CAT T. (Hairsprayartist) reviewed Arrows of the Queen (Heralds of Valdemar, Bk 1) on + 38 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I have loved this book since I was a teen. I've read it a couple of times since and I'm not a type to read books more than a once. I've even passed them on to my girls and they enjoyed the series. Don't stop with "Arrows" series... there are others that are great. Leave me a note if you want suggestions of which.
Kelly K. (kellylynne) reviewed Arrows of the Queen (Heralds of Valdemar, Bk 1) on + 13 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
An interesting read. Pretty typical of Mercedes Lackey--strong female character, lots of magic.
The main character, Talia, runs away from an arranged marriage at the age of thirteen. She's then Chosen by a magical companion and becomes a Herald, learning to use her telepathic abilities to protect the kingdom.
Definitely worth reading.
The main character, Talia, runs away from an arranged marriage at the age of thirteen. She's then Chosen by a magical companion and becomes a Herald, learning to use her telepathic abilities to protect the kingdom.
Definitely worth reading.
Victoria (YSB) -
Helpful Score: 1
Ahh... the first Mercedes Lackey book I ever read... and what a great one it is. I've re-read numerous times over the years and it remains to be one of my favorite books.
Leslie P. (morrig3) reviewed Arrows of the Queen (Heralds of Valdemar, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A wonderful book! Talia breaks free of her opressively restrictive family to become a Herald--Valdemar's messengers, defenders of justice, and all-around heroes. She faces adventures and danger and overcoming her own mistrust of others with the help of her magical Companion, Rolan.
Helpful Score: 1
I bought this book and the 2nd one in the series to ease my mind during a plane trip to San Francisco (plus a stop off in Detroit). I didn't really expect to like these books...but I did. At least, they don't stimulate your brain very much, but it's a pleasant enough read.
Is some of the plot implausible? Sure. Is some of the dialogue unbelievable? At times, yes. But I found myself overlooking those things and enjoying the story anyway.
Will I read this book again? Probably not, unless I take another long plane ride somewhere...
Is some of the plot implausible? Sure. Is some of the dialogue unbelievable? At times, yes. But I found myself overlooking those things and enjoying the story anyway.
Will I read this book again? Probably not, unless I take another long plane ride somewhere...
Candace G. (Ogre) reviewed Arrows of the Queen (Heralds of Valdemar, Bk 1) on + 1568 more book reviews
This is the first, the VERY FIRST EVER Valdemar novel! Few fantasy series have garnered so many enthusiastic (maybe rabid) fans, and deservedly so!
From back cover: Chosen by the Companion Rolan, a mystical horse-like being with powers beyond imagining, Talia, once a runaway, has now become a trainee Herald, destined to become one of the Queens's own elite guard. For Talia has certain awakening talents of the mind that only a Companion like Rolan can truly sense. But as Talia struggles to master her unique abilities, time is running out. For conspiracy is brewing in Valdemar, a deadly treason which could destroy Queen and kingdom. Opposed by unknown enemies capable of both diabolical magic and treacherous assassination, the Queen must turn to Talia and the Heralds for aid in protecting the realm and insuring the future of the queen's heir, a child already in danger of becoming bespelled by the Queen's own foes.
From back cover: Chosen by the Companion Rolan, a mystical horse-like being with powers beyond imagining, Talia, once a runaway, has now become a trainee Herald, destined to become one of the Queens's own elite guard. For Talia has certain awakening talents of the mind that only a Companion like Rolan can truly sense. But as Talia struggles to master her unique abilities, time is running out. For conspiracy is brewing in Valdemar, a deadly treason which could destroy Queen and kingdom. Opposed by unknown enemies capable of both diabolical magic and treacherous assassination, the Queen must turn to Talia and the Heralds for aid in protecting the realm and insuring the future of the queen's heir, a child already in danger of becoming bespelled by the Queen's own foes.
I was recommended this book as an introduction to Valdemar, and I wasn't impressed. Talia is a glaring Mary Sue, Lackey has a tendency to tell everything and show nothing, the worldbuilding uses far too many Capital Letters to describe Important Things and far too much handwaving, and if there was a plot I didn't notice it. It was a fun read for a few days, and I kept hoping it would get better, but it never did. Not the worst book I've ever read, but a disappointment overall.
I loved this book! It has a great protagonist, and even though I'm no longer thirteen I definitely connected with her; this books could be great for a wide range of audiences. The plot can be somewhat stagnant at times, but since it is the first in a trilogy, I expect the next two books to have much more action. This book seemed like it was an introduction into the characters that will be written about more in the next 2 books. At any rate, I definitely think this series will be one of my favorites of the Valdemar novels, and I can't wait to read the next two!
Jo M. (millerbug) reviewed Arrows of the Queen (Heralds of Valdemar, Bk 1) on + 122 more book reviews
This book was ok. I know it's setting up for the rest of the series. The character developement was good. And it was a quick read. But it wasn't as adventerous as most fantasy novels. It was sort of slow starting and there were tidbits of court intrigue. But the good stuff was only touched on (like their magic and the intrigues and things like that), the rest was about her going to school and making friends. I also noticed that two of the stories that the people follow end tragicly, so I wonder if this series will also end tragicly as well.
First in a trilogy: young girl is rescued from stultifying fundamentalist home by magic telepathic horse and begins to find her place in the world.
It's a great novel if you have kids (particularly girls, since this has both horses and strong female role models) who like fantasy and are outgrowing the "young adult" section.
It's a great novel if you have kids (particularly girls, since this has both horses and strong female role models) who like fantasy and are outgrowing the "young adult" section.
A very good story. Looking foward to reading the other 2 stories in this series.
Emily G. (knightslady) reviewed Arrows of the Queen (Heralds of Valdemar, Bk 1) on + 96 more book reviews
This is an great book that leads you into the lives of Valdemar!
Roy A. (Ammodog69) reviewed Arrows of the Queen (Heralds of Valdemar, Bk 1) on + 59 more book reviews
This first story features Talia, a young girl desperate to escape the strictures of her conservative society. Her life is changed in an instant when she encounters a Companion and is chosen to replace the recently murdered Queen's Own Herald. As she begins her training Talia has no idea that a spoiled Princess, some nobly-born bullies, and a conspiracy that will threaten her life will all stand between her and the destiny she must fulfill.
Sarah K. (SarahK) reviewed Arrows of the Queen (Heralds of Valdemar, Bk 1) on + 14 more book reviews
Lots of fun...a quick read for those who like fantasy novels.
Johanna H. (bookladyjo) reviewed Arrows of the Queen (Heralds of Valdemar, Bk 1) on + 84 more book reviews
first book of a trilogy. Introduces the Heralds of Valdemar.
Terri M. (TerriM) reviewed Arrows of the Queen (Heralds of Valdemar, Bk 1) on + 103 more book reviews
Loved the whole trilogy! can't wait to read more!
Peter R. (sfpete) reviewed Arrows of the Queen (Heralds of Valdemar, Bk 1) on + 25 more book reviews
Another in Lackey's history of Valdemar. Very good swords and sorcery.
Very good but it helps if you have read other "Companion" books
Beth T. (moonivy285) reviewed Arrows of the Queen (Heralds of Valdemar, Bk 1) on + 63 more book reviews
Part of the Valdemar series, young Talia trains as a herald.
