Arrows of the Queen
A kingdom imperiled!
Chosen by the Companion Rolan, a mystical horse-like being with powers beyond imagining, Talia, once a runaway, has now become a trainee Herald, destined to become one of the Queen's own elite guard. For Talia has certain awakening talents of the mind that only a Companion like Rolan can truly sense.
But as Talia struggles to master her unique abilities, time is running out. For conspiracy is brewing in Valdemar, a deadly treason which could destroy Queen and kingdom. Opposed by unknown enemies capable of both diabolical magic and treacherous assassination, the Queen must turn to Talia and the Heralds for aid in protecting the realm and ensuring the future of the Queen's heir, a child already in danger of becoming bespelled by the Queen's own foes.
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Mercedes Lackey
Mercedes Ritchie Lackey (born 1950) is an American writer of fantasy novels. Many of her novels and trilogies are interlinked and set in the world of Velgarth, mostly in and around the country of Valdemar. Her Valdemar novels form a complex tapestry of interaction between human and non-human protagonists with many different cultures and social mores.
Her other main world is one much like our own, but it includes clandestine populations of elves, mages, vampires, and other mythical beings. The Bedlam's Bard books describe a young man with the power to work magic through music; the SERRAted Edge books are about racecar driving elves; and the Diana Tregarde thrillers center on a Wiccan who combats evil.
The Heralds of Valdemar
The Heralds of Valdemar consists of three primary books, and includes one additional book that complement the series but is not considered mandatory reads. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
Main series Valdemar
Reviews and Comments
In Arrows of the Queen, first book of a trilogy, Mercedes Lackey introduces the world of Valdemar. I read all the three novels in a row, and in my opinion, they could have been squeezed between one pair of covers, omitting some flash backs the two sequels had. The writing is more suitable for YA level, but some "grown up" themes probably forced these novels into the adult fantasy shelves. The story is way too one dimensional Cinderella tale for my taste. At times it felt that the author had written a bunch of separate scenes and slapped them together forgetting the necessary glue in between to knit together a solid story. It was too predictable and naive to be truly enjoyable.