Book Review: Arrow's Fall by Mercedes Lackey

Arrow's Fall
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Series: Heralds of Valdemar (Book 3)
Publication: DAW (January 5, 1988)

Description: Follows the adventures of Talia as she travels the land as a Herald of Valdemar in the third book in the classic epic fantasy Arrows trilogy

With Elspeth, the heir to the throne of Valdemar, come of marriageable age, Talia, the Queen’s Own Herald returns to court to find Queen and heir beset by diplomatic intrigue as various forces vie for control of Elspeth’s future.

But just as Talia is about to uncover the traitor behind all these intrigues, she is sent off on a mission to the neighboring kingdom, chosen by the Queen to investigate the worth of a marriage proposal from Prince Ancar. And, to her horror, Talia soon discovers there is far more going on at Prince Ancar’s court than just preparation for a hoped-for royal wedding. For a different magic than that of the Heralds is loose in Ancar’s realm—an evil and ancient sorcery that may destroy all of Valdemar unless Talia can send warning to her Queen in time!

My Thoughts: The final book in the Arrows trilogy sees Talia finished with internship and back in the capital to take her place by the Queen's side as a full voting member of the Council. Just in time, too! The Council has been debating a marriage proposal for Elspeth with the heir to the throne of Hardorn. Valdemar has a long history of friendship with King Alexander but doesn't know much about his heir Ancar. After turning down the Council's wish for an immediate betrothal and wedding, Selenay decides to send a couple of Heralds in advance of a State Visit to take a look at Ancar.

Kris and Talia are chosen. Talia has the position of Queen's Own and Kris has a family background in Court politics. Besides, they worked well together during Talia's internship and are ready to go. However, since returning to the capital things are not going well between the two of them. Talia still feels that Kris's uncle Lord Othallan is trying to undermine her influence with the Queen. Kris is quite used to making excuses for his uncle and refuses to believe Talia. Besides that, Kris's best friend Dirk and Talia have formed a lifebond though neither of them is admitting it and Dirk is especially torn because he thinks Talia might have fallen in love with Kris.

Both Talia and Kris are eager to go off on a mission to get away from all the drama. But they soon find that they have traveled into a danger they couldn't have expected. Ancar has plans to take over the throne of his country and of Valdemar too and has gathered an army made up of prison dregs along with magicians. Valdemar has its mind Gifts but real magic like that practiced in Hardorn is something out of legend to them. They need to get back to Valdemar to stop Selenay and the State Visit but Ancar has other plans.

This story was filled with epic adventure, great sorrow, battles, and finally a happy ending.

Favorite Quote:

"It seems to me that evil is a kind of ultimate greed, a greed that is so all-encompassing that it can't ever see anything lovely, rare, or precious without wanting to possess it. A greed so total that if it can't possess these things, it will destroy them rather than chance that someone else might have them. And a greed so intense that even having these things never causes it to lesson one iota - the lovely, the rare, and the precious never affect it accept to make it want them."

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.