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Valdemar: The Last Herald-Mage #3
Magic's Price
The final chapter in Mercedes Lackey's spellbinding fantasy trilogy! The Herald-Mage, Vanyel, and his Companion, Yfandes, are alone responsible for saving the once-peaceful kingdom of Valdemar from the forces of a master who wields a dark, forbidding magic. And if either Vanyel or Yfandes falters, both Valdemar and its Herald-Mage must pay the ultimate price.
351 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 3, 1990
About the author
Mercedes Lackey
473 books9,095 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 - 29 of 486 reviews
April 1, 2013
I had been warned. I sort of knew what was going to happen. I had no expectations, considering the trainwreck that was the first book. But when I read the ending, I was pretty much
I mean, after pretty much everything you've done for Valdemar, that's what you get in the end?
Forget about duty, responsibility, and doing what was right because you can't do otherwise. As Pat Jr from Silver Linings Playbook more or less said, there's enough shit we have to deal with in real life, why can't we have a happy ending in books? And don't tell me that Vanyel had a happy ending. He was a hero in the end. But just fucking once, couldn't he have been selfish and not punished for it?
I liked Stefen's parts. He was nice, he was supportive. He was relaxing. I'm all fort Stefen. But sorry, Stefen. You're not allowed to be perfectly happy.
Massive spoilers ahead, also, tw for rape.
I mean, after pretty much everything you've done for Valdemar, that's what you get in the end?
Forget about duty, responsibility, and doing what was right because you can't do otherwise. As Pat Jr from Silver Linings Playbook more or less said, there's enough shit we have to deal with in real life, why can't we have a happy ending in books? And don't tell me that Vanyel had a happy ending. He was a hero in the end. But just fucking once, couldn't he have been selfish and not punished for it?
I liked Stefen's parts. He was nice, he was supportive. He was relaxing. I'm all fort Stefen. But sorry, Stefen. You're not allowed to be perfectly happy.
Massive spoilers ahead, also, tw for rape.
August 11, 2019
I'm not sure how I feel about this book, so I'm going to ramble (hopefully constructively) and maybe by the end I'll figure out a rating.
This series has been a rough ride for me so far. It started out with promising world-building but mostly mediocre execution. It hit some lows (my only one-star rating for this year thus far and a DNF) and it even managed to hit a high with the previous book in this trilogy, Magic's Promise. Everything that's bugged me about this series so far were absent from that book and it just worked. Everything clicked, everything flowed, the character arcs and plot arcs were spot on, the action was on page and fast paced but not hectic. I thought maybe, finally, Lackey had hit her stride.
Unfortunately, this book is right back to form: cramming too much into one book while not really focusing on anything for long, painful romantic relationship development, important developments happening off page, and my personal favorite - rape! Just because! *growls* She also threw in Van having a moment of forgetful incompetence, also just because. Neither this fit of laziness nor the rape are in any way required for anything that follows it to happen. Everything would've been exactly the same, so I'm baffled why they were included, and why Lackey has this obsession with throwing in rape in every series. Not only does it lose any kind of dramatic tension or constructive purpose when used so liberally and flippantly, but it's beyond contrived and tasteless.
Another thing hurting this is I knew already how it would end, so I got a bit impatient at times to just let the story happen. On the flip side, it was neat to see how some things end up being the way they are later (chronologically).
But there's still a lot to like here. Van's still great, and so is Savil and the various side characters. Van and his father come to a new understanding, which is great. I had my doubts about Stefen, especially after the reveal that he might be but the way it played out was pretty satisfying and overall, despite the hasty setup, their relationship was a treat to read. I loved seeing Van happy finally! The time spent on Randale, Treven and Jisa was well done too, and I enjoyed seeing how Jisa and Vanyel handle the particular intricacies of their relationship after all these years.
I'm just not sure it's enough anymore. And it's frustrating because Lackey can do better; I just read it in the previous book. But it seems like she was determined to make all these story arcs trilogies when they easily could've been fleshed out better with even just one more book in each arc - or even just fifty extra pages. Imagine Harry Potter squeezed into three 350-page books while still hitting all the same plot points and you've got the drift of what's going on here. At the same time, I'm getting used to - or perhaps resigned to - Lackey's style and while it's still not up to my expectations, I am able to go along with it more easily.
Of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the dreaded (serious super duper spoiler under here)
I think pre-Magic's Promise, this would've been 3.5 stars easily, maybe downgraded to 3 stars because of the unnecessary rape. And it doesn't seem fair to lowball it because it's post-Magic's Promise either. So for now, I'm going to go with three "IDK what the hell else to rate it" stars.
This series has been a rough ride for me so far. It started out with promising world-building but mostly mediocre execution. It hit some lows (my only one-star rating for this year thus far and a DNF) and it even managed to hit a high with the previous book in this trilogy, Magic's Promise. Everything that's bugged me about this series so far were absent from that book and it just worked. Everything clicked, everything flowed, the character arcs and plot arcs were spot on, the action was on page and fast paced but not hectic. I thought maybe, finally, Lackey had hit her stride.
Unfortunately, this book is right back to form: cramming too much into one book while not really focusing on anything for long, painful romantic relationship development, important developments happening off page, and my personal favorite - rape! Just because! *growls* She also threw in Van having a moment of forgetful incompetence, also just because. Neither this fit of laziness nor the rape are in any way required for anything that follows it to happen. Everything would've been exactly the same, so I'm baffled why they were included, and why Lackey has this obsession with throwing in rape in every series. Not only does it lose any kind of dramatic tension or constructive purpose when used so liberally and flippantly, but it's beyond contrived and tasteless.
Another thing hurting this is I knew already how it would end, so I got a bit impatient at times to just let the story happen. On the flip side, it was neat to see how some things end up being the way they are later (chronologically).
But there's still a lot to like here. Van's still great, and so is Savil and the various side characters. Van and his father come to a new understanding, which is great. I had my doubts about Stefen, especially after the reveal that he might be but the way it played out was pretty satisfying and overall, despite the hasty setup, their relationship was a treat to read. I loved seeing Van happy finally! The time spent on Randale, Treven and Jisa was well done too, and I enjoyed seeing how Jisa and Vanyel handle the particular intricacies of their relationship after all these years.
I'm just not sure it's enough anymore. And it's frustrating because Lackey can do better; I just read it in the previous book. But it seems like she was determined to make all these story arcs trilogies when they easily could've been fleshed out better with even just one more book in each arc - or even just fifty extra pages. Imagine Harry Potter squeezed into three 350-page books while still hitting all the same plot points and you've got the drift of what's going on here. At the same time, I'm getting used to - or perhaps resigned to - Lackey's style and while it's still not up to my expectations, I am able to go along with it more easily.
Of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the dreaded (serious super duper spoiler under here)
I think pre-Magic's Promise, this would've been 3.5 stars easily, maybe downgraded to 3 stars because of the unnecessary rape. And it doesn't seem fair to lowball it because it's post-Magic's Promise either. So for now, I'm going to go with three "IDK what the hell else to rate it" stars.
November 5, 2021
4.5 stars
This third book of The Last Herald-Mage trilogy was my favourite of the three, although I have to say I enjoyed all of them.
Unlike many of my friends who read this series when they were much younger, and whose revisitations are now permanently elevated by nostalgia, this was a first reading for me. There is something eminently comfortable about these books, which provides even new readers like myself a sense of ease and satisfaction with the story.
Among many things I liked about it was the casual inclusion of everyday affection and expressions of love between characters. The importance of close relationships, whether friendship or romantic, is integral to the story in a way that didn’t feel forced, but is rather presented as a kind of ideal anyone would want in their lives.
As much time is spent on feelings as on action, making it just the thing for a comfort read. The action is fraught with intensity, the targets emotional as well as physical, and the hurts equally of the spirit as well as the body. If you like your fantasy more technical, it won't be for you. But if you like exploration of the heart to be included in the journey, this is probably closer to your style.
This third book of The Last Herald-Mage trilogy was my favourite of the three, although I have to say I enjoyed all of them.
Unlike many of my friends who read this series when they were much younger, and whose revisitations are now permanently elevated by nostalgia, this was a first reading for me. There is something eminently comfortable about these books, which provides even new readers like myself a sense of ease and satisfaction with the story.
Among many things I liked about it was the casual inclusion of everyday affection and expressions of love between characters. The importance of close relationships, whether friendship or romantic, is integral to the story in a way that didn’t feel forced, but is rather presented as a kind of ideal anyone would want in their lives.
As much time is spent on feelings as on action, making it just the thing for a comfort read. The action is fraught with intensity, the targets emotional as well as physical, and the hurts equally of the spirit as well as the body. If you like your fantasy more technical, it won't be for you. But if you like exploration of the heart to be included in the journey, this is probably closer to your style.
