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Valdemar: Vows and Honor #1-2
Vows and Honor
The sole survivor of a raiders' killing spree, Tarma shena Tale'sedrin becomes a Swordsworn warrior-priestess of the Goddess and vows to found a new Clan Tale'sedrin someday. She is helped in her quest by Kethry, who fled an abusive past to master her magical talent as a White Winds mage. Together Tarma and Kethry are bound by Kethry's sword Need to come to the aid of any woman in danger. As they go on missions of mercy and perform mercenary deeds to survive, the blood-sisters attempt to re-found the clan. Read less
480 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1993
5 people are currently reading
962 people want to read
About the author
Mercedes Lackey
431 books9,569 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 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 5, 2012
I COULD REREAD THESE LADIES ANY DAY OF THE WEEK AND STILL BE HAPPY okay that's too much capslock down self
I have a great deal of fondness for the arc of Tarma and Kethry, and it holds up well to rereads. But I am nostalgiabinging right now.
I have a great deal of fondness for the arc of Tarma and Kethry, and it holds up well to rereads. But I am nostalgiabinging right now.
December 13, 2013
Strong female leads? Check. Interesting world building? Check. Descriptive writing? Check. I absolutely loved this book and was somewhat embarrassed that I had not been an avid reader of Mercedes Lackey before.
November 1, 2020
It’s been a long time since I read a high fantasy novel, and I’m glad this book brought me back into it. Vows and Honor is two novels, really – The Oathbound and Oathbreakers – both following Tarma and Kethry, a warrior and a mage, on their adventures.
These stories are written as though they are glimpses into Tarma and Kethry’s life. It’s clear at all times that there’s a whole world outside of what we see. Sometimes the characters would make an inside joke about an adventure which took place off-screen, and as much as I would have liked to read about that adventure, not having seen it added to the sense of realism and immersion for me. On the other hand, sometimes Tarma or Kethry would pull out a skill or piece of knowledge which had never been referenced before, making their success feel a bit unearned. Any frustration I felt about this, though, was outweighed by how much I liked the characters and wanted them to succeed – even if by Deus ex Machina.
A lot of the joy of reading these books is watching Tarma and Kethry interact. Their care for each other is clear in every word, joke, and reassurance. Their relationship is completely platonic, and yet it is the most important relationship in the story world, which I absolutely loved to see. Even when a romantic interest enters the story for Kethry, he is well aware that he ranks behind Tarma in importance in Kethry’s life. They are planning on building a future together, and they have a truly beautiful bond.
Vows and Honor is in many ways a revenge fantasy. Kethry’s sword, Need, compels her to defend women in danger – and that danger is usually rape and murder. Be forewarned – sexual assault is both discussed as a part of characters’ backstories and presented in-scene. Pedophilia, drugging, and addiction are also here. On the one hand, it’s satisfying to see these real-world issues confronted and overwhelmingly defeated. On the other hand, the book has an unfortunate way of presenting things like rape as a natural part of life, something that will always be used against women, rather than something that could one day be removed from society. It doesn’t blame the victims, exactly, but it still feels icky to me. (On a related note, literally every male character in the books comments on how attractive Kethry is, either in the narration or in dialogue, to the point of extreme creepiness.) (There’s also some incredibly bizarre gender-essentialist/transphobic language regarding what it means to truly be a woman, which is difficult to explain without spoiling the main conflicts of The Oathbound, but it would be neglectful of me to not mention it.)
Tarma is explicitly asexual, though it’s an outdated use of the term. The book conflates lack of sexual desire with lack of romantic desire, as well as with being agender or “neuter.” Her asexuality also has a cause – a vow she made to her deity – instead of her being born that way (people who experience their asexuality as having a cause may find this representation valuable, but it does not line up with my own experience). Nevertheless, there’s a lot that I love about how Tarma’s asexuality is portrayed. Her friends accept it as who she is and place no expectation on her to change. At one point, a side character claims that he would be able to awaken her sexual desire, and he is firmly rejected by everyone else in the book. The narrative also makes a clear statement about how asexual people still can and will have important, loving connections with other people.
Mercedes Lackey’s prose is a delight to read. I underlined many interesting turns of phrase, as well as details which made me think about what details I should consider highlighting in my own fantasy novels. This is a story of women supporting each other, of awesome horses and magical creatures, and of interesting twists on well-known fantasy tropes. Though we have in many ways moved on from its brand of feminism, Vows and Honor deserves to be called a classic.
These stories are written as though they are glimpses into Tarma and Kethry’s life. It’s clear at all times that there’s a whole world outside of what we see. Sometimes the characters would make an inside joke about an adventure which took place off-screen, and as much as I would have liked to read about that adventure, not having seen it added to the sense of realism and immersion for me. On the other hand, sometimes Tarma or Kethry would pull out a skill or piece of knowledge which had never been referenced before, making their success feel a bit unearned. Any frustration I felt about this, though, was outweighed by how much I liked the characters and wanted them to succeed – even if by Deus ex Machina.
A lot of the joy of reading these books is watching Tarma and Kethry interact. Their care for each other is clear in every word, joke, and reassurance. Their relationship is completely platonic, and yet it is the most important relationship in the story world, which I absolutely loved to see. Even when a romantic interest enters the story for Kethry, he is well aware that he ranks behind Tarma in importance in Kethry’s life. They are planning on building a future together, and they have a truly beautiful bond.
Vows and Honor is in many ways a revenge fantasy. Kethry’s sword, Need, compels her to defend women in danger – and that danger is usually rape and murder. Be forewarned – sexual assault is both discussed as a part of characters’ backstories and presented in-scene. Pedophilia, drugging, and addiction are also here. On the one hand, it’s satisfying to see these real-world issues confronted and overwhelmingly defeated. On the other hand, the book has an unfortunate way of presenting things like rape as a natural part of life, something that will always be used against women, rather than something that could one day be removed from society. It doesn’t blame the victims, exactly, but it still feels icky to me. (On a related note, literally every male character in the books comments on how attractive Kethry is, either in the narration or in dialogue, to the point of extreme creepiness.) (There’s also some incredibly bizarre gender-essentialist/transphobic language regarding what it means to truly be a woman, which is difficult to explain without spoiling the main conflicts of The Oathbound, but it would be neglectful of me to not mention it.)
Tarma is explicitly asexual, though it’s an outdated use of the term. The book conflates lack of sexual desire with lack of romantic desire, as well as with being agender or “neuter.” Her asexuality also has a cause – a vow she made to her deity – instead of her being born that way (people who experience their asexuality as having a cause may find this representation valuable, but it does not line up with my own experience). Nevertheless, there’s a lot that I love about how Tarma’s asexuality is portrayed. Her friends accept it as who she is and place no expectation on her to change. At one point, a side character claims that he would be able to awaken her sexual desire, and he is firmly rejected by everyone else in the book. The narrative also makes a clear statement about how asexual people still can and will have important, loving connections with other people.
Mercedes Lackey’s prose is a delight to read. I underlined many interesting turns of phrase, as well as details which made me think about what details I should consider highlighting in my own fantasy novels. This is a story of women supporting each other, of awesome horses and magical creatures, and of interesting twists on well-known fantasy tropes. Though we have in many ways moved on from its brand of feminism, Vows and Honor deserves to be called a classic.
May 16, 2019
If you are buying used, please do NOT buy this edition! There is an edition with an identical cover that includes the 3rd book of short stories, and a modern omnibus available, called Tarma and Kethry
Let me start by saying that I usually really enjoy Mercedes Lackey's writing, and I have read quite a bit of her Elemental Masters and 500 Kingdoms series with pleasure. This was my first Valdemar book, and I do NOT recommend starting here!
The story of Tarma and Kethry is tangential to Valdemar at best and overall this seems more of a special fan project, especially given the Appendix II - Songs and Poems (which were recorded by Lackey). Most of the Songs are clearly meant to be comical and appear to be part of a running joke about Tarma and a persistent Bard, Leslac, who is not mentioned much in the story (and therefore likely appears in the missing short stories). Appendix I is a Dictionary of Shin'a'in Terms (which I wish I had known was there while I was reading!).
