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Tales of Valdemar
The Demon's Den and Other Tales of Valdemar
Tanya Huff delivers seven fantastical tales featuring the young Herald Jors, set in Mercedes Lackey’s legendary realm of Valdemar.
In Valdemar, only the true of heart are Chosen to wear the Whites and become Heralds—guardians who journey throughout the nation upholding justice, making judgments, and combating evil in its many forms.
This collection of stories follows the adventures of Herald Jors: a young man just a few years out of his Greys and already making his mark, all while learning the complexities of the honored role bestowed upon him.
From confronting bandits in the far borderlands to experiencing magical love and heartbreaking loss, Jors must find the balance between the law and that which is truly good and right.
For the first time, Tanya Huff’s seven stories set in the world created by Mercedes Lackey are gathered together in a single volume. These short works are sure to enchant anyone who wishes to experience the land of Valdemar through the eyes, mind and heart of one of its bravest heroes.
Contains the following stories:
The Demon’s Den
Brock
All the Ages of Man
Live On
Nothing Better to Do
The Time We Have
Family Matters
In Valdemar, only the true of heart are Chosen to wear the Whites and become Heralds—guardians who journey throughout the nation upholding justice, making judgments, and combating evil in its many forms.
This collection of stories follows the adventures of Herald Jors: a young man just a few years out of his Greys and already making his mark, all while learning the complexities of the honored role bestowed upon him.
From confronting bandits in the far borderlands to experiencing magical love and heartbreaking loss, Jors must find the balance between the law and that which is truly good and right.
For the first time, Tanya Huff’s seven stories set in the world created by Mercedes Lackey are gathered together in a single volume. These short works are sure to enchant anyone who wishes to experience the land of Valdemar through the eyes, mind and heart of one of its bravest heroes.
Contains the following stories:
The Demon’s Den
Brock
All the Ages of Man
Live On
Nothing Better to Do
The Time We Have
Family Matters
187 pages, Paperback
First published January 8, 2018
148 people are currently reading
344 people want to read
About the author
Tanya Huff
151 books2,451 followersTanya Sue Huff is a Canadian fantasy author. Her stories have been published since the late 1980s, including five fantasy series and one science fiction series. One of these, her Blood Books series, featuring detective Vicki Nelson, was adapted for television under the title Blood Ties.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 20, 2018
This is compilation of all the Herald Jors stories Ms. Huff contributed to Ms. Lackey's Valdemar anthologies over time. The author not only showed respect for the world Ms. Lackey created but clearly loves the series as much as any loyal fan. These stories were incredibly well done, with characters that are totally believable. The main character, Herald Jors was wonderful to get to know better and better through each story. Overall this was an excellent, fun read.
April 8, 2021
OMG. I love it. Especially the first two and the last story. They hit some of my favourite buttons! <3
I really like Jors and Gervis (I love snarky/sarcastic Companions so much. <3) a lot and I really like getting to know them and see them grow in their duties and personalities.
Some of these stories are exactly what I've been hoping for to read one day in this world. Disabled people saving Heralds. Heralds having to deal with babies. Heralds coming home to their family. Yeah, love it.
The one with Herald Tamis? Broke my heart. :(
There is one story that I didn't quite like as much. Mainly because I think that the short story has been too short for this and a lot of subtext went over my head. *shrugs*
I really, really really wouldn't mind a full novel with the adventures of Herald Jors and Companion Gervis. :)
I really like Jors and Gervis (I love snarky/sarcastic Companions so much. <3) a lot and I really like getting to know them and see them grow in their duties and personalities.
Some of these stories are exactly what I've been hoping for to read one day in this world. Disabled people saving Heralds. Heralds having to deal with babies. Heralds coming home to their family. Yeah, love it.
The one with Herald Tamis? Broke my heart. :(
There is one story that I didn't quite like as much. Mainly because I think that the short story has been too short for this and a lot of subtext went over my head. *shrugs*
I really, really really wouldn't mind a full novel with the adventures of Herald Jors and Companion Gervis. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2018
I love valdemar and I really enjoy tanya's huff's writing so this was a joy to read. I had read many of the stories before in the valdemar short story collections, but it was very nice to have them all collected and in a sort of chronological order. They don't work as a novel, but since they weren't mean to, it is a nice to watch the progression of gerald Jors. The only story I didn't like as much as the others was the story of the bandit girl. for some reason it wasn't that compelling to me particularly after the story with the baby which was hilarious. Great, quick read for fans of heralds and the world of Valdemar
March 22, 2020
Nice collection.
