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A review by arcali
The Heralds of Valdemar: A Valdemar Omnibus by Mercedes Lackey
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Overall, I have mixed feelings on this omnibus. It's three books combined into one and these were Mercedes Lackey's debut books. I felt it started off pretty shakily - a young girl has a pretty awful home life, wishes she were one of the Heralds in her books and all of a sudden, a magical horse appears right on cue. But once the book settles into the meat of the story - Talia learning to be a herald and all that entails, it starts to get pretty enjoyable. I did feel that some parts were a little clear cut for me - I do usually like a bit more 'shades of grey' in my stories these days. I found myself wishing that I'd found this book when I was a teenager - I know I'd have absolutely adored it then, especially as magical horses are involved.
The middle part goes on to cover Talia's internship after finishing being a trainee - she is assigned on a circuit with a more experienced herald. Honestly, this one dragged a bit for me. There are large portions where not a lot is going on, other than the characters repeatedly struggling with their own internal thoughts and feelings.
The last part... takes on a decidedly more mature tone. I would have placed the beginning of the omnibus squarely in YA territory, even with a bit of fade-to-black style romantic encounters along the way, and the very beginning even feels a bit MG in writing style. However, the end of the middle part and much of the last part go into much more adult themes - definitely some content warnings for torture and SA there. Content warnings aside, I found the last 10-15% of the omnibus absolutely gripping reading - it was like Lackey finally found her stride with the action, and I couldn't put it down until I'd finished. That alone makes me interested in seeking out more of the Valdemar books, as I'd like to see what they're like once she's really found her stride.
The middle part goes on to cover Talia's internship after finishing being a trainee - she is assigned on a circuit with a more experienced herald. Honestly, this one dragged a bit for me. There are large portions where not a lot is going on, other than the characters repeatedly struggling with their own internal thoughts and feelings.
The last part... takes on a decidedly more mature tone. I would have placed the beginning of the omnibus squarely in YA territory, even with a bit of fade-to-black style romantic encounters along the way, and the very beginning even feels a bit MG in writing style. However, the end of the middle part and much of the last part go into much more adult themes - definitely some content warnings for torture and SA there. Content warnings aside, I found the last 10-15% of the omnibus absolutely gripping reading - it was like Lackey finally found her stride with the action, and I couldn't put it down until I'd finished. That alone makes me interested in seeking out more of the Valdemar books, as I'd like to see what they're like once she's really found her stride.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape and Torture
Minor: Pedophilia and Sexual assault