Arrows of the Queen: Heralds of Valdemar Series, Book 1

A year ago, I read Lackey's Last Herald Mage trilogy, set in her fantasy kingdom of Valdemar, which notably features magical companion horses that bond to humans. I was held throughout the trilogy by the protagonist, Vanyel, whom I cared about greatly. "Arrows of the Queen" begins another Valdemar trilogy, and, once again, I quickly grew attached to the protagonist, Talia, who is turning thirteen as the book opens, and whose life is starved of affection or hope. Spoilers ahead.I found this a somewhat uneven book. For instance, pages 2 through 4 jump from Talia's direct experience into her imaginative participation in a book she's reading, which I found disconcerting. And sometimes the prose switches to a flat summary/statement mode, rather than its usual immersive mode. The Companion horses are so flawlessly perfect that they seem like wish fulfillment. I wanted one, yet they didn't quite seem real. [I understand that they are fantastical, but when I'm immersed in a story, the magical can seem real.]The unqualified support that Talia receives from several of the other characters also felt close to wish fulfillment. Yet, importantly, this worked well for me. Maybe because the other characters seemed less idealized, or maybe because kindness moves me greatly, both in fiction and in real life. I cared about Talia. I cared about the secondary characters. I loved how they helped each other.Minor note: "Arrows of the Queen" reminded me strongly of Anne McCaffrey's books about Menolly, "Dragonsong" and "Dragonsinger," which I read and re-read when I was growing up.About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).

This book was the 4th of Lackey's Valdemar books I purchased, as soon as I could after finishing The Last Herald-Mage trilogy.I found Arrows of the Queen not to be quite as compelling as Vanyel's story, yet I quite enjoyed it. Talia is a strong character whose quirks and personality drew me in.Though some readers may find the concept of Heralds and Companions a little saccharine, they are not without their challenges and difficulties. These are good people overall, but they do have flaws. One of Talia's, related to her upbringing as Holderkin, only increases her difficulties once she arrives at Haven. That's one thing I enjoy about Lackey's writing and characterization, particularly with her MCs and important POV characters: She weaves their histories into their personalities in such a way that the former deeply play into the latter.Lackey's worldbuilding is superb, if a little unimaginative as a typical European-type backdrop. Everything his vividly described, though, giving the reader an excellent picture of the characters' surroundings. The author is neither purple nor miserly with these descriptions, often providing precisely enough to bring the surroundings just the right amount of clarity as the scene progresses instead of in gigantic clumps of exposition that detract from the story.I also like how Lackey in the course of this book sets up the basis of one of the primary conflicts in the next book. She does this so well, I didn't spot what she was doing the first time I read the books. Everything Talia does and experiences as a Herald Trainee makes sense, is reasonable, and everything seems to be included. She's too busy trying to survive harassment and gain access to Princess Elspeth to realize anything is wrong, and her mentors are understandably clueless due to their own busy lives.This is another book I'd happily suggest to someone seeking a "gateway" into fantasy. With its vivid worldbuilding, reasonable conflicts for the MC, and skilled characterization, it's one of the best books I can think of for introducing a reader to fantasy.

I've previously only read the last herald mage series by Mercedes Lackey and so bought these books (Arrows Fall, Arrows Flight, Arrows of the Queen) that were written earlier in her career, but follow after the last herald mage in the stories timeline.They were interesting, and fills gaps in the story, but weren't as well written and lacked a lot of much needed polish.I am glad I bought and read these books but am unlikely to re-read.

reminds me of Tamora Pierce's books. enjoyed it

I enjoyed the storyline but I have to say Lackey's writing definitely improved later on! I think this was one of her first published works and it shows. The first books of her that I read were of her '500 Kingdoms' series and her writing is much better, although those were written for an older audience. That said I would recommend this for anyone who likes Tamora Pierce's books - this definitely reminded me of her Alanna series.As a sidenote the new covers for this series are gorgeous!

Après un début pas trop mal, le récit reste calme, presque mou, sans jamais aucune surprise; tout est convenu, même les rebondissements et l'action. Ce livre ressemble à une longue introduction pas très passionnante.Les personnages n'ont aucune épaisseur; ils sont d'ailleurs introduits très vite pour certains sans aucun rappel, et malgré le style plutôt sobre du texte (un point positif), j'ai dû fréquemment revenir en arrière pour comprendre qui était qui!Le personnage principal, Talia, pourtant assez touchant et crédible dans la première partie du livre (elle a alors 12 ans) évolue sans m'avoir convaincue.Sa façon en particulier d'envisager les relations amoureuses avec le pragmatisme d'une femme mûre qui en a vu d'autres alors qu'elle vient d'embrasser un garçon pour la première fois de sa vie (elle doit avoir environ 15 ans) m'a fait hausser les sourcils! (Urk! J'espère que mes enfants seront plus romantiques!).Enfin, sa relation avec son Compagnon (cheval muet mais à intelligence humaine) n'est pas crédible: l'auteur affirme alors qu'elle devrait faire comprendre, laisser deviner, faire rêver ...Je vais essayer de lire la suite ainsi qu'une autre série du même auteur que j'ai sous le coude, un jour...J'avais pourtant bien aimé la série écrite avec James Mallory (voir mon commentaire): The obsidian trilogy (The outstretch shadow/ To light a candle et je ne sais plus quoi!).

a great trilogy again by lackey