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Valdemar: Mage Winds #1
Winds of Fate
Lackey, who has enchanted readers since the publication of her first novel, Arrows of the Queen in 1987, scores another hit with the paperback release of the first book in an exciting new series. High magic had been lost to Valdemar when Vanyel gave his life to save his kingdom from destruction by the dark sorceries. Now it falls to Elspeth -- Herald, heir to the throne -- to take up the challenge and seek a mentor who will awaken her mage abilities.
460 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 3, 1991
516 people are currently reading
4607 people want to read
About the author
Mercedes Lackey
441 books9,532 followersMercedes entered this world on June 24, 1950, in Chicago, had a normal childhood and graduated from Purdue University in 1972. During the late 70's she worked as an artist's model and then went into the computer programming field, ending up with American Airlines in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In addition to her fantasy writing, she has written lyrics for and recorded nearly fifty songs for Firebird Arts & Music, a small recording company specializing in science fiction folk music.
"I'm a storyteller; that's what I see as 'my job'. My stories come out of my characters; how those characters would react to the given situation. Maybe that's why I get letters from readers as young as thirteen and as old as sixty-odd. One of the reasons I write song lyrics is because I see songs as a kind of 'story pill' -- they reduce a story to the barest essentials or encapsulate a particular crucial moment in time. I frequently will write a lyric when I am attempting to get to the heart of a crucial scene; I find that when I have done so, the scene has become absolutely clear in my mind, and I can write exactly what I wanted to say. Another reason is because of the kind of novels I am writing: that is, fantasy, set in an other-world semi-medieval atmosphere. Music is very important to medieval peoples; bards are the chief newsbringers. When I write the 'folk music' of these peoples, I am enriching my whole world, whether I actually use the song in the text or not.
"I began writing out of boredom; I continue out of addiction. I can't 'not' write, and as a result I have no social life! I began writing fantasy because I love it, but I try to construct my fantasy worlds with all the care of a 'high-tech' science fiction writer. I apply the principle of TANSTAAFL ['There ain't no such thing as free lunch', credited to Robert Heinlein) to magic, for instance; in my worlds, magic is paid for, and the cost to the magician is frequently a high one. I try to keep my world as solid and real as possible; people deal with stubborn pumps, bugs in the porridge, and love-lives that refuse to become untangled, right along with invading armies and evil magicians. And I try to make all of my characters, even the 'evil magicians,' something more than flat stereotypes. Even evil magicians get up in the night and look for cookies, sometimes.
"I suppose that in everything I write I try to expound the creed I gave my character Diana Tregarde in Burning Water:
"There's no such thing as 'one, true way'; the only answers worth having are the ones you find for yourself; leave the world better than you found it. Love, freedom, and the chance to do some good -- they're the things worth living and dying for, and if you aren't willing to die for the things worth living for, you might as well turn in your membership in the human race."
Also writes as Misty Lackey
Author's website
"I'm a storyteller; that's what I see as 'my job'. My stories come out of my characters; how those characters would react to the given situation. Maybe that's why I get letters from readers as young as thirteen and as old as sixty-odd. One of the reasons I write song lyrics is because I see songs as a kind of 'story pill' -- they reduce a story to the barest essentials or encapsulate a particular crucial moment in time. I frequently will write a lyric when I am attempting to get to the heart of a crucial scene; I find that when I have done so, the scene has become absolutely clear in my mind, and I can write exactly what I wanted to say. Another reason is because of the kind of novels I am writing: that is, fantasy, set in an other-world semi-medieval atmosphere. Music is very important to medieval peoples; bards are the chief newsbringers. When I write the 'folk music' of these peoples, I am enriching my whole world, whether I actually use the song in the text or not.
"I began writing out of boredom; I continue out of addiction. I can't 'not' write, and as a result I have no social life! I began writing fantasy because I love it, but I try to construct my fantasy worlds with all the care of a 'high-tech' science fiction writer. I apply the principle of TANSTAAFL ['There ain't no such thing as free lunch', credited to Robert Heinlein) to magic, for instance; in my worlds, magic is paid for, and the cost to the magician is frequently a high one. I try to keep my world as solid and real as possible; people deal with stubborn pumps, bugs in the porridge, and love-lives that refuse to become untangled, right along with invading armies and evil magicians. And I try to make all of my characters, even the 'evil magicians,' something more than flat stereotypes. Even evil magicians get up in the night and look for cookies, sometimes.
"I suppose that in everything I write I try to expound the creed I gave my character Diana Tregarde in Burning Water:
"There's no such thing as 'one, true way'; the only answers worth having are the ones you find for yourself; leave the world better than you found it. Love, freedom, and the chance to do some good -- they're the things worth living and dying for, and if you aren't willing to die for the things worth living for, you might as well turn in your membership in the human race."
Also writes as Misty Lackey
Author's website
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 328 reviews
August 9, 2024
Actual rating: 4.8598568 stars.
There’s nothing quite like old-school fantasy if you ask me. Especially when it features such a scrumptious cast of characters, a bazaar reminiscent of Baha-char (minus the muckrats, unfortunately), villainous villains, an ever-chuckling, slightly senile, and sarcastic as fish sentient sword, and a wondrous array of most delightful creatures. I mean, we've got stupid basilisks! Winking mares with matchmaking tendencies! Griffon mages with a sly sense of humor! And slightly lethal bound birds who love to play practical jokes! I'm telling you, I'm this close to giving up on murderous crustaceans breeding (and turning them into fertilizer—much to the hertasis' delight, I'm sure) and taking up wisecracking, mischievous birdie training instead.
(Oh yeah, I think this is going to be a lot more fun than trying to knock some sense into a bunch of harebrained, pig-headed arthropods!)
“Anything else to report?” you ask. Well yes, this:
P.S. That cover! 😍😍😍
P.P.S. The audiobook is Slightly Very Good (SVG™), in case you were wondering.
· Book 2: Winds of Change ★★★★★
· Book 3: Winds of Fury ★★★★★
[Pre-review nonsense]
This one calls for a rather enthusiastic dance, methinks.
➽ Review to come and stuff.
There’s nothing quite like old-school fantasy if you ask me. Especially when it features such a scrumptious cast of characters, a bazaar reminiscent of Baha-char (minus the muckrats, unfortunately), villainous villains, an ever-chuckling, slightly senile, and sarcastic as fish sentient sword, and a wondrous array of most delightful creatures. I mean, we've got stupid basilisks! Winking mares with matchmaking tendencies! Griffon mages with a sly sense of humor! And slightly lethal bound birds who love to play practical jokes! I'm telling you, I'm this close to giving up on murderous crustaceans breeding (and turning them into fertilizer—much to the hertasis' delight, I'm sure) and taking up wisecracking, mischievous birdie training instead.
(Oh yeah, I think this is going to be a lot more fun than trying to knock some sense into a bunch of harebrained, pig-headed arthropods!)
“Anything else to report?” you ask. Well yes, this:
P.S. That cover! 😍😍😍
P.P.S. The audiobook is Slightly Very Good (SVG™), in case you were wondering.
· Book 2: Winds of Change ★★★★★
· Book 3: Winds of Fury ★★★★★
[Pre-review nonsense]
This one calls for a rather enthusiastic dance, methinks.
➽ Review to come and stuff.
October 14, 2014
I have mixed feelings about this book. I like Darkwind and Elspeth a lot, and I like the overall storyline about Elspeth bringing magic (and the knowledge of the Tayledras) back to Valdemar. I liked the whole thing with the ruined Heartstone and Darkwind's struggles with his father. All of this was good.
But I don't like how casually Lackey uses rape to get her point across. (Yes, we get it, Falconsbane is evil. Really, really evil.) I also don't like how easily rape victims in her books recover and are able to enjoy sex so soon after being raped. She treats the entire subject far too lightly, and it left a sour taste in my mouth.
Also, Skif's character, I think, was done a disservice in this book, as his entire purpose seemed to be to have a crush on Elspeth and try to treat her like a delicate flower, which doesn't seem at all in-character for the Skif that Talia knew. The snarky sword had a better character arc than Skif did in this book.
I like Valdemar, but all the rape is getting on my nerves.
