Immaturely idealized, but otherwise a compelling, intruging, comforting novel which is a joy to read....

books:

	• Arrows of the Queen ( The Heralds of Valdemar, Book 1) Mercedes Lackey DAW, 1987 - 320 pages average customer review:based on 143 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Immaturely idealized, but otherwise a compelling, intruging, comforting novel which is a joy to read. Recommended

Talia, a thirteen year old girl from the outer borders of the Kingdom, is chosen by a Companion--a horse-like creature with human intelligence--to become a Herald of Valdemar. She will become a protector of the Kingdom and a direct advisor to the Queen, but first she must complete her training in weapons, schooling, and magic--and all the while, conspiracy threatens the kingdom and Talia's life. Arrows of the Queen is slightly immature and certainly idealized, but it remains an engrossing and inspiring fantasy and a pleasure to read. I recommend it.

I first read The Heralds of Vademar series when I was in my early teens, and look back upon them with nostalgia; I'm grateful to find that this first book lives up to my memories. It's not without fault, to be sure. The pace is sometimes inconsistent, skipping ahead months or years and throwing the reader off balance. Exposition is sometimes unrealistic and artificially complete, even given an outsider protagonist and plenty of excuses for infodumps. Talia and the Collegium can be too good to be true: Talia is superbly skilled and selfless, and the Collegium is a haven of pure friendships and universally enjoyable classes. Some of this perfection is logical, some is explained by setting or character role, some is simple wish fulfillment, but sometimes it is simply too perfect, exceeding explanation and becoming foolishly idealized.

So the book has marks of immature idealization; otherwise, it is compelling and intriguing concept headed by a realistically vulnerable protagonist. This book is self-contained, but it introduces the wider world of Valdemar, complex and detailed, augmented always by an edge of magic, promising room for infinite exploration (and infinite sequels). Most intriguing are the Heralds, the Collegium, and the magically bonded Companions; although idealized, these aspects welcome Talia with open arms and, through her, welcome the reader as well. Talia is a vulnerable character, and it's easy to identify with her insecurities; her Collegium schooling is lesson that she is unusually talented, therefore has unusual opportunities and challenges, and that she deserves and will receive unconditional love. Like Harry Potter and His Dark Materials, this premise is wish-fulfilling, comforting, and exciting; I can see why I loved this book so much when I was Talia's age, and I'm pleased that it holds a similar magic for me now. I was glad to return to this book, enjoyed it, and will certainly continue on with the series. I recommend it, and it's a good book to introduce the Lackey and the world of Valdemar.

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Good, but not Spectacular

*I read this because I really enjoyed Foundation, the latest Valdemar novel.*

Reviewed by Christina Wantz Fixemer
on 10/01/2008

Talia would rather die than be wed at the age of thirteen. When she tells her father's wives that she wants to be a Herald, to be Chosen by the mystical equine Companions, the women are horrified. To Talia's complete shock, she is found that very day not only by a Companion, but by the most important Companion in the land.

Chosen to be the Queen's Own Herald by the Companion Rolan, Talia is overwhelmed by a world completely different from oppressive Holder life. Responsibilities far beyond those she imagined are now hers. As Queen's Own, she is to be the Queen's confidant. Her far more difficult task is to help reform "the Brat," the presumed Heir to Valdemar. Certain parties don't want the Brat to ascend to the throne and will go to extreme measure to see Talia fail. Clearly, there is more going on than young Talia can fathom.

This is the first novel of Mercedes Lackey's "The Heralds of Valdemar." She has built a highly detailed and complex world in which readers can be lost for hours. The characters are deep and scenery richly painted.

In this introductory novel, I was pulled in and sucked through to the end. It seems like some scenes may have been cut out to make a page count. This isn't as big an issue as it is in the next two novels (ARROW'S FLIGHT and ARROW'S FALL), but it may bother the readers who are more particular about such things.

Overall, I recommend it as a good, but not spectacular, fantasy read.

Foundation (Valdemar: Collegium Chronicles, Book 1)

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Avid, but picky, fantasy reader loves this book!

This is Mercedes' first published book-in 1987, suppose that made me a bit biased since that's the year I was born. I am a huge fan of Mercedes Lackey's writing, but admit that some of her books are better than some of the others. THIS is one of the best! I am very picky in what I read because so many books today seem similar, this is pleasantly different from the many other authors on the shelves. This book and the other two in the series were amazing! You feel for the characters and it is exciting to 'watch them grow up and gain experience'. This book taught me a lot and made my summer interesting. Loved the characters and the book! Recommend highly! Also love all the other Valdemar stories I've read so far-working my way through the series.

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An all around wonderful, rich tale!

I read this book after I read the Last Herald-Mage trilogy. Yet this book is the first of the books focusing on Valdemar and its Heralds. I actually like having a fuller understanding of Vanyel before reading this book. Knowing the legend first somehow made the story richer for me.

I adored this story. Talia is the main character and she starts the book off at age 13. Calling where she was raised oppressive is somewhat an understatement, but you get the idea. Luckily, before she can be married off, she is chosen by a Companion, Rolan. She will become a Herald. Thus begins her adventure as she travels to the Collegium for an entirely new and challenging, yet rich life.

I found it fascinating to see Talia waking up to life in a different way...a miraculous change too. She was sheltered...shy...did her best to hide her own emotions. She trusted nobody, asked for no help and feared all men. It's the journey I find intriguing...watching how she handles things and eventually comes into her own. Plus I loved all the wonderful characters she met along the way. Particularly I liked the old Herald musician, Jadus and the roguish Herald in training, Skif.

This was a wonderful tale and yes, it will be added to my shelf of books to read again. :) I look forward to diving into Arrow's Flight next! Yay!

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reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Talia, a young runaway, is made a herald at the royal court after she rescues one of the legendary Companions. When she uncovers a plot to seize the throne, Talia must use her empathic powers to save the queen.

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