September 19, 2021
I am rather relieved to say that, despite all expectations, this book did not leave me sobbing in the end. There was a tear or two, but I wasn’t broken. I was glued to the page, though, and have no doubt I’ll be rereading this again soon.
Magic’s Price is the final volume in the Last-Herald Mage trilogy, and, at last, we learn the reason for the series title. Set 8 years after Magic’s Promise leaves off, Vanyel is now in his mid-thirties and, with Randale at death’s door and Jisa still young, has had to assume the burdens of leadership. To cope, he separates himself from others and hides behind a blank facade. When Stefen, his nephew Medren’s roommate, becomes key to Randale’s care, however, Vanyel can’t help but admire the young bard and, despite his best intentions, his walls begin to crumble. And then the last of the Herald-Mages begin to die, and Vanyel realises the nightmares of his childhood weren’t the fictions he’d once hoped.
We’re told from the start how the series ends: with Vanyel alone, fighting and dying for Valdemar. I was therefore surprised that the ‘end’ forms such a small proportion of the overall book. In the first three-quarters, we’re treated to the joys of a budding romance – visit home to meet the parents and all. And, at last, we learn that Vanyel’s parents are proud of him, and I almost cried for reading it.
I read most of Magic’s Price with trepidation, fearing what the next page would bring, but I needn’t have. Things don’t begin to pick up until the three-quarter mark. At this point, audiences should be warned that there is an incredibly gruesome on-page rape scene. Meanwhile, the final battle, which I’d been vividly imagining since book one, never actually happened. Well…it happened, but we’re shown nothing more than the opening volleys before we switch perspectives, and then we arrive back too late. I was actually rather sad that Lackey made this choice, though my tear glands thank her.
When we first met Vanyel, he was a boy, and a whiny, broken boy at that. By the end, he’s a man, and more than that, he’s a hero – the true stuff of legends. The transition is incredible to witness, particularly as seen through the eyes of Tylendel and Savil to start, and then Stefen to end.
Story and characters aside, I find Valdemar a comforting place to be. It’s a medievalesque world which values virtue and justice, where magical horse-like beings, Companions, choose paladins, or Heralds, who protect the weak and uphold the rule of law. It’s a place I’d be happy living, and one which gives me hope.
The Last-Herald Mage is one of the best epic fantasy series I’ve ever read and I’d recommend it highly. Geographically and politically, it’s not on the same scale as the Stormlight Archive or Wheel of Time series, but it packs its emotional punch and its characters will not soon be forgotten. Next, for me, in the wider series, will be the Heralds of Valdemar, the first Lackey wrote.
NB. For those interested, Lackey has actually written and set to music a lot of the songs mentioned in the Last Herald-Mage series. You can find these on YouTube here.
”If I die, I’ll either take him with me, or leave him so crippled he’ll be not threat. So help me, I will protect Valdemar with my last breath, and if there is a way to protect her after my death, I’ll find it.”
Magic’s Price is the final volume in the Last-Herald Mage trilogy, and, at last, we learn the reason for the series title. Set 8 years after Magic’s Promise leaves off, Vanyel is now in his mid-thirties and, with Randale at death’s door and Jisa still young, has had to assume the burdens of leadership. To cope, he separates himself from others and hides behind a blank facade. When Stefen, his nephew Medren’s roommate, becomes key to Randale’s care, however, Vanyel can’t help but admire the young bard and, despite his best intentions, his walls begin to crumble. And then the last of the Herald-Mages begin to die, and Vanyel realises the nightmares of his childhood weren’t the fictions he’d once hoped.
”You are quite alone, Herald-Mage Vanyel.”
We’re told from the start how the series ends: with Vanyel alone, fighting and dying for Valdemar. I was therefore surprised that the ‘end’ forms such a small proportion of the overall book. In the first three-quarters, we’re treated to the joys of a budding romance – visit home to meet the parents and all. And, at last, we learn that Vanyel’s parents are proud of him, and I almost cried for reading it.
”There’s only one way you ever disappointment me and–I don’t know, Van, but–it just doesn’t seem that important when you stack it up against everything else you’ve ever done.
I read most of Magic’s Price with trepidation, fearing what the next page would bring, but I needn’t have. Things don’t begin to pick up until the three-quarter mark. At this point, audiences should be warned that there is an incredibly gruesome on-page rape scene. Meanwhile, the final battle, which I’d been vividly imagining since book one, never actually happened. Well…it happened, but we’re shown nothing more than the opening volleys before we switch perspectives, and then we arrive back too late. I was actually rather sad that Lackey made this choice, though my tear glands thank her.
When we first met Vanyel, he was a boy, and a whiny, broken boy at that. By the end, he’s a man, and more than that, he’s a hero – the true stuff of legends. The transition is incredible to witness, particularly as seen through the eyes of Tylendel and Savil to start, and then Stefen to end.
”I can’t not help. Not anymore, anyway. And it doesn’t matter if anyone knows what I’m doing or not; I know, and I know I’m doing my best. And because of what I’m doing, things are better for other people. Sometimes a great many other people.”
Story and characters aside, I find Valdemar a comforting place to be. It’s a medievalesque world which values virtue and justice, where magical horse-like beings, Companions, choose paladins, or Heralds, who protect the weak and uphold the rule of law. It’s a place I’d be happy living, and one which gives me hope.
The Last-Herald Mage is one of the best epic fantasy series I’ve ever read and I’d recommend it highly. Geographically and politically, it’s not on the same scale as the Stormlight Archive or Wheel of Time series, but it packs its emotional punch and its characters will not soon be forgotten. Next, for me, in the wider series, will be the Heralds of Valdemar, the first Lackey wrote.
NB. For those interested, Lackey has actually written and set to music a lot of the songs mentioned in the Last Herald-Mage series. You can find these on YouTube here.
April 30, 2018
If I had been paying attention to the series title (and the title of this volume), I would have had a better idea of where this book was headed! I suppose you could interpret the ending as a sad one—in my opinion, the results were unavoidable and unsurprising.
I was fond of Vanyel as a character. Lackey has written more books sent in Valdemar, but I’m not sure that I’ll continue on without him. I was glad to see him get a new love interest in Stefan and squeeze in a bit of happiness around his duties. I found that his personal life difficulties were realistic. However, his being the be-all and end-all of all government duties in Valdemar seemed a little over the top. No one should be that indispensable in the day-to-day running of any endeavor!
This is Book No. 281 in my Science Fiction and Fantasy Reading Project. I also used it to fulfill the 2018 PopSugar challenge (the prompt for a book with a gay protagonist).
I was fond of Vanyel as a character. Lackey has written more books sent in Valdemar, but I’m not sure that I’ll continue on without him. I was glad to see him get a new love interest in Stefan and squeeze in a bit of happiness around his duties. I found that his personal life difficulties were realistic. However, his being the be-all and end-all of all government duties in Valdemar seemed a little over the top. No one should be that indispensable in the day-to-day running of any endeavor!
This is Book No. 281 in my Science Fiction and Fantasy Reading Project. I also used it to fulfill the 2018 PopSugar challenge (the prompt for a book with a gay protagonist).
March 26, 2012
Parts of these books I really like -- and then other parts make me want to either throw the book across the room, or smack Mercedes upside the head a few times.
Lackey is pretty darned good at manipulating emotions when she sets her mind to it. I'm just as susceptible to melodrama as the next person, and probably more susceptible than many -- and Lackey's books don't lack for that. On the other hand, Lackey often doesn't seem terribly concerned with logic. For instance, an especially egregious (and significant!) example turns up when . Le Sigh.
Anyway - these books can be fun, as long as you totally turn off any powers of critical thinking. Maybe have a few beers first. Go with the flow, try to think like a 15 year old girl, have a few sniffles, watch you brain bleed out your ears for awhile. Just don't try to apply any rules of rationality -- That Way Lies Madness.
Lackey is pretty darned good at manipulating emotions when she sets her mind to it. I'm just as susceptible to melodrama as the next person, and probably more susceptible than many -- and Lackey's books don't lack for that. On the other hand, Lackey often doesn't seem terribly concerned with logic. For instance, an especially egregious (and significant!) example turns up when . Le Sigh.
Anyway - these books can be fun, as long as you totally turn off any powers of critical thinking. Maybe have a few beers first. Go with the flow, try to think like a 15 year old girl, have a few sniffles, watch you brain bleed out your ears for awhile. Just don't try to apply any rules of rationality -- That Way Lies Madness.
April 13, 2011
The books are well written, I'm not debating that. What I am hating is the main character, Vanyel. I usually tolerate goody two-shoes to a great extend, but this character just want to make me barf. Pretty much he sacrifices everything in order to save his kingdom, a kingdom that doesn't even like him for who he is and only care for his supermagic.
