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Tales of Valdemar #9
Crucible
In March 1987, Mercedes Lackey, a young author from Oklahoma, published her first novel, Arrows of the Queen. No one could have envisioned that this modest book about a magical land called Valdemar would be the beginning of a fantasy masterwork series that would span decades and include more than two dozen titles.Now the voices of other authors add their own special touches to the ancient land where Heralds “Chosen” from all walks of life by magical horse-like Companions patrol their ancient kingdom, dispensing justice, facing adversaries, and protecting their monarch and country from whatever threatens. Trained rigorously by the Herald’s Collegium, these special protectors each have extraordinary Mindspeaking, FarSeeing, FarSpeaking, Empathy, Firestarting and ForeSeeing, and are bonded for life with their mysterious Companions. Travel with these astounding adventurers in these original stories.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2015
107 people are currently reading
1178 people want to read
About the author
Mercedes Lackey
432 books9,555 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 88 reviews
November 15, 2017
This was a fun, quick read, but to be honest, only one story touched me and that was The Note by Phaedra Weldon. it tells the story of a Companion and her Chosen, but through the experience of the Chosen's mother. It's a story full of sadness, bitterness, anger, and ultimately, redemption.
November 25, 2015
It may be all-new tales of Valdemar, but for the most part I found myself in only a vaguely familiar landscape. I never managed to get into the Mage Storm books, which didn't help, and the dearth of familiar characters was another impediment; even a major inconsistency I spotted in a later story. I was halfway through before I found one that *felt* like a Valdemar story to me, albeit without Heralds.
So I didn't get on with it as a Valdemar extension, but otherwise the stories themselves were quite good. There were stories of healers and bards, of love and fear, of the trapped and the lost, of new twists on Gifts, of revolutions and rogues. So a variety, but not quite my cup of tea.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
So I didn't get on with it as a Valdemar extension, but otherwise the stories themselves were quite good. There were stories of healers and bards, of love and fear, of the trapped and the lost, of new twists on Gifts, of revolutions and rogues. So a variety, but not quite my cup of tea.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2018
A very mixed bag. Some reasonable stories, but mostly no better than so-so. No one story was a real winner, and too few of them were even 3 stars, so the overall compilation? 2 stars. And I'm being generous.
October 1, 2023
As always - some I love, some I like, some are not for me.
I love the stories about the older Heralds/Healers and so on.
Also, the one of the Mother who lost her Herald daughter? Woha.
I love the stories about the older Heralds/Healers and so on.
Also, the one of the Mother who lost her Herald daughter? Woha.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2015
Mercedes Lackey has had a really rough year, so when I found out she had a new book out I knew I needed to buy it new for maximum royalties to go to her. Crucible is a book of short stories, one of which is by Lackey, the others by different writers.
I enjoyed each. We have the usual stories of Choosings, Healers and Bards, with a few of Shin'a'in and Tayledras for seasoning. I'm a sucker for telepathy stories, and Mindspeech factors in quite a few of these, so that makes me almost unreasonably happy - especially when it's used in unexpected ways. I do enjoy when Heralds aren't the main characters. Lackey gives me a lot to like here, with many Healer stories to get into. Am I the only woman in the world who never wanted a magic horse? I might be, but the use of Heralds mostly as supportive characters and the focus on others appealed to me.
The best part of this is that you don't have to know anything about Lackey's world of Valdemar to enjoy the book. It helps, of course, but these stories stand on their own and work quite well as bite-sized introductions to the world. If you're looking to jump into Valdemar but don't want to commit to a trilogy or figuring out where to start, I recommend this collection as an option.
Five of five stars, highly enjoyed!
I enjoyed each. We have the usual stories of Choosings, Healers and Bards, with a few of Shin'a'in and Tayledras for seasoning. I'm a sucker for telepathy stories, and Mindspeech factors in quite a few of these, so that makes me almost unreasonably happy - especially when it's used in unexpected ways. I do enjoy when Heralds aren't the main characters. Lackey gives me a lot to like here, with many Healer stories to get into. Am I the only woman in the world who never wanted a magic horse? I might be, but the use of Heralds mostly as supportive characters and the focus on others appealed to me.
The best part of this is that you don't have to know anything about Lackey's world of Valdemar to enjoy the book. It helps, of course, but these stories stand on their own and work quite well as bite-sized introductions to the world. If you're looking to jump into Valdemar but don't want to commit to a trilogy or figuring out where to start, I recommend this collection as an option.
Five of five stars, highly enjoyed!
February 22, 2022
Been meaning to read this for ages. ( Apparently I put this on my want to read list in 2015. Really I should never keep lists as I forget to read them!) A good collection of Valdemar referencing short stories that have a more interesting bent than those in Boundaries which I read recently.
January 18, 2017
Part of the 5yr read-along. See books #5 & 8. Particularly like the stories about Lady Cera and her Rethwellan estate. Several other good story lines carried from one book to the next.
October 10, 2022
An anthology that is ninth in the Tales of Valdemar with eighteen short stories in the Valdemar fantasy series and revolving around the inhabitants of the lands.
The Series
"The Highjorune Masque" (Wil and Lelia, 6; It takes place after Exile’s Honor , 1355 AF, and I think it's the first mention of Lord Dark)
"Unresolved Consequences" (Lady Cera of Sandbriar, 2)
"A Bellowing of Bullfinches" (Lena, 3)
"She Chooses" (Sparrow and Brock, 2)
"Before a River Runs Through It" (Dann Family of Haven, 6)
"Never Alone" (Herald Syrriah, 1)
"Vexed Vixen" (during the time of Vanyel)
For the character lists for each story, read the review on KD Did It.com.
