Author: Mercedes Lackey