December 5, 2018
As has been made clear, I love the secondary world of Valdemar created by Mercedes Lackey. I also, one may have noticed, love the writing of Tanya Huff. So you can imagine my delight when Tanya Huff released a collection of her Valdemarian stories featuring Herald Jors and his Companion Gervais.
The stories are told in a linear fashion, and begin with Jors as a young Herald, not long into his career, unsure of himself, his judgement, his abilities, but still, like any Herald, giving all that he can, the best that he can, relying on the unearthly wisdom of his Companion to find the best way. As his adventures continue, he becomes more comfortable with himself, his duties, and his place in the world. He makes mistakes. He learns about himself. He experiences successes, and failures to achieve everything he’d hoped to. He learns about love and heartbreak. And finally, he comes into his own, a Herald in his prime, confident and assured but aware of his limits and his needs.
I’d read these before, of course - they were all originally published in Lackey’s Valdemar anthologies - and enjoyed them, but there’s a deeper enjoyment to be found in seeing Jors growing and maturing as one reads these stories one after the other. I’m glad Huff had the idea to put them into a single collection, and that Lackey granted permission for her to publish a Valdemarian collection.
The stories are told in a linear fashion, and begin with Jors as a young Herald, not long into his career, unsure of himself, his judgement, his abilities, but still, like any Herald, giving all that he can, the best that he can, relying on the unearthly wisdom of his Companion to find the best way. As his adventures continue, he becomes more comfortable with himself, his duties, and his place in the world. He makes mistakes. He learns about himself. He experiences successes, and failures to achieve everything he’d hoped to. He learns about love and heartbreak. And finally, he comes into his own, a Herald in his prime, confident and assured but aware of his limits and his needs.
I’d read these before, of course - they were all originally published in Lackey’s Valdemar anthologies - and enjoyed them, but there’s a deeper enjoyment to be found in seeing Jors growing and maturing as one reads these stories one after the other. I’m glad Huff had the idea to put them into a single collection, and that Lackey granted permission for her to publish a Valdemarian collection.
March 22, 2020
Collection of stories following the adventures of newly minted Herald Jors and his Companion, Gervais. None were particularly memorable; none were particularly bad. All were faithful to Valdemar.
January 21, 2019
If you aren’t familiar with Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar books, then Tanya Huff’s anthology of short stories set in Valdemar, The Demon’s Den and Other Tales of Valdemar, would probably still work for you. You still get the bare bones of the concept, with Heralds being chosen by intelligent horse-looking Companions and going out into the world to do good. That said, it’s always good to have the background. These seven stories, collected from a variety of Valdemar anthologies, all feature the exploits of Jors and his Companion Gervis. Because they’re Valdemar stories, they’re about hope, and optimism, and things that bring tears to your eyes. If that isn’t your bag, skip this one–but it’s done very well. I find I have to be in the right mood for Valdemar, but I love it when I am.
In the first story, Jors gets trapped in a rockfall in a mine and has to be rescued by a bitter blind woman with no legs who happens to be a brilliant engineer. In another tale, he meets a young man who believes he’s a Herald and does his best to act as one even though he has no Companion, and the various Heralds’ Companions insist on going along with it. In story number three, he’s tapped to mentor young Herald Alyise on a circuit, and finds his will tested by the attraction between them.
In another tale, probably the first one with much action on Jors’s part in it, he has to track down a group of raiders and rescue a young woman, with his only help being that of an elderly Herald with his aging Companion. In a rather plain yet touching story, Jors finds a toddler whose father is dying and has to deliver him to his nearest relative, without having any experience with children. Then Jors encounters bandits again, including one named Morgaine who has a great impact on him. Finally he’s pressed into visiting his family, where he has to help rescue a missing man, sort out his cousin’s desire to be some sort of musician, and face his grandmother!
Probably my only negative at all was the need for something more in the story of the bandit Morgaine to explain Jors’s super-strong reaction to her. My guess is this might be something that would have made more sense to me if I had more experience with Valdemar (I’ve read a couple of books, but not many, and it’s been a while). I would have liked for it to stand better alone, however.
Jors is a fun character. He enjoys the ladies (in a non-repulsive sense), he’s a rather earnest young man, and his Companion has an exceptionally dry sense of humor. The stories are very sappy, but as long as you go in expecting and wanting that, it’s just fine. I found tears in my eyes after several of the tales.
The most important thing is that this is a crossover between one of my favorite authors (Tanya Huff) and an excellent fantasy world (Valdemar), so how could you possibly go wrong?
Original review posted on my blog: http://www.errantdreams.com/2019/01/r...
In the first story, Jors gets trapped in a rockfall in a mine and has to be rescued by a bitter blind woman with no legs who happens to be a brilliant engineer. In another tale, he meets a young man who believes he’s a Herald and does his best to act as one even though he has no Companion, and the various Heralds’ Companions insist on going along with it. In story number three, he’s tapped to mentor young Herald Alyise on a circuit, and finds his will tested by the attraction between them.
In another tale, probably the first one with much action on Jors’s part in it, he has to track down a group of raiders and rescue a young woman, with his only help being that of an elderly Herald with his aging Companion. In a rather plain yet touching story, Jors finds a toddler whose father is dying and has to deliver him to his nearest relative, without having any experience with children. Then Jors encounters bandits again, including one named Morgaine who has a great impact on him. Finally he’s pressed into visiting his family, where he has to help rescue a missing man, sort out his cousin’s desire to be some sort of musician, and face his grandmother!
Probably my only negative at all was the need for something more in the story of the bandit Morgaine to explain Jors’s super-strong reaction to her. My guess is this might be something that would have made more sense to me if I had more experience with Valdemar (I’ve read a couple of books, but not many, and it’s been a while). I would have liked for it to stand better alone, however.
Jors is a fun character. He enjoys the ladies (in a non-repulsive sense), he’s a rather earnest young man, and his Companion has an exceptionally dry sense of humor. The stories are very sappy, but as long as you go in expecting and wanting that, it’s just fine. I found tears in my eyes after several of the tales.
The most important thing is that this is a crossover between one of my favorite authors (Tanya Huff) and an excellent fantasy world (Valdemar), so how could you possibly go wrong?
Original review posted on my blog: http://www.errantdreams.com/2019/01/r...
December 5, 2020
This is a collection of stories about herald Jors and his companion Gervais. I generally like interlinked story collections like this, but found this one rather off. The narratives felt flat and thin to me, and did not develop much emotional depth within each story. For example, one story is about how Jors has to escort an old man to a wedding, and how annoying old people are. During their journey, Jors does not learn from the old man or find him more valuable once he gets to know him - instead, the old man only has value once he acts heroically (i.e., no longer acts old). A similar story is about how Jors escorts a child, who is messy, noisy, and gets into everything. By the end of the story, Jors thinks that kids are ok, maybe. Then too, some of the stories were clearly written to convey a message. These were some of the better stories, because the characters these stories were about were interesting, but the heavy-handed message outweighed the narrative.
The sparseness of the stories is particularly apparent when Jors recounts events that took place in the previous stories. "There was a time I escorted a child," Jors will say, and you as the reader think, "Yes, that is what happened". The emotional depth to that recounting, which the author wanted to evoke, was entirely lacking for me. Over the course of the stories, I also felt that the main characters did not develop. Jors remained a non-entity, and Gervais's character seemed to primarily be calling out "Heartbrother!" telepathically at regular intervals. The writing was fine, and was in tone with the story setting. There were a few dialogue sections though, which I read repeatedly to try and understand what the author was getting at, but to no avail. For me, this collection held little magic.
The sparseness of the stories is particularly apparent when Jors recounts events that took place in the previous stories. "There was a time I escorted a child," Jors will say, and you as the reader think, "Yes, that is what happened". The emotional depth to that recounting, which the author wanted to evoke, was entirely lacking for me. Over the course of the stories, I also felt that the main characters did not develop. Jors remained a non-entity, and Gervais's character seemed to primarily be calling out "Heartbrother!" telepathically at regular intervals. The writing was fine, and was in tone with the story setting. There were a few dialogue sections though, which I read repeatedly to try and understand what the author was getting at, but to no avail. For me, this collection held little magic.
February 22, 2018
Interesting companion to Mercedes Lackey
Minute stylistic differences are so minute, you might think this is a series of short stories by the Grande dame of science fantasy- Mercedes Lackey. This book falls squarely into the Valdemar world. It takes an excels writer to sting a number of good short stories into a coherent novel. Well done!
My gripe, I like full length novels and there was a trace of repetitive setup that was required for a number of short stories. Tanya all over most of this repetition by interweaving it into a different position in each of the tales or chapters.
Minute stylistic differences are so minute, you might think this is a series of short stories by the Grande dame of science fantasy- Mercedes Lackey. This book falls squarely into the Valdemar world. It takes an excels writer to sting a number of good short stories into a coherent novel. Well done!