The Stories
Jennifer Brozek's "Feathers in Need"
"Feathers in Need" takes place just after the Mage Storms have changed magic ( Storm Breaking , Mage Storms-3 (Valdemar 1376-5 AF). One of the protagonists was changed due to her curiosity while the other was changed through pure accident.
It comes down to Kitha's sense of duty and the twinning of two souls who become one — and of countering others' perception of them as disabled. I love Hadara's comment about being blind doesn't mean she's stupid! Hullo!!!
It's interesting that Brozek has Tayledras helping the Shin'a'in to evacuate when they've been so against each other for so long. Then again, maybe we aren't so deep into this world yet. I sure couldn't tell.
Stephanie D Shaver's "The Highjorune Masque"
There's trouble in Valdemar and a mention of Lord Dark. With Ferrin to stir up trouble with his seditious talk and manipulative Gift, one which gives Ferrin his high.
The masque is simply a word for meeting. I'm not sure why the Bardic Circle would simply toss the guy out. Not with his "gift". Ferrin is a nightmare who thinks it's okay to rape women. After all, others do.
Dylan Birtolo's "Lost Song"
"Lost Song" is a very short and very sad story about a bard who no longer cares. Who tries to drink away his memories. Who would welcome death. Only, there are good people out there. More than the bad. There are also those out there who have suffered in similar ways.
Elizabeth A Vaughan's "Unresolved Consequences"
Lady Cerartha is hoping to make it through her first winter. Hoping to find a product that will help her people do more than survive.
It provides a back history on the chirras and how they were brought to Sandbriar and survived. It also provides insight into Cera's distant and near past. It seems that even Companions can suffer from PTSD.
I do like those Heralds. They consider people and their individual needs. Yeah, not like our politicians who think they're best suited to decide what we [women] do with our bodies.
Ron Collins' "Gifts of Rage and Despair"
Its a partnership of Healer and kyree with the powers of one fading and the other's being enhanced. A failing that leads to Kade's eager acceptance of a "promise".
It was rather whiny with each questioning how the other "knows" they'll never leave and will always be there.
We all know how much we want to learn more, to be better. And it's funny how we believe that having the Internet means we have a better chance of learning the truth when all the Internet is, is a way to spread people's own version of things. Just because it's in the cloud doesn't mean it's accurate.
Okay, okay, that whine over, Collins' story is something of a mish-mash that didn't hold together for me.
Elisabeth Waters' "A Bellowing of Bullfinches"
It's a sad commentary about fashion, and the lengths to which people will stoop. Fortunately, there are also loyal friends, those who see the truth, and those who want only the best for others. It's rather funny how Lena and Maia play on her ladyship's prejudices.
When it comes to animals (or children), shameless bribery is an excellent training technique, lol.
Michele Lang's "She Chooses"
There's been change in Longfall; it has been three years since Sparrow and Brock left the village after all. Only it's not a change either of them would ever suspect.
Doing the right thing is sometimes very hard.
Ehh. Another mish-mash that was sometimes hard to follow.
Kristin Schwengel's "The Harvest"
It's a tricky situation with one faction blackmailing others, which means Del and Jenny need to use care in moving this message to its intended recipient.
Fiona Patton's "Before a River Runs Through It"
I wasn't expecting a battle over dung between seven- and ten-year-olds. Ol' Jez might reconsider how badly he wants that cool cell and free breakfast, lol. The ranking on who collects what was unexpected but it does make sense. The heavier the dung, the older you are.
HAH! Lolol, and kids think they haven't any power, *more laughter*
Louisa Swann's "Hertasi and Wyrsa and Magpies, Oh My!"
I like that Medran is into the "teaching opportunities". Something I need. It seems that Roli needs a different sort of training now, for his out-of-control psychokinesis. He also needs to find his own people and Swann keeps it close to the vest as to what species Roli is.
Michael Z Williamson and Jessica Schlenker's "A Fire in the Grass"
It's bittersweet as it's a partial coming-home for Keth' while Yssanda hopes it will come to feel like home. It's been a long trip from Haven to this potential new embassy, and Heralds have been dropping off along the way to arrange Waystations to make future journeys easier.
It's Keth's idea to set up the embassy, for he knows people who have magic need training, and no Shin'a'in will do magic. They have it, but they don't have control of it nor do they know when to use it. Of course, it turns out that Keth' has his own learning to accomplish too, for there is no one true way.
It is necessary to change with the world, if we are to survive.
Dayle A Dermatis' "Never Alone"
Poor Syrriah. Her life upended a year ago when she and her beloved husband had planned to retire(!), and now she's thrust in amongst a bunch of kids. Luckily, her past life experience makes her perfect when she learns about the challenge. Not only is she good with a bow, but she's had twenty years of experience in overseeing a manor.
They do say that the Companions Choose their person to fill a need they see coming up. That's certainly the case with Syrriah. Dermatis does need to pay attention to his storyline, as various "facts" here don't agree with the "facts" in "Old Loom, New Tapestry".
Brigid Collins' "Down the Line"
Grandfather is insisting that Torec marry. He hasn't any magic, so he must do his duty by the family. It's a betrayal so great, so hideous . . . If only she'd looked.
The Companion makes an excellent point that no Gift is evil. Evil comes from how someone uses their Gift — and a Companion never Chooses wrong.
Angela Penrose's "Ghosts of the Past"
People are going missing. And Arvil and Graya discover it's a trip down bad memories lane.
Crack me up. Arvil and Graya don't have Mindspeech, so they communicate via hoof count and a stylus.
