Helpful Score: 2
This is the first book in what is probably the best of Lackey's many many fantasy series about the Kingdom of Valdemar.
Helpful Score: 2
First book in Lackey's new Mage Storms trilogy, a sequel to her previous Mage Winds trilogy.
Helpful Score: 1
Loved the series. This is the first of three and a wonderful book.
Helpful Score: 1
Well, I did remember just about everything about this one. It is the slowest moving of three, that is for sure, but it wasn't a painful re-read or anything like that... though I do remember being a bit disappointed the first time I read it because it takes a while for Karal to become as likable of a character as say, Elspeth or Talia. Although, Altra and Florian do help that. And the problems of this trilogy are probably the most interesting because everything is so dire. So, I am excited to read the next two, though I am now starting to think that there is very little that I don't recall from all of my previous re-reads.
Forewarning: you might want to read the Mage Winds trilogy before starting on this. It's not necessary because all of the main returning characters do have small explanations of who they are, but there are several returning characters.
On that note, there are a few too many characters of importance for my taste. Keeping track can be a little difficult, particularly when their descriptions aren't given immediately.
On the flip side, I love the main character. He's interesting and has a unique perspective.
The Valdemar books (that I've had the opportunity to read) are all excellent, and this is not an exception. The plot is interesting, the characters are engaging, and I think the main character might just be my favorite character in all of Valdemar.
On that note, there are a few too many characters of importance for my taste. Keeping track can be a little difficult, particularly when their descriptions aren't given immediately.
On the flip side, I love the main character. He's interesting and has a unique perspective.
The Valdemar books (that I've had the opportunity to read) are all excellent, and this is not an exception. The plot is interesting, the characters are engaging, and I think the main character might just be my favorite character in all of Valdemar.
Book #1 of the Mage Storm Series by Mercedes Lackey
Two cultures which have long been at war have to figure out how to work together in order to forestall the impending second Cataclysm.
Karse and Valdemar have long been enemy kingdomes - their peoples filled with mutual prejudice and mistrust. Only the vile deeds perpetrated on both kingdoms by Ancar of Hardorn, and the subsequent emergence of the armies of the Eastern Empire in the wake of his defeat, have forced these two so-different lands into an uneasy alliance.
For the Eastern Empire, which has long been isolated and shrouded in mystery, is ruled by a monarch whose magical tactics may be beyond any sorcery known to the Western kingdoms.
Forced to combat this dire foe, not only must traditional enemies unite, but the Companions may, at last, have to reveal secrets which they have kept hidden for centuries... even from their beloved Heralds.
For the Eastern Empire, which has long been isolated and shrouded in mystery, is ruled by a monarch whose magical tactics may be beyond any sorcery known to the Western kingdoms.
Forced to combat this dire foe, not only must traditional enemies unite, but the Companions may, at last, have to reveal secrets which they have kept hidden for centuries... even from their beloved Heralds.