But I don't like how casually Lackey uses rape to get her point across. (Yes, we get it, Falconsbane is evil. Really, really evil.) I also don't like how easily rape victims in her books recover and are able to enjoy sex so soon after being raped. She treats the entire subject far too lightly, and it left a sour taste in my mouth.
Also, Skif's character, I think, was done a disservice in this book, as his entire purpose seemed to be to have a crush on Elspeth and try to treat her like a delicate flower, which doesn't seem at all in-character for the Skif that Talia knew. The snarky sword had a better character arc than Skif did in this book.
I like Valdemar, but all the rape is getting on my nerves.
September 11, 2007
Let it be known: Before I was an elitist literary bitch, I utterly adored fantasy books. Mercedes Lackey was the greatest thing in my entire eleven-year-old life.
August 21, 2019
3.5 stars
Lackey definitely does better when she focuses on a single main plot. Going back and forth between the two sides here left it pretty obvious how and when they were going to merge - and made me wonder just how quickly those Companions can ride because Elspeth and Skif got down there way too fast. This was a tighter story and faster-paced, and getting all the aspects of this story and conflict without having to rely on second- or even third-hand information allowed it to flow better.
I was a little thrown at the beginning though since I didn't finish By the Sword, not knowing the events I was waiting for since the end of Arrows of the Queen took place in that collection of novellas. There was enough in the prologue and first few chapters to fill me in though, at least on the Valdemar side of things. It was Darkwing's POV that threw me the most - and I didn't see any indication that his story was related elsewhere. The backstory did eventually get filled in though.
This started off strong but somewhere along the way it got off course. The villain was pretty one-note. I was hoping he'd end up being more than an Evil Dude Doing Evil Things Because He's Evil, but that's about what it boiled down to and he got boring pretty quickly. Need the Sword is back and it was nice to finally get confirmation of a theory I've had about it and that background was interesting but I still want Need to burn in the fires of Mt. Doom, though I think I can at least tolerate that sword now if it comes back again.
And I hate to say this about my girl Elspeth, but I swear she forgot her Midol back in Valdemar. I get what Lackey was going for - grrrl power and all that jazz - but I felt like Skif suffered from the Hermoine Effect here. The Skif who survived the streets and learned to steal and sneak and spy would not have been this useless on a quest, and it felt like he was dumbed down and machismoed up in order for Elspeth to prove how amazing at all the things she is. Um... you know you can have a tough female MC and a tough male MC and that doesn't make the female character any less tough, right? The conflict here was beyond contrived and juvenile, and I seriously am starting to think that all of Lackey's characters have the love lives of middle schoolers. I can't take them seriously, and it was completely unnecessary and added absolutely nothing to the story or plot.
Lackey definitely does better when she focuses on a single main plot. Going back and forth between the two sides here left it pretty obvious how and when they were going to merge - and made me wonder just how quickly those Companions can ride because Elspeth and Skif got down there way too fast. This was a tighter story and faster-paced, and getting all the aspects of this story and conflict without having to rely on second- or even third-hand information allowed it to flow better.
I was a little thrown at the beginning though since I didn't finish By the Sword, not knowing the events I was waiting for since the end of Arrows of the Queen took place in that collection of novellas. There was enough in the prologue and first few chapters to fill me in though, at least on the Valdemar side of things. It was Darkwing's POV that threw me the most - and I didn't see any indication that his story was related elsewhere. The backstory did eventually get filled in though.
This started off strong but somewhere along the way it got off course. The villain was pretty one-note. I was hoping he'd end up being more than an Evil Dude Doing Evil Things Because He's Evil, but that's about what it boiled down to and he got boring pretty quickly. Need the Sword is back and it was nice to finally get confirmation of a theory I've had about it and that background was interesting but I still want Need to burn in the fires of Mt. Doom, though I think I can at least tolerate that sword now if it comes back again.
And I hate to say this about my girl Elspeth, but I swear she forgot her Midol back in Valdemar. I get what Lackey was going for - grrrl power and all that jazz - but I felt like Skif suffered from the Hermoine Effect here. The Skif who survived the streets and learned to steal and sneak and spy would not have been this useless on a quest, and it felt like he was dumbed down and machismoed up in order for Elspeth to prove how amazing at all the things she is. Um... you know you can have a tough female MC and a tough male MC and that doesn't make the female character any less tough, right? The conflict here was beyond contrived and juvenile, and I seriously am starting to think that all of Lackey's characters have the love lives of middle schoolers. I can't take them seriously, and it was completely unnecessary and added absolutely nothing to the story or plot.
October 4, 2016
http://bookslifewine.com/r-winds-of-f...
This is it. The book that started it all. The beginning of my Mercedes Lackey habit and my Fantasy journey.
For me, Everything Valdemar begins with Elspeth. From my review of By the Sword :
Elspeth has always been the gateway through which I've viewed Valdemar. When reading about Kerowyn in By the Sword (or any Valdemar book), I think "Elspeth's _____!" I started with Elspeth and everything still flows through her. I haven't read the Mage Winds trilogy in quite some time - I decided to pick it for a variety of reasons but the main one being nostalgia. And - thank goodness - the Suck Fairy hasn't visited this part of Valdemar yet.
Elspeth - like most Fantasy MCs - is a special snowflake. But what I LOVE about Elspeth is that her special-ness comes pretty honestly: her pedigree is well plotted out over the course several different Valdemar books - she didn't just pop up with powers out of nowhere. Even Elspeth's magical sword, Need, is actively shown in the hands of at least two different (powerful and extraordinary) women prior to Elspeth obtaining her.
The other things I like about Elspeth are related to her low grade snarkiness. Elspeth is no Kate Daniels but she's pretty competent, she's a damn good fighter and she knows her own mind.
Yes. :-D That's the Elspeth I know and love.
Winds of Fate is the beginning of something new (or rather, the return of something old) for Valdemar. Valdemar has been "immune" to magic for time out of mind. This magic immunity has kept Valdemar safe from magical attacks but now it seems to be crumbling. Heir to the throne, Elspeth, volunteers to go searching for mages and teachers to assist Valdemar in it's fight against despot King Ancar of Hardon. This search will land Elspeth in the middle of the kind of trouble she only had nightmares about - but could possibly bring her heart's desire.
While Elspeth is searching for magical teaching as assistance, far away the Tayledras scout Darkwind is also beset by magical enemies who wish the death of all things Tayledras. Can the two meet and possibly help each other survive? The resounding answer is YES. Or maybe, lol. I love Darkwind - almost as much as I like Elspeth. Darkwind has had some rough things happen to him in his short life but he manages to be stronger and more resilient instead of becoming brittle due to stress.
There are a lot of things I could discuss about Winds of Fate but I'd rather you read for yourself. Winds of Fate has a good deal of non-graphic adult content: Lackey doesn't dwell but she does show the kinds of evil that man can commit. There is incest, torture, and attempted murder in Winds of Fate but there is also love, kindness, forgiveness and sacrifice. Winds of Fate (and the rest of the Valdemar series) is what I call "hopeful" fantasy: while there maybe sad parts, the good guys will win the day.
This is it. The book that started it all. The beginning of my Mercedes Lackey habit and my Fantasy journey.
For me, Everything Valdemar begins with Elspeth. From my review of By the Sword :
I first met Mercedes Lackey while browsing the stacks at the public library in my home town. I don't remember what grade I was in but I was somewhere in the area that covers both Middle and High school. Regardless, before Mercedes Lackey, I'd mostly read a lot of Science Fiction and SF anthologies. I'd just found MZB's Swords & Sorceress anthologies when a brightly colored cover caught my eye as I wandered the stacks.
That book happened to be Winds of Fate (Mage Winds #1). And goodness! That cover was MADE for people like me! It felt like the book screamed my name.I mean, look at all that purple!!!! THAT horse! I grabbed a copy and continued on. I hadn't a clue as to how this one book would truly change my life.
That night (which also happened to be a school night), I started reading Winds of Fate. And I was entranced. I fell deeply in love: with the characters, with the series, with the author and with Fantasy. I stayed up all night reading that book. When my dad yelled at me to go to bed, I turned out the lights and immediately dived under the covers with a flashlight to read. I finished the book sometime in the early dawn hours. I was exhausted but oh, so emotionally satisfied. And I was "feining" like a crackhead and desperate for my next fix: Winds of Change.