My gripe, I like full length novels and there was a trace of repetitive setup that was required for a number of short stories. Tanya all over most of this repetition by interweaving it into a different position in each of the tales or chapters.
March 12, 2019
Once upon a time, I was a Mercedes Lackey completist, but somewhere in the late 90's Valdemar fell by the wayside. These short stories, by one of my favorite authors, brought back the feeling of joy I felt when visiting the world of Heralds and Companions.
The stories follow the exploits of Jors and fit right in with the Valdemar universe. I highly recommend The Demon's Den and Other Tales of Valdemar to anyone who has loved their prior visits to that world, but especially to any lovers of fantasy who have yet to encounter it. I know this will motivate me to pick up where I left off.
The stories follow the exploits of Jors and fit right in with the Valdemar universe. I highly recommend The Demon's Den and Other Tales of Valdemar to anyone who has loved their prior visits to that world, but especially to any lovers of fantasy who have yet to encounter it. I know this will motivate me to pick up where I left off.
August 2, 2020
I've not (yet) read Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar books, but I have read a lot of Tanya Huff. This is a series of short story episodes in the life of a Herald of Valdemar, collected in one book. I like the concept of a combination of a travelling mediator/judge and knight in a shining white coat (except when rescuing babies - not so white for that one). It was also a story of a young man gaining experience and there were some delightful moments of splat. I'm now adding Mercedes Lackey to my want to read list.
January 17, 2021
2 Bad 5 Good.
Two of the stories weren't worth reading. All The Ages Of Man has a Herald tramp who believes anyone who doesn't want to have sex with her must be gay. The whole story is her throwing herself at Jors.
In The Time We Have Jors finds a murderous bandit who is supposedly his Lifemate. He meets her in time to have her life of treachery catch up with her and she dies in his arms.
These two stories made contradicted what is worthy and wonderful about Heralds, Lifebonds and Valdemar.
The other stories were excellent and worth the price of the book.
Two of the stories weren't worth reading. All The Ages Of Man has a Herald tramp who believes anyone who doesn't want to have sex with her must be gay. The whole story is her throwing herself at Jors.
In The Time We Have Jors finds a murderous bandit who is supposedly his Lifemate. He meets her in time to have her life of treachery catch up with her and she dies in his arms.
These two stories made contradicted what is worthy and wonderful about Heralds, Lifebonds and Valdemar.
The other stories were excellent and worth the price of the book.
March 4, 2018
Ms Huff is a fine writer, and these stories, all featuring the same Herald/Companion pair, are a case in point. I never felt the story was too short (one of my biggest complaints about the short story format), and each of the stories held my interest. these are not new - this is a collection of stories published in various palces over some time, but it makes for a strong collection. Recommended!
April 24, 2018
Interesting collection of stories. They all have the same main character (which I didn't expect), but they're all different enough to keep the interest of the reader, and since I've always liked this world, it's actually pretty cool to see stories from another author taking place in the same world. They're all fairly well done, and should provide some entertaining reading for anyone who likes the heralds and their mounts.
October 6, 2018
Valdemar Fans Will Enjoy This Book!
Great group of stories about a Herald Jors. These are slices of events woven together in the story of Herald Jors and Companion Gervis. If you’re like me and can’t get enough of the world of Valdemar, this will definitely be a good read. Huff writes in the voice of a Valdemar world that doesn’t jar. Exciting, moving and tear-provoking, these stories will touch your heart.
Great group of stories about a Herald Jors. These are slices of events woven together in the story of Herald Jors and Companion Gervis. If you’re like me and can’t get enough of the world of Valdemar, this will definitely be a good read. Huff writes in the voice of a Valdemar world that doesn’t jar. Exciting, moving and tear-provoking, these stories will touch your heart.
June 13, 2018
Excellent Valdemar Stories!
Tanya Huff knows Valdemar well and Herald Jors and his Companion Gervis especially well. I had read some of the stories before and some were new to me. The ones I had read before I was glad to read again. Every story in this anthology deserves the 5 star rating. Don't miss this fantastic book.
Tanya Huff knows Valdemar well and Herald Jors and his Companion Gervis especially well. I had read some of the stories before and some were new to me. The ones I had read before I was glad to read again. Every story in this anthology deserves the 5 star rating. Don't miss this fantastic book.
August 20, 2018
The endings
Of the stories were heartwarming. I love Mercedes Lacky's books about Valdemar and to find an Author that can write so one can hardly tell the difference was fun. Loved the relationship between between the Herald Joe's in this book and his Companion charming. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the Valdemar series.