Tarma is a Shin'a'in warrior and Kethry is a sorceress. Both have been hard done by men in their lives. Tarma has lost her tribe to violence and is out for vengeance; Kethry is a rare White Winds mage who has just found and bonded with the sword Need, which is unique in that it was forged by women to address injustices against female kind. Tarma and Kethry rescue each other somehow and decide to travel together in a short story that is NOT included in this edition, which is a very odd editorial decision. I can see not including the others, perhaps, but I'm surprised the very first short wasn't made the first chapter!
Book I: The Oathbound ⭐/5
This starts on the road, right after the (missing) short origin story. It does not read like a book, as there are obviously missing events which were presumably related in the other short stories (again, not included - the absence of these proves very important LOL). The rest is a bunch of chapters that read like unfinished short stories themselves, or outlines for such; indeed, Chapter 8 - the strongest chapter - is a story set around a ballad and was previously published as an audiotape special edition in 1985, which is part of the reason that these anecdotes feel like "fan extras".
What we have is a duo who are written in short form, appearing as a sort of reoccurring comic relief I expect (we are FEMALE barbarians, here us roar! ha ha), and this first "book" is a mess that is hardly readable without the missing short stories for context. Not up to Lackey's usual standard at all, it reads much more like really bad fan fiction.
Book II: The Oathblood ⭐⭐/5
The good news is that this second half is written more like a book, in a more linear format. But the pacing is all off, with big time jumps. Many important events - including most of the final battle! - fade to black, and this time the reason does not seem to be the existence of the short stories. Although an easier read, it is still hardly recognizable as a Lackey book.
I really wanted to like the main characters of Tarma and Kethry. Both had a lot of potential but we learn very little - next to nothing, really - about their personal feelings and both women remain frustratingly vague. There is definitely a format to their encounters - they are hired to solve a problem and Kethry uses her magic while Tarma provides the muscle. Most of the early adventures result from Need compelling Kethry to rescue a female in trouble, with Tarma trailing along to protect her back.
Both women have faced sexual and physical violence, and the topic naturally arises a lot, given Need's mission. Power abuse, most often expressed through rape of males and females, is the theme running throughout which contrasts uncomfortably with the light, bantering feel. The demon story in the first book was particularly dark. There are two instances where Kethry turns a man into a woman to be "raped and suffer women's fates", in the kind of reverse-feminism that was very popular at one time. This imbalance between content and message is completely jarring and, in my opinion, a sign of sloppy writing.
Then there is the issue of Tarma and Kethry's relationship. When they met (in that origin short story again) they pledged, for some reason, to become blood-oathed sisters, or "she'enedra", and their closeness (which doesn't seem all that obvious, to be honest, especially given Tarma's stone-faced public demeanor) is always remarked upon by others and most often interpreted as lesbianism, which is either objectionable (evil) or objectified (hey, can I watch?) by all. This dates the books somewhat. Although we learn that this is not what the bond is about, we in fact learn very little about what the bond *is*, only that is somehow obligates Kethry to have children which will help rebuild Tarma's lost tribe, Talesedrin.
The duo also have a dream of opening up a school, where Tarma can train warriors and Kethry can teach magic, and the mercenary jobs they take are a means to an end, to get them enough coin to establish their school. I was looking forward to this part, but the book ends before it is established.
The other problem is the sword, Need. I gather that Need is part of what brought Tarma and Kethry together and enabled their bond. After driving most of the action in the first book, Kethry decides it's a pest and Tarma is bitter that the justice jobs don't pay, so they decide to ignore it and Need vanishes from the second book. If you had an all-powerful magic sword that would give you the chance to write the wrongs of the world - many of which you've personally been victim too - wouldn't it be something you'd grab with both hands and be grateful to use? Evidently not.
Overall, this was a waste of time to read. Confusing, vague and just all around disappointing. I will still try Valdemar one day, but I will start with the Arrows Trilogy (also out in omnibus edition), which starts with
.
Let me start by saying that I usually really enjoy Mercedes Lackey's writing, and I have read quite a bit of her Elemental Masters and 500 Kingdoms series with pleasure. This was my first Valdemar book, and I do NOT recommend starting here!