Anthea Sharp's "The Quiet Gift"
"Valor" was one of her best . . . and it's still not enough. The Master Bard is not feeling her Gift. Her talent? Yes. But not the Gift Shandara has. And the harder she works, the less reliable her Gift. In a few weeks she'll have to perform in front of everyone. And then it happens. How will she play? And then that cold hits her throat. And she still has to perform. She'll be a laughingstock!
I gotta say, the girl is a bit dim about events at the concert.
Kerrie L Hughes' "Healing Home"
Her father gave her a chance five years ago. And Jorie took it. Now she's back for his funeral. And in time to note how many people are sick.
Jeez, that sister of hers is a piece of work! With such a filthy mind. How does Alphon reckon he'll get away with hurting a Herald? Oh, I love it, I love it. That rescue was brilliant even if it was too abrupt. It's a story with good bones, but Hughes needs to work on it some more. Too much tell.
Phaedra Weldon's "The Note"
Elfyn gave birth to Lynal. Now, she'll bury her. The Healers couldn't save her but a Herald was sent to tell Elfyn and get her back for her last sight of her daughter.
Whew, it's a story of loss after loss after loss. With a good bucketful of jealousy thrown in. I gotta wonder about Elfyn's husband, if the men he trusted were thieves. Hullo. Then a different sort of loss is caused by pride. Hmm, I guess not everyone in Valdemar knows about Companions.
Oh, it's a sad tale and I cried. But Weldon could have really wrung this one. Instead, it's another mish-mash.
Mercedes Lackey's "Vexed Vixen"
They need a Healer, and they take her. Little do they know she has some special talents, some especially quick wits as well.
How dumb are these guys? Yep, the road is dangerous, and if a town misses its traveling Healer, the bandits think they'll just ignore it?
The Cover and Title
The cover has a black background with a dull gold border all the way around. Part of the border races across the top to form the bottom line of a box to display the title in gold with the info on it being all new tales in white. Beneath that is an epigraph in white. Immediately below that on the sides are pastel color blocks stacked with a thicker dull gold border around them to frame in the heater shield that takes up most of the cover. It has a purple and blue drapery-style background with a lilac-covered Companion's head in profile, looking right. The head of a young Herald with reddish-brown hair swirling in the wind is under the Companion's chin. Another, smaller heater shield with a deep blue-gray background with a scattering of silver rivets overlaps the bottom line of the top rectangle and points to the Companion's eye. The shield contains a white pegasus. Another heater shield is at the bottom of the large one and has a black background with a flattened red gryphon, its wings spread wide. At the bottom is another rectangle formed by thin, dull gold lines noting the editor of this anthology.
The title refers to the general theme for the stories, of characters going through a Crucible.
The Series
"The Highjorune Masque" (Wil and Lelia, 6; It takes place after Exile’s Honor , 1355 AF, and I think it's the first mention of Lord Dark)
"Unresolved Consequences" (Lady Cera of Sandbriar, 2)
"A Bellowing of Bullfinches" (Lena, 3)
"She Chooses" (Sparrow and Brock, 2)
"Before a River Runs Through It" (Dann Family of Haven, 6)
"Never Alone" (Herald Syrriah, 1)
"Vexed Vixen" (during the time of Vanyel)
For the character lists for each story, read the review on KD Did It.com.
The Stories
Jennifer Brozek's "Feathers in Need"
"Feathers in Need" takes place just after the Mage Storms have changed magic ( Storm Breaking , Mage Storms-3 (Valdemar 1376-5 AF). One of the protagonists was changed due to her curiosity while the other was changed through pure accident.
It comes down to Kitha's sense of duty and the twinning of two souls who become one — and of countering others' perception of them as disabled. I love Hadara's comment about being blind doesn't mean she's stupid! Hullo!!!
It's interesting that Brozek has Tayledras helping the Shin'a'in to evacuate when they've been so against each other for so long. Then again, maybe we aren't so deep into this world yet. I sure couldn't tell.
Stephanie D Shaver's "The Highjorune Masque"
There's trouble in Valdemar and a mention of Lord Dark. With Ferrin to stir up trouble with his seditious talk and manipulative Gift, one which gives Ferrin his high.
The masque is simply a word for meeting. I'm not sure why the Bardic Circle would simply toss the guy out. Not with his "gift". Ferrin is a nightmare who thinks it's okay to rape women. After all, others do.
Dylan Birtolo's "Lost Song"
"Lost Song" is a very short and very sad story about a bard who no longer cares. Who tries to drink away his memories. Who would welcome death. Only, there are good people out there. More than the bad. There are also those out there who have suffered in similar ways.
Elizabeth A Vaughan's "Unresolved Consequences"
Lady Cerartha is hoping to make it through her first winter. Hoping to find a product that will help her people do more than survive.
It provides a back history on the chirras and how they were brought to Sandbriar and survived. It also provides insight into Cera's distant and near past. It seems that even Companions can suffer from PTSD.
I do like those Heralds. They consider people and their individual needs. Yeah, not like our politicians who think they're best suited to decide what we [women] do with our bodies.
Ron Collins' "Gifts of Rage and Despair"
Its a partnership of Healer and kyree with the powers of one fading and the other's being enhanced. A failing that leads to Kade's eager acceptance of a "promise".
It was rather whiny with each questioning how the other "knows" they'll never leave and will always be there.
We all know how much we want to learn more, to be better. And it's funny how we believe that having the Internet means we have a better chance of learning the truth when all the Internet is, is a way to spread people's own version of things. Just because it's in the cloud doesn't mean it's accurate.