Of the stories were heartwarming. I love Mercedes Lacky's books about Valdemar and to find an Author that can write so one can hardly tell the difference was fun. Loved the relationship between between the Herald Joe's in this book and his Companion charming. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the Valdemar series.
October 21, 2019
Great set of stories of Herald Jors adventures
This set of short stories about than one herald Jors and his companion. Few internet reading longtime ago rest were new. But I really enjoyed the stories it been awhile since I read any of Valdemar books. I have to and re-read them now. One of my favorite worlds along with Pern and Darkover growing up and reading.
This set of short stories about than one herald Jors and his companion. Few internet reading longtime ago rest were new. But I really enjoyed the stories it been awhile since I read any of Valdemar books. I have to and re-read them now. One of my favorite worlds along with Pern and Darkover growing up and reading.
March 15, 2021
A good collection of short stories about a particular herald. It’s a nice change of pace from the longer books and their heavy plot. A fun read to see the different things happening in this heralds life.
This has also been my first Tanya Huff read, she had an easy to read mostly well flowing writing style I’ll have to look into her own books.
3/5
This has also been my first Tanya Huff read, she had an easy to read mostly well flowing writing style I’ll have to look into her own books.
3/5
January 28, 2023
This is a compilation of all of Tanya Huff's short stories with Herald Jors, which have been featured in several Valdemar anthologies throughout the years. Huff is one of my favorite authors, and I like her Herald and his Companion, but while these stories are good, none are truly great. So a nice solid 3 stars. I hope she continues to write more of them.
January 11, 2018
Five stars
I was lucky enough to discover Tanya Huff in the beginning and I've been reading her ever since. Some books I've liked better but I don't think there have been any I didn't like. Plotting, characters, character development, are all grade A.
I was lucky enough to discover Tanya Huff in the beginning and I've been reading her ever since. Some books I've liked better but I don't think there have been any I didn't like. Plotting, characters, character development, are all grade A.
December 28, 2018
A very entertaining volume of short stories about a Herald of Valdemar, Jors, and his Companion Gervis and their adventures, told not by Mercedes Lackey but by Tanya Huff. A number of spelling and formatting errors made me give it four stars instead of five.
January 4, 2020
Good book.
I enjoy all Valdemar stories, no matter who writes them. Herald Jors is quite the character, who comes into contact with others along the way who help him realize exactly who he is in the grand scheme of things. Just himself.
I enjoy all Valdemar stories, no matter who writes them. Herald Jors is quite the character, who comes into contact with others along the way who help him realize exactly who he is in the grand scheme of things. Just himself.
January 22, 2020
This is an amazing set of stories. I love this world and coming back to it is usually like coming home. I would highly recommend this book. You do not need to have read any other Valdemar books but I would certainly go and read them.
December 9, 2020
Jors is a herald's story all by hisself
But with the addition of family, born and found, a heart brother, dangers large and small and others'stories added in; you've a history in the making.
Told with laughter and tears.
But with the addition of family, born and found, a heart brother, dangers large and small and others'stories added in; you've a history in the making.
Told with laughter and tears.
March 25, 2021
It's been ages since I read Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar books, so I'd forgotten a few details about the world (in one case a crucial detail) but it mostly came back to me as I read. Demon's Den and Brock were my favourite of the tales, with Nothing Better to Do and Family Matter as runners up.
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December 14, 2021Lovely to reread
I have read these stories multiple times and they never disappoint. I love the stories of Valademar and all the offshoots by my favourite authors It is certainly worth reading again.
I have read these stories multiple times and they never disappoint. I love the stories of Valademar and all the offshoots by my favourite authors It is certainly worth reading again.
November 12, 2022
these stories are so incredibly good!
I’ve always loved Valdemar and Tanya Huff is one of my favorite authors. These stories bring the heart of soul of the Heralds and their Companions to beautiful life
I’ve always loved Valdemar and Tanya Huff is one of my favorite authors. These stories bring the heart of soul of the Heralds and their Companions to beautiful life
March 12, 2018
A wonderful read!
All fans of Missy's Valdemar will love this book, it very well written and stays true to the Valdemar series. I hope there is a sequel planned!
All fans of Missy's Valdemar will love this book, it very well written and stays true to the Valdemar series. I hope there is a sequel planned!
August 7, 2018
Great
Love Buffs take on Valdemar Hors and Get us are a perfect team of Chosen and Companion. Wish there were more short Jors stories
Love Buffs take on Valdemar Hors and Get us are a perfect team of Chosen and Companion. Wish there were more short Jors stories
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews