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Tales of Valdemar #1
Sword of Ice
Filled with magic, intrigue, romance and adventure, Mercedes Lackey 's world of Valdemar is one of the most popular domains in fantasy literature. Home to the Heralds and thier mysterious horselike Companions, the magical Tayledras Hawk-people, and of course, the powerful gryphons, Valdemar has garnered a devoted global following. Now these 17 new tales by fantasy's greatest authors are sure to add their own chapter to the history of this enchanting land.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1997
149 people are currently reading
2378 people want to read
About the author
Mercedes Lackey
441 books9,532 followersMercedes entered this world on June 24, 1950, in Chicago, had a normal childhood and graduated from Purdue University in 1972. During the late 70's she worked as an artist's model and then went into the computer programming field, ending up with American Airlines in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In addition to her fantasy writing, she has written lyrics for and recorded nearly fifty songs for Firebird Arts & Music, a small recording company specializing in science fiction folk music.
"I'm a storyteller; that's what I see as 'my job'. My stories come out of my characters; how those characters would react to the given situation. Maybe that's why I get letters from readers as young as thirteen and as old as sixty-odd. One of the reasons I write song lyrics is because I see songs as a kind of 'story pill' -- they reduce a story to the barest essentials or encapsulate a particular crucial moment in time. I frequently will write a lyric when I am attempting to get to the heart of a crucial scene; I find that when I have done so, the scene has become absolutely clear in my mind, and I can write exactly what I wanted to say. Another reason is because of the kind of novels I am writing: that is, fantasy, set in an other-world semi-medieval atmosphere. Music is very important to medieval peoples; bards are the chief newsbringers. When I write the 'folk music' of these peoples, I am enriching my whole world, whether I actually use the song in the text or not.
"I began writing out of boredom; I continue out of addiction. I can't 'not' write, and as a result I have no social life! I began writing fantasy because I love it, but I try to construct my fantasy worlds with all the care of a 'high-tech' science fiction writer. I apply the principle of TANSTAAFL ['There ain't no such thing as free lunch', credited to Robert Heinlein) to magic, for instance; in my worlds, magic is paid for, and the cost to the magician is frequently a high one. I try to keep my world as solid and real as possible; people deal with stubborn pumps, bugs in the porridge, and love-lives that refuse to become untangled, right along with invading armies and evil magicians. And I try to make all of my characters, even the 'evil magicians,' something more than flat stereotypes. Even evil magicians get up in the night and look for cookies, sometimes.
"I suppose that in everything I write I try to expound the creed I gave my character Diana Tregarde in Burning Water:
"There's no such thing as 'one, true way'; the only answers worth having are the ones you find for yourself; leave the world better than you found it. Love, freedom, and the chance to do some good -- they're the things worth living and dying for, and if you aren't willing to die for the things worth living for, you might as well turn in your membership in the human race."
Also writes as Misty Lackey
Author's website
"I'm a storyteller; that's what I see as 'my job'. My stories come out of my characters; how those characters would react to the given situation. Maybe that's why I get letters from readers as young as thirteen and as old as sixty-odd. One of the reasons I write song lyrics is because I see songs as a kind of 'story pill' -- they reduce a story to the barest essentials or encapsulate a particular crucial moment in time. I frequently will write a lyric when I am attempting to get to the heart of a crucial scene; I find that when I have done so, the scene has become absolutely clear in my mind, and I can write exactly what I wanted to say. Another reason is because of the kind of novels I am writing: that is, fantasy, set in an other-world semi-medieval atmosphere. Music is very important to medieval peoples; bards are the chief newsbringers. When I write the 'folk music' of these peoples, I am enriching my whole world, whether I actually use the song in the text or not.
"I began writing out of boredom; I continue out of addiction. I can't 'not' write, and as a result I have no social life! I began writing fantasy because I love it, but I try to construct my fantasy worlds with all the care of a 'high-tech' science fiction writer. I apply the principle of TANSTAAFL ['There ain't no such thing as free lunch', credited to Robert Heinlein) to magic, for instance; in my worlds, magic is paid for, and the cost to the magician is frequently a high one. I try to keep my world as solid and real as possible; people deal with stubborn pumps, bugs in the porridge, and love-lives that refuse to become untangled, right along with invading armies and evil magicians. And I try to make all of my characters, even the 'evil magicians,' something more than flat stereotypes. Even evil magicians get up in the night and look for cookies, sometimes.
"I suppose that in everything I write I try to expound the creed I gave my character Diana Tregarde in Burning Water:
"There's no such thing as 'one, true way'; the only answers worth having are the ones you find for yourself; leave the world better than you found it. Love, freedom, and the chance to do some good -- they're the things worth living and dying for, and if you aren't willing to die for the things worth living for, you might as well turn in your membership in the human race."
Also writes as Misty Lackey
Author's website
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
October 5, 2015
I've read a few of these Valdemar collections before, and so far I think this is my least favourite. Like any other short story collection, there's a range in how much I liked each story, but I think this is the first time I didn't find a story that I'd rate over a four. Overall the stories were decent, though.
Blue Heart by Phillip M. Austin and Mercedes Lackey wasn't bad, and the 'twist' at the end was entertaining.possibly disturbing to some - the villain is clearly a massive creep, but - aside from his casual use of murder and torture - the exact reasons why are only really hinted at. The mention of other like him does not make this a story that reflects well on Karse. (Y'know, more so than all the usual reasons.)
I also liked the Salamander by Richard Lee Byers, which is a sort of detective story - the main character is employed by an elderly woman to investigate a series of mysterious fires that her nephew believes have been set to ruin her. In the course of his investigations her has to immerse himself into the culture of the cities two main rivalling political factions, and try to discover the cause of the fire before the nephew's faction declare all-out war on their rivals.
Ironrose by Larry Dixon and Mel. White was quite cute, too. A shy young man has a crush on one of the Warriors from his village, and his Hertasi companion decides he's taking too long to act. So the Hertasi recruits his mate and some of their kin to do a little matchmaking.
Blood Ties by Stephanie D. Shaver well written - the subject matter is rather disturbing, and not something one can really enjoy reading about. I thought she handled the subject matter well, and while I was able to predict some of it , I think that's intentionally on the author's part.
Sunlancer by Philip M Austin and Mercedes Lackey is interesting as well, one of the stories in the book that give us insight into the culture of Valdemar's long-time enemies, the Karsites. A man visits with his grandfather's guest, a travelling merchant familiar not only with Karse but Valdemar and several of its neighbouring countries. During a discussion, the guest asks the man several uncomfortable questions that cause him to re-think what he really believes in. This stories comes to a head when days later he must make a decision that could make him an enemy of his entire country.
The last few that stand out in memory I wasn't as impressed with - one, which was alright, was a re-written story mirroring King Solomon's judgement, with a few twists. One I found boring was the heraldic invention of polo ( I think - mallets & on horseback?). Vkandis' Own by Ben Ohlander was promising, but the plot was over-shadowed by the battle-scene that takes place. Two or three stars for these ones - and whichever ones I'm forgetting about, I'm sure.
Sadly there were two I can think of that I didn't really like. These were The School Up the Hill by Elisabeth Waters and A Song for No One's Mourning by Gary A. Braunbeck.
No One's mourning, I think, was the better of the two. The characters were decently fleshed out, decent back stories, and the plot could have been promising. I think it just didn't work as a short story. The change in attitude that overcame the main. was just TOO unbelievable, took credibility too far. Maybe if they'd been exploring the other world longer, had more time to bond... But as is, it's just too sudden.
School up the Hill, on the other hand... Where to start? The plot idea is decent - a young girl, threatened by her prostitute mother that she'd son have to start earning her keep, runs away from home and find work at an inn. (We never see why she believes become a sex worker to be a fate worse than death, but this is Rethwellan, not Valdemar, so I'm not sure what the background is.*) Eventually, mysterious events begin happening at the inn, initially passed off to be pranks of the Mage students from up the hill - or really bad aim during magic practice. Eventually, after an incident at the inn, when it's not possibly the work of students, it's discovered where the 'pranks' are really coming from.
This is okay in theory, but another one that was really rushed - day one, day two, day three, done! - kind of feel to it. This feels rushed even for a short story. The main is given a sob-story background, in an attempt to force readers to emphathize with her, but that's about it. She never really gains any kind of personality, let alone a fiery one like you'd expect from a girl determined to run away and make her own future at thirteen. None of the characters are fleshed out enough to even begin to feel like real people.
The afore-mentioned incident was what really bothered me, though. It's just... Really badly handled by the characters, and the author through them. It's not even so much what they do as it is what they fail to. We're supposed to like the characters, see them as good people, and I just have a hard time doing so.
Overall it's an all-right collection. Not essential reading, but I'd say pick it up for Blue Heart and Ironrose alone. Seriously, the Hertasi are awesome - I'd take befriending a Hertasi & forming a partnership over a house elf any day. Snarky little lizard dudes playing meddling yenta was a total win.
*Valdemar, for the record is shown to be pretty tolerant, at least around the heralds and the palace. I think there was even a ménage at one point, and one of the defining points of the holder-kin is that we're shown that they're traditionally polygamous (not necessarily or generally shown in a positive light, though. They're very 'macho and occasionally abusive when we hear from characters who've come from this holder-kin background.).
I don't think we've seen prostitutes much at all - most of the monarchy are usually happy enough, so there's no situations like those in our own history coming up (Madame du Pompador, maisson du tetre - I probably got those so wrong, but don't have time to google right now.).
Blue Heart by Phillip M. Austin and Mercedes Lackey wasn't bad, and the 'twist' at the end was entertaining.possibly disturbing to some - the villain is clearly a massive creep, but - aside from his casual use of murder and torture - the exact reasons why are only really hinted at. The mention of other like him does not make this a story that reflects well on Karse. (Y'know, more so than all the usual reasons.)
I also liked the Salamander by Richard Lee Byers, which is a sort of detective story - the main character is employed by an elderly woman to investigate a series of mysterious fires that her nephew believes have been set to ruin her. In the course of his investigations her has to immerse himself into the culture of the cities two main rivalling political factions, and try to discover the cause of the fire before the nephew's faction declare all-out war on their rivals.
Ironrose by Larry Dixon and Mel. White was quite cute, too. A shy young man has a crush on one of the Warriors from his village, and his Hertasi companion decides he's taking too long to act. So the Hertasi recruits his mate and some of their kin to do a little matchmaking.
Blood Ties by Stephanie D. Shaver well written - the subject matter is rather disturbing, and not something one can really enjoy reading about. I thought she handled the subject matter well, and while I was able to predict some of it , I think that's intentionally on the author's part.
Sunlancer by Philip M Austin and Mercedes Lackey is interesting as well, one of the stories in the book that give us insight into the culture of Valdemar's long-time enemies, the Karsites. A man visits with his grandfather's guest, a travelling merchant familiar not only with Karse but Valdemar and several of its neighbouring countries. During a discussion, the guest asks the man several uncomfortable questions that cause him to re-think what he really believes in. This stories comes to a head when days later he must make a decision that could make him an enemy of his entire country.
The last few that stand out in memory I wasn't as impressed with - one, which was alright, was a re-written story mirroring King Solomon's judgement, with a few twists. One I found boring was the heraldic invention of polo ( I think - mallets & on horseback?). Vkandis' Own by Ben Ohlander was promising, but the plot was over-shadowed by the battle-scene that takes place. Two or three stars for these ones - and whichever ones I'm forgetting about, I'm sure.
Sadly there were two I can think of that I didn't really like. These were The School Up the Hill by Elisabeth Waters and A Song for No One's Mourning by Gary A. Braunbeck.
No One's mourning, I think, was the better of the two. The characters were decently fleshed out, decent back stories, and the plot could have been promising. I think it just didn't work as a short story. The change in attitude that overcame the main. was just TOO unbelievable, took credibility too far. Maybe if they'd been exploring the other world longer, had more time to bond... But as is, it's just too sudden.
School up the Hill, on the other hand... Where to start? The plot idea is decent - a young girl, threatened by her prostitute mother that she'd son have to start earning her keep, runs away from home and find work at an inn. (We never see why she believes become a sex worker to be a fate worse than death, but this is Rethwellan, not Valdemar, so I'm not sure what the background is.*) Eventually, mysterious events begin happening at the inn, initially passed off to be pranks of the Mage students from up the hill - or really bad aim during magic practice. Eventually, after an incident at the inn, when it's not possibly the work of students, it's discovered where the 'pranks' are really coming from.
This is okay in theory, but another one that was really rushed - day one, day two, day three, done! - kind of feel to it. This feels rushed even for a short story. The main is given a sob-story background, in an attempt to force readers to emphathize with her, but that's about it. She never really gains any kind of personality, let alone a fiery one like you'd expect from a girl determined to run away and make her own future at thirteen. None of the characters are fleshed out enough to even begin to feel like real people.
The afore-mentioned incident was what really bothered me, though. It's just... Really badly handled by the characters, and the author through them. It's not even so much what they do as it is what they fail to. We're supposed to like the characters, see them as good people, and I just have a hard time doing so.
Overall it's an all-right collection. Not essential reading, but I'd say pick it up for Blue Heart and Ironrose alone. Seriously, the Hertasi are awesome - I'd take befriending a Hertasi & forming a partnership over a house elf any day. Snarky little lizard dudes playing meddling yenta was a total win.
*Valdemar, for the record is shown to be pretty tolerant, at least around the heralds and the palace. I think there was even a ménage at one point, and one of the defining points of the holder-kin is that we're shown that they're traditionally polygamous (not necessarily or generally shown in a positive light, though. They're very 'macho and occasionally abusive when we hear from characters who've come from this holder-kin background.).
I don't think we've seen prostitutes much at all - most of the monarchy are usually happy enough, so there's no situations like those in our own history coming up (Madame du Pompador, maisson du tetre - I probably got those so wrong, but don't have time to google right now.).
March 8, 2016
I am so glad I went to the trouble of tracking this down. This first collection of Valdemar short stories was awesome, especially the back story of Savil and Starwind (which sheds light on things that happen in Magic's Pawn). There were also just some great stories that engage with characters we already know and love as well as "stand-alone" stories that are enjoyable on their own.
December 13, 2011
This is a really uneven collection. There are a few really solid ones - Tanya Huff's is note-perfect, and the one that is perhaps my favorite, "The Salamander," is only glancingly a Valdemar story but delightful nonetheless - but there are a lot of mediocre-to-rank-amateur pieces. It's nice that Lackey provided an outlet for some of her proteges, but I hate to have to slog through the results.
September 7, 2008
This was one of the best short story anthologies, as we got to see a living, breathing Vanyel once more.
August 23, 2022
An anthology of eighteen short stories in this Valdemar fantasy series.
The Stories
Mercedes Lackey and Philip M. Austin's "Sunlancer"
Captain Clarrin Mul-Par leads a troop of Temple Lancers and questions the truth of the priests burning children. It's a question that that scribe friend, "Brekkan of Hawk's Rest", of his grandfather's, Tirens Mul-Par, pushes, asking leading questions about the truth of the priesthood of Vkandis that uses magic in secret and decries it as evil in others.
Liksani is Clarrin's nine-year-old niece and Tirens' great-granddaughter. Aldenwin is Tirens' sister. Sareni is Tirens' deceased wife. Esda is Clarrin's corporal-orderly.
There's a lovely, unexpected ending to this.
Tanya Huff's "The Demon's Den"
Jors is a Herald and Gevris his Companion. Both will be terrified in this when Jors' honor insists he not leave an animal to die in pain, and Gevris is limited in who he can communicate with.
Collegium-taught, Ari has lost so much physically five years ago, partly due to her own hubris. Robin is a nephew. Dyril is her cousin. Neegan barely survived. Brandon.
Ari does make a good point: Heralds are not the only ones who can give their lives to save others.
Larry Dixon and Mel. White's "Ironrose"
It's a shy courtship pushed by their hertasi of two Hawkbrothers who don't see their own value. It is so cute reading as the hertasi plan.
Ironrose is a shy, skilled blacksmith of the Hawkbrothers. His bondbird is a very old owl. Tullin is Ironrose's "interfering" hertasi. Sunrunner is a hunter whom Ironrose secretly loves. Coulsie, Tullin's mate, is the hertasi who serves Sunrunner. Other Hawkbrothers include Tallbush, Bluethorn, Icefalcon and Eventree, and Starhawk. Other hertasi include Tsamar, Shonu, H'shama, and Huli.
Josepha Sherman's "Babysitter"
Leryn, a gem merchant, had to escape the memories of his beloved wife, Elenya , but got a little carried away with his plans, pursuing a life as a wandering merchant. Attacked and alone, he encounters a young gryphon. And he finds the path back to himself.
Richard Lee Byers' "The Salamander"
A mercenary was hired to find out who the arsonist is, and it's quite Shakespearean with the rival political factions in Mornedealth. The investigation involves quite a bit of gossiping and undercover work with the truth coming out at the end. Although there's nothing to explain how Selden arrives at it.
Draydech is a Whispering Oak sorcerer whom Master Selden, a mercenary and instructor, hires on an as-needed basis. Lady Elthea is a merchant widow whose businesses are being targeted and strives to prevent the retaliation her Blue blade grandnephew, Pivor, wants. Verrano is one of Pivor's friends. Jarnac is New Money who wants more. The Honeycomb is a tavern. Balin is a promising student of Selden's. Marissa is another instructor in weaponry, primarily for the Greens.
Janni Lee Simner's "A Child's Adventures"
It's a dream that's come too late, for Inya is a grandmother now with grandchildren, her widowed son-in-law, and the family farm to look after. Inya certainly does whine about why she can't be Chosen now with all her aches and responsibilities. I can understand why Inya doesn't want to let the family farm go, but I also wonder why the family never built a flood wall that would permanently protect the place. It's the village's response and Muriel's reaction that are the last straws.
River's Bend used to be a cooperative village. Muriel and Lara are Inya's granddaughters. Jory is her son-in-law. Her daughter, Anara, had been Jory's wife. Caron is a merchant in the village who wants to buy the farm. Thea is the Companion who has come on search.
Stephanie D Shaver's "Blood Ties"
Rivin and Sattar have been conspiring to get the two younger siblings out of the house, to escape the poverty and their father's harsh rules. And it works! Only it leaves Sattar vulnerable. Too vulnerable.
Rivin is the son of the house. Sattar is his older sister, Danavan his younger, and Nastasea is the five-year-old baby. Delanon Morningsong is their widowed, hard father, a refugee from Karse with a rigid mind-frame. Aunt Rianao is Delanon's wealthier sister who can afford the two children and lives in Kettlesmith. Tileir is Rianao's fifteen-year-old son. Kentith Ravenblock, their cousin, has been Chosen. Lisabet Morningsong is a Herald-Mage and a distant cousin of Rianao's. Raal is Lisabet's Companion. Derdre is a Companion. Yiro is a Healer.
Lawrence Schimel's ". . . Another Successful Experiment"
Phew . . . this was a relief after "Blood Ties". Chavi is a student at the Collegium who loves to invent stuff, and it intrigues everyone around him. In this case, he ends up with a much bigger audience than he expects.
Tecla is Chavi's Companion. Efrem is a fellow student in Grays. Gildi is another with Fedele as her Companion; she'll be a captain. More year-mates include Sorne, Grav will be a powerhouse hitter, Kem, and Fiz will have an excellent backhand. Mero is a Herald and teacher. Alberich is the weaponsmaster. I think Eladi is a kitchen helper? Queen Selenay shows up to watch.
Michelle West's "Choice"
An attack has left one Herald dead and the other and his Companion injured. Their message is too important to wait on, and Kelsey is determined to accompany Carris. In the background, Kelsey's grandmother keeps reminding Kelsey that she can be whatever she chooses. Only Kelsey has a one-track mind, and we learn how carefully Kelsey lives and learns.
Kelsey has had dreams of being Chosen, and she works in Torvan's Tavern, owned by Torvan Peterson. Raymon and Karin also work for Torvan. Dr Lessar is the local physician. Carris is the injured Herald; Arana is his wounded Companion. Lyris had been the other Herald. What happened to Lyris' Companion? David Fruitman, a friend who owes Kelsey a favor, is a guard captain. I think Sharra is David's wife. Marrit supervises the cooking for the caravan. Tuavo is the merchant whose caravan it is. The Baron had hired the evil Mage.
Kristin Schwengel's "Song of Valdemar"
It's not what Revyn wanted, to be a Healer. He wants to be a Bard and that talk with Keryn has destroyed his life. It's mostly pride talking as well as his fear of his clumsiness. The fact that later Schwengel claims that Revyn also wants to be a Healer is rather irritating. I don't understand that major jerkwad Myndal and his position in the family when their father is still alive. The family can write to Revyn openly??
Eser is a Master Healer with Revyn his reluctant trainee. Patients include Teral and Seldi, who opens Revyn's mind. Derem is Seldi's older brother. Bard Keryn has a disappointing chat with Revyn.
Hold Elann is . . .
. . . Revyn's home. Chylla is Revyn's beloved sister; his mother. Myndal is the brutal older brother. Tygris is an aging dog. Aislynn had been Revyn's sweetheart on whom Myndal now has designs. Minstrel Des had died.
Hold Gellan
Edouard is the younger, unmarried son.
Elisabeth Waters' "The School Up the Hill,"
It goes from raining in the kitchen to fog and then snow with someone from the school having to come to the rescue. It must be those students playing practical jokes.
Whew, this was a bit tricky at the start. A girl who does not want to follow her mother's profession, especially when she can hear the "customers" thoughts, runs away. And who can blame her!
Myrta runs a tavern in the town of Bolthaven, which was built around the former winter quarters for the Skybolt mercenary troop that's now the White Winds mage-school. Serena is a former Skybolt who's now the cook. Twelve-year-old Leesa came from Haven. Rose and Margaret. Ruven is the clueless stableboy.
Master Quenten is the headmaster of the school. Elrodie, an earth-witch and herbalist, is one of the teachers.
Mark Shepherd's "Chance"
Luckily Jonne's family owns land along the border, so he knows a few good hiding places. When Vanyel and his party are attacked, he'll be a lifesaver. It'll be a brief visit and the highlight of Jonne's life that he can spend time with Vanyel.
Guardsman Jonne, with a slight gift for Empathy and Mindspeech, is one of the soldiers on the Valdemaran-Karsite border.
Herald-Mage Vanyel has arrived on the border to replace five other mages. Yfandes is his Companion. Savil is Van's aunt and also a Herald. Tylendel had been Van's lifebonded who died at Sovvan, a Valdemaran holiday.
Mercedes Lackey and John Yezeguielian's "Sword of Ice"
Hey, Savil is a Herald and they are hardwired to save people. Lucky for Starwind. Not so great in his peoples' minds. Talk about bigotry! Fortunately, Starwind is quite stubborn about his new Wingsister, lol.
Savil is a Herald and Vanyel's aunt. Kellan is Savil's Companion. Starwind is an injured Hawkbrother, a.k.a. a Tayledras, a close-knit people related to the Shin'a'in. His home base is k'Treva in the Pelagirs. The hertasi are a sentient, shy lizard-people who help the Hawkbrothers.
John Helfers' "In the Forest of Sorrows"
I had to wonder if Treyon was a good guy or a bad one, and that white horse that showed up made up my mind. It's definitely action-packed with the bandits desperate to recover Treyon, god knows why, and Vanyel more interested in vanquishing them. It is fascinating how the forest protects the good. Then again, this Ke'noran has some nasty tricks up her sleeve!
Treyon used to scout trade caravans for the bandits and now he's escaped. Seems he has the potential for two or three Gifts!
The ghost of Herald-Mage Vanyel "Demonsbane" and Yfandes, his Companion, have been protecting in the Forest of Sorrows for over thirty years. It's a refuge for good people. Stefen is a bard, a reincarnation of Tylendel, and Vanyel's "second" lifebonded.
Ke'noran is a Cheldaran witch who took over Trold's band of brigands. Caith is the leader of the trackers while Soren is their best scout. Toren is another scout.