The story of Tarma and Kethry is tangential to Valdemar at best and overall this seems more of a special fan project, especially given the Appendix II - Songs and Poems (which were recorded by Lackey). Most of the Songs are clearly meant to be comical and appear to be part of a running joke about Tarma and a persistent Bard, Leslac, who is not mentioned much in the story (and therefore likely appears in the missing short stories). Appendix I is a Dictionary of Shin'a'in Terms (which I wish I had known was there while I was reading!).
Tarma is a Shin'a'in warrior and Kethry is a sorceress. Both have been hard done by men in their lives. Tarma has lost her tribe to violence and is out for vengeance; Kethry is a rare White Winds mage who has just found and bonded with the sword Need, which is unique in that it was forged by women to address injustices against female kind. Tarma and Kethry rescue each other somehow and decide to travel together in a short story that is NOT included in this edition, which is a very odd editorial decision. I can see not including the others, perhaps, but I'm surprised the very first short wasn't made the first chapter!
Book I: The Oathbound ⭐/5
This starts on the road, right after the (missing) short origin story. It does not read like a book, as there are obviously missing events which were presumably related in the other short stories (again, not included - the absence of these proves very important LOL). The rest is a bunch of chapters that read like unfinished short stories themselves, or outlines for such; indeed, Chapter 8 - the strongest chapter - is a story set around a ballad and was previously published as an audiotape special edition in 1985, which is part of the reason that these anecdotes feel like "fan extras".
What we have is a duo who are written in short form, appearing as a sort of reoccurring comic relief I expect (we are FEMALE barbarians, here us roar! ha ha), and this first "book" is a mess that is hardly readable without the missing short stories for context. Not up to Lackey's usual standard at all, it reads much more like really bad fan fiction.
Book II: The Oathblood ⭐⭐/5
The good news is that this second half is written more like a book, in a more linear format. But the pacing is all off, with big time jumps. Many important events - including most of the final battle! - fade to black, and this time the reason does not seem to be the existence of the short stories. Although an easier read, it is still hardly recognizable as a Lackey book.
I really wanted to like the main characters of Tarma and Kethry. Both had a lot of potential but we learn very little - next to nothing, really - about their personal feelings and both women remain frustratingly vague. There is definitely a format to their encounters - they are hired to solve a problem and Kethry uses her magic while Tarma provides the muscle. Most of the early adventures result from Need compelling Kethry to rescue a female in trouble, with Tarma trailing along to protect her back.
Both women have faced sexual and physical violence, and the topic naturally arises a lot, given Need's mission. Power abuse, most often expressed through rape of males and females, is the theme running throughout which contrasts uncomfortably with the light, bantering feel. The demon story in the first book was particularly dark. There are two instances where Kethry turns a man into a woman to be "raped and suffer women's fates", in the kind of reverse-feminism that was very popular at one time. This imbalance between content and message is completely jarring and, in my opinion, a sign of sloppy writing.
Then there is the issue of Tarma and Kethry's relationship. When they met (in that origin short story again) they pledged, for some reason, to become blood-oathed sisters, or "she'enedra", and their closeness (which doesn't seem all that obvious, to be honest, especially given Tarma's stone-faced public demeanor) is always remarked upon by others and most often interpreted as lesbianism, which is either objectionable (evil) or objectified (hey, can I watch?) by all. This dates the books somewhat. Although we learn that this is not what the bond is about, we in fact learn very little about what the bond *is*, only that is somehow obligates Kethry to have children which will help rebuild Tarma's lost tribe, Talesedrin.
The duo also have a dream of opening up a school, where Tarma can train warriors and Kethry can teach magic, and the mercenary jobs they take are a means to an end, to get them enough coin to establish their school. I was looking forward to this part, but the book ends before it is established.
The other problem is the sword, Need. I gather that Need is part of what brought Tarma and Kethry together and enabled their bond. After driving most of the action in the first book, Kethry decides it's a pest and Tarma is bitter that the justice jobs don't pay, so they decide to ignore it and Need vanishes from the second book. If you had an all-powerful magic sword that would give you the chance to write the wrongs of the world - many of which you've personally been victim too - wouldn't it be something you'd grab with both hands and be grateful to use? Evidently not.
Overall, this was a waste of time to read. Confusing, vague and just all around disappointing. I will still try Valdemar one day, but I will start with the Arrows Trilogy (also out in omnibus edition), which starts with
.
May 9, 2019
I'm disappointed with this story. Why is there such a mass of people that think this one big feminist fantasy orgasm?
1) YOU DO NOT NEED TO HAVE A "STRONG" FEMALE BY HAVING HER RAPED!!!
2) There are better women as in more fascinating and believable to be found in some of Lackey's other books (The Mage Wars and The Last Herald Mage trilogies...*) even if they're not the main protagonist.
3) Was the grammar check skipped for some reason? I don't think I've ever seen so many mistakes in a book, it's downright distracting at times.
Otherwise it was good munching material, a salty snack of chips instead of a filling juicy steak.
*I will add more as I move along through the series in chronological order.
1) YOU DO NOT NEED TO HAVE A "STRONG" FEMALE BY HAVING HER RAPED!!!
2) There are better women as in more fascinating and believable to be found in some of Lackey's other books (The Mage Wars and The Last Herald Mage trilogies...*) even if they're not the main protagonist.
3) Was the grammar check skipped for some reason? I don't think I've ever seen so many mistakes in a book, it's downright distracting at times.
Otherwise it was good munching material, a salty snack of chips instead of a filling juicy steak.
*I will add more as I move along through the series in chronological order.
December 5, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
Tarma and Kethry are a wonderful partnership, with each of their strengths balancing the other's small weaknesses.
I loved reading about how they first partnered up, and how they progressed through that partnership, to the point where they were able to start up their joint school.
I'm really hoping that the last book in this trilogy, is about them bringing the school together and, hopefully, of Kethry, and Jadrek, beginning to build up Tarma's Clan, with their children.
I'll soon know, as I just simply can't wait to begin the last book: Oathblood.
Tarma and Kethry are a wonderful partnership, with each of their strengths balancing the other's small weaknesses.
I loved reading about how they first partnered up, and how they progressed through that partnership, to the point where they were able to start up their joint school.
I'm really hoping that the last book in this trilogy, is about them bringing the school together and, hopefully, of Kethry, and Jadrek, beginning to build up Tarma's Clan, with their children.
I'll soon know, as I just simply can't wait to begin the last book: Oathblood.
November 16, 2019
I usually don't like trilogies in one book, but as my books aren't able to be got at, this was wonderful as an ebook.
I love this series. Tarma and Kethry are independent women making their way, successfully I might add, in their world and making changes as they go.
This ebook is three books in one. The first and third are a collection of short stories and the second one is a novel.
I love this series. Tarma and Kethry are independent women making their way, successfully I might add, in their world and making changes as they go.
This ebook is three books in one. The first and third are a collection of short stories and the second one is a novel.
Read
June 22, 2019I love these characters. Started reading them in my teenage years and adored such strong capable women who learned and grew in their strenghts. Excellent story lines, engaging characters and some kick ass fights.
July 23, 2019
Read this book long time ago I currently have all of the calendar books and only missing one gryphon book. She is one of the greatest authoress of all time. I wish I had her one of her books autographed as I have of AnneMcCaffrey.
September 5, 2019
Another omnibus. You might want to tackle this one on e-book.
August 11, 2022
Love all of ML's books. Just reread this again and enjoyed it more!
November 22, 2021
This omnibus contains two books, _The Oathbound_ and _Oathbreakers_, the story of Tarma and Kethry. It's been years since I last read this, so it was almost like a new book.
June 12, 2015
Majestic, sweeping and heroic, this omnibus involving two women’s determination to rise above their difficulties and found a school (a very unusual goal in such novels) is more than an epic saga. It manages to interject humor, wit, tenderness and genuine warmth between its very different main characters.
There’s a lot of backstory here, prequels that should probably be read in order to gain a sharper view of certain subjects referred to in its pages. But this trio of novels is so skillfully crafted that you don’t need to read the preceding novels in order to understand what’s going on with these extraordinary female characters.
The unity between these Kethry and Tarma is absolutely amazing; the affection shines through in every interaction, even when they’re arguing with each other. Make no mistake, when they play at being lovers—generally because of subterfuge—there isn’t a hint of sexual desire. No Xena-and-Gabrielle UST here; Ms. Lackey makes it plain that their bond stems from another emotional source, one just as fulfilling as amorous love. It affects them and everyone around them in subtle and not-so-subtle ways and is captivating to read, whether they’re fighting side by side or merely engaging in conversation with others.