Okay, okay, that whine over, Collins' story is something of a mish-mash that didn't hold together for me.
Elisabeth Waters' "A Bellowing of Bullfinches"
It's a sad commentary about fashion, and the lengths to which people will stoop. Fortunately, there are also loyal friends, those who see the truth, and those who want only the best for others. It's rather funny how Lena and Maia play on her ladyship's prejudices.
When it comes to animals (or children), shameless bribery is an excellent training technique, lol.
Michele Lang's "She Chooses"
There's been change in Longfall; it has been three years since Sparrow and Brock left the village after all. Only it's not a change either of them would ever suspect.
Doing the right thing is sometimes very hard.
Ehh. Another mish-mash that was sometimes hard to follow.
Kristin Schwengel's "The Harvest"
It's a tricky situation with one faction blackmailing others, which means Del and Jenny need to use care in moving this message to its intended recipient.
Fiona Patton's "Before a River Runs Through It"
I wasn't expecting a battle over dung between seven- and ten-year-olds. Ol' Jez might reconsider how badly he wants that cool cell and free breakfast, lol. The ranking on who collects what was unexpected but it does make sense. The heavier the dung, the older you are.
HAH! Lolol, and kids think they haven't any power, *more laughter*
Louisa Swann's "Hertasi and Wyrsa and Magpies, Oh My!"
I like that Medran is into the "teaching opportunities". Something I need. It seems that Roli needs a different sort of training now, for his out-of-control psychokinesis. He also needs to find his own people and Swann keeps it close to the vest as to what species Roli is.
Michael Z Williamson and Jessica Schlenker's "A Fire in the Grass"
It's bittersweet as it's a partial coming-home for Keth' while Yssanda hopes it will come to feel like home. It's been a long trip from Haven to this potential new embassy, and Heralds have been dropping off along the way to arrange Waystations to make future journeys easier.
It's Keth's idea to set up the embassy, for he knows people who have magic need training, and no Shin'a'in will do magic. They have it, but they don't have control of it nor do they know when to use it. Of course, it turns out that Keth' has his own learning to accomplish too, for there is no one true way.
It is necessary to change with the world, if we are to survive.
Dayle A Dermatis' "Never Alone"
Poor Syrriah. Her life upended a year ago when she and her beloved husband had planned to retire(!), and now she's thrust in amongst a bunch of kids. Luckily, her past life experience makes her perfect when she learns about the challenge. Not only is she good with a bow, but she's had twenty years of experience in overseeing a manor.
They do say that the Companions Choose their person to fill a need they see coming up. That's certainly the case with Syrriah. Dermatis does need to pay attention to his storyline, as various "facts" here don't agree with the "facts" in "Old Loom, New Tapestry".
Brigid Collins' "Down the Line"
Grandfather is insisting that Torec marry. He hasn't any magic, so he must do his duty by the family. It's a betrayal so great, so hideous . . . If only she'd looked.
The Companion makes an excellent point that no Gift is evil. Evil comes from how someone uses their Gift — and a Companion never Chooses wrong.
Angela Penrose's "Ghosts of the Past"
People are going missing. And Arvil and Graya discover it's a trip down bad memories lane.
Crack me up. Arvil and Graya don't have Mindspeech, so they communicate via hoof count and a stylus.
Anthea Sharp's "The Quiet Gift"
"Valor" was one of her best . . . and it's still not enough. The Master Bard is not feeling her Gift. Her talent? Yes. But not the Gift Shandara has. And the harder she works, the less reliable her Gift. In a few weeks she'll have to perform in front of everyone. And then it happens. How will she play? And then that cold hits her throat. And she still has to perform. She'll be a laughingstock!
I gotta say, the girl is a bit dim about events at the concert.
Kerrie L Hughes' "Healing Home"
Her father gave her a chance five years ago. And Jorie took it. Now she's back for his funeral. And in time to note how many people are sick.
Jeez, that sister of hers is a piece of work! With such a filthy mind. How does Alphon reckon he'll get away with hurting a Herald? Oh, I love it, I love it. That rescue was brilliant even if it was too abrupt. It's a story with good bones, but Hughes needs to work on it some more. Too much tell.
Phaedra Weldon's "The Note"
Elfyn gave birth to Lynal. Now, she'll bury her. The Healers couldn't save her but a Herald was sent to tell Elfyn and get her back for her last sight of her daughter.
Whew, it's a story of loss after loss after loss. With a good bucketful of jealousy thrown in. I gotta wonder about Elfyn's husband, if the men he trusted were thieves. Hullo. Then a different sort of loss is caused by pride. Hmm, I guess not everyone in Valdemar knows about Companions.
Oh, it's a sad tale and I cried. But Weldon could have really wrung this one. Instead, it's another mish-mash.
Mercedes Lackey's "Vexed Vixen"
They need a Healer, and they take her. Little do they know she has some special talents, some especially quick wits as well.
How dumb are these guys? Yep, the road is dangerous, and if a town misses its traveling Healer, the bandits think they'll just ignore it?
The Cover and Title
The cover has a black background with a dull gold border all the way around. Part of the border races across the top to form the bottom line of a box to display the title in gold with the info on it being all new tales in white. Beneath that is an epigraph in white. Immediately below that on the sides are pastel color blocks stacked with a thicker dull gold border around them to frame in the heater shield that takes up most of the cover. It has a purple and blue drapery-style background with a lilac-covered Companion's head in profile, looking right. The head of a young Herald with reddish-brown hair swirling in the wind is under the Companion's chin. Another, smaller heater shield with a deep blue-gray background with a scattering of silver rivets overlaps the bottom line of the top rectangle and points to the Companion's eye. The shield contains a white pegasus. Another heater shield is at the bottom of the large one and has a black background with a flattened red gryphon, its wings spread wide. At the bottom is another rectangle formed by thin, dull gold lines noting the editor of this anthology.