Ben Ohlander's "Vkandis' Own"
Sent out to battle the Hardorns who have been raiding into Karse, it's a dry, heated march where they'll encounter a force larger than them. I am not surprised how much Tregaron despises the press-gangs.
It's a fascinating battle, but it's the aftermath that reinforces my hatred for Karsites. Well, the Karsite religion anyway. The Black-robes want their Battle Tithe and don't care how it will affect the men. I absolutely loved it when Solaris stepped up and essentially spit in their eyes!! I have got to read more about her!!
Colonel Tregaron is the commander of His Holiness' Twenty-First Foot which includes Borlai and Dormion, who is an educated young man with no clue, but Cogern does see possibilities — if he can keep him away from the books. Sergeant Cogern is the Master of Pikes and responsible for the order of the regiment. Sergeant Gren is too handy with a whip. Captain Luhann is quite capable. Hagan of the Third Battle, 5th Company, will supply mercy.
Solaris is a common parish-tender who is rumored to be as powerful as the Black-robes from Sunhame. She's certainly braver! Havern is one of the two Black-robes assigned to the Twenty-First. Lastern is His Holiness and clueless.
Ancar the Usurper is the nasty ruler of Hardorn. Regulauf leads one of the regiments. Alessandr had been the previous king and the father Ancar killed along with his knowledgeable generals.
Mickey Zucker Reichert's "A Herald's Honor"
That was certainly a surprise! Martin certainly does hold hard to his vow. Considering how well Lyssa holds to her vow, I think his is busted into tiny pieces. I certainly don't see why Lyssa not being a Herald should make a difference. WHAT a slut! As for Judaia's judgment, I do agree with the welfare line, but I did NOT pick up on Keefhar trading her child for another.
Herald Judaia is training under that idiot Herald Martin. His Companion is Tirithran; hers is Brayth. Martin's brother is a bard. Lyssa is one of the Seneschal's granddaughters.
Lindra is thirdwife of Salaman with her first live baby. Keefhar is firstwife of Kailer.
Gary A Branbeck's "A Song For No One's Mourning"
Olias goes undercover as a minstrel between his thefts. I can't really blame Olias for his feelings. What happened to his dad was disgusting and shameful. The range of memories Olias carries with him are heartbreaking. It does not, however, make any sense that no one ever brought any work to his dad. Why wouldn't Savil have intervened? As for L'lewythi, those dreams of his can be troublesome.
Olias is an angry orphan with a bit of Bardic and Heraldic Gifts, include Thought-sending, which is dang useful in his thieving. Ranyart is Olias' horse.
L'lewythi is the boy who is tortured and beaten. Ylem is a creature in L'lewythi's other plane of existence, the Barrens with its own Forest of Sorrows, the Keeningwoods. Gash is one being that came from L'lewythi's dreams with his pain, grief, and loneliness.
Philip M. Austin and Mercedes Lackey's "Blue Heart"
These two are so cheeky in leading one on with all this talk about private missions — wait until you discover what those "private missions" are mostly about, lol.
Selenay is queen of Valdemar who likes to do calligraphy and illumination. Elspeth is her daughter with her shed for her pottery. Daren is Selenay's husband. "Her shadow" is a truly scarred Herald spy and assassin, like Skif. His Companion, Pilane, has a fascinating hobby. Alberich is the weaponsmater. Kerowyn.
Mikhal teaches (and hides) the village children. Pilane is a gorgeous and breathtaking fourteen-year-old beauty with a slow mind. Deke is the Watch-Boy. Headman Cracy and his wife don't do too well.
Trader Gencan proves too greedy to live.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a black background with stylized water in browns and light grays crossing the top with two horsemen facing each other with weapons. In the middle of this "water" is a heater shield with a royal blue background and scattered gilt stars with a rearing gilt pegasus. The bottom of the shield intersects with the gilded rectangular frame with the white head of a Companion emerging from its royal blue background. Additional heater shields are in the bottom two corners of this frame. One has an orange background with a winding snake while the right one has a black background with a silver border and what appears to be the frontal view of a deep burgundy-pink phoenix. On either side of the frame is a fancy dagger in black and silver. At the very top is the title in white with an info blurb beneath it, also in white. At the very bottom is a note that the author is also the editor, and also in white.
The title provides one of the short story titles Sword of Ice and Other Tales of Valdemar to pique your interest.
The Stories
Mercedes Lackey and Philip M. Austin's "Sunlancer"
Captain Clarrin Mul-Par leads a troop of Temple Lancers and questions the truth of the priests burning children. It's a question that that scribe friend, "Brekkan of Hawk's Rest", of his grandfather's, Tirens Mul-Par, pushes, asking leading questions about the truth of the priesthood of Vkandis that uses magic in secret and decries it as evil in others.
Liksani is Clarrin's nine-year-old niece and Tirens' great-granddaughter. Aldenwin is Tirens' sister. Sareni is Tirens' deceased wife. Esda is Clarrin's corporal-orderly.
There's a lovely, unexpected ending to this.
Tanya Huff's "The Demon's Den"
Jors is a Herald and Gevris his Companion. Both will be terrified in this when Jors' honor insists he not leave an animal to die in pain, and Gevris is limited in who he can communicate with.
Collegium-taught, Ari has lost so much physically five years ago, partly due to her own hubris. Robin is a nephew. Dyril is her cousin. Neegan barely survived. Brandon.
Ari does make a good point: Heralds are not the only ones who can give their lives to save others.
Larry Dixon and Mel. White's "Ironrose"
It's a shy courtship pushed by their hertasi of two Hawkbrothers who don't see their own value. It is so cute reading as the hertasi plan.
Ironrose is a shy, skilled blacksmith of the Hawkbrothers. His bondbird is a very old owl. Tullin is Ironrose's "interfering" hertasi. Sunrunner is a hunter whom Ironrose secretly loves. Coulsie, Tullin's mate, is the hertasi who serves Sunrunner. Other Hawkbrothers include Tallbush, Bluethorn, Icefalcon and Eventree, and Starhawk. Other hertasi include Tsamar, Shonu, H'shama, and Huli.
Josepha Sherman's "Babysitter"
Leryn, a gem merchant, had to escape the memories of his beloved wife, Elenya , but got a little carried away with his plans, pursuing a life as a wandering merchant. Attacked and alone, he encounters a young gryphon. And he finds the path back to himself.
Richard Lee Byers' "The Salamander"
A mercenary was hired to find out who the arsonist is, and it's quite Shakespearean with the rival political factions in Mornedealth. The investigation involves quite a bit of gossiping and undercover work with the truth coming out at the end. Although there's nothing to explain how Selden arrives at it.
Draydech is a Whispering Oak sorcerer whom Master Selden, a mercenary and instructor, hires on an as-needed basis. Lady Elthea is a merchant widow whose businesses are being targeted and strives to prevent the retaliation her Blue blade grandnephew, Pivor, wants. Verrano is one of Pivor's friends. Jarnac is New Money who wants more. The Honeycomb is a tavern. Balin is a promising student of Selden's. Marissa is another instructor in weaponry, primarily for the Greens.
Janni Lee Simner's "A Child's Adventures"
It's a dream that's come too late, for Inya is a grandmother now with grandchildren, her widowed son-in-law, and the family farm to look after. Inya certainly does whine about why she can't be Chosen now with all her aches and responsibilities. I can understand why Inya doesn't want to let the family farm go, but I also wonder why the family never built a flood wall that would permanently protect the place. It's the village's response and Muriel's reaction that are the last straws.
River's Bend used to be a cooperative village. Muriel and Lara are Inya's granddaughters. Jory is her son-in-law. Her daughter, Anara, had been Jory's wife. Caron is a merchant in the village who wants to buy the farm. Thea is the Companion who has come on search.
Stephanie D Shaver's "Blood Ties"
Rivin and Sattar have been conspiring to get the two younger siblings out of the house, to escape the poverty and their father's harsh rules. And it works! Only it leaves Sattar vulnerable. Too vulnerable.