Frankly the ending suck, so if anyone is expecting a HEA or HFN, this series is not for you—it's a tear-jerker. It's one thing to give up your life for the greater good, it's another thing to give up your afterlife defending the kingdom that will totally forget about you within a month's time. The former suck, the latter blows it all to hell. Sure, they'll mourn for you...for a minute and then it's back to "omg, we need another mage to defend us." Lame.
I feel so frustrated reading this series that I kinda wish Vanyel just died in the first book and saved me the trouble of reading the sequels.
Frankly the ending suck, so if anyone is expecting a HEA or HFN, this series is not for you—it's a tear-jerker. It's one thing to give up your life for the greater good, it's another thing to give up your afterlife defending the kingdom that will totally forget about you within a month's time. The former suck, the latter blows it all to hell. Sure, they'll mourn for you...for a minute and then it's back to "omg, we need another mage to defend us." Lame.
I feel so frustrated reading this series that I kinda wish Vanyel just died in the first book and saved me the trouble of reading the sequels.
February 26, 2017
Review may contain spoilers for those who have not read the first two books in the Last Herald-Mage series.
Vanyel gets a new boyfriend. Sure, there's a lot of other stuff about ruling a kingdom steward-style for the ailing king and loads of heroic feats including surviving torture, defeating an entire army with several powerful mages, and dying a bloody death. But mostly, Vanyel gets an awesome new boyfriend. Because Stefen is not a Herald. He doesn't get a magic pony who loves him always because he isn't even a little bit self sacrificing. While he loves Vanyel, Stefen's first--and only--action is to for cover when the two of them are facing one of those armies I mentioned earlier.
Stefen is a typical Bard. Not only is he as shaych as a jaybird, he has no problems with using his Gifts to show off, influence other people, or gain material wealth. He is perfectly willing to alternately nag and manipulate Vanyel to get what he wants from his lover, although he does accept and support Vanyel in his dangerous line of work. However, he doesn't entirely understand that heroic drive to help others to the utter exclusion of one's own comfort that defines all Heralds. In other words, Stefen is a realistic person. Not a common find in fantasy novels.
This is definitely my favorite trilogy in the Valdemar series.
Vanyel gets a new boyfriend. Sure, there's a lot of other stuff about ruling a kingdom steward-style for the ailing king and loads of heroic feats including surviving torture, defeating an entire army with several powerful mages, and dying a bloody death. But mostly, Vanyel gets an awesome new boyfriend. Because Stefen is not a Herald. He doesn't get a magic pony who loves him always because he isn't even a little bit self sacrificing. While he loves Vanyel, Stefen's first--and only--action is to for cover when the two of them are facing one of those armies I mentioned earlier.
Stefen is a typical Bard. Not only is he as shaych as a jaybird, he has no problems with using his Gifts to show off, influence other people, or gain material wealth. He is perfectly willing to alternately nag and manipulate Vanyel to get what he wants from his lover, although he does accept and support Vanyel in his dangerous line of work. However, he doesn't entirely understand that heroic drive to help others to the utter exclusion of one's own comfort that defines all Heralds. In other words, Stefen is a realistic person. Not a common find in fantasy novels.
This is definitely my favorite trilogy in the Valdemar series.
March 22, 2008
Last one! It's a toss up whether this one or the first is my favorite, it's so hard to pick. Anyway, here we go:
Price is set about eight years after the end of Promise. Vanyel is no longer on the front lines of the war; he's been put in a more or less administrative position in Haven. That doesn't necessarily mean he's not working as hard. The king, Randale, who has been suffering from a chronic illness for years, suddenly becomes fatally ill, and the Healers don't even know what is causing his illness, much less how to cure it. Because Randale is either in too much pain to function, or is too doped up to function, a lot of his duties have fallen on Vanyel's shoulders. In addition, Vanyel is also the head of the Council, the head of the Heralds, and is helping train the Heir as well.
Now, one of Vanyel's nephews, Medren, has come to Haven to study music. They're pretty close; Vanyel feels protective of Medren because Medren was in a similar situation as Vanyel when he was young. Medren has a room mate, Stefen, who has a Wild Talent; when Stefen sings or plays music, he can make people who are in pain totally forget about it. Medren and one of his instructors have tested Stefen's ability, and believe he can do this constistently, so they bring him to Vanyel's attention, figuring that Stefen can help Randale. What Vanyel doesn't know is that Medren has an ulterior motive.
In the years since Vanyel's promotion, he's made some enemies, and a few attempts have been made on his life. Vanyel realizes that one of his enemies could easily decide to target someone he was close to if they weren't able to get him directly, so he's made an effort to isolate himself, in order to present as few targets as possible. Medren thinks his uncle is overreacting, and knows that Vanyel is very lonely. So, he's decided to try and hook Vanyel up with Stefen, who is also openly gay.
Stefen has had a crush on Vanyel for years, but never had the nerve to approach him, even though Medren offered to introduce them. He's unaware that Vanyel is the one who is supposed to present him to the king, and when he realizes who's coming to meet him, he's floored.
So goes the rest of the book, Stefen trying to get close to Vanyel, Vanyel discovering he has feelings for Stefen, but not wanting to put him at risk. It's a little more complicated than that, but again, spoilers, so that's all I'll say. Again, Misty's focus on this was to write a love story, and again, something has to happen besides the developement of the character's relationships. This time, one of Vanyel's nebulous enemies shows his hand, and Vanyel, sick of people he loves being targetted, decides to take the fight to him.
The Review: Okay my beef with this one is that it was just too damn short. I wish it had been stretched out into a pentolgy! Seriously, I don't think that Vanyel and Stefen's relationship is as well developed as it could have been. Like before, some action had to happen, and that cut in on the relationship part. Of course, the action part really had to happen, and at least this time it didn't have that last-minute, tacked on feel, but still.
That's the only negative thing I can think off with this one. Wow, maybe I'm still blind to it's other faults. Who knows?
Price is set about eight years after the end of Promise. Vanyel is no longer on the front lines of the war; he's been put in a more or less administrative position in Haven. That doesn't necessarily mean he's not working as hard. The king, Randale, who has been suffering from a chronic illness for years, suddenly becomes fatally ill, and the Healers don't even know what is causing his illness, much less how to cure it. Because Randale is either in too much pain to function, or is too doped up to function, a lot of his duties have fallen on Vanyel's shoulders. In addition, Vanyel is also the head of the Council, the head of the Heralds, and is helping train the Heir as well.
Now, one of Vanyel's nephews, Medren, has come to Haven to study music. They're pretty close; Vanyel feels protective of Medren because Medren was in a similar situation as Vanyel when he was young. Medren has a room mate, Stefen, who has a Wild Talent; when Stefen sings or plays music, he can make people who are in pain totally forget about it. Medren and one of his instructors have tested Stefen's ability, and believe he can do this constistently, so they bring him to Vanyel's attention, figuring that Stefen can help Randale. What Vanyel doesn't know is that Medren has an ulterior motive.
In the years since Vanyel's promotion, he's made some enemies, and a few attempts have been made on his life. Vanyel realizes that one of his enemies could easily decide to target someone he was close to if they weren't able to get him directly, so he's made an effort to isolate himself, in order to present as few targets as possible. Medren thinks his uncle is overreacting, and knows that Vanyel is very lonely. So, he's decided to try and hook Vanyel up with Stefen, who is also openly gay.
Stefen has had a crush on Vanyel for years, but never had the nerve to approach him, even though Medren offered to introduce them. He's unaware that Vanyel is the one who is supposed to present him to the king, and when he realizes who's coming to meet him, he's floored.
So goes the rest of the book, Stefen trying to get close to Vanyel, Vanyel discovering he has feelings for Stefen, but not wanting to put him at risk. It's a little more complicated than that, but again, spoilers, so that's all I'll say. Again, Misty's focus on this was to write a love story, and again, something has to happen besides the developement of the character's relationships. This time, one of Vanyel's nebulous enemies shows his hand, and Vanyel, sick of people he loves being targetted, decides to take the fight to him.
The Review: Okay my beef with this one is that it was just too damn short. I wish it had been stretched out into a pentolgy! Seriously, I don't think that Vanyel and Stefen's relationship is as well developed as it could have been. Like before, some action had to happen, and that cut in on the relationship part. Of course, the action part really had to happen, and at least this time it didn't have that last-minute, tacked on feel, but still.
That's the only negative thing I can think off with this one. Wow, maybe I'm still blind to it's other faults. Who knows?
December 3, 2021
Thank goodness Lackey allows Vanyel a couple of moments of happiness in this last book in The Last Herald-mage trilogy. A couple of moments before whacking everything apart, that is, then going into some pretty dark places, making Vanyel's youthful horrible visions of a dark mage a reality.
Again, the character writing is sensitive, and sad as the ending is, there is a tiny bit of hope there, too. And Yfandes is the best.
Again, the character writing is sensitive, and sad as the ending is, there is a tiny bit of hope there, too. And Yfandes is the best.
December 9, 2018
Final Rating: 4.25/5
Well, this one outright slaughtered me (and healed me again).
But in the end, I will talk about mostly about good and the bad, as it is the end of a series.
Let's start with good things:
► This is a character driven story. There is a lot of focus on characters and their surrounding families, royalty, other heralds and companions. A lot of in fact. Which is very much appreciated as all of them were done nicely.
► The romance was very, very good and believable and i enjoyed every second of it. They were too adorkable. Really.
► Introduction of Stefen. He's adorable, wonderful, kind and actually listens. And he's a red headed character, so i knew i would fall in love with him too.
► That ending epilogue. That made me cry so hard and laugh as well from happiness.
► Interesting plot twists.
► In the end, a lot of character development
► my heart is broken, thanks a lot Mercedes Lackey!
And then with the bad things:
► Sometimes I wondered if it was a good thing to start with this one first, as I skipped a lot of books (or so it seems) to read this trilogy. Yes, it functions as stand alone, which is wonderful, but the biggest question i was left with is Karse war. Something that is probably connected to all the other series if you read them in chronological order.
► The fact that the main story started happening around 70% of the book, until which they were busy dealing with all the other characters; but things were moving pretty damn fast for the last 30%
Something that I believe I should do as a heads up to anyone who has age difference problems: they are 16 or so apart, for which there is actually a good explanation. And i didn't mind it a bit, because what they had was there for a reason, and it made both of them happy ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ .
Five years later after the events of the previous books, king Randale is getting sicker by the moment, and the only help comes in the form of Bard called Stefen, who has a Gift to literally sing away the pain.
Which introduces Van to Stefen, of course. Van's nephew, Medren - also Stefen's best friend - is quite desperate to help his uncle find actual happiness, considering Stefen has been crushing on him for years, apparently.
And Van, after everything that happened, and all the threats that are incoming, is horribly afraid of being in relationship with anyone, because that someone could very well be used against him.
And then, after a while, they get invited back to Van's family and then a series of events start again, leading to conclusions - especially with discovery of the actual meaning of Van's nightmares.
Stefen is in fact, a highly adorable person, that comes from a very shady background that could have turned quite into a tragic if Bard Lynnell didn't actually kidnap him from the streets (all the while traumatizing him thinking she was going to sell him to someone, until they cleared that up), and put him into Heaven under the guidance of Medren. He is so far, my actual favorite in the whole book, thanks.
Meanwhile, we also see Jisa and her beloved; and the conclusion they deserve. More of Savil and the other few herald mages left. Overall, there was a lot about side characters that I appreciated a lot.
And Yfendes. Oh Yfendes, the best of them all...
My heart hurts, I'm in pain and I'm satisfied. At least i have decided that I actually WANT to read the rest of Valdemar series, especially since I know for certain that two fools appear in some of the sequels :D
⚠ TYPE OF SERIES: series
⚠ Point of View:third, multiply
⚠ Cliffhanger: no
⚠ Triggers: torture, rape:
⚠ Love triangle: no
⚠ Angst: 50%
⚠ Supernatural: the usual, mages.
⚠ Explicit content: no
⚠ Note: be still my heart
◈ Magic's Pawn (Valdemar: Last Herald-Mage #1)
◈ Magic's Promise (Valdemar: Last Herald-Mage #2)
◈ Magic's Price (Valdemar: Last Herald-Mage #3)
“I only know that without you, no rank or fame would be worth having.”
***
“As long as I can be with you”
Well, this one outright slaughtered me (and healed me again).
But in the end, I will talk about mostly about good and the bad, as it is the end of a series.
Let's start with good things:
► This is a character driven story. There is a lot of focus on characters and their surrounding families, royalty, other heralds and companions. A lot of in fact. Which is very much appreciated as all of them were done nicely.
► The romance was very, very good and believable and i enjoyed every second of it. They were too adorkable. Really.
► Introduction of Stefen. He's adorable, wonderful, kind and actually listens. And he's a red headed character, so i knew i would fall in love with him too.
► That ending epilogue. That made me cry so hard and laugh as well from happiness.
► Interesting plot twists.
► In the end, a lot of character development
► my heart is broken, thanks a lot Mercedes Lackey!
And then with the bad things:
► Sometimes I wondered if it was a good thing to start with this one first, as I skipped a lot of books (or so it seems) to read this trilogy. Yes, it functions as stand alone, which is wonderful, but the biggest question i was left with is Karse war. Something that is probably connected to all the other series if you read them in chronological order.
► The fact that the main story started happening around 70% of the book, until which they were busy dealing with all the other characters; but things were moving pretty damn fast for the last 30%
Something that I believe I should do as a heads up to anyone who has age difference problems: they are 16 or so apart, for which there is actually a good explanation. And i didn't mind it a bit, because what they had was there for a reason, and it made both of them happy ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ .
►►► STORY & CHARACTERS:
Five years later after the events of the previous books, king Randale is getting sicker by the moment, and the only help comes in the form of Bard called Stefen, who has a Gift to literally sing away the pain.
Which introduces Van to Stefen, of course. Van's nephew, Medren - also Stefen's best friend - is quite desperate to help his uncle find actual happiness, considering Stefen has been crushing on him for years, apparently.
If he’d been the marble statue he resembled, his isolation would likely have been a good thing.
But he wasn’t. He was a living human being, and one who would not admit that he was desperately lonely.
To the lowest hells with that. If he doesn’t find somebody he can at least talk to besides Savil, he’s going to go mad in white linen one of these days. He’s keeping everyone else sane, but who can he go to?
Nobody, that’s who. Medren gritted his teeth. Well, we’ll see about that, uncle. If you can resist Stef, you’re a candidate for the Order of Saint Thiera the Immaculate.
And Van, after everything that happened, and all the threats that are incoming, is horribly afraid of being in relationship with anyone, because that someone could very well be used against him.
Vanyel was as beautiful as a statue carved from the finest alabaster by the hand of a master. But thanks to that absolute control, he was also about as remote and chill as that same statue.
Which is the way he wants it, Medren sighed. Or at least, that’s what he says. “I can’t afford hostages,” he says. “I can’t let anyone close enough to be used against me.” He doesn’t even like having people know that he and I are as friendly as we are—and we’re related. He thinks it makes me a target. . . .
And then, after a while, they get invited back to Van's family and then a series of events start again, leading to conclusions - especially with discovery of the actual meaning of Van's nightmares.
Stefen is in fact, a highly adorable person, that comes from a very shady background that could have turned quite into a tragic if Bard Lynnell didn't actually kidnap him from the streets (all the while traumatizing him thinking she was going to sell him to someone, until they cleared that up), and put him into Heaven under the guidance of Medren. He is so far, my actual favorite in the whole book, thanks.
That’s my only hope; court favor. And it’s a damned good thing Medren kept me from losing it before I even had a chance at it. Being a Bard is better than being a beggar, but it’s still a risky profession to be in, with no real security. A Healer can always rely on the Temple to care for him if something happens to him, and if a Herald ends up hurt or ill—Havens, most of them end up dead—there are always places for them here, at the Palace. But a Bard has only himself to rely on. If he loses his voice, or the use of his hands. . . .
The harsh reality was that Stefen had come from the streets, and if something happened to him, the streets were likely where he’d end. Unless he built himself some kind of secure future.
Otherwise—
No. He got up, and stared for a moment out his window, at the Palace, the heart of all his hopes. No. I’ll do it. I’ll make my own luck. I swear I won’t go back to that. I won’t end up like Berte.
Meanwhile, we also see Jisa and her beloved; and the conclusion they deserve. More of Savil and the other few herald mages left. Overall, there was a lot about side characters that I appreciated a lot.
And Yfendes. Oh Yfendes, the best of them all...
“You’re beautiful today, love,” he said aloud.
:Huh.: She snorted, and shook his hands off. :You say that every day.: But he could tell by the way she arched her neck that she was pleased.
:That’s because you are beautiful every day,: he replied.
:Flatterer.: she said, tossing her silver waterfall of a mane.
►►► ACTUAL SPOILERS AND OPINIONS:
►►► OVERALL:
My heart hurts, I'm in pain and I'm satisfied. At least i have decided that I actually WANT to read the rest of Valdemar series, especially since I know for certain that two fools appear in some of the sequels :D
“Bards are supposed to be so cursed good with words,” Stefen said unhappily, looking into Vanyel’s eyes as if he was looking for answers. “Well, all my eloquence seems to have deserted me. All—all I can tell you is that I think I’d love you if you were a hundred years older than me, or a deformed monster, or—or even a woman.”