The title refers to the general theme for the stories, of characters going through a Crucible.
April 8, 2021
3.5 stars
This was one the best Valdemar anthologies I've read so far. The stories are more or less even, and I liked many of them quite a lot.
The only story that struck a discordant note was THE NOTE by Phaedra Weldon. I didn't like the conclusion - it felt false. I also noticed that the same Companion was called Yllafiel in the first half of the story and Ylladriel in the second half.
This was one the best Valdemar anthologies I've read so far. The stories are more or less even, and I liked many of them quite a lot.
The only story that struck a discordant note was THE NOTE by Phaedra Weldon. I didn't like the conclusion - it felt false. I also noticed that the same Companion was called Yllafiel in the first half of the story and Ylladriel in the second half.
June 24, 2022
Good bunch of stories. The Herald from the Plains clans has returned to open an Embassy, with a school for clan youngsters alongside. In another, a Healer is kidnapped by bandits. And other stories. Good read.
March 21, 2016
Valdemar is my second home. For some of you it's Hogwarts, others get lost in Narnia, and some of you like to wander around Middle Earth. Don't get me wrong, I like those places too, but there is something about Valdemar, and it's surrounding lands, regardless of the time period, that feels like home. It's the place I go to when I just need to hunker down and recharge.
When I'm not in the mood for a full length adventures, it's the anthologies that I turn to. They are filled with quick little short stories so I don't have to invest a lot of time, seeing a long story line through to the end. I can read one, or a few of them at a time, getting in my fix, but not taxing my busy schedule. I hate when I get to a really good, or intense part of a book, to only be forced to put it down due to time constraints. Nothing, and I mean nothing, is more frustrating when it comes to reading.
In the past, I've recommended these anthologies to people who are unfamiliar with Valdemar and it's denizens, but I think I'm going to change my mind on that one. After finishing the last story in Crucible, I realized a couple of things, or at least I put two and two together. These books really are for the fans. Fans who are already familiar with the timelines, peoples, and lands mentioned within their pages are going to get more out of these. The stories jump around too much. There is not sense of time or place among them, so if you aren't already familiar with the basics, you will quickly get lost. And being lost in a foreign land, is never fun.
Crucible is the ninth such anthology, and I've read every single one of them. The first three were devoured preblogging days, so there are no reviews for them, but I'm such I'll correct that over time. Like any collection of short stories, Crucible has some that I like more than others, but they all collectively add to the richness of Valdemar. As in previous collections, there are stories that continue form earlier anthologies, and a whole host of new characters to explore. Each of them, including the ones I didn't fall in love with, makes my second home, all that much more real to me. Each story, each character, adds another layer, another thread, shaping Valdemar into a more concrete place in my imagination, which in turn makes it an even better place to escape to.
When I'm not in the mood for a full length adventures, it's the anthologies that I turn to. They are filled with quick little short stories so I don't have to invest a lot of time, seeing a long story line through to the end. I can read one, or a few of them at a time, getting in my fix, but not taxing my busy schedule. I hate when I get to a really good, or intense part of a book, to only be forced to put it down due to time constraints. Nothing, and I mean nothing, is more frustrating when it comes to reading.
In the past, I've recommended these anthologies to people who are unfamiliar with Valdemar and it's denizens, but I think I'm going to change my mind on that one. After finishing the last story in Crucible, I realized a couple of things, or at least I put two and two together. These books really are for the fans. Fans who are already familiar with the timelines, peoples, and lands mentioned within their pages are going to get more out of these. The stories jump around too much. There is not sense of time or place among them, so if you aren't already familiar with the basics, you will quickly get lost. And being lost in a foreign land, is never fun.
Crucible is the ninth such anthology, and I've read every single one of them. The first three were devoured preblogging days, so there are no reviews for them, but I'm such I'll correct that over time. Like any collection of short stories, Crucible has some that I like more than others, but they all collectively add to the richness of Valdemar. As in previous collections, there are stories that continue form earlier anthologies, and a whole host of new characters to explore. Each of them, including the ones I didn't fall in love with, makes my second home, all that much more real to me. Each story, each character, adds another layer, another thread, shaping Valdemar into a more concrete place in my imagination, which in turn makes it an even better place to escape to.
December 5, 2016
I realized I had missed one of the collections of Valdemar tales when I went to pre-order the one coming out in a week, so picked this up and happily tore through it in a few days. The stories in this anthology were a bit wider ranging than in other Valdemar anthologies, which is both a plus and a minus. Several were new entries following characters seen previously, and most were ones involving new characters and even new perspectives.
The first story in the anthology is "Feathers in Need" telling the story of a blind gryphon and a changechild, and it is a VERY strong story that left me decidedly wanting more, and I hope that the author will continue the story in future anthologies. The story was so good that it left the next few stories gasping a bit to catch up, in my opinion!
Other stories of note include:
"The Note" about how a young woman's Choosing, life as a Herald, and untimely death as a young woman were viewed by her grieving mother - a side of life as a Herald that is often glossed over or not covered. This was simple, powerful, and had a nice ending that didn't feel contrived.
"The Quiet Gift" about a Bard coming into her powers only after she was too injured to use her skills was a delightful way to look at talents versus skill.
"Down the Line" was a creepy story about a greedy man who manages to steal the lifeforce of his very descendants...