Elspeth has always been the gateway through which I've viewed Valdemar. When reading about Kerowyn in By the Sword (or any Valdemar book), I think "Elspeth's _____!" I started with Elspeth and everything still flows through her. I haven't read the Mage Winds trilogy in quite some time - I decided to pick it for a variety of reasons but the main one being nostalgia. And - thank goodness - the Suck Fairy hasn't visited this part of Valdemar yet.
Elspeth - like most Fantasy MCs - is a special snowflake. But what I LOVE about Elspeth is that her special-ness comes pretty honestly: her pedigree is well plotted out over the course several different Valdemar books - she didn't just pop up with powers out of nowhere. Even Elspeth's magical sword, Need, is actively shown in the hands of at least two different (powerful and extraordinary) women prior to Elspeth obtaining her.
The other things I like about Elspeth are related to her low grade snarkiness. Elspeth is no Kate Daniels but she's pretty competent, she's a damn good fighter and she knows her own mind.
It was a feeling. One that had been increasing, every step she rode toward Lythecare. The feeling that she was being herded toward something, some destiny, like a complacent cow to the alter of sacrifice.
-page 176
“That’s it,” she said. “That is it. I am not playing this game anymore.”
“What?” Now Skif looked at her as if certain she had gone mad.
“I am being herded to something, and I don’t like it,” she snapped, as much for Gwena’s ears as his. “I did want to do this, and Valdemar certainly needs mages, but I am not going to be guided by an invisible hand, as if I were a character in a badly-written book! This is not a foreordained Quest, I am not in a Prophecy, and I am not playing this game anymore.”
-pg 177-178
Yes. :-D That's the Elspeth I know and love.
Winds of Fate is the beginning of something new (or rather, the return of something old) for Valdemar. Valdemar has been "immune" to magic for time out of mind. This magic immunity has kept Valdemar safe from magical attacks but now it seems to be crumbling. Heir to the throne, Elspeth, volunteers to go searching for mages and teachers to assist Valdemar in it's fight against despot King Ancar of Hardon. This search will land Elspeth in the middle of the kind of trouble she only had nightmares about - but could possibly bring her heart's desire.
While Elspeth is searching for magical teaching as assistance, far away the Tayledras scout Darkwind is also beset by magical enemies who wish the death of all things Tayledras. Can the two meet and possibly help each other survive? The resounding answer is YES. Or maybe, lol. I love Darkwind - almost as much as I like Elspeth. Darkwind has had some rough things happen to him in his short life but he manages to be stronger and more resilient instead of becoming brittle due to stress.
There are a lot of things I could discuss about Winds of Fate but I'd rather you read for yourself. Winds of Fate has a good deal of non-graphic adult content: Lackey doesn't dwell but she does show the kinds of evil that man can commit. There is incest, torture, and attempted murder in Winds of Fate but there is also love, kindness, forgiveness and sacrifice. Winds of Fate (and the rest of the Valdemar series) is what I call "hopeful" fantasy: while there maybe sad parts, the good guys will win the day.
December 4, 2013
If you're new to Lackey and the Valdemir series, I wouldn't begin with this book: I don't think the book, or the trilogy it is a part of, is the strongest in this series, and it would be a spoiler for the earlier trilogy that starts with Arrows of the Queen. Go back and read those first, and if you like them, I think you'll enjoy this tale of Elspeth, a character in earlier books, coming into her own. I enjoy Lackey's "Vows and Honors" series as well with Tarma and Kethry, and in the precursor to this book, By the Sword she melds the two series. So I'd recommend reading those, too, beginning with The Oathbound because for me a lot of the fun of this book is how Elspeth deals with the demanding sword, Need, that is important in those books. I also enjoyed how this book opened up the world Lackey created, with Elspeth in her quest having to deal with the Tayledras, an interesting magical world in its own right. A good read and a good beginning to an enjoyable trilogy.
September 16, 2017
Suffers greatly from Elspeth becoming insufferable halfway through the book, and the "Worf"ing of poor Skif, who is written completely against character to serve the purposes of Elspeth's perspective and story.
August 3, 2018
Q:
Townsfolk can get downright touchy over the occasional earth-elemental in the scullery. Can’t imagine why.... (c)
Townsfolk can get downright touchy over the occasional earth-elemental in the scullery. Can’t imagine why.... (c)
February 21, 2018
3/3.5 - this is a tricky one to rate! Headline - i enjoyed it.
So this is my first Mercedes Lackey story and although I know it’s probably not the best place to start in her Valdemar series, I didn’t feel at a disadvantage. I effortlessly fell into this world and so far, i like what i read.
The world building is intricate and we’re introduced to several different peoples in this world but at no point is it ‘info-dumpy’ nor are there large portions of the story intended to catch us up with the greater Valdemar series. I was surprised by how easily I got to grips with the mythology of this world and the characters despite not having read from the traditional starting point.
The characters are interesting and well rounded and the plot was engaging. However, the writing is a bit simplistic for me, especially for epic fantasy, and i felt like i was reading a book that’s suitable for children, which isn’t what I lean towards usually. I found this to contrast a bit with the plot as there are darker themes running throughout this novel that are distinctly adult. I was also surprised when Darkwind described Elspeth as being 10 years older than his lover who is 17. From Elspeth’s behaviour and thoughts I pictured her around 18-20 and thought Darkwind to be around 21. Now i’m totally confused about how old everyone is. This may not be important to you but I liked to understand character ages in order to decided whether their behaviour and attitude in relation to others is realistic. I get very frustrated when I don’t know the exact ages. But that’s a personal issue that may not bother you.
Overall, i did really enjoy this book, i itched to keep reading it and i even dreamt about it at one point which is unusual for me. The world building is very rich, that’s perhaps where the simple prose helps. While not much happened in this novel it definitely sets the trilogy up well and places the characters where they need to be while also giving the reader the key knowledge needed to enjoy the series as a stand-alone. I found the ending a bit neat and it was a little unbelievable that the group of characters trusted each other straight away and were keen to battle together so quickly. Hopefully those relationships will develop more believably in the second.
But, any book with bondbirds, gryphons, companion-horses-but-actually-guardian-spirits and sentient swords (amongst other magical creatures!) get my vote as worth reading. So far a standard quest fantasy that i really enjoyed despite it’s obvious flaws! An easy fantasy read if you’re looking to take a break from some of the more intense fantasies out there.
So this is my first Mercedes Lackey story and although I know it’s probably not the best place to start in her Valdemar series, I didn’t feel at a disadvantage. I effortlessly fell into this world and so far, i like what i read.
The world building is intricate and we’re introduced to several different peoples in this world but at no point is it ‘info-dumpy’ nor are there large portions of the story intended to catch us up with the greater Valdemar series. I was surprised by how easily I got to grips with the mythology of this world and the characters despite not having read from the traditional starting point.
The characters are interesting and well rounded and the plot was engaging. However, the writing is a bit simplistic for me, especially for epic fantasy, and i felt like i was reading a book that’s suitable for children, which isn’t what I lean towards usually. I found this to contrast a bit with the plot as there are darker themes running throughout this novel that are distinctly adult. I was also surprised when Darkwind described Elspeth as being 10 years older than his lover who is 17. From Elspeth’s behaviour and thoughts I pictured her around 18-20 and thought Darkwind to be around 21. Now i’m totally confused about how old everyone is. This may not be important to you but I liked to understand character ages in order to decided whether their behaviour and attitude in relation to others is realistic. I get very frustrated when I don’t know the exact ages. But that’s a personal issue that may not bother you.
Overall, i did really enjoy this book, i itched to keep reading it and i even dreamt about it at one point which is unusual for me. The world building is very rich, that’s perhaps where the simple prose helps. While not much happened in this novel it definitely sets the trilogy up well and places the characters where they need to be while also giving the reader the key knowledge needed to enjoy the series as a stand-alone. I found the ending a bit neat and it was a little unbelievable that the group of characters trusted each other straight away and were keen to battle together so quickly. Hopefully those relationships will develop more believably in the second.
But, any book with bondbirds, gryphons, companion-horses-but-actually-guardian-spirits and sentient swords (amongst other magical creatures!) get my vote as worth reading. So far a standard quest fantasy that i really enjoyed despite it’s obvious flaws! An easy fantasy read if you’re looking to take a break from some of the more intense fantasies out there.
February 21, 2021
3.5/5
https://delivreenlivres.home.blog/202...
Un livre que j’ai lu très rapidement, mais j’avoue que j’ai pas été supra emballée.
En fait j’ai pas trop aimé Elspeth, un des personnages principaux. Pas qu’elle soit particulièrement désagréable mais je trouve qu’elle va trop vite à chaque conclusion et qu’elle ne se prend pas pour de la merde. Sa façon de foncer m’a énervée. Après c’était peut être aussi parce que ça n’était pas du tout développé niveau personnage.
Des fois un personnage qu’on suit depuis le début prend d’un coup un virage à 180° sans qu’on ai pu l’anticiper. Et je trouve ça un peu déstabilisant, on a un peu l’impression de ne pas avoir vraiment compris le personnage avant. Ce n’est d’ailleurs pas la première fois que je remarque ce genre de chose avec cette autrice. Du coup un sentiment que l’ensemble manquait de subtilité. On ne nous montre pas les hésitations du personnages avant ce moment la. Et ça donne l’impression que ce changement tombe vraiment comme un cheveux dans la soupe.
Bref, pour ce qui est de l’histoire on est sur la suite directe de la toute première trilogie de l’autrice dans l’univers, à savoir la trilogie des flèches. On retrouve donc les personnages de celle ci, mais quelques années après. Par contre on n’est pas sur les mêmes personnages principaux, place à la génération suivante. Les enjeux sont aussi très différents.
C’est d’ailleurs sur ce tome que je suis contente d’avoir lu la série dans l’ordre de publication. Car si c’est temporellement la suite direct de la trilogie des flèches, finalement dans l’esprit et les enjeux on est vraiment plus sur une suite du dernier héraut-mage, la trilogie précédente dans l’ordre de publication. Du coup je pense que quelqu’un qui découvre l’ensemble dans l’ordre chronologique doit être bien surprit de ce changement, et du fait qu’on parle plus de Vanyel que des personnage de la trilogie des flèches.
Alors, de quoi ça parle : Elspeth est l’héritière du trône de Valdemar. Elle est ado et est en train de faire sa formation de Héraut (elle en est à la fin).
Mais une attaque magique sur sa personne lui fait peur. Et lui fait comprendre que les barrières de Valdemar peuvent laisser passer des trucs. Du coup elle part en mission pour essayer de trouver un mage pour lui enseigner la magie, ou du moins venir à Valdemar pour enseigner à ceux qui en ont la capacité. Elle part avec son meilleur ami, un autre Héraut qu’on connaissait déjà de la première trilogie.
On suit aussi d’un autre coté Ventnoir. Celui ci était un mage d’une zone totalement éloignée de Valdemar, jusqu’au jour ou la pierre gardienne de leur village explose lors d’une cérémonie, tuant quasiment tout les mages. Depuis il a renoncé à la magie et est devenu un éclaireur qui protège leur frontière. Leur zone est à la limite des terres étranges, un lieu ou la magie est déformée et ou toutes sortes de créatures bizarre apparaissent.
Du coup une parti de leur travail est le fait d’empêcher ce genre de créatures de passer.
Pour ce premier tome l’intrigue était assez simple.
Un personnage qui voyage dans l’inconnu et un autre qui protège sa zone. Les deux vont finir par se rencontrer et luter ensemble contre un ennemi commun.
Ce premier tome ne m’a pas vraiment impressionné. L’intrigue était simple et facile à anticiper. Elle manquait de surprises à mon gout. Et comme je l’ai dit précédemment, je n’ai pas trop aimé les développements minimes des personnages trop simplistes. Après je dis souvent ça dans les premiers tomes de cette saga, même sur ma préférée pour l’instant, le dernier héraut-mage. Je trouve que ça passe mieux quand l’autrice fait grandir ses personnages. les ado impulsifs ce n’est sans doute pas ce que je préfère suivre.
Franchement je ne sais pas trop quoi en dire de plus. Ce premier tome n’était pas pour moi un des tomes marquants de la saga, ça c’est sur !
J’espère que la suite sera mieux, une fois que les personnages auront un peu évolué.
https://delivreenlivres.home.blog/202...
Un livre que j’ai lu très rapidement, mais j’avoue que j’ai pas été supra emballée.
En fait j’ai pas trop aimé Elspeth, un des personnages principaux. Pas qu’elle soit particulièrement désagréable mais je trouve qu’elle va trop vite à chaque conclusion et qu’elle ne se prend pas pour de la merde. Sa façon de foncer m’a énervée. Après c’était peut être aussi parce que ça n’était pas du tout développé niveau personnage.
Des fois un personnage qu’on suit depuis le début prend d’un coup un virage à 180° sans qu’on ai pu l’anticiper. Et je trouve ça un peu déstabilisant, on a un peu l’impression de ne pas avoir vraiment compris le personnage avant. Ce n’est d’ailleurs pas la première fois que je remarque ce genre de chose avec cette autrice. Du coup un sentiment que l’ensemble manquait de subtilité. On ne nous montre pas les hésitations du personnages avant ce moment la. Et ça donne l’impression que ce changement tombe vraiment comme un cheveux dans la soupe.
Bref, pour ce qui est de l’histoire on est sur la suite directe de la toute première trilogie de l’autrice dans l’univers, à savoir la trilogie des flèches. On retrouve donc les personnages de celle ci, mais quelques années après. Par contre on n’est pas sur les mêmes personnages principaux, place à la génération suivante. Les enjeux sont aussi très différents.
C’est d’ailleurs sur ce tome que je suis contente d’avoir lu la série dans l’ordre de publication. Car si c’est temporellement la suite direct de la trilogie des flèches, finalement dans l’esprit et les enjeux on est vraiment plus sur une suite du dernier héraut-mage, la trilogie précédente dans l’ordre de publication. Du coup je pense que quelqu’un qui découvre l’ensemble dans l’ordre chronologique doit être bien surprit de ce changement, et du fait qu’on parle plus de Vanyel que des personnage de la trilogie des flèches.
Alors, de quoi ça parle : Elspeth est l’héritière du trône de Valdemar. Elle est ado et est en train de faire sa formation de Héraut (elle en est à la fin).
Mais une attaque magique sur sa personne lui fait peur. Et lui fait comprendre que les barrières de Valdemar peuvent laisser passer des trucs. Du coup elle part en mission pour essayer de trouver un mage pour lui enseigner la magie, ou du moins venir à Valdemar pour enseigner à ceux qui en ont la capacité. Elle part avec son meilleur ami, un autre Héraut qu’on connaissait déjà de la première trilogie.
On suit aussi d’un autre coté Ventnoir. Celui ci était un mage d’une zone totalement éloignée de Valdemar, jusqu’au jour ou la pierre gardienne de leur village explose lors d’une cérémonie, tuant quasiment tout les mages. Depuis il a renoncé à la magie et est devenu un éclaireur qui protège leur frontière. Leur zone est à la limite des terres étranges, un lieu ou la magie est déformée et ou toutes sortes de créatures bizarre apparaissent.
Du coup une parti de leur travail est le fait d’empêcher ce genre de créatures de passer.
Pour ce premier tome l’intrigue était assez simple.
Un personnage qui voyage dans l’inconnu et un autre qui protège sa zone. Les deux vont finir par se rencontrer et luter ensemble contre un ennemi commun.
Ce premier tome ne m’a pas vraiment impressionné. L’intrigue était simple et facile à anticiper. Elle manquait de surprises à mon gout. Et comme je l’ai dit précédemment, je n’ai pas trop aimé les développements minimes des personnages trop simplistes. Après je dis souvent ça dans les premiers tomes de cette saga, même sur ma préférée pour l’instant, le dernier héraut-mage. Je trouve que ça passe mieux quand l’autrice fait grandir ses personnages. les ado impulsifs ce n’est sans doute pas ce que je préfère suivre.
Franchement je ne sais pas trop quoi en dire de plus. Ce premier tome n’était pas pour moi un des tomes marquants de la saga, ça c’est sur !
J’espère que la suite sera mieux, une fois que les personnages auront un peu évolué.
May 12, 2016
I think Mercedes Lackey was at an awkward point when she wrote this trilogy, because this (and the stand-alone novel By The Sword) is where she merged a variety of her fantasy settings together, and the result is a bit clunky.
Pluses: the Companions, the BondBirds, and other animals. Lackey obviously loves animals a lot and it comes through in her writing. Her worldbuilding skills are excellent. Her narrative skills are not, but again, she set herself a hard task by trying to merge divergent storylines together. At least this time her main characters (Elspeth and Darkwind) are not complete Mary Sues. They have problematic personalities and they make mistakes. I found Darkwind a bit pompous, but liked Elspeth a lot.
Minuses: Rape scenes turn my stomach. Lackey overuses them. Far too many references back to Captain Kerowyn, who only appears for a short time in the book. I get that Elspeth might hero-worship her, but too many other characters also use Kerowyn as a benchmark for this or that.
The pacing was horrible--a long build-up with a quick resolution.
I'm hoping that since the hard work of setting the stage was done in this book, that the next book might be better.
Pluses: the Companions, the BondBirds, and other animals. Lackey obviously loves animals a lot and it comes through in her writing. Her worldbuilding skills are excellent. Her narrative skills are not, but again, she set herself a hard task by trying to merge divergent storylines together. At least this time her main characters (Elspeth and Darkwind) are not complete Mary Sues. They have problematic personalities and they make mistakes. I found Darkwind a bit pompous, but liked Elspeth a lot.
Minuses: Rape scenes turn my stomach. Lackey overuses them. Far too many references back to Captain Kerowyn, who only appears for a short time in the book. I get that Elspeth might hero-worship her, but too many other characters also use Kerowyn as a benchmark for this or that.
The pacing was horrible--a long build-up with a quick resolution.
I'm hoping that since the hard work of setting the stage was done in this book, that the next book might be better.
January 16, 2015
awful lot of Mary Sue's and Gary Sue's and that's usually expected in high fantasy but this is nearly ridiculous. Best parts involved Darkwind and the Hawkbrothers. the worst was obviously Elspeth and the near unrecognizable character of Skif (changing his layered character into 'grunt Misogyny' was lazy writing, Lackey). The 180° relationship seemed less like Elspeth was, rightfully, asserting independence and more as if Lackey was going 'look at my strong female character. watch as she acts unnecessarily angry at some guy liking her but being nothing but respectful about it. Feminism!' I'm glad that it was tried, especially coming out during the not exactly feminist 80s (in terms of high fantasy) but it's about as wellhandled as using a shovel to stir soup. It seems too harsh but I always have more hope for Lackeys work than I ever usually get
May 5, 2018
I ordinarily love Lackey's Valdemar books, but I had trouble with this one. I'm guessing it's because it was published in 1991 and Lackey's writing skills weren't what they became later on. The skipping of focus from one character to another was maddening. I knew the two storylines would come together at some point but I couldn't stand being wrenched from one to the other.
So I started bookmarking the Darkwind chapters and only read Elspeth until finally there was mention of Darkwind in an Elspeth chapter. Then I went back and read the Darkwind chapters. When I caught up, the two were in all the same chapters and the reading went better for me. I know this sounds like a terrible thing, but in fact it was just fine and didn't ruin the appreciation of the whole thing at all.
So I started bookmarking the Darkwind chapters and only read Elspeth until finally there was mention of Darkwind in an Elspeth chapter. Then I went back and read the Darkwind chapters. When I caught up, the two were in all the same chapters and the reading went better for me. I know this sounds like a terrible thing, but in fact it was just fine and didn't ruin the appreciation of the whole thing at all.
May 31, 2018
It was a re-read; I read this novel the first time long ago. A good, solid fantasy novel, it is much lighter than many recent novels of the same genre. Although I didn’t like the heroine, Elspeth, much – she is such a brat and she treats her friend Skif like dirt – the story flows nicely and pulls the reader in. I always liked the Tayledras, and this is as much their book as it is Elspeth’s. And of course the gryphons are pure delight.
Off to the next book in the series.
Off to the next book in the series.
May 5, 2010
I wish you died somewhere in these books Elspeth. I hate you. I don't think the books themselves sucked quite enough to give a 2, but it wasn't from lack of your trying, you wench.
November 12, 2025
Disclaimer: I've not read anything else in the Valdemar series. I'm led to believe this is not the best starting point but it worked for me, and its too late now to avoid some spoilers for previous books. Oh well.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised. There were situations where I expected it to be more formulaic than it actually ended up being. Elspeth could've easily been a Mary Sue type character but I found her very fun to spend time with and well-fleshed out. She's honestly one of my favourite characters now. Similarly, there were times where it seemed like Lackey was pulling a deus ex machina out of her ass that then didn't turn out to resolve things easily after all. Combine that with overall fun and likeable characters, an engaging (if occasionally awkwardly paced) plot and a quite interesting world and overall it makes for an enjoyable experience. It very much reminded me of what I love about fantasy fiction.
(Regarding characters, I've seen some people criticise the way Skif was written. I obviously don't have the context of his previous appearances, but I don't think it's fair to see him as a chauvinist one-note character here. I read him as someone having to reframe a close relationship as his friend changed amd tripping up in the process, and it felt both funny and at least somewhat endearing. He is underutilised though.)
Where it does struggle a bit is in the length and the interactions/dialogue. There were definitely moments, between page 100 and 300, where I considered giving up. It's not only pretty long, but sometimes the writing is excessively documentary, and the interactions stilted or unnatural. Not often, mind, but sometimes. Lackey reminds me a bit of a painter who sometimes focuses so much on the texture on a robe that they neglect the composition of the piece.
Some other reviewers also mentioned Lackeys use of rape in this book. It is referenced as part of the villains methods of control, though not graphically described. I didn't mind it in this book, its use doesn't feel gratuitous and it helps to establish the villain as one focused on perverting/inverting normally good things and controlling people. However, if this is a trend in Lackey's writing, as others mentioned, that does feel a bit gratuitous. Regardless, definitely something to be aware of before reading.
Overall, I'll probably read the rest of the trilogy (someday...)
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised. There were situations where I expected it to be more formulaic than it actually ended up being. Elspeth could've easily been a Mary Sue type character but I found her very fun to spend time with and well-fleshed out. She's honestly one of my favourite characters now. Similarly, there were times where it seemed like Lackey was pulling a deus ex machina out of her ass that then didn't turn out to resolve things easily after all. Combine that with overall fun and likeable characters, an engaging (if occasionally awkwardly paced) plot and a quite interesting world and overall it makes for an enjoyable experience. It very much reminded me of what I love about fantasy fiction.
(Regarding characters, I've seen some people criticise the way Skif was written. I obviously don't have the context of his previous appearances, but I don't think it's fair to see him as a chauvinist one-note character here. I read him as someone having to reframe a close relationship as his friend changed amd tripping up in the process, and it felt both funny and at least somewhat endearing. He is underutilised though.)
Where it does struggle a bit is in the length and the interactions/dialogue. There were definitely moments, between page 100 and 300, where I considered giving up. It's not only pretty long, but sometimes the writing is excessively documentary, and the interactions stilted or unnatural. Not often, mind, but sometimes. Lackey reminds me a bit of a painter who sometimes focuses so much on the texture on a robe that they neglect the composition of the piece.
Some other reviewers also mentioned Lackeys use of rape in this book. It is referenced as part of the villains methods of control, though not graphically described. I didn't mind it in this book, its use doesn't feel gratuitous and it helps to establish the villain as one focused on perverting/inverting normally good things and controlling people. However, if this is a trend in Lackey's writing, as others mentioned, that does feel a bit gratuitous. Regardless, definitely something to be aware of before reading.
Overall, I'll probably read the rest of the trilogy (someday...)
March 14, 2017
Well, that took me forever to read. There was absolutely nothing wrong with this book, I simply didn't have time to read this week, and when I did, my back ached so much I had no desire to read. Bloody work and it's eating into my time to read! :/
Anywho, I quite enjoyed this tale, although it definitely has the old school feel of Valdemar before things were truly established. I enjoyed seeing Elspeth and Darkwind finally meet, and getting more backstory for the books I've read recently. I love that this available in a three pack on Kindle, it means I can just keep reading the next book!
Four stars, more reviews to follow soon (Hopefully they don't take me a week to read!)
Anywho, I quite enjoyed this tale, although it definitely has the old school feel of Valdemar before things were truly established. I enjoyed seeing Elspeth and Darkwind finally meet, and getting more backstory for the books I've read recently. I love that this available in a three pack on Kindle, it means I can just keep reading the next book!
Four stars, more reviews to follow soon (Hopefully they don't take me a week to read!)
February 20, 2025
As a multiple-rereader of this series, do not read this until you've read at least the Arrows trilogy (starting with Arrows of the Queen) and By the Sword (the other Valdemar books published before Winds of Fate are a great idea, too, but I'm just talking about the minimum). Now with that out of the way...
Following about seven years after By the Sword, we follow two main characters: Elspeth of Valdemar and Darkwind of k'Sheyna, both with their own concerns. It's definitely something of a setup book, as the book's climax is barely half a chapter towards the end and is clearly a temporary setback to the antagonist. Instead, what I most enjoyed about this book is seeing the adult Elspeth has grown into as well as finally, finally getting an in-depth exploration of the Tayledras, who we've only seen in passing in previous books.
Two of my favorite Valdemar setting revelations are in this book: . I can't wait to see more.
Following about seven years after By the Sword, we follow two main characters: Elspeth of Valdemar and Darkwind of k'Sheyna, both with their own concerns. It's definitely something of a setup book, as the book's climax is barely half a chapter towards the end and is clearly a temporary setback to the antagonist. Instead, what I most enjoyed about this book is seeing the adult Elspeth has grown into as well as finally, finally getting an in-depth exploration of the Tayledras, who we've only seen in passing in previous books.
Two of my favorite Valdemar setting revelations are in this book: . I can't wait to see more.
August 4, 2022
This is the first book of Elspeth’s story—she’s the daughter of the queen Talia serves, who was the “brat” in Talia’s stories. Elspeth heads off to see whether she has any mage talent and learn how to be a Herald Mage (since she’s already a mage) in company of a Herald friend. And there’s a Tayledras mage, Darkwind, who won’t use his power anymore because he believes he did something wrong. And there’s a gryphon family who are his friends. And—well, there’s just lots going on. Elspeth doesn’t like being pushed, so she heads off in her own direction and winds up meeting and helping Darkwind.
September 6, 2010
Elspeth--the legendary Brat from the Heralds of Valdemar--goes traveling with Skif to find someone to teach the Heralds magic. Skif gets a character rewrite as a chauvinist to allow Lackey to preach, which I don't like because he was such an awesome boy when he and Talia were not!dating. Elspeth is ranty and not very sympathetic. I do like Darkwind, the Griffins, and the Tayledras culture--it is a nice break from typical fantasy fare.
August 12, 2021
3 stars, a mostly fun adventure but with some deeply questionable writing choices
This is a harder entry in the Valdemar world to rate because part of it are really great. I like Elspeth and Skif and their shared adventure is a lot of fun but this book also does the semi cliche epic fantasy thing of introducing multiple POVs that don't all connect until close to the end of the book and I'm never a fan of that. Once everything connects, it gets substantially better though one recurring annoyance I had with this book is that one character is called a Changechild repeatedly and is also repeatedly described as unbearably sexy and seductive. I get the name is not literal (she is not actually the age of a child) but someone being called sexy and a child repeatedly (often back to back) is a very off putting thing to read even when done unintentionally. If that one issue had been done away with, this book could easily have another half or even full star higher rating.
This is a harder entry in the Valdemar world to rate because part of it are really great. I like Elspeth and Skif and their shared adventure is a lot of fun but this book also does the semi cliche epic fantasy thing of introducing multiple POVs that don't all connect until close to the end of the book and I'm never a fan of that. Once everything connects, it gets substantially better though one recurring annoyance I had with this book is that one character is called a Changechild repeatedly and is also repeatedly described as unbearably sexy and seductive. I get the name is not literal (she is not actually the age of a child) but someone being called sexy and a child repeatedly (often back to back) is a very off putting thing to read even when done unintentionally. If that one issue had been done away with, this book could easily have another half or even full star higher rating.
May 12, 2019
It’s funny how 20 years and re-reading can change the way you experience a book. I still enjoyed this romp, but I wanted it to be something more, something deeper. Regardless, Mercedes Lackey is a prolific and talented author and I’ll be re-reading book two shortly!
February 1, 2021
I loved how this story pulls Elspeth, Skif, and Need together. I did not love the narrator on the Audible version. Several pronunciation errors. I especially wish the narrators across the Valdemar series could decide on on set of pronunciations for the words specific to Lackey's books.
November 30, 2021
Daren and Selenay are now married and have had a set of twins. Keep is now helping as the weapons master second. Elspeth has decided she wants to go look for mages to work for Valdemar, but until she is attacked by an assassin while on the grounds of the castle nobody thinks it's a good idea.
She heads out with Skif, first towards her relatives in Rethwellin and Kero's old mage friends. But she feels that the companions and Skif have their own plans for where she should go. Along with the sword need actually coming fully awake and adding it's own two cents into everything. Elspeth decides she is going to set her own plans and not follow what everyone else wants.
This leads her into the Dorshia plains then into the land's of the hawk brothers.
This is just part of the book. The second part is the story of Darkwinds and the other hawk brothers problems.
She heads out with Skif, first towards her relatives in Rethwellin and Kero's old mage friends. But she feels that the companions and Skif have their own plans for where she should go. Along with the sword need actually coming fully awake and adding it's own two cents into everything. Elspeth decides she is going to set her own plans and not follow what everyone else wants.
This leads her into the Dorshia plains then into the land's of the hawk brothers.
This is just part of the book. The second part is the story of Darkwinds and the other hawk brothers problems.
September 12, 2023
closer to 3.5
Elspeth and Darkwind my beloved
Elspeth and Darkwind my beloved
May 14, 2015
Out of all of the Valdemar books, the Mage Winds trilogy - of which this is the first volume - is my most favorite.
The book takes place in the reign of Selenay, where war with a formerly friendly nation is taking its toll. Herald Elspeth, heir to the throne, rides off with her companion at her side to find the training key to winning the war. For those wondering precisely when in the chronology it falls, the book takes up after the end of the Arrows trilogy, which is linked to this one by the stand-alone book By The Sword.
I've been a huge Valdemar fan for years, and this next bit of my review applies to the rest of the books in addition to this one. They're standard in that the good guys fight the bad guys, and tragedies occur along with the good stuff. The funny thing about these is that even with the bad guys, there's a feeling of...I suppose "safety" is the best word. Valdemar is a world to which one can retreat when real life gets to be too much and its Heralds make you better along with their country. It's like comfort food for the eyeballs. That comfort was invaluable to a teenagerish teenager - even though I positively YEARNED to be chosen! - but the funny thing is, it's still a comforting place to go for a grownup who can't even pretend to be a teenager anymore. See, the good guys are hardly perfect, but they're good and they think of others and they understand...well, they just understand. Sometimes we need to be reminded that life can have people like that in it, even when the people are imaginary.
My choosing this trilogy as my favorite is probably pretty arbitrary, since like I said, I enjoy all of them. But after Arrows, in which "mind magic" is the only real magic, this book starts the current era's journey into the realm of "real" magic...and I do loves me some magic. In addition, these books entail the *learning* of magic, and - it's probably part Harry Potter and part wishful thinking - the learning of magic is even more fun to me than the doing. Also, this is the first time we get to spend any real length of time in a Tayledras vale, with all its swarthy scenery and decadent pleasure - where even the threats seem like they'd be worth it.
If you're new to Valdemar, I'd recommend beginning at the beginning with Arrows of the Queen (which I almost didn't buy because the cover looked so silly-little-girlish), and the Herald Mage series (start with Magic's Pawn) is the next logical step. But if you've already visited and are ready for the next adventure, you should certainly get this; it's the best yet!
(PS: this isn't enough for me to take off a star, but I've read both the mass market paperback edition and the Kindle edition. The e-book has far, far more typographical errors and odd formatting. If stuff like that bugs you, get the paperback. It DOES bug me, and the only reason I'm not frothing at the mouth is that this book just happens to be one of the few that's worth putting up with it.)
The book takes place in the reign of Selenay, where war with a formerly friendly nation is taking its toll. Herald Elspeth, heir to the throne, rides off with her companion at her side to find the training key to winning the war. For those wondering precisely when in the chronology it falls, the book takes up after the end of the Arrows trilogy, which is linked to this one by the stand-alone book By The Sword.
I've been a huge Valdemar fan for years, and this next bit of my review applies to the rest of the books in addition to this one. They're standard in that the good guys fight the bad guys, and tragedies occur along with the good stuff. The funny thing about these is that even with the bad guys, there's a feeling of...I suppose "safety" is the best word. Valdemar is a world to which one can retreat when real life gets to be too much and its Heralds make you better along with their country. It's like comfort food for the eyeballs. That comfort was invaluable to a teenagerish teenager - even though I positively YEARNED to be chosen! - but the funny thing is, it's still a comforting place to go for a grownup who can't even pretend to be a teenager anymore. See, the good guys are hardly perfect, but they're good and they think of others and they understand...well, they just understand. Sometimes we need to be reminded that life can have people like that in it, even when the people are imaginary.
My choosing this trilogy as my favorite is probably pretty arbitrary, since like I said, I enjoy all of them. But after Arrows, in which "mind magic" is the only real magic, this book starts the current era's journey into the realm of "real" magic...and I do loves me some magic. In addition, these books entail the *learning* of magic, and - it's probably part Harry Potter and part wishful thinking - the learning of magic is even more fun to me than the doing. Also, this is the first time we get to spend any real length of time in a Tayledras vale, with all its swarthy scenery and decadent pleasure - where even the threats seem like they'd be worth it.
If you're new to Valdemar, I'd recommend beginning at the beginning with Arrows of the Queen (which I almost didn't buy because the cover looked so silly-little-girlish), and the Herald Mage series (start with Magic's Pawn) is the next logical step. But if you've already visited and are ready for the next adventure, you should certainly get this; it's the best yet!
(PS: this isn't enough for me to take off a star, but I've read both the mass market paperback edition and the Kindle edition. The e-book has far, far more typographical errors and odd formatting. If stuff like that bugs you, get the paperback. It DOES bug me, and the only reason I'm not frothing at the mouth is that this book just happens to be one of the few that's worth putting up with it.)
April 29, 2019
The novel begins with Elspeth training with armsmaster Herald Kerowyn and Herald Skif. Her practice is worth it, as shortly thereafter an assassination attempt is made on her life. When the Heralds realize Prince Ancar, who has attacked Valdemar twice already, is able to magic in assassins, Elspeth realizes Valdemar needs its own mage. There hasn’t been one in Valdemar since Vanyel died hundreds of years ago, and he was so afraid a mage would attack Valdemar that he set a spell that drives any mages who enter Valdemar insane. It seems as if the spell is weakening, leaving Valdemar exposed. Though the Heralds and Queen appear to fear magic — they won’t even discuss it — Elspeth is convinced that if they found a mage with herald-like qualities, he/she could check youngsters for mage potential and then train people to be Herald mages.
In alternating chapters, we meet Darkwind, who was once a mage but has renounced his gift after his mother was killed in an accident. He is a Hawkbrother in the clan k’Sheyna, a clan that is dying for reasons they can’t quite piece together. Taking up a position as a scout along the clan’s border, Darkwind finds a cat-like woman — a Changechild — who assists some animals despite being injured. He takes her under his wing only to learn she has a deadly master, a blood mage, who has something to do with k’Sheyna’s downfall. . .
The plot is exciting. If Valdemar gets a mage who can check other people for mage potential, it’s like returning to the days of Vanyel! The only reason there haven’t been mages in Valdemar is because they were dying rapidly during Vanyel’s time, and no new mages were identified. No new mages have come to Valdemar because of the spell Vanyel set. Note: Valdemar’s relationship with mages is covered in THE LAST HERALD MAGE.
Winds of Fate doesn’t end on a terribly happy note, though. The blood mage the characters fight — Mornelithe Falconsbane — is ancient, having lived many life times, and remembers the great mage wars, which happened thousands of years ago. He wants the magic that flows through a Darkwind’s clan’s vale. Elspeth struggles with her own villain, Prince Ancar, who employs mages. And what if Ancar and Falconsbane unite? This is the first book in a trilogy, so lots of room for treachery!
The characters in Winds of Fate are hit and miss. The novel begins with Princess Elspeth training with Kerowyn. Although Jackie and I asked ourselves if it was necessary for us to side step and read By the Sword, I have no doubt it was important. Kero is the kind of fierce, logical leader I love. Her influence and training with Elspeth show: Elspeth is now a trained fighter, knowledgeable in battle strategy, and confident in her independence. Had Kerowyn not been around to get the heir to the throne in shape mentally and physically, I likely would have doubted that Elspeth matured just because time had passed.
Darkwind is an interesting addition. After meeting the ethereal, calm, highly-magical Hawkbrothers in a different clan in Vanyel’s story, I thought all Hawkbrothers would be like that. They’re not; they’re still people with stubborn attitudes and baggage. Darkwind’s characterization is interesting. In general, he seems like a Herald with a bird instead of a horse. But when he meets actual Heralds, their differences are emphasized: Heralds don’t often see magic used, they don’t live in trees, and they don’t think about how the environment is alive with magic and life. However, these differences more so emphasize the differences between Hawkbrothers and Valdemarans than Darkwind vs. other characters. Though I easily liked reading about him, I’m struggling to describe what makes him unique. There’s room for him to grow in the next two novels, and I have hope!
I was so glad Skif was back. He hasn’t really been around much since Arrow’s Flight, and I enjoyed him then. Talia rejected Skif back in those first books, deciding he’s more like a brother, and though Skif falls in love with Elspeth in Winds of Fate, she rejects him, too! I thought, “poor Skif” but then I remember women don’t have to love men just because he feels feelings. I always enjoy Skif for his limberness and trickery in his fighting strategy, reminding me he was raised a street thief, but in Winds of Fate, Skif came off as an over-bearing love-sick puppy. And that’s what Lackey was going for, I assume, so both hooray and harrumph.
Jackie and I, and other readers when they join us, write about the way Lackey represents women, from discussing birth control and menstruation, to sex-positivity and employing women in traditionally male-dominated roles. Lackey both succeeds and fails in Winds of Fate. The Changechild Darkwind harbors is genetically designed to be sexy all the time. Her master made her this way so she could seduce his enemies and use her as his own sex slave. She’s always posing and slinking and blinking and licking her lips. Gross.
Dawnfire, a woman in Darkwind’s clan, seems to exist only to have sex with Darkwind. She gives herself to him, although it seems like she wants more. She’s just waiting for him to realize that and give her a feather that represents a confirmed relationship. Lackey also writes Dawnfire as an impetuous girl, who goes where she’s asked not to and is mad when someone won’t do what she wants. Her character could have been struck from the novel with little change in the plot.
But! There were passages I eagerly highlighted when Elspeth stood up for her autonomy to Skif in a way that is definitely feminist. Elspeth leaves Valdemar to find a mage, and Skif is sent along with her as a sort of bodyguard/watchman. Elspeth is not happy, but it’s the only way she can convince Queen and council to let he go. When Skif becomes overbearing on the trip, she makes her thoughts clear, despite having left obvious warnings and “tolerated” his advances for a while:
Despite some questions that remained and some characters who could have been better written, I enjoyed the Winds of Fate and will eagerly read the next novel, Winds of Change.
This review was originally published at Grab the Lapels and is part of #ReadingValdemar.
In alternating chapters, we meet Darkwind, who was once a mage but has renounced his gift after his mother was killed in an accident. He is a Hawkbrother in the clan k’Sheyna, a clan that is dying for reasons they can’t quite piece together. Taking up a position as a scout along the clan’s border, Darkwind finds a cat-like woman — a Changechild — who assists some animals despite being injured. He takes her under his wing only to learn she has a deadly master, a blood mage, who has something to do with k’Sheyna’s downfall. . .
The plot is exciting. If Valdemar gets a mage who can check other people for mage potential, it’s like returning to the days of Vanyel! The only reason there haven’t been mages in Valdemar is because they were dying rapidly during Vanyel’s time, and no new mages were identified. No new mages have come to Valdemar because of the spell Vanyel set. Note: Valdemar’s relationship with mages is covered in THE LAST HERALD MAGE.
Winds of Fate doesn’t end on a terribly happy note, though. The blood mage the characters fight — Mornelithe Falconsbane — is ancient, having lived many life times, and remembers the great mage wars, which happened thousands of years ago. He wants the magic that flows through a Darkwind’s clan’s vale. Elspeth struggles with her own villain, Prince Ancar, who employs mages. And what if Ancar and Falconsbane unite? This is the first book in a trilogy, so lots of room for treachery!
The characters in Winds of Fate are hit and miss. The novel begins with Princess Elspeth training with Kerowyn. Although Jackie and I asked ourselves if it was necessary for us to side step and read By the Sword, I have no doubt it was important. Kero is the kind of fierce, logical leader I love. Her influence and training with Elspeth show: Elspeth is now a trained fighter, knowledgeable in battle strategy, and confident in her independence. Had Kerowyn not been around to get the heir to the throne in shape mentally and physically, I likely would have doubted that Elspeth matured just because time had passed.
Darkwind is an interesting addition. After meeting the ethereal, calm, highly-magical Hawkbrothers in a different clan in Vanyel’s story, I thought all Hawkbrothers would be like that. They’re not; they’re still people with stubborn attitudes and baggage. Darkwind’s characterization is interesting. In general, he seems like a Herald with a bird instead of a horse. But when he meets actual Heralds, their differences are emphasized: Heralds don’t often see magic used, they don’t live in trees, and they don’t think about how the environment is alive with magic and life. However, these differences more so emphasize the differences between Hawkbrothers and Valdemarans than Darkwind vs. other characters. Though I easily liked reading about him, I’m struggling to describe what makes him unique. There’s room for him to grow in the next two novels, and I have hope!
I was so glad Skif was back. He hasn’t really been around much since Arrow’s Flight, and I enjoyed him then. Talia rejected Skif back in those first books, deciding he’s more like a brother, and though Skif falls in love with Elspeth in Winds of Fate, she rejects him, too! I thought, “poor Skif” but then I remember women don’t have to love men just because he feels feelings. I always enjoy Skif for his limberness and trickery in his fighting strategy, reminding me he was raised a street thief, but in Winds of Fate, Skif came off as an over-bearing love-sick puppy. And that’s what Lackey was going for, I assume, so both hooray and harrumph.
Jackie and I, and other readers when they join us, write about the way Lackey represents women, from discussing birth control and menstruation, to sex-positivity and employing women in traditionally male-dominated roles. Lackey both succeeds and fails in Winds of Fate. The Changechild Darkwind harbors is genetically designed to be sexy all the time. Her master made her this way so she could seduce his enemies and use her as his own sex slave. She’s always posing and slinking and blinking and licking her lips. Gross.
Dawnfire, a woman in Darkwind’s clan, seems to exist only to have sex with Darkwind. She gives herself to him, although it seems like she wants more. She’s just waiting for him to realize that and give her a feather that represents a confirmed relationship. Lackey also writes Dawnfire as an impetuous girl, who goes where she’s asked not to and is mad when someone won’t do what she wants. Her character could have been struck from the novel with little change in the plot.
But! There were passages I eagerly highlighted when Elspeth stood up for her autonomy to Skif in a way that is definitely feminist. Elspeth leaves Valdemar to find a mage, and Skif is sent along with her as a sort of bodyguard/watchman. Elspeth is not happy, but it’s the only way she can convince Queen and council to let he go. When Skif becomes overbearing on the trip, she makes her thoughts clear, despite having left obvious warnings and “tolerated” his advances for a while:
“Don’t you dare say it,” she snarled. “Don’t you dare say that you love me! You don’t love me, you love what you think I am. If you loved me, you wouldn’t keep trying to prove you were better than me, that I should follow your lead, let you take over, permit you to make all the decisions. . . .”I cackled when Skif pulled out the “Some of my best friends are _______” card, a move that is so tone deaf regardless of who you put on the blank line. Elspeth takes him down, reminding him that not only is she an heir, but a human being. Lackey has never made it a thing where male heralds protect female heralds, not that I can remember, and I’m glad she doesn’t start now.
“I’m not like that!” he bristled. “Some of my best friends are female!”
She very nearly strangled him.
Despite some questions that remained and some characters who could have been better written, I enjoyed the Winds of Fate and will eagerly read the next novel, Winds of Change.
This review was originally published at Grab the Lapels and is part of #ReadingValdemar.
August 14, 2015
This book earns 3.2 out of five stars. This author was recommended to me since I love to read fantasy, but if this book is a fair representation of her stories, I don't know if I'll be seeking another of her titles in the immediate future.
The beginning really dragged with two characters narrating the story who had no apparent connection. In fact, the first 1/4 of the book felt like backstory and setup. I was more than halfway through before I finally was sold on the story (I skimmed much of the description and legends in the early parts of the book). The two narrators didn't meet until the 3/4 point.
I liked Darkwing and pictured him as an elf (although he has a different name in this book). He was well-drawn, interesting and believable. I found Elspeth to act one way at home and then completely jerk-like the rest of the story. I thought many of her reactions served the story rather than her character, and in the end, I still didn't like her much.
Even though it is book one of a trilogy, it has its own story problem and a clear resolution (even though the resolution is just that both of the main characters are in a different place emotionally and mentally at the end). For some reason, I thought it was a YA book (and Elspeth especially reads like a spoiled teenage girl), but there are a couple intimate scenes and tons of sexual references. In the end, I realized the characters were supposed to be older.
If you're a fan of Ms. Lackey, could you recommend a book by her? Preferrably one that does not start with backstory and contain a myth and/or history in every chapter (I'm not exaggerating here). I would like to give her a fair shot, and perhaps this is just not the series that will do it.
The beginning really dragged with two characters narrating the story who had no apparent connection. In fact, the first 1/4 of the book felt like backstory and setup. I was more than halfway through before I finally was sold on the story (I skimmed much of the description and legends in the early parts of the book). The two narrators didn't meet until the 3/4 point.
I liked Darkwing and pictured him as an elf (although he has a different name in this book). He was well-drawn, interesting and believable. I found Elspeth to act one way at home and then completely jerk-like the rest of the story. I thought many of her reactions served the story rather than her character, and in the end, I still didn't like her much.
Even though it is book one of a trilogy, it has its own story problem and a clear resolution (even though the resolution is just that both of the main characters are in a different place emotionally and mentally at the end). For some reason, I thought it was a YA book (and Elspeth especially reads like a spoiled teenage girl), but there are a couple intimate scenes and tons of sexual references. In the end, I realized the characters were supposed to be older.
If you're a fan of Ms. Lackey, could you recommend a book by her? Preferrably one that does not start with backstory and contain a myth and/or history in every chapter (I'm not exaggerating here). I would like to give her a fair shot, and perhaps this is just not the series that will do it.
August 23, 2007
I was a bit of a Mercedes Lackey fanatic back in the day. I still re-read them from time to time just because I really like the characters. This particular trilogy in Valdemar is my favorite for that very reason. Having read 20 other books all with their own separate plots and characters and legends, its fantastic to see them all come crashing together in this one. Before you read it, make sure you've read the black griffon trilogy, which is actually kind of crappy and I blame it on her husband that co-wrote it with her, but it gives you a good background. Just as well, read Kerowyn's tale, by the sword, which is quite good, Vanyel's tales (Magic's pawn, promise, price), Talia's (Arrows of the queen, etc.). They all have something to do with what happens next.
With Lackey its all about the depth of the world, the writing will get a bit repetative, but if you like the world and the characters and the ways they go about things, the entire Valdemar series is a lot of fun to jump into.
With Lackey its all about the depth of the world, the writing will get a bit repetative, but if you like the world and the characters and the ways they go about things, the entire Valdemar series is a lot of fun to jump into.
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