►►► OTHER IMPORTANT INFO:
⚠ TYPE OF SERIES: series
⚠ Point of View:third, multiply
⚠ Cliffhanger: no
⚠ Triggers: torture, rape:
⚠ Love triangle: no
⚠ Angst: 50%
⚠ Supernatural: the usual, mages.
⚠ Explicit content: no
⚠ Note: be still my heart
►►► REVIEW(S) RELATED TO THIS BOOK:
◈ Magic's Pawn (Valdemar: Last Herald-Mage #1)
◈ Magic's Promise (Valdemar: Last Herald-Mage #2)
◈ Magic's Price (Valdemar: Last Herald-Mage #3)
March 8, 2017
This initial fantasy trilogy is a really fun read.
March 16, 2013
Ugh. So many things wrong with this book, where to begin…
Magic’s Price, the third and final novel in Lackey’s Last Herald-uMage series, takes place nine years after the events of the series’ second novel, Magic’s Promise – which, when added to the 11-year gap between the events of books 1 and 2, puts us at a convenient 20 years after the events of Magic’s Pawn. “Price” centers on the political and personal upheavals threatening or taking place in (respectively) Valdemar: religious war may break out with another kingdom, while the king of Valdemar himself is literally wasting away. The Heralds are stretched thinner than ever, and even fewer Herald-mages remain.
Our hero, Vanyel, has traded the military battlefield for a political one, being apparently the only person who can handle the dying king’s responsibilities of negotiating peace treaties, unifying and overseeing the Heralds, etc. Vanyel also – finally – has a lover. Meanwhile, a dark mage has begun a personal vendetta against Vanyel, attempting to kill or killing those closest to him. Finally the Herald-mage is able to track this “Master Dark” to his hiding place in a land far north of Valdemar – and there he and the mage have a deadly showdown.
I had high hopes for “Price” when I began it. There was much more character expansion for Vanyel in the first hundred-odd pages, what with him finally deciding that yes, he is human, and yes, he does need and want a companion other than his Companion. Mystery also took to the stage in the book – who is this dark mage? Why has he chosen to target Vanyel? Is he the one responsible for the king’s disease? And what about Vanyel’s lover – why does he know or remember things only Tylendel (Vanyel’s first love and lifebond) would have known? But all these questions are maddeningly left hanging, while others are only partially fleshed out.
It is hinted at, for example, that the dark mage Nothing comes of this suspicion. The reader is told flat-out that Vanyel’s new lover is Stefen never has an epiphany of this, while Vanyel himself doesn’t put two and two together until moments before
The book’s pacing is odd as well, dwelling at certain points for several pages then suddenly skipping ahead months at a time. The POV also switches around quite a bit more than in books 1 and 2, often resting with minor or unknown characters for lengthy periods before finally settling back with – wait for it – Stefen again. This happens even more frequently in the last 50 or so pages, at the height of VANYEL’S inner turmoil. I don’t want to hear a disposable character’s thoughts on an important scene, nor do I want Stefen’s view; this is VANYEL’S story. I want HIS POV. The book could have been much more engaging if certain scenes had instead been told through Vanyel’s eyes, like his
Then there’s the ending.
I wanted to like this book very badly. I’d enjoyed Pawn and liked Promise even more, hoping Price would clear up some mysteries and (finally!) give Vanyel a lover-boy. Instead, I was left with more questions than answers, as well as “fade outs” – is Lackey generally a prude when it comes to love scenes, or just a prude when it comes to gay ones?
The book is worth reading to get closure on Vanyel's story, but it ultimately leaves the reader very frustrated - this end could have been so much better. Magic's Price is a very unsatisfying end to what could have been a great series, had it not been rushed in its final and most important book.
Magic’s Price, the third and final novel in Lackey’s Last Herald-uMage series, takes place nine years after the events of the series’ second novel, Magic’s Promise – which, when added to the 11-year gap between the events of books 1 and 2, puts us at a convenient 20 years after the events of Magic’s Pawn. “Price” centers on the political and personal upheavals threatening or taking place in (respectively) Valdemar: religious war may break out with another kingdom, while the king of Valdemar himself is literally wasting away. The Heralds are stretched thinner than ever, and even fewer Herald-mages remain.
Our hero, Vanyel, has traded the military battlefield for a political one, being apparently the only person who can handle the dying king’s responsibilities of negotiating peace treaties, unifying and overseeing the Heralds, etc. Vanyel also – finally – has a lover. Meanwhile, a dark mage has begun a personal vendetta against Vanyel, attempting to kill or killing those closest to him. Finally the Herald-mage is able to track this “Master Dark” to his hiding place in a land far north of Valdemar – and there he and the mage have a deadly showdown.
I had high hopes for “Price” when I began it. There was much more character expansion for Vanyel in the first hundred-odd pages, what with him finally deciding that yes, he is human, and yes, he does need and want a companion other than his Companion. Mystery also took to the stage in the book – who is this dark mage? Why has he chosen to target Vanyel? Is he the one responsible for the king’s disease? And what about Vanyel’s lover – why does he know or remember things only Tylendel (Vanyel’s first love and lifebond) would have known? But all these questions are maddeningly left hanging, while others are only partially fleshed out.
It is hinted at, for example, that the dark mage Nothing comes of this suspicion. The reader is told flat-out that Vanyel’s new lover is Stefen never has an epiphany of this, while Vanyel himself doesn’t put two and two together until moments before
The book’s pacing is odd as well, dwelling at certain points for several pages then suddenly skipping ahead months at a time. The POV also switches around quite a bit more than in books 1 and 2, often resting with minor or unknown characters for lengthy periods before finally settling back with – wait for it – Stefen again. This happens even more frequently in the last 50 or so pages, at the height of VANYEL’S inner turmoil. I don’t want to hear a disposable character’s thoughts on an important scene, nor do I want Stefen’s view; this is VANYEL’S story. I want HIS POV. The book could have been much more engaging if certain scenes had instead been told through Vanyel’s eyes, like his
Then there’s the ending.
I wanted to like this book very badly. I’d enjoyed Pawn and liked Promise even more, hoping Price would clear up some mysteries and (finally!) give Vanyel a lover-boy. Instead, I was left with more questions than answers, as well as “fade outs” – is Lackey generally a prude when it comes to love scenes, or just a prude when it comes to gay ones?
The book is worth reading to get closure on Vanyel's story, but it ultimately leaves the reader very frustrated - this end could have been so much better. Magic's Price is a very unsatisfying end to what could have been a great series, had it not been rushed in its final and most important book.
August 23, 2012
I was debating giving this book a three, because I did enjoy parts, but in the end I decided it just wasn't good enough. You can read other reviews to see what's wrong with it, but, in a nutshell: most of the issues in the story aren't well-resolved, such as the king's illness and the idea of Stefen as a reincarnation of Tylendel, and most importantly, who the hell Leareth is; there is a severe inconsistency in the difference between the deaths of the two herald-mages and Savil's death which is not explained; there is a seeming introduction (be aware that it's been a while since Promise) of *two* new species, which I found underdeveloped and inappropriate for the final book in a trilogy; I was very unhappy with the way Withen was very civil to Vanyel from the beginning but apparently not enough, since we still had to hear the whole sob story from the Tayledras; and finally, there really is no excuse for Vanyel, a war-hardened Mage and supposedly shrewd political player, not to have taken Savil's concerns seriously after Lissandra's and Kilchas's deaths. It went beyond stupid to being out-of-character and implausible.
The characters were nice, maybe memorable (we'll see) but certainly people you could get invested in. But let's be honest, there are a lot of authors who come up with good characters. The book has some great ideas, too; I liked the idea of the companions and the way magic was handled. But in all honesty there is nothing that would make me recommend this book. I might recommend it if you wanted something that combined gay fiction with fantasy, but if you're only looking for one or the other, don't bother. I can recommend much better options.
The characters were nice, maybe memorable (we'll see) but certainly people you could get invested in. But let's be honest, there are a lot of authors who come up with good characters. The book has some great ideas, too; I liked the idea of the companions and the way magic was handled. But in all honesty there is nothing that would make me recommend this book. I might recommend it if you wanted something that combined gay fiction with fantasy, but if you're only looking for one or the other, don't bother. I can recommend much better options.
June 25, 2019
This is the ending of this trilogy and though there is some real joy in this book there are also some incredibly sad moments. Vanyel has spent the last few years pulling away from those closest to him in an attempt to prevent them from becoming targets. And at the same time his responsibilities as the most powerful of the Herald mages have continued to increase, requiring him not only to protect the realm but also to take on diplomatic duties with the increasing illness of his king. But Steph, a young bard is interested in him and unwilling to except a casual friendship as the only relationship they’ll have. It’s the relationship between these two men, it’s consequences and the ways in which being a herald challenges their happiness that are the primary concerns of this book. And that, though I felt like the last third of the book was more than a bit rushed, provide us with a pretty good story. We even get the chance to spend a little bit of time with Vanyel‘s family and see how Age and the increasing difficulties faced by Valdemar have changed his parents.
And the ending was bittersweet, I don’t know that this Trilogy could have ended in any other way. It was a little sad but also sort of lovely.
And the ending was bittersweet, I don’t know that this Trilogy could have ended in any other way. It was a little sad but also sort of lovely.
October 24, 2019
No, that certainly wasn't the ending I was hoping for, but never mind. What really baffles me is the way Mercedes Lackey delivered Vanyel's last stand. Damn, we all knew from the very beginning Vanyel had to face Laereth and was unlikely to make it. Hell, the series is called "The Last Herald Mage of Valdemar" so nothing that happens in the book should come as a huge surprise to the reader. BUT OH MY GOD, did we really need those last 100 pages? And the pacing, don't even get me started. When the final confrontation arrived AND PASSED, I was like "Oh, that's it?!". A lifetime of build-up for Vanyel and, what, 5 pages for the reader? And we certainly didn't need the YOU KNOW WHAT scene. It was super uncomfortable. And I'll say it here: Stefen is useless, a poor replacement for 'Lendel, a character I couldn't care less about that in the end gains my sympathy just by virtue of having his life completely trainwrecked by the author. Just, honey, you are the last of a really commendable series of young man screwed by Mercedes Lackey so forgive me if I don't care. And where is Medren? Where is Tashir? Did we really need another SJW speech to Vanyel's parents? Not because I don't agree with the content, of course, but for its redundancy. It could have happened off-screen! Welp.
March 6, 2020
Things turn much darker in the conclusion (including sexual violence that really didn't contribute much of anything to the story). It's really weirdly paced - a combination of fan service, angst and a final confrontation that happens off page. In fact, a lot of this book could be used to illustrate a lesson on how not to write one's fantasy epic. And yet - there is some charm to this book and to this series, regardless of harmful tropes (less obvious at the time of writing than now), regardless of exaggerations, regardless of some saccharine moments. It's a book for an angsty teen more than for anyone else, and there's better books like that now, certainly, but I don't think there were always many like it, in the mainstream areas of fantasy at least.
(I did like the introduction of new intelligent beings and everything connected to the cursed/blessed border of Valdemar, and bits of dynastic politicking.)
(I did like the introduction of new intelligent beings and everything connected to the cursed/blessed border of Valdemar, and bits of dynastic politicking.)
December 22, 2019
Imagine being so intent on burying your gays that you invoke reincarnation so you can kill the one gay on the other, then bring that gay back and kill the other on them, and throw some gang rape in for drama. I mean I know this series started in the late 80s but fucking REALLY.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2021
ALERTA DE SPOILER!!
Essa review vai ser da trilogia inteira e não só desse livro. Antes de começar quero deixar algumas coisas bem claras: 1. eu sou burra e incapaz de analisar qualquer fator literário de modo objetivo e 2. toda reclamação ou elogio que tiver pra dar são puramente sentimento ou sobre questões mais 'sociais', perdão se parecer que eu to querendo lacrar, mas tem coisa que realmente me incomodou.
Primeiramente - fatores positivos: eu até que gostei desse mundo e desse sistema de magia, não é nem um pouco revolucionário ou super elaborado mas é o suficiente pra divertir, por mais que eu tenha demorado um pouco mais pra entender exatamente como funciona; o 'grande objetivo' dele não é deixado tão claro e eu fiquei meio decepcionada que só aparece de verdade nos 45 do segundo tempo mas isso talvez tenha sido só preferência pessoal mesmo então não vou aprofundar nisso. Quando comecei a ler Magic's Pawn não sabia que tinha sido um dos primeiros livros de fantasia com personagem abertamente lgbt+ e depois que me contaram fiquei curiosa pra ver como foi feito, mas devia ter baixado as expectativas pq ainda são livros publicados no começo da década de 90.
Antes de vir pros aspectos que me incomodaram (eu #lacro kk), acho melhor colocar alguns TW/ suicídio e abuso sexual/infantil.
Ok em segundo lugar, e o que eu tenho mais pra falar - os fatores negativos: isso eu não tenho tanta certeza no que to falando pq realmente não entendo disso mas não sei... sinto que a questão do suicídio do Lendel e da consequente tentativa do Vanyel não foram escritas do jeito mais sensível talvez? Eu lembro que só entrei em choque lendo essas cenas e isso pode ter feito mal pra alguém que tem gatilho com isso. Agora guarde esse ultimo período que eu escrevi pq ele serve ainda mais pra próxima questão: o estupro coletivo que o Vanyel sofre. Eu fiquei tão mortificada quando li isso (e ainda bem que não foi descrito muito detalhadamente) que tive que dar uma pausa na leitura e acho que só voltei a ler ainda no mesmo dia pq queria terminar o livro logo. De novo, imagina como teria sido pra alguém que tem gatilho com isso. E eu não comentei direito que essa ultima cena é descrita no pov de um garotinho que cita também ter sido abusado física e sexualmente pelos bandidos. EU PRECISO REPETIR A FRASE??
Isso ainda conta em fatores negativos mas sinto que merece um tópico só - a pedofilia: um dos principais conflitos na trilogia é o fato do Vanyel ser gay e como as pessoas, especialmente os pais dele, lidam com isso. No segundo livro, quando ele volta pra casa e descobre que o sobrinho dele tem Bard's Gift, o menino tá disposto a *tudo* pra conseguir treinamento. Obviamente o Van fica putasso eu vai falar com o pai dele e faz um puta discurso sobre não ser pedófilo. Mas ai que tá, aparentemente passou da puberdade tá ok?? Pq quando é um menino de 12 anos vc fica em choque mas quando o Tashir, um de "no máximo 16 anos" citando o próprio Vanyel, se oferece pra ele por motivos, ele recusa, claro, pq sabia que o menino tava só confuso mas não sem antes considerar seriamente a proposta só pq ele parece fisicamente com o Lendel e dizer ter recusado ser uma das coisas mais difíceis que já fez. No terceiro livro fica pior: embora resista pelo menino ser muito novo (exatamente 17 anos, a esse ponto mais novo que aquele sobrinho dele) o Vanyel arranja um namorado novo, chamado Stefen. Vc pode argumentar que ele sabia no que tava se envolvendo por ter muita experiência mas... um MENINO de 17 anos com um cara de quase 40?? E o fato dele ser a reencarnação do Lendel não faz nada menos pior não viu. Eu nem mencionei o detalhe que o Vanyel tem uns 4 filhos por ter servido de doador de esperma pros amigos(não vou me aprofundar nisso mas achei esquisito) e a que aparece mais tem 15 anos no terceiro livro(isso mesmo, só dois a menos que o Stef), outros dois deles, se eu me lembro direito(posso estar enganada) devem ter uns 20 no terceiro livro. Isso faz do Van não só velho o suficiente pra ser pai do Stefen, como literalmente ter filhos mais ou menos da idade dele!
Eu realmente não recomendo esses livros, e acho que vou passar um tempo lendo livros mais recentes e/ou ownvoices depois dessa.
Essa review vai ser da trilogia inteira e não só desse livro. Antes de começar quero deixar algumas coisas bem claras: 1. eu sou burra e incapaz de analisar qualquer fator literário de modo objetivo e 2. toda reclamação ou elogio que tiver pra dar são puramente sentimento ou sobre questões mais 'sociais', perdão se parecer que eu to querendo lacrar, mas tem coisa que realmente me incomodou.
Primeiramente - fatores positivos: eu até que gostei desse mundo e desse sistema de magia, não é nem um pouco revolucionário ou super elaborado mas é o suficiente pra divertir, por mais que eu tenha demorado um pouco mais pra entender exatamente como funciona; o 'grande objetivo' dele não é deixado tão claro e eu fiquei meio decepcionada que só aparece de verdade nos 45 do segundo tempo mas isso talvez tenha sido só preferência pessoal mesmo então não vou aprofundar nisso. Quando comecei a ler Magic's Pawn não sabia que tinha sido um dos primeiros livros de fantasia com personagem abertamente lgbt+ e depois que me contaram fiquei curiosa pra ver como foi feito, mas devia ter baixado as expectativas pq ainda são livros publicados no começo da década de 90.
Antes de vir pros aspectos que me incomodaram (eu #lacro kk), acho melhor colocar alguns TW/ suicídio e abuso sexual/infantil.
Ok em segundo lugar, e o que eu tenho mais pra falar - os fatores negativos: isso eu não tenho tanta certeza no que to falando pq realmente não entendo disso mas não sei... sinto que a questão do suicídio do Lendel e da consequente tentativa do Vanyel não foram escritas do jeito mais sensível talvez? Eu lembro que só entrei em choque lendo essas cenas e isso pode ter feito mal pra alguém que tem gatilho com isso. Agora guarde esse ultimo período que eu escrevi pq ele serve ainda mais pra próxima questão: o estupro coletivo que o Vanyel sofre. Eu fiquei tão mortificada quando li isso (e ainda bem que não foi descrito muito detalhadamente) que tive que dar uma pausa na leitura e acho que só voltei a ler ainda no mesmo dia pq queria terminar o livro logo. De novo, imagina como teria sido pra alguém que tem gatilho com isso. E eu não comentei direito que essa ultima cena é descrita no pov de um garotinho que cita também ter sido abusado física e sexualmente pelos bandidos. EU PRECISO REPETIR A FRASE??
Isso ainda conta em fatores negativos mas sinto que merece um tópico só - a pedofilia: um dos principais conflitos na trilogia é o fato do Vanyel ser gay e como as pessoas, especialmente os pais dele, lidam com isso. No segundo livro, quando ele volta pra casa e descobre que o sobrinho dele tem Bard's Gift, o menino tá disposto a *tudo* pra conseguir treinamento. Obviamente o Van fica putasso eu vai falar com o pai dele e faz um puta discurso sobre não ser pedófilo. Mas ai que tá, aparentemente passou da puberdade tá ok?? Pq quando é um menino de 12 anos vc fica em choque mas quando o Tashir, um de "no máximo 16 anos" citando o próprio Vanyel, se oferece pra ele por motivos, ele recusa, claro, pq sabia que o menino tava só confuso mas não sem antes considerar seriamente a proposta só pq ele parece fisicamente com o Lendel e dizer ter recusado ser uma das coisas mais difíceis que já fez. No terceiro livro fica pior: embora resista pelo menino ser muito novo (exatamente 17 anos, a esse ponto mais novo que aquele sobrinho dele) o Vanyel arranja um namorado novo, chamado Stefen. Vc pode argumentar que ele sabia no que tava se envolvendo por ter muita experiência mas... um MENINO de 17 anos com um cara de quase 40?? E o fato dele ser a reencarnação do Lendel não faz nada menos pior não viu. Eu nem mencionei o detalhe que o Vanyel tem uns 4 filhos por ter servido de doador de esperma pros amigos(não vou me aprofundar nisso mas achei esquisito) e a que aparece mais tem 15 anos no terceiro livro(isso mesmo, só dois a menos que o Stef), outros dois deles, se eu me lembro direito(posso estar enganada) devem ter uns 20 no terceiro livro. Isso faz do Van não só velho o suficiente pra ser pai do Stefen, como literalmente ter filhos mais ou menos da idade dele!
Eu realmente não recomendo esses livros, e acho que vou passar um tempo lendo livros mais recentes e/ou ownvoices depois dessa.
November 20, 2017
*sobs*
I mean, I knew what would happen because it's told as a legend/as history in the "Heralds of Valdemar" trilogy but reading it when you are in love with the main characters? Yeah, that's heavy and I cried during the events in the end. :(
First of all - I'm so happy that Van found some happiness and love again and that this love came in the shape of Stef - a Bard with the reborn soul of 'Lendel (not that either Van or Stef knew this). I'm so, so, so happy for this and them.
Even though - it broke my heart for Stef. Having to live on for +60 years after Van died defending Valdemar. I mean, yeah, they got reunited in the end and keep on protecting Valdemar but still. He lost Van and had to live on with this hurt for 60 years. I just hope that he found some happiness in all these years.
Even with the happiness - Van has been put trough the wringer in this. Having to feel his fellow Herald-Mages die (Savil, oh, Savil)? Knowing that he's the last one? Knowing that Randale is in pain and dying and not being able to help? And then realizing what Shavri did and knowing that they'll lose her too? The torture and rape at the hands of the men of the Master Dark? :( *hugs him so much*
My heart has also been breaking for the other Heralds when they, thanks to the web Van modified, realized that Van is in danger (and not being able to help. Same goes for the Guards who came too late.) and when he died. OMG. I mean, we don't get to see this in the book, but my imagination is working just fine in that regard. *hugs them all*
But, with all this - there have also been moments in which I laughed out loud because 'Fandes or someone else said/did something funny and I squeed when Starwind and Moondance made an appearance. :) I also love the fact that Jisa and Brightstar knew that Van is her/his father and that he got some (more) love and support due to this.
Yeah, this book broke my heart and will stay with me for a while. But, I'm also looking forward to read more in this world because it's awesome. <3
I mean, I knew what would happen because it's told as a legend/as history in the "Heralds of Valdemar" trilogy but reading it when you are in love with the main characters? Yeah, that's heavy and I cried during the events in the end. :(
First of all - I'm so happy that Van found some happiness and love again and that this love came in the shape of Stef - a Bard with the reborn soul of 'Lendel (not that either Van or Stef knew this). I'm so, so, so happy for this and them.
Even though - it broke my heart for Stef. Having to live on for +60 years after Van died defending Valdemar. I mean, yeah, they got reunited in the end and keep on protecting Valdemar but still. He lost Van and had to live on with this hurt for 60 years. I just hope that he found some happiness in all these years.
Even with the happiness - Van has been put trough the wringer in this. Having to feel his fellow Herald-Mages die (Savil, oh, Savil)? Knowing that he's the last one? Knowing that Randale is in pain and dying and not being able to help? And then realizing what Shavri did and knowing that they'll lose her too? The torture and rape at the hands of the men of the Master Dark? :( *hugs him so much*
My heart has also been breaking for the other Heralds when they, thanks to the web Van modified, realized that Van is in danger (and not being able to help. Same goes for the Guards who came too late.) and when he died. OMG. I mean, we don't get to see this in the book, but my imagination is working just fine in that regard. *hugs them all*
But, with all this - there have also been moments in which I laughed out loud because 'Fandes or someone else said/did something funny and I squeed when Starwind and Moondance made an appearance. :) I also love the fact that Jisa and Brightstar knew that Van is her/his father and that he got some (more) love and support due to this.
Yeah, this book broke my heart and will stay with me for a while. But, I'm also looking forward to read more in this world because it's awesome. <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2021
I've loved this book for years. Yet it's been awhile since I've read this series and there are so many things I'd forgotten. And yet this still managed to rip my heart out and pull out the tears. I knew what was coming and my heart still broke for Vanyel.
Vanyel has sacrificed so much of his life and energy for Valdemar and it's people. He's been so isolated and let's so few people in. I do love how Stef just worms his way into Vanyel's circle and refuses to leave. He's been determined to meet Vanyel for years and when the opportunity presents itself for his magic to help the king, he still takes his opportunity. He's the youngest bard to gain Master status ever, and his music is the medium to help, but no matter that he's now in contact with Vanyel only their friendship is progressing. Off course the danger to Vanyel and those he cares about is still as high as ever.
Normally this type of rip your heart out story would destroy me and I'd never want to read it again. Yet I love Vanyel and Stefan so much. This story tugs at my heartstrings and will always have me coming back for more. The sacrifices both men have made for their country are epic. They spend more time apart then they ever have had together, but yet eternity is theirs.
Vanyel has sacrificed so much of his life and energy for Valdemar and it's people. He's been so isolated and let's so few people in. I do love how Stef just worms his way into Vanyel's circle and refuses to leave. He's been determined to meet Vanyel for years and when the opportunity presents itself for his magic to help the king, he still takes his opportunity. He's the youngest bard to gain Master status ever, and his music is the medium to help, but no matter that he's now in contact with Vanyel only their friendship is progressing. Off course the danger to Vanyel and those he cares about is still as high as ever.
Normally this type of rip your heart out story would destroy me and I'd never want to read it again. Yet I love Vanyel and Stefan so much. This story tugs at my heartstrings and will always have me coming back for more. The sacrifices both men have made for their country are epic. They spend more time apart then they ever have had together, but yet eternity is theirs.
August 19, 2023
No I definitely didn't almost start crying at work because of the ending, nope, not at all I would never
May 8, 2015
Skimming through some other reviews I passed one that called this book "Cheesy, tawdry, melodramatic". I completely agree, but I actually reveled in those facts while the other reviewer gave it two stars. :P It's definitely over the top and has some logic defying moments, but I find myself quite invested in Valdemar. I *was* a little torn on my rating and I think 4 stars is rounding up for me because there was a resurgence of the plot point that bothered me in the Vows & Honor books I've read so far, which, prepare for triggers people, is sexual assault in the form of a gang rape. I *will* say I thought the character reacted much more realistically and was actually shown to be dealing with emotional wounds after as compared to Vows & Honor where people seemed strangely unaffected (yes, people, plural, ugh), but...was that really necessary in my nice cheesy fantastical romp with telepathic horse-like creatures? It would not have taken anything away from the story or character development to leave it out and would in fact have improved the experience of reading quite a bit. Soooo be careful of Mercedes Lackey if you are triggered by such things, she seems to be sprinkling them into her world pretty liberally thus far.
October 3, 2019
A fitting end to the trilogy - there have been enough hints through the previous two books that you know where it's going (hell, the clues in the name of the trilogy!).
As usual, there is a lot of build up and all the action is crammed into the last couple of chapters, but as I knew to expect that it didn't worry me this time round. I was kind of getting a little bit bored with Van's constant angst anyway ... you'd have thought he'd got over a lot of his worries and insecurities by the time this book kicks off.
The very ending is a little bit too twee for me - it did fit in with the rest of the story, but I personally like my fantasy a little darker.
My overall thoughts on the whole trilogy - an enjoyable read, but think romance with a twist and a dash of fantasy. If you go into them in that mindset, you won't be disappointed.
As usual, there is a lot of build up and all the action is crammed into the last couple of chapters, but as I knew to expect that it didn't worry me this time round. I was kind of getting a little bit bored with Van's constant angst anyway ... you'd have thought he'd got over a lot of his worries and insecurities by the time this book kicks off.
The very ending is a little bit too twee for me - it did fit in with the rest of the story, but I personally like my fantasy a little darker.
My overall thoughts on the whole trilogy - an enjoyable read, but think romance with a twist and a dash of fantasy. If you go into them in that mindset, you won't be disappointed.
August 4, 2022
Hello, hello there are spoilers all over this review. Consider yourself warned.
I really wish there was more set up in the previous book for Vanyel and Stefen's relationship (and that Stefan was just a tad older but that's just me). It felt tacked on, rushed and just placed there to make the ending more of a gut punch.
I hated the ending, and it's casual deployment of gang rape on Vanyel. What a horrendously lazy way to inject ineffectual drama in an already stuffed last 1/4 of the book. If the big bad isn't sufficiently fleshed out enough for the reader to feel in any way tense, then throw some rape in there. Lazy.
Whatever else was in the book, I don't quite remember. I'm too angry over the lazy ending.
Then again, if I can't remember then nothing too important must've happened.
I really wish there was more set up in the previous book for Vanyel and Stefen's relationship (and that Stefan was just a tad older but that's just me). It felt tacked on, rushed and just placed there to make the ending more of a gut punch.
I hated the ending, and it's casual deployment of gang rape on Vanyel. What a horrendously lazy way to inject ineffectual drama in an already stuffed last 1/4 of the book. If the big bad isn't sufficiently fleshed out enough for the reader to feel in any way tense, then throw some rape in there. Lazy.
Whatever else was in the book, I don't quite remember. I'm too angry over the lazy ending.
Then again, if I can't remember then nothing too important must've happened.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2016
Another addition to my #readinghistory! Continuing the Mercedes Lackey lurv fest with the Last Herald Mage trilogy. OMG, so much goodness in Vanyel's history. Beautiful Vanyel. *sigh* He wasn't the first gay hero I read, I'm pretty sure, because I wasn't surprised at all by his sexuality. But I'd also had friends who'd come out as gay by then, so Vanyel's journey from not fitting in to finding his first lover felt familiar to me. I loved this story so much, even for its tragedy. Vanyel's arc from vain, pompous and largely worthless to heroic is nothing short of amazing
December 6, 2010
Cheesy, tawdry, melodramatic with a hero who supposedly resembles a cross between Fabio, an elf and Gaston from the Disney Beauty & The Beast. I LURVED these so hard when I was a teenager, you better believe it.
There's still a little voice inside, today, who says "But... butbutbut...gay protagonist! Romantic storylines and heroism and GAY(yay)!"
There's still a little voice inside, today, who says "But... butbutbut...gay protagonist! Romantic storylines and heroism and GAY(yay)!"
December 9, 2022
Overall, this series was a lot of fun and I look forward to checking out the Arrows trilogy some time soon. I was a little confused that the first book of Arrows spoiled something that only developed in this book, the last installment of the Last Herald-Mage trilogy, but yet Arrows was published before!
This trilogy was groundbreaking at the time it was published (the late 80s to early 90s) for not only having its protagonist as homosexual, but also imagining a world where this was normalized (although homophobia isn’t absent entirely, which is fine because that sounds increasingly like our current modern society as well). Although Vanyel is homosexual (or shaych, as the book calls it), his sexuality is never fetishized and there isn’t any gratuitous scenes revolving around that. Whatever love, romance, and physical intimacy is pretty much on the same level as any other romance in any other book.
I was a little worried I’d be completely lost since it’s been a while since I last read the first two books, but Lackey does a really good job at very slowly reintroducing the reader into the world of Valdemar. Instead of being plunged into the deep end of things, which I have almost come to take as a default way for fantasy books to go, there was something soothing and refreshing about how slowly Lackey takes to re-introduce the reader into the world. I never once felt lost or like I need to read a summary of the previous two books to get back up to speed with the book.
The world of Valdemar is extensive and this series is just one out of many that Lackey has written for the universe. It’s the predecessor to something like the Cosmere books by Brandon Sanderson, where everything links to one another and there’re little nods and winks in each series to other characters and events that happen in other series, so that’s really fun. I’m looking forward to re-visiting the Arrows trilogy after this.
Vanyel has grown so much since the very first book, where he came across as a whiney brat imo. In this one, he’s around his late 30s to early 40s and clearly has worked through so much of his pain, suffering, and grief to come through as a much wiser man, though he somehow does not come across as jaded. Stefen was a nice foil to him, although the age gap between the two was a little eyebrow-raising - I guess this may not have been that problematic at the time it was written.
The book really escalated quickly in the last quarter. Things, even dreadful things, start happening left right center and I could barely keep up with what’s going on. Spoilery thoughts:
This is a series I’d definitely recommend to any fantasy lover, but I’d also give the caveat that this needs to be read in context of the time it was published. By today’s standards, the homosexuality in this book is probably mild and nothing in comparison, but I can see how impactful this would’ve been back in the time it was published.
This trilogy was groundbreaking at the time it was published (the late 80s to early 90s) for not only having its protagonist as homosexual, but also imagining a world where this was normalized (although homophobia isn’t absent entirely, which is fine because that sounds increasingly like our current modern society as well). Although Vanyel is homosexual (or shaych, as the book calls it), his sexuality is never fetishized and there isn’t any gratuitous scenes revolving around that. Whatever love, romance, and physical intimacy is pretty much on the same level as any other romance in any other book.
I was a little worried I’d be completely lost since it’s been a while since I last read the first two books, but Lackey does a really good job at very slowly reintroducing the reader into the world of Valdemar. Instead of being plunged into the deep end of things, which I have almost come to take as a default way for fantasy books to go, there was something soothing and refreshing about how slowly Lackey takes to re-introduce the reader into the world. I never once felt lost or like I need to read a summary of the previous two books to get back up to speed with the book.
The world of Valdemar is extensive and this series is just one out of many that Lackey has written for the universe. It’s the predecessor to something like the Cosmere books by Brandon Sanderson, where everything links to one another and there’re little nods and winks in each series to other characters and events that happen in other series, so that’s really fun. I’m looking forward to re-visiting the Arrows trilogy after this.
Vanyel has grown so much since the very first book, where he came across as a whiney brat imo. In this one, he’s around his late 30s to early 40s and clearly has worked through so much of his pain, suffering, and grief to come through as a much wiser man, though he somehow does not come across as jaded. Stefen was a nice foil to him, although the age gap between the two was a little eyebrow-raising - I guess this may not have been that problematic at the time it was written.
The book really escalated quickly in the last quarter. Things, even dreadful things, start happening left right center and I could barely keep up with what’s going on. Spoilery thoughts:
This is a series I’d definitely recommend to any fantasy lover, but I’d also give the caveat that this needs to be read in context of the time it was published. By today’s standards, the homosexuality in this book is probably mild and nothing in comparison, but I can see how impactful this would’ve been back in the time it was published.
March 19, 2014
2.5
Generally a character becomes more likable as a series goes on. But Vanyel actually seems to get worse or at least he doesn't much change as he gets older. It is one thing to see those things in a neglected, abused boy, but they become very unattractive in an adult man. I think part of the problem is that there are times here when he does or says something that just seems to come completely out of the blue. Instances I generally blame on author convenience.
Generally a character becomes more likable as a series goes on. But Vanyel actually seems to get worse or at least he doesn't much change as he gets older. It is one thing to see those things in a neglected, abused boy, but they become very unattractive in an adult man. I think part of the problem is that there are times here when he does or says something that just seems to come completely out of the blue. Instances I generally blame on author convenience.
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