"Vexed Vixen" was absolutely delightful about a peevish Healer who is captured and has to set up her own rescue whilst protecting herself.
One thing that struck me while reading this anthology was that while many of the characters and setups seemed familiar, I was often left trying to remember where they fit in for a few pages. The world of Valdemar is vast, both geographically and chronologically, and without a key term or person it's easy to not quite know when or where you are. This isn't always a problem, such as in "The Note" which could've taken place at any time in Valdemar's history, but for other stories where the setting matters or follows established characters, I think it would be beneficial to include a few lines prior to the story indicating when and where it's set along with whether these are new or established characters.
A solid four stars, and another delightful few days of reading in one of my favorite fantasy worlds.
The first story in the anthology is "Feathers in Need" telling the story of a blind gryphon and a changechild, and it is a VERY strong story that left me decidedly wanting more, and I hope that the author will continue the story in future anthologies. The story was so good that it left the next few stories gasping a bit to catch up, in my opinion!
Other stories of note include:
"The Note" about how a young woman's Choosing, life as a Herald, and untimely death as a young woman were viewed by her grieving mother - a side of life as a Herald that is often glossed over or not covered. This was simple, powerful, and had a nice ending that didn't feel contrived.
"The Quiet Gift" about a Bard coming into her powers only after she was too injured to use her skills was a delightful way to look at talents versus skill.
"Down the Line" was a creepy story about a greedy man who manages to steal the lifeforce of his very descendants...
"Vexed Vixen" was absolutely delightful about a peevish Healer who is captured and has to set up her own rescue whilst protecting herself.
One thing that struck me while reading this anthology was that while many of the characters and setups seemed familiar, I was often left trying to remember where they fit in for a few pages. The world of Valdemar is vast, both geographically and chronologically, and without a key term or person it's easy to not quite know when or where you are. This isn't always a problem, such as in "The Note" which could've taken place at any time in Valdemar's history, but for other stories where the setting matters or follows established characters, I think it would be beneficial to include a few lines prior to the story indicating when and where it's set along with whether these are new or established characters.
A solid four stars, and another delightful few days of reading in one of my favorite fantasy worlds.
December 15, 2015
I've been having a rather rotten time these past weeks, and so it was with some pleasure that I was able to get my electronic hands on a copy of Crucible, Mercedes Lackey's newest anthology of short stories set in Velgarth, the world where the Heralds of Valdemar and the Hawkbrothers and Shin'a'in and other such peoples live.
It's always enjoyable for me to revisit these places - there is, as I have often said, something about the universe Lackey created here that pushes my simple pleasure buttons.
As usual, Lackey's contribution "Vexed Vixen," was one of the ones I enjoyed the most. Others that stood out for me were Fiona Patton's "Before a River Runs through It," Jennifer Brozek's "Feathers in Need," Stephanie D. Shaver's "The Highjorune Masque," Elizabeth A. Vaughan's "Unresolved Consequences," and Dayle A. Dermatis' "Never Alone." But all of the stories were, in their own way, fun. Lackey knows what she wants in these anthologies, and she gets it from her contributors.
*Of the 18 short stories in this anthology, 15 were written by women, two by men, and one was a collaboration between a man and a woman.
It's always enjoyable for me to revisit these places - there is, as I have often said, something about the universe Lackey created here that pushes my simple pleasure buttons.
As usual, Lackey's contribution "Vexed Vixen," was one of the ones I enjoyed the most. Others that stood out for me were Fiona Patton's "Before a River Runs through It," Jennifer Brozek's "Feathers in Need," Stephanie D. Shaver's "The Highjorune Masque," Elizabeth A. Vaughan's "Unresolved Consequences," and Dayle A. Dermatis' "Never Alone." But all of the stories were, in their own way, fun. Lackey knows what she wants in these anthologies, and she gets it from her contributors.
*Of the 18 short stories in this anthology, 15 were written by women, two by men, and one was a collaboration between a man and a woman.
April 17, 2016
Favorite story: "The Note" by Phaedra Weldon. While many of the stories in this anthology rated between 3 and 4 stars for me and were cute and enjoyable but not amazing, this penultimate tale punched me right in the feels. There are so many things about the life of a Herald that are explored in this tale, even though the story's point of view is the mother of a (deceased) Herald. Reading this story is worth the cost of the anthology alone.
Story that I wish would be expanded into a novel: "Never Alone" Dayle A. Dermatis. Valdemar has been my go-to escape world since I was 12 years old, which is over half my life at this point. Though the books are marketed as adult fantasy, there was so much that spoke to my teenage and young adult self that definitely shaped who I am as a grown-up. But as an adult today, it was lovely to see the tale of a very nontraditional Herald in the form of Herald trainee Syrriah. The story itself is sweet and delivers a strong message in itself, but the underlying implication that it's never too late for any of us to be Chosen is what stayed with me.
Story that I wish would be expanded into a novel: "Never Alone" Dayle A. Dermatis. Valdemar has been my go-to escape world since I was 12 years old, which is over half my life at this point. Though the books are marketed as adult fantasy, there was so much that spoke to my teenage and young adult self that definitely shaped who I am as a grown-up. But as an adult today, it was lovely to see the tale of a very nontraditional Herald in the form of Herald trainee Syrriah. The story itself is sweet and delivers a strong message in itself, but the underlying implication that it's never too late for any of us to be Chosen is what stayed with me.
