap up of the series in the 4 book.
jmoses's review against another edition
3.0
This felt rushed, and like the plot was lifted almost whole cloth from a previous work of hers. Different in the details, but real similar. It was entertaining, but I wasn't thrilled.
tani's review against another edition
4.0
I thought this one was quite a bit better than the second book in the series. It certainly felt like it moved along much better, and I read it at a pretty quick clip as a result. I was really surprised to find that it doesn't finish off the series, though. Since when do Valdemar books go longer than a trilogy? Still, it gives me something else to read when the Valdemar urge comes upon me again.
mikaiten's review against another edition
3.0
I'm absolutely loving these new books in the Valdemar series, but I'm concerned that we're on the third book and still lacking resolution. Usually Lackey writes in trilogies, so I'm curious to see if another installment of the Collegium Chronicles is on it's way. Mags' story definitely hasn't been resolved, and I'm sure there is much more to be said about the rest of the characters involved as well.
ipomoea's review against another edition
2.0
This was the first Valdemar book that I walked away from midway, and had to talk myself into picking up again. I've been reading these books for twenty years, and normally when I pick one up for the first time, I tear through it.
Not this title, though. Between Lackey's portrayal of Mags' speech ("allus", dropping aitches like they're going out of style, "figger"), and the interminable Quiddich-- sorry, Kirball-- sections, it bored me. What kept me going are the small references to events and people of previous times in the world, giving you an idea of what life was like in that big gap between Vanyel and Alberich.
While I'm glad I read it, I'm also glad I didn't purchase it, and will probably only add it to my collection if I find a used paperback. As someone who owns almost all the Valdemar books in hardcover (purchased new), that's a pretty damning situation. I'll keep reading the series, of course, but in general, it's burned me enough that it's strictly a "library first" series. I keep reading Valdemar books in the vain hope that Lackey will finally write about the founding of Valdemar, but instead we keep getting "plucky orphan" books.
Not this title, though. Between Lackey's portrayal of Mags' speech ("allus", dropping aitches like they're going out of style, "figger"), and the interminable Quiddich-- sorry, Kirball-- sections, it bored me. What kept me going are the small references to events and people of previous times in the world, giving you an idea of what life was like in that big gap between Vanyel and Alberich.
While I'm glad I read it, I'm also glad I didn't purchase it, and will probably only add it to my collection if I find a used paperback. As someone who owns almost all the Valdemar books in hardcover (purchased new), that's a pretty damning situation. I'll keep reading the series, of course, but in general, it's burned me enough that it's strictly a "library first" series. I keep reading Valdemar books in the vain hope that Lackey will finally write about the founding of Valdemar, but instead we keep getting "plucky orphan" books.
rainbowdragonz's review against another edition
4.0
My favourite part about this book is how much effort and detail Lackey puts into creating a believable spy plot. The alternate personas, the fence, the twist of gift and talent to create a completely believable herald spy. And I enjoy how it ends in a complete cliff hanger.
xofelf's review against another edition
5.0
Can I have the next book now? I like that this isn't her usual trilogy, but ugh. I wanna know how it ends. I've missed series where a new Herald is Chosen and all their adventures after. Please write more Valdemar books taking places in those gaps, Mercedes Lackey. Totally want to know what else happened since the founding and after Vanyel.
2catmom's review against another edition
3.0
read it just to finish it. gets annoying then the main character overthinks everything. he's a kid not a chess player.