Rivin is the son of the house. Sattar is his older sister, Danavan his younger, and Nastasea is the five-year-old baby. Delanon Morningsong is their widowed, hard father, a refugee from Karse with a rigid mind-frame. Aunt Rianao is Delanon's wealthier sister who can afford the two children and lives in Kettlesmith. Tileir is Rianao's fifteen-year-old son. Kentith Ravenblock, their cousin, has been Chosen. Lisabet Morningsong is a Herald-Mage and a distant cousin of Rianao's. Raal is Lisabet's Companion. Derdre is a Companion. Yiro is a Healer.
Lawrence Schimel's ". . . Another Successful Experiment"
Phew . . . this was a relief after "Blood Ties". Chavi is a student at the Collegium who loves to invent stuff, and it intrigues everyone around him. In this case, he ends up with a much bigger audience than he expects.
Tecla is Chavi's Companion. Efrem is a fellow student in Grays. Gildi is another with Fedele as her Companion; she'll be a captain. More year-mates include Sorne, Grav will be a powerhouse hitter, Kem, and Fiz will have an excellent backhand. Mero is a Herald and teacher. Alberich is the weaponsmaster. I think Eladi is a kitchen helper? Queen Selenay shows up to watch.
Michelle West's "Choice"
An attack has left one Herald dead and the other and his Companion injured. Their message is too important to wait on, and Kelsey is determined to accompany Carris. In the background, Kelsey's grandmother keeps reminding Kelsey that she can be whatever she chooses. Only Kelsey has a one-track mind, and we learn how carefully Kelsey lives and learns.
Kelsey has had dreams of being Chosen, and she works in Torvan's Tavern, owned by Torvan Peterson. Raymon and Karin also work for Torvan. Dr Lessar is the local physician. Carris is the injured Herald; Arana is his wounded Companion. Lyris had been the other Herald. What happened to Lyris' Companion? David Fruitman, a friend who owes Kelsey a favor, is a guard captain. I think Sharra is David's wife. Marrit supervises the cooking for the caravan. Tuavo is the merchant whose caravan it is. The Baron had hired the evil Mage.
Kristin Schwengel's "Song of Valdemar"
It's not what Revyn wanted, to be a Healer. He wants to be a Bard and that talk with Keryn has destroyed his life. It's mostly pride talking as well as his fear of his clumsiness. The fact that later Schwengel claims that Revyn also wants to be a Healer is rather irritating. I don't understand that major jerkwad Myndal and his position in the family when their father is still alive. The family can write to Revyn openly??
Eser is a Master Healer with Revyn his reluctant trainee. Patients include Teral and Seldi, who opens Revyn's mind. Derem is Seldi's older brother. Bard Keryn has a disappointing chat with Revyn.
Hold Elann is . . .
. . . Revyn's home. Chylla is Revyn's beloved sister; his mother. Myndal is the brutal older brother. Tygris is an aging dog. Aislynn had been Revyn's sweetheart on whom Myndal now has designs. Minstrel Des had died.
Hold Gellan
Edouard is the younger, unmarried son.
Elisabeth Waters' "The School Up the Hill,"
It goes from raining in the kitchen to fog and then snow with someone from the school having to come to the rescue. It must be those students playing practical jokes.
Whew, this was a bit tricky at the start. A girl who does not want to follow her mother's profession, especially when she can hear the "customers" thoughts, runs away. And who can blame her!
Myrta runs a tavern in the town of Bolthaven, which was built around the former winter quarters for the Skybolt mercenary troop that's now the White Winds mage-school. Serena is a former Skybolt who's now the cook. Twelve-year-old Leesa came from Haven. Rose and Margaret. Ruven is the clueless stableboy.
Master Quenten is the headmaster of the school. Elrodie, an earth-witch and herbalist, is one of the teachers.
Mark Shepherd's "Chance"
Luckily Jonne's family owns land along the border, so he knows a few good hiding places. When Vanyel and his party are attacked, he'll be a lifesaver. It'll be a brief visit and the highlight of Jonne's life that he can spend time with Vanyel.
Guardsman Jonne, with a slight gift for Empathy and Mindspeech, is one of the soldiers on the Valdemaran-Karsite border.
Herald-Mage Vanyel has arrived on the border to replace five other mages. Yfandes is his Companion. Savil is Van's aunt and also a Herald. Tylendel had been Van's lifebonded who died at Sovvan, a Valdemaran holiday.
Mercedes Lackey and John Yezeguielian's "Sword of Ice"
Hey, Savil is a Herald and they are hardwired to save people. Lucky for Starwind. Not so great in his peoples' minds. Talk about bigotry! Fortunately, Starwind is quite stubborn about his new Wingsister, lol.
Savil is a Herald and Vanyel's aunt. Kellan is Savil's Companion. Starwind is an injured Hawkbrother, a.k.a. a Tayledras, a close-knit people related to the Shin'a'in. His home base is k'Treva in the Pelagirs. The hertasi are a sentient, shy lizard-people who help the Hawkbrothers.
John Helfers' "In the Forest of Sorrows"
I had to wonder if Treyon was a good guy or a bad one, and that white horse that showed up made up my mind. It's definitely action-packed with the bandits desperate to recover Treyon, god knows why, and Vanyel more interested in vanquishing them. It is fascinating how the forest protects the good. Then again, this Ke'noran has some nasty tricks up her sleeve!
Treyon used to scout trade caravans for the bandits and now he's escaped. Seems he has the potential for two or three Gifts!
The ghost of Herald-Mage Vanyel "Demonsbane" and Yfandes, his Companion, have been protecting in the Forest of Sorrows for over thirty years. It's a refuge for good people. Stefen is a bard, a reincarnation of Tylendel, and Vanyel's "second" lifebonded.
Ke'noran is a Cheldaran witch who took over Trold's band of brigands. Caith is the leader of the trackers while Soren is their best scout. Toren is another scout.
Ben Ohlander's "Vkandis' Own"
Sent out to battle the Hardorns who have been raiding into Karse, it's a dry, heated march where they'll encounter a force larger than them. I am not surprised how much Tregaron despises the press-gangs.
It's a fascinating battle, but it's the aftermath that reinforces my hatred for Karsites. Well, the Karsite religion anyway. The Black-robes want their Battle Tithe and don't care how it will affect the men. I absolutely loved it when Solaris stepped up and essentially spit in their eyes!! I have got to read more about her!!
Colonel Tregaron is the commander of His Holiness' Twenty-First Foot which includes Borlai and Dormion, who is an educated young man with no clue, but Cogern does see possibilities — if he can keep him away from the books. Sergeant Cogern is the Master of Pikes and responsible for the order of the regiment. Sergeant Gren is too handy with a whip. Captain Luhann is quite capable. Hagan of the Third Battle, 5th Company, will supply mercy.
Solaris is a common parish-tender who is rumored to be as powerful as the Black-robes from Sunhame. She's certainly braver! Havern is one of the two Black-robes assigned to the Twenty-First. Lastern is His Holiness and clueless.
Ancar the Usurper is the nasty ruler of Hardorn. Regulauf leads one of the regiments. Alessandr had been the previous king and the father Ancar killed along with his knowledgeable generals.
Mickey Zucker Reichert's "A Herald's Honor"
That was certainly a surprise! Martin certainly does hold hard to his vow. Considering how well Lyssa holds to her vow, I think his is busted into tiny pieces. I certainly don't see why Lyssa not being a Herald should make a difference. WHAT a slut! As for Judaia's judgment, I do agree with the welfare line, but I did NOT pick up on Keefhar trading her child for another.
Herald Judaia is training under that idiot Herald Martin. His Companion is Tirithran; hers is Brayth. Martin's brother is a bard. Lyssa is one of the Seneschal's granddaughters.
Lindra is thirdwife of Salaman with her first live baby. Keefhar is firstwife of Kailer.
Gary A Branbeck's "A Song For No One's Mourning"
Olias goes undercover as a minstrel between his thefts. I can't really blame Olias for his feelings. What happened to his dad was disgusting and shameful. The range of memories Olias carries with him are heartbreaking. It does not, however, make any sense that no one ever brought any work to his dad. Why wouldn't Savil have intervened? As for L'lewythi, those dreams of his can be troublesome.
Olias is an angry orphan with a bit of Bardic and Heraldic Gifts, include Thought-sending, which is dang useful in his thieving. Ranyart is Olias' horse.
L'lewythi is the boy who is tortured and beaten. Ylem is a creature in L'lewythi's other plane of existence, the Barrens with its own Forest of Sorrows, the Keeningwoods. Gash is one being that came from L'lewythi's dreams with his pain, grief, and loneliness.
"I like having friends. Even if I had to . . . make them up . . ."Lord Withen Ashkevron of Forst Reach set up Olias' father to ridicule. Olias' mother had been an apprentice-seamstress in the manor. Herald Savil had been Withen's sister. Gwanwyn was a great metal-worker, who uses magic.
Philip M. Austin and Mercedes Lackey's "Blue Heart"
These two are so cheeky in leading one on with all this talk about private missions — wait until you discover what those "private missions" are mostly about, lol.
Selenay is queen of Valdemar who likes to do calligraphy and illumination. Elspeth is her daughter with her shed for her pottery. Daren is Selenay's husband. "Her shadow" is a truly scarred Herald spy and assassin, like Skif. His Companion, Pilane, has a fascinating hobby. Alberich is the weaponsmater. Kerowyn.
Mikhal teaches (and hides) the village children. Pilane is a gorgeous and breathtaking fourteen-year-old beauty with a slow mind. Deke is the Watch-Boy. Headman Cracy and his wife don't do too well.
Trader Gencan proves too greedy to live.
"There was nothing worse than a tradesman who knew the value of his goods."Baron Munn, "The Bull of the Sun", rules his fiefdom in Karse.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a black background with stylized water in browns and light grays crossing the top with two horsemen facing each other with weapons. In the middle of this "water" is a heater shield with a royal blue background and scattered gilt stars with a rearing gilt pegasus. The bottom of the shield intersects with the gilded rectangular frame with the white head of a Companion emerging from its royal blue background. Additional heater shields are in the bottom two corners of this frame. One has an orange background with a winding snake while the right one has a black background with a silver border and what appears to be the frontal view of a deep burgundy-pink phoenix. On either side of the frame is a fancy dagger in black and silver. At the very top is the title in white with an info blurb beneath it, also in white. At the very bottom is a note that the author is also the editor, and also in white.
The title provides one of the short story titles Sword of Ice and Other Tales of Valdemar to pique your interest.
August 8, 2021
As always with anthologies/short story collections - there are stories that I love and some that I like more of less. However, this time there hasn't been one that I didn't like. :)
I love the different POVs, themes and focuses that are brought in by all these authors.
One story I've already known - the one of Herald Jors and it's been a delight to re-read his story in the Demons Den. ;)
My very favourite story however is the one of Kelsey. It just resonated with me and I cheered her on the whole time while she kept Herald Carris save so that he could bring the message to the King. Which didn't happen in the end because Kelsey took care of the problem. <3
I also loved the stories of Vanyel in the Forrest of Sorrows (I've been hoping for just such a story <3) and Savil meeting the Tayledras. <3
I had a wonderful time reading all these stories and I'm looking forward to the next anthology with new tales of Valdemar. :)
I love the different POVs, themes and focuses that are brought in by all these authors.
One story I've already known - the one of Herald Jors and it's been a delight to re-read his story in the Demons Den. ;)
My very favourite story however is the one of Kelsey. It just resonated with me and I cheered her on the whole time while she kept Herald Carris save so that he could bring the message to the King. Which didn't happen in the end because Kelsey took care of the problem. <3
I also loved the stories of Vanyel in the Forrest of Sorrows (I've been hoping for just such a story <3) and Savil meeting the Tayledras. <3
I had a wonderful time reading all these stories and I'm looking forward to the next anthology with new tales of Valdemar. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2014
It's a book of short stories about Valdemar... and because it was fairly cheap, and I was a sucker, I bought it. Well, at least there was one story I really liked, even if it still felt a bit rough around the edges. The rest of it was poor plots hastily executed, combined with a lot of meaningless sentimentality and some really DISTURBING conclusions about morality and spirituality. In other words, typical Valdemar. Only one of these writers seems to have grasped the idea of a short story, even a short story with a tie-in to a very large and well-established universe. The other few I liked still felt like chunks excerpted from an unpublished novel. I could go into more detail, but I'd like to do that on a story-by-story basis, since that's really the only fair way to do it, and I don't feel like spending that much time. Although there were some stories I thought were harmless, and some I even liked, overall I rate the book as Not Recommended.
December 26, 2007
There were some good stories here, but then, there were some that sucked. I find the idea of buying an anthology of fanfiction of poorer quality than some you can find on the Internet a bit weird, so I would avoid this one.
February 28, 2018
I love the idea of this anthology, love the idea of an author curating a bunch of their favorite fanfiction and putting out out there for the audience to enjoy, possibly even making some of it canon. And there are some truly fantastic stories in this collection. My personal favorite was "Vkandis's Own." My top mentions would be: "In the Forest of Sorrows," "The School Up the Hill," "The Demon's Den," "Blood Ties," "A Herald's Honor," and "Salamander."
But this anthology occupies some weird space where it seems like many of the authors only had a slim understanding of the world in which they were writing. (I'm not sure if it's because these stories were written early in the series' lifespan before certain things were established, or if there's some other explanation for this.) For example, no one seems to know why Heralds are chosen, even though it's discussed at length in almost every trilogy. Likewise, there seem to be some issues with how companions communicate with others, even though they regularly choose to speak with people other than their chosen throughout the series. Most of the time, the stories are enjoyable anyway, but it certainly threw me off.
Unfortunately, I'm not sure why the author ultimately chose to include some of the stories in this book, especially the ones which portray the characters in ways they would never act in the regular series. Luckily there were enough good stories that the collection didn't feel like a waste of time.
But this anthology occupies some weird space where it seems like many of the authors only had a slim understanding of the world in which they were writing. (I'm not sure if it's because these stories were written early in the series' lifespan before certain things were established, or if there's some other explanation for this.) For example, no one seems to know why Heralds are chosen, even though it's discussed at length in almost every trilogy. Likewise, there seem to be some issues with how companions communicate with others, even though they regularly choose to speak with people other than their chosen throughout the series. Most of the time, the stories are enjoyable anyway, but it certainly threw me off.
Unfortunately, I'm not sure why the author ultimately chose to include some of the stories in this book, especially the ones which portray the characters in ways they would never act in the regular series. Luckily there were enough good stories that the collection didn't feel like a waste of time.
July 21, 2012
I originally reviewed this book on my blog - The Cosy Dragon. For more recent reviews by me, please hop over there.
The first ever collection of Valdemar tales by other authors set in the world of Mercedes Lackey. As it so charmingly states on the front cover, there are 18 tales! Some are written in concert with Mercedes Lackey, and the opening and closing stories are both by the same collaborators.
The cover is somewhat unexciting, and I didn't think that the Companion's eyes were really blue enough to be convincing. The stories inside were a bit of a mixed bag, but then, who ever likes absolutely everything?
'Sunlancer' by Philip M. Austin and Mercedes Lackey reinforces the power of the word, particularly in Karse. It's a sentiment I agree with, and this short story is remarkably well written and compelling. You do seem to know what will happen, but the ending is still a little of a surprise.
'The Demon's Den' by Tanya Huff is a tale of hope and overcoming adversity without being too pretentious about it. It shows how ordinary citizens (not really written about in Lackey's own books of Valdermar) are often sad when they are not chosen as Heralds, even if they are self-sacrificing. Jors seemed a little one dimensional, but there was potential for more. I liked Ari, although it was not obvious to me that she was blind.
'Iron Rose' by Larry Dixon and Mel White shows what the hertasi get up to when the hawkbrothers aren't watching! A touching story, perhaps lackign a little in depth, but satisfying all the same. It is obvious that the hertasi are good at this!
'Babysitter' by Josepha Sherman shows a touch of healthy cynicism! Yay for not totally being given over to babysitting immediately. There were some problems though: griffins aren't exactly easy to care for and I expected even a youngster to be a little more grumpy (and less puffbally). Ending of this one is a little abrupt, and I felt like this story could have been set in almost any world with griffins, not just that of Valdemar.
'The Salamander' by Richard Lee Byers is ok. I don't like Selden, and I'm not fond of the way this story is written (too much personal opinion and stilted observations). I guess it could be a good one for those of you who like mysteries. Reminds me a bit of Romeo and Juliet actually.
'A Child's Adventures' by Janni Lee Simner shows what happens when an older Herald is chosen. Inya can't believe she is chosen, and she must discover for herself why it might be important for her to become a herald.
'Blood Ties' by Stephanie D. Shaver is painful to read, and potentially triggering. The things some people do to their families. Well written.
'... Another Successful Experiment' by Lawrence Schimel reminds me of polo! Various games have already been played in Valdemar via the books that Lackey herself has written, so this is nothing new. Exile's Honor/Valor as well as the new Collegium Chronicles both have this type of game. Nothing groundbreaking.
'Choice' by Michelle West creates Kelsey, a spunky character who has always wanted to be chosen but has gone her life without it. She manages not to become sour, and when the oppertunity to look after a Herald comes up, she jumps at it! In doing so, she encounters many more things than she thought she would. A very good story that explains why some people are chosen or not. A thing I did notice was a typo of 'their' instead of 'there'.
'Song of Valdemar' by Kristin Schwengel shows what happens when someone is gifted with the wrong thing. It really does seem very sad, and the fact that it touched me indicates it it well written.
'The School Up the Hill' by Elisabeth Waters was also good. Sometimes it seems like the number of coincidences is too great, but it is magic! It's a little confusing at first, and the reader has no idea what is going on, but it's good because of that.
'Chance' by Mark Shepherd deals with one of Vanyel's lovers. Vanyel will always hold a special place in my heart. The dialogue is a little stilted, but this perhaps reflects well what the two men feel. I wasn't sold on the concept of a gay brotherhood, nor that being gay gives you an erection at bad moments! This short story is contiguous with Vanyel's novels, which is awesome though.
'Sword of Ice' by Mercedes Lackey and John Yezegulalian is the title short story of this collection. I think that the title doesn't really go well with it. You get to know the background of Savil, Vanyel's mentor. A little confusing for this to come after 'Chance'.
'In the Forest of Sorrows' by John Helfers is also about Vanyel, after he has become a forest spirit. I'm not sure this short story really portrays him as I imagined - he was never so overconfident and I didn't know he could 'Fetch'.
'Vkandis' Own' by Ben Ohlander is filled with the heat of battle, and what the aftermath means in Karse. We see the beginning of Solaris' takeover of the Priesthood, but really it's hard to know what will happen.
'A Herald's Honor' by Mickey Zucker Reichert fills in a bit of the border folk for me - I'vealways been fascinated by the Holderkin, and wished that Lackey had done more. The reader needs to do a little thinking, and use their logic - it might even help you evaluate your own values.
'A Song for Noone's Mourning' by Gary Braunbeck doesn't fit for me. The half world that is depicted is unlikely, as is the behaviour of the Herald involved. It's a nice idea, and relatively well written, but it doesn't fit for me.
'Blue Heart' by Philip M. Austin and Mercedes Lackey has the format of a story within a story, something I often enjoy. It's good, although I did want more about the hidden Herald, rather than the butterfly. It wasn't exactly the thrilling conclusion I wanted for the short story collection, too soft and questionable - but perhaps that's the way it was meant to be.
I struggled to work out why these short stories were ordered as they were. Had I been in charge of it, I would have either grouped them by area (Karse vs Valdemar) or by time, while also stating where in the continuity they came.
I'd recommend this book of short stories for anyone who enjoys the Valdemar universe and wants more. The majority of these stories are enjoyable and canon-like for this universe. The majority of tales are suitable for teens and adults alike.
The first ever collection of Valdemar tales by other authors set in the world of Mercedes Lackey. As it so charmingly states on the front cover, there are 18 tales! Some are written in concert with Mercedes Lackey, and the opening and closing stories are both by the same collaborators.
The cover is somewhat unexciting, and I didn't think that the Companion's eyes were really blue enough to be convincing. The stories inside were a bit of a mixed bag, but then, who ever likes absolutely everything?
'Sunlancer' by Philip M. Austin and Mercedes Lackey reinforces the power of the word, particularly in Karse. It's a sentiment I agree with, and this short story is remarkably well written and compelling. You do seem to know what will happen, but the ending is still a little of a surprise.
'The Demon's Den' by Tanya Huff is a tale of hope and overcoming adversity without being too pretentious about it. It shows how ordinary citizens (not really written about in Lackey's own books of Valdermar) are often sad when they are not chosen as Heralds, even if they are self-sacrificing. Jors seemed a little one dimensional, but there was potential for more. I liked Ari, although it was not obvious to me that she was blind.
'Iron Rose' by Larry Dixon and Mel White shows what the hertasi get up to when the hawkbrothers aren't watching! A touching story, perhaps lackign a little in depth, but satisfying all the same. It is obvious that the hertasi are good at this!
'Babysitter' by Josepha Sherman shows a touch of healthy cynicism! Yay for not totally being given over to babysitting immediately. There were some problems though: griffins aren't exactly easy to care for and I expected even a youngster to be a little more grumpy (and less puffbally). Ending of this one is a little abrupt, and I felt like this story could have been set in almost any world with griffins, not just that of Valdemar.
'The Salamander' by Richard Lee Byers is ok. I don't like Selden, and I'm not fond of the way this story is written (too much personal opinion and stilted observations). I guess it could be a good one for those of you who like mysteries. Reminds me a bit of Romeo and Juliet actually.
'A Child's Adventures' by Janni Lee Simner shows what happens when an older Herald is chosen. Inya can't believe she is chosen, and she must discover for herself why it might be important for her to become a herald.
'Blood Ties' by Stephanie D. Shaver is painful to read, and potentially triggering. The things some people do to their families. Well written.
'... Another Successful Experiment' by Lawrence Schimel reminds me of polo! Various games have already been played in Valdemar via the books that Lackey herself has written, so this is nothing new. Exile's Honor/Valor as well as the new Collegium Chronicles both have this type of game. Nothing groundbreaking.
'Choice' by Michelle West creates Kelsey, a spunky character who has always wanted to be chosen but has gone her life without it. She manages not to become sour, and when the oppertunity to look after a Herald comes up, she jumps at it! In doing so, she encounters many more things than she thought she would. A very good story that explains why some people are chosen or not. A thing I did notice was a typo of 'their' instead of 'there'.
'Song of Valdemar' by Kristin Schwengel shows what happens when someone is gifted with the wrong thing. It really does seem very sad, and the fact that it touched me indicates it it well written.
'The School Up the Hill' by Elisabeth Waters was also good. Sometimes it seems like the number of coincidences is too great, but it is magic! It's a little confusing at first, and the reader has no idea what is going on, but it's good because of that.
'Chance' by Mark Shepherd deals with one of Vanyel's lovers. Vanyel will always hold a special place in my heart. The dialogue is a little stilted, but this perhaps reflects well what the two men feel. I wasn't sold on the concept of a gay brotherhood, nor that being gay gives you an erection at bad moments! This short story is contiguous with Vanyel's novels, which is awesome though.
'Sword of Ice' by Mercedes Lackey and John Yezegulalian is the title short story of this collection. I think that the title doesn't really go well with it. You get to know the background of Savil, Vanyel's mentor. A little confusing for this to come after 'Chance'.
'In the Forest of Sorrows' by John Helfers is also about Vanyel, after he has become a forest spirit. I'm not sure this short story really portrays him as I imagined - he was never so overconfident and I didn't know he could 'Fetch'.
'Vkandis' Own' by Ben Ohlander is filled with the heat of battle, and what the aftermath means in Karse. We see the beginning of Solaris' takeover of the Priesthood, but really it's hard to know what will happen.
'A Herald's Honor' by Mickey Zucker Reichert fills in a bit of the border folk for me - I'vealways been fascinated by the Holderkin, and wished that Lackey had done more. The reader needs to do a little thinking, and use their logic - it might even help you evaluate your own values.
'A Song for Noone's Mourning' by Gary Braunbeck doesn't fit for me. The half world that is depicted is unlikely, as is the behaviour of the Herald involved. It's a nice idea, and relatively well written, but it doesn't fit for me.
'Blue Heart' by Philip M. Austin and Mercedes Lackey has the format of a story within a story, something I often enjoy. It's good, although I did want more about the hidden Herald, rather than the butterfly. It wasn't exactly the thrilling conclusion I wanted for the short story collection, too soft and questionable - but perhaps that's the way it was meant to be.
I struggled to work out why these short stories were ordered as they were. Had I been in charge of it, I would have either grouped them by area (Karse vs Valdemar) or by time, while also stating where in the continuity they came.
I'd recommend this book of short stories for anyone who enjoys the Valdemar universe and wants more. The majority of these stories are enjoyable and canon-like for this universe. The majority of tales are suitable for teens and adults alike.
January 14, 2021
I really enjoyed this look into my favourite Valdemar, Karse, and other places, especially as each short story is by a different author, except the short story, that this anthology was named after - Sword of Ice itself, of course!
Having started wrong-footed with anthology four, it felt good to go back to the first of them - well, for me, who is only comfortable doing so, anyway - and getting some brilliant glimpses at other people's takes on them in the process.
It really makes me wish I had the same ability myself, when I read them but, alas, that's not to be!
But in the meantime, I'll just keep on reading all those books that I bought, since the last time I went through the L's, and reached Mercedes Lackey! Lol
Having started wrong-footed with anthology four, it felt good to go back to the first of them - well, for me, who is only comfortable doing so, anyway - and getting some brilliant glimpses at other people's takes on them in the process.
It really makes me wish I had the same ability myself, when I read them but, alas, that's not to be!
But in the meantime, I'll just keep on reading all those books that I bought, since the last time I went through the L's, and reached Mercedes Lackey! Lol
March 11, 2024
I've loved the world of Valdemar for decades, but I always stayed focused on the main books written by Lackey. I finally decided last month to start working my way through the anthologies as a way to digest quick short stories on my lunch break at work each day, and what a fantastic decision that was. I thoroughly enjoyed quite a few of the tales in this first collection and can't wait to start the second one tomorrow. I loved seeing stories of familiar characters, but some of the best ones were stories that were entirely new and not tied directly to any of the canon core novels. I can't wait to see what comes next.
October 27, 2017
While I don't remember much about the Valdemar series, I have fond memories of it. Beautiful white horses! With blue eyes! Psychic horses! So when I saw this anthology, I thought I'd give it a try.
Unlike the Elfquest anthology I read a couple books ago, this blast from the past collection of short stories didn't at all work for me. As I didn't remember anything about the world, it seemed only like generic fantasy to me. Add onto that, this ebook was just a fan-scanned version of a paperback, and the formatting made it really hard to read.
Stopped at 5% point.
Unlike the Elfquest anthology I read a couple books ago, this blast from the past collection of short stories didn't at all work for me. As I didn't remember anything about the world, it seemed only like generic fantasy to me. Add onto that, this ebook was just a fan-scanned version of a paperback, and the formatting made it really hard to read.
Stopped at 5% point.
April 7, 2019
In the introduction, Mercedes Lackey gives a great "shout out" to Marion Zimmer Bradley and her anthologies (which I absolutely love!!) where Lackey had her first published story. I hope that MZB would be pleased with this very nice collection and must read for Valdemar fans. Stories range from very good to excellent. Of particular note, "Vkandis' Own" provides an early episode in Solaris' life.
April 29, 2022
This was a wonderful collection of short stories set in the Valdemar world and I highly recommend checking them out. I loved all of the stories that had Companions in them and how hope prevailed no matter how dire the outcome seemed.
There was a story in particular that was hard to read towards the end but otherwise, I enjoyed all of the stories overall.
Trigger warnings: death, violence, (one story involves incest), bullying, other potential trigger warnings.
There was a story in particular that was hard to read towards the end but otherwise, I enjoyed all of the stories overall.
Trigger warnings: death, violence, (one story involves incest), bullying, other potential trigger warnings.
January 8, 2024
3.5 From my collection, and as usual with the short stories somewhat uneven in quality but still fun to read. Have decided to intersperse these all month as a way to keep her world into my mind until I can get back to reading 27 more books about the kingdom in chronological order. I really need and want to read some of the other books in my collection that have piled up unread for right now, but hopefully I can sneak in another trilogy this month.
January 11, 2020
I will admit that I am not a fan of the short story format. I now limit my reading of such to authors I really like and shared universes. "Sword of Ice" fits the bill on both accounts. I also tend to fast forward when I get bored with a short story. As that only happened with a few of the 18 stories in this collection is a good thing. My favorite story was "Demon's Den."
August 16, 2020
Like most anthologies, this one has some great stories, and others that do not speak to me with the same power and emotion. Some tales fit better with Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar than others. Some are smoother reads. Some are short and others long. On the whole, I enjoyed this book, however. I like the world of Valdemar.
October 22, 2020
I like the books Mercedes Lackey writes, she is good at creating a believable world and people to populate it. While her writing is not the strongest I do find it engaging ang and enjoyable. I like a series I can live inside of and her books are ones that have characters I feel invested in and a world I believe could exist.
January 17, 2022
A rock solid collection of short stories set in the world of Valdemar written by a wide variety of authors.
So much fun to read and explore more of Valdmar, Karse, it's histories and minor characters through these stories.
I found a few of them to be sub-par or not my style, but most were just as good as the original works.
Happy to have this in my collection.
So much fun to read and explore more of Valdmar, Karse, it's histories and minor characters through these stories.
I found a few of them to be sub-par or not my style, but most were just as good as the original works.
Happy to have this in my collection.
September 19, 2024
So after getting the humble bundle of all of the Valdemar ebooks I decided to read everything. Growing up a poor kid in a poor home, well it's been my dream for so long. This is one of the few books that I had when I was younger- thanks Christmas money!
This remains one of my favorite anthology books ever. Seriously. There's so many great stories. This is the book that starts off Tanya Huff's Jors mini-series, it has the story of how Starwind and Savil met, there's lots more Vanyel. Overall, if you like this world I'd recommend this book.
This remains one of my favorite anthology books ever. Seriously. There's so many great stories. This is the book that starts off Tanya Huff's Jors mini-series, it has the story of how Starwind and Savil met, there's lots more Vanyel. Overall, if you like this world I'd recommend this book.
May 7, 2025
A treat for all lovers of Valdemar
The variety of the stories in this collection was a Tribute to Mercedes Lackey and the world she crafted. Knowing she encouraged and mentored each author adds meaning to the individual stories, allowing Valdemar to live today in the minds of all readers seeking a place of compassion, truth and belonging.
The variety of the stories in this collection was a Tribute to Mercedes Lackey and the world she crafted. Knowing she encouraged and mentored each author adds meaning to the individual stories, allowing Valdemar to live today in the minds of all readers seeking a place of compassion, truth and belonging.
July 7, 2025
I have loved the Valdemar stories since I read my first one more than twenty-five years ago. The paperback copies I have are well worn from reading over and over. This book may not be the work of just Ms. Lackey but it will be cherished as much as my paperback works because the authors of each story have done a good job of writing that fits into the world she created.
April 25, 2021
I’m a big fan of this entire series but not of this format. The scattered short story format doesn’t allow any emotional investment into the stories or characters. Most aren’t even tangentially attached to the Valdermar canon.
August 8, 2017
Gary Braunbeck " A song for no ones mourning is the best out of all those short stories that it touched me and made me cry
November 16, 2017
I like seeing different takes on the same world. It offers more for those of us who didn't want the story to end in the first place.
November 30, 2017
A good selection of stories set in the world of Valdemar. It was nice to visit some old favorites and also meet some new characters.
March 8, 2018
I enjoyed this collection of short stories, some more than others. Valdemar is a place that captures the imagination.
March 13, 2018
I adore the way anthologies allow several glimpses into different aspects of this world.
May 19, 2020
Love the world but many of the stories lacked the heart of the series, with the exception of the Karse ones.
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