June 12, 2016
As with most anthologies, the good and the bad balance each other out and overall rating ends up a 3. I really enjoy these anthologies of stories based on Lackey's world of Valdemar with its Heralds and Companions. One failing of this particular collection is that it had more than its share of stories that started out well and fell short at the end - just left the story hanging when I wanted to know more about the character and the story. As usual with these collections, the story penned by Lackey herself is the best.
December 27, 2015
All of the stories in this anthology were great. It brought me back to the days when I first discovered stories about Valdemar and that world. I have really missed those stories but these were a welcome read.
My favorite and the one that moved me the most was “The Note” by Phaedra Weldon. I had tears in my eyes entire time I read it because it was such a moving story and the end was awesome.
If you miss Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar series, this is defiantly a book you need to pick up.
My favorite and the one that moved me the most was “The Note” by Phaedra Weldon. I had tears in my eyes entire time I read it because it was such a moving story and the end was awesome.
If you miss Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar series, this is defiantly a book you need to pick up.
February 8, 2016
Whatever happened to those delightful characters who appeared in the previous Valdemar short story anthologies? Vixen the healer is but one of those who's continuing adventures can be found in Crucible. As a bedtime reader these stories make it easier to close the book at a stories end, with the call of the next story promising another good read. This book has joined others on my "Read Again" shelf. A very good read!
December 4, 2015
I enjoyed this collection of stories. I'm still a fan of Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar series, because they are just plain fun to read. These stories are written by several different authors, and all of them are good. This is not serious reading, or a deep mystery, and I will not compare it to that kind of book, but it is enjoyable, and that's why I read it. I was just what I wanted.
April 13, 2020
This is a series of short stories supposedly set in the world built by Mercedes Lackey. Unfortunately, there were several selections that were not quite my cup of tea. I have read all of the Valdemar books and short story publications and have to say this was not my favorite collection. I will continue to read them and hope for new stories to love.
December 15, 2015
Though I love the Valdemar series and usually enjoy the anthologies, this one fell a little flat. We encountered fewer familiar characters and I just did not connect with many of the stories.
If you're a fan of the series, it's worth a read, but it's a bad place to start for someone unfamiliar with Lackey and the series.
If you're a fan of the series, it's worth a read, but it's a bad place to start for someone unfamiliar with Lackey and the series.
March 3, 2016
A fun and entertaining book full of short stories about Valdemar and the heralds. They were just long enough to be interesting and short enough to keep your interest until the very end. Some of the tales I'd have liked to read more about and maybe in future books they'll continue. Some were funny, some sad, and some exciting. I enjoyed the variation.
June 1, 2016
I love that Mercy lets other authors play in her universe. I really enjoyed the ones that had a story with characters that have been in earlier anthologies; although sometimes it would have been nice to have a "when last we meet x and y they were..." bit at the start just to jog the memory about them before diving back into another story.
June 18, 2016
An anthology of short stories written by other authors but set in the Valdemar world, and with one story by Mercedes Lackey, this was a very enjoyable book. Most of the stories were excellent and all followed the template set by Lackey (she edited the book so probably made sure of that). Recommended to fans of Valdemar.
January 21, 2019
6/21/17 end
Re-reading this antho now 1/2019. I forgot to make notes inside the book so have to read it again and review each story.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note to Self;
Spoilers;
1. Feathers in Need-Jennifer Brozek
Really good 4 stars would love a continued story of this one. =0)
2.
Re-reading this antho now 1/2019. I forgot to make notes inside the book so have to read it again and review each story.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note to Self;
Spoilers;
1. Feathers in Need-Jennifer Brozek
Really good 4 stars would love a continued story of this one. =0)
2.
April 15, 2016
I'm a sucker for all things Valdemar, but a lot of these stories didn't really resonate. And the ones that did were too short for me to be sure! I'd prefer a volume with some longer stories. 2.5 stars
January 2, 2016
Some of these stories didn't feel like Valdemar to me, but as one character reminded another "There is no one true Way" so I guess I could just treat those as not my Way.
February 26, 2017
Enjoy this world and any books I can read about it. Will read the next one for sure.
January 8, 2016
Some stories are 4 stars, some are 3 stars and a couple are 2 stars. Nothing really great.
September 10, 2022
Another year, another Valdemar short story collection to read. Reviews for individual stories:
Feathers in Need - Jennifer Brozek
A gryphon protagonist! Yes! There's not enough of those. And this seems to be right after the Mage Storms, which we never get enough glimpses of, imo. What does strike me as strange is how Hadara's recollections of being blinded seem to be during the first Kaled'a'in evacuation, and not from the second Mage Storms. How can she be a thousand years old? I wish the story had continued on after the confrontation. As always with these short stories I find them not enough!
The Highjorune Masque - Stephanie D. Shaver
I just love how creative these authors can be. Highjourne! We haven't visited Lineas since Vanyel's time, which for me was decades ago. And return to Wil's story. Oh I am glad to see he can be both herald and father! Also sad to say that Stefan's gift wasn't strong enough to last forever. But then he also didn't outlast the Mage Storm. I suppose that allowed a lot of corrupt bards to come into power. This short story is full of tension and dread! It's well written though a bit heavy handed with the villain bits.
---
Okay, I didn't do the rest of these 1 by 1:
Lost Song - Dylan Birtolo
Unresolved Consequences - Elizabeth A. Vaughan
Gifts of Rage and Despair - Ron Collins
A Bellowing of Bullfinches - Elisabeth Waters
She Chooses - Michele Lang
The Harvest - Kristin Schwengel
Before a River Runs Through It - Fiona Patton
Hertasi and Wyrsa and Magpies, Oh My! - Louisa Swann
A Fire in the Grass - Michael Z. Williamson and Jessica Schlenker
Never Alone - Dayle A. Dermatis
Down the Line - Brigid Collins
Ghosts of the Past - Angela Penrose
The Quiet Gift - Anthea Sharp
Healing Home - Kerrie L. Hughes
The Note - Phaedra Weldon
Vexed Vixen - Mercedes Lackey
Overall: Some of them were fairly annoying and simple stories, others were more interesting but still too simple for my tastes.