As they wield magic and sword for pay and for honor, Kethry and Tarma wend their way across their world, making enemies and allies alike. If you’re never read Mercedes Lackey before, this taut, thrilling novel from the 80s is a magnificent start, a terrific introduction to the work of one of the grande dames of fantasy writers.
There’s a lot of backstory here, prequels that should probably be read in order to gain a sharper view of certain subjects referred to in its pages. But this trio of novels is so skillfully crafted that you don’t need to read the preceding novels in order to understand what’s going on with these extraordinary female characters.
The unity between these Kethry and Tarma is absolutely amazing; the affection shines through in every interaction, even when they’re arguing with each other. Make no mistake, when they play at being lovers—generally because of subterfuge—there isn’t a hint of sexual desire. No Xena-and-Gabrielle UST here; Ms. Lackey makes it plain that their bond stems from another emotional source, one just as fulfilling as amorous love. It affects them and everyone around them in subtle and not-so-subtle ways and is captivating to read, whether they’re fighting side by side or merely engaging in conversation with others.
As they wield magic and sword for pay and for honor, Kethry and Tarma wend their way across their world, making enemies and allies alike. If you’re never read Mercedes Lackey before, this taut, thrilling novel from the 80s is a magnificent start, a terrific introduction to the work of one of the grande dames of fantasy writers.
May 25, 2020
Rereading this set of books is as comfortable as sliding into ones favorite chair.
To me this is the perfect blend of fantasy and story-telling. With characters who I immediately adore, and a setting I would love to dwell in. Honor, valor, humor, persistence, education and hard work are valued, as well as expediency when it is called for. The two main human characters are supported by a Kyree (looks like a wolf, built like a cat, smart - or smarter than - a human) and their faithful battlesteeds (who also are more than they would casually seem to be).
I truly appreciate a hero who gets sweaty and tired. Who'd rather not go save someone today, but goes anyway because it's their job.
I can see where some readers (and honestly probably most males) would rather have a bit more bloodshed and a lot more sexual tension. But the absence of those except where absolutely needed is why I find these books to be such a refreshing change. Familiar elements (magic, quests, bards, bandits, demons) are present but there's enough difference to keep me entertained.
Just a part of the world of Valdemar but one that stands lovely on it's own or wonderfully as part of the world Lackey has created.
To me this is the perfect blend of fantasy and story-telling. With characters who I immediately adore, and a setting I would love to dwell in. Honor, valor, humor, persistence, education and hard work are valued, as well as expediency when it is called for. The two main human characters are supported by a Kyree (looks like a wolf, built like a cat, smart - or smarter than - a human) and their faithful battlesteeds (who also are more than they would casually seem to be).
I truly appreciate a hero who gets sweaty and tired. Who'd rather not go save someone today, but goes anyway because it's their job.
I can see where some readers (and honestly probably most males) would rather have a bit more bloodshed and a lot more sexual tension. But the absence of those except where absolutely needed is why I find these books to be such a refreshing change. Familiar elements (magic, quests, bards, bandits, demons) are present but there's enough difference to keep me entertained.
Just a part of the world of Valdemar but one that stands lovely on it's own or wonderfully as part of the world Lackey has created.
March 21, 2013
I started out confused when I began this book. I didn't realize that the original story linking the two characters had been told in another book so I had to piece things together. Once I figured out who was who I found myself enjoying it very much. I love reading about new species like the kyree, and the eventual introduction of and explanation of heralds. I liked this enough to track down the first story in the series so that I can read for myself how the team got together.
November 6, 2011
Loved it.
October 3, 2012
Mercedes has created the fabulous world of Valdemar. It is chock full of Magic,mystery,romance,suspense. One of the best fantasy series I've ever read.
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September 1, 2013Valdemar, Books 8 & 9
June 19, 2017
Still a great read after all these years.
May 3, 2016
I love it really engaging I have read it dozens of times.
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June 8, 2017I believe this showed women can be strong and stand for their cause and work together as a team! Thank you Mercedes for writing this so long ago,
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