Book Review: Into the West by Mercedes Lackey

Into the West
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Series: The Founding of Valdemar (Book 2)
Publication: DAW (December 13, 2022)

Description: The long-awaited founding of Valdemar comes to life in this second book in the new series from a New York Times-bestselling author and beloved fantasist.

Baron Valdemar and his people have found a temporary haven, but it cannot hold all of them, or for long. Trouble could follow on their heels at any moment, and there are too many people for Crescent Lake to support. Those who are willing to make a further trek by barge on into the West will follow him into a wilderness depopulated by war and scarred by the terrible magics of a thousand years ago and the Mage Wars. But the wilderness is not as "empty" as it seems. There are potential friends and rapacious foes....

....and someone is watching them.

My Thoughts: Baron Valdemar has gotten his people through the gate and away from the Empire. But there is still a lot to do before they can stop moving. This second in the Founding of Valdemar series is about their journey. 

Delia has been sent ahead with the scouts both because her gift of Fetching is very useful to the scounts and because it gets her away from the object of her crush Kordas. The worldbuilding is great in this story and we get to see all sorts of magical creatures and magical landscapes in the land that was the battleground in the Mage Wars 500 years earlier. 

But besides the magical creatures, they are not alone in this new land. The Tayledras, the Hawkbrothers, and the Hertasi and learn about their purpose in this blighted land. 

This story had a lot of action as they all travel to search for a new home. I enjoyed watching Delia grow up and enjoyed thinking along with Kordas as he tries to do the best for his people. 

Favorite Quote:

Our Path, for the future of our expedition, for the well-being of those we befriend, for the land and the spirits, is this.

"There is no one, true way."

I bought this one December 13, 2022. You can buy your copy here.