I prefer the stories that are continuing tales of previous Valdemar anthologies or the ones written by Lackey herself. I liked Vexed Vixen a lot because it featured a healer, one who has Animal Mindspeak. I always wish Lackey's books focused more on Healers or Bards so this is especially great. (And even better because it's also the second story we've had with Vixen so far!)
Feathers in Need - Jennifer Brozek
A gryphon protagonist! Yes! There's not enough of those. And this seems to be right after the Mage Storms, which we never get enough glimpses of, imo. What does strike me as strange is how Hadara's recollections of being blinded seem to be during the first Kaled'a'in evacuation, and not from the second Mage Storms. How can she be a thousand years old? I wish the story had continued on after the confrontation. As always with these short stories I find them not enough!
The Highjorune Masque - Stephanie D. Shaver
I just love how creative these authors can be. Highjourne! We haven't visited Lineas since Vanyel's time, which for me was decades ago. And return to Wil's story. Oh I am glad to see he can be both herald and father! Also sad to say that Stefan's gift wasn't strong enough to last forever. But then he also didn't outlast the Mage Storm. I suppose that allowed a lot of corrupt bards to come into power. This short story is full of tension and dread! It's well written though a bit heavy handed with the villain bits.
---
Okay, I didn't do the rest of these 1 by 1:
Lost Song - Dylan Birtolo
Unresolved Consequences - Elizabeth A. Vaughan
Gifts of Rage and Despair - Ron Collins
A Bellowing of Bullfinches - Elisabeth Waters
She Chooses - Michele Lang
The Harvest - Kristin Schwengel
Before a River Runs Through It - Fiona Patton
Hertasi and Wyrsa and Magpies, Oh My! - Louisa Swann
A Fire in the Grass - Michael Z. Williamson and Jessica Schlenker
Never Alone - Dayle A. Dermatis
Down the Line - Brigid Collins
Ghosts of the Past - Angela Penrose
The Quiet Gift - Anthea Sharp
Healing Home - Kerrie L. Hughes
The Note - Phaedra Weldon
Vexed Vixen - Mercedes Lackey
Overall: Some of them were fairly annoying and simple stories, others were more interesting but still too simple for my tastes.
I prefer the stories that are continuing tales of previous Valdemar anthologies or the ones written by Lackey herself. I liked Vexed Vixen a lot because it featured a healer, one who has Animal Mindspeak. I always wish Lackey's books focused more on Healers or Bards so this is especially great. (And even better because it's also the second story we've had with Vixen so far!)
September 18, 2022
I found several stories worthy of taking the time to read in this volume of Tales of Valdemar.
In Feathers in Need, Hedara is a blind gryphon who has strong animal mindspeech. She starts having nightmares that she comes to realize is some creature in danger. She goes to the rescue of what turns out to be a changeling. The poor human girl was caught in a change circle and was now part bird. She was frightened, hurt and confused not understanding what had happened to herself. The frightened Change-Child, Kitha, attached herself to Hedara and refused to be separated from her. There was a connection between the two that allowed Hedara to see through Kitha's eyes. Hedara helps Kitha understand what has happened to her.
The Highjorune Masque is about a bard who goes undercover to gain information to aid the Heralds in getting the proof that another Bard is misusing his gift to cause strife in the kingdom.
The Note is a moving story of an embittered mother, who has lost her daughter for the second time, comes to the realization that the Heralds and Companions did not really take anything away from her.
I also really enjoyed Mercedes' story Vexed Vixen. Healer Vixen has to hide her true personality and use her special talent to aid in her own rescue. In doing so she shows that animal mindspeech can be more useful than some people thought.
Several stories are further stories of characters in previous Tales of Valdemar volumes. There are few stories about Heralds although they are in some of the stories. But Valdemar is made up of much more than Heralds. The Healers, Bards, Guards and even the general populace make important contributions to the Kingdom and that is what these stories show.
In Feathers in Need, Hedara is a blind gryphon who has strong animal mindspeech. She starts having nightmares that she comes to realize is some creature in danger. She goes to the rescue of what turns out to be a changeling. The poor human girl was caught in a change circle and was now part bird. She was frightened, hurt and confused not understanding what had happened to herself. The frightened Change-Child, Kitha, attached herself to Hedara and refused to be separated from her. There was a connection between the two that allowed Hedara to see through Kitha's eyes. Hedara helps Kitha understand what has happened to her.
The Highjorune Masque is about a bard who goes undercover to gain information to aid the Heralds in getting the proof that another Bard is misusing his gift to cause strife in the kingdom.
The Note is a moving story of an embittered mother, who has lost her daughter for the second time, comes to the realization that the Heralds and Companions did not really take anything away from her.
I also really enjoyed Mercedes' story Vexed Vixen. Healer Vixen has to hide her true personality and use her special talent to aid in her own rescue. In doing so she shows that animal mindspeech can be more useful than some people thought.
Several stories are further stories of characters in previous Tales of Valdemar volumes. There are few stories about Heralds although they are in some of the stories. But Valdemar is made up of much more than Heralds. The Healers, Bards, Guards and even the general populace make important contributions to the Kingdom and that is what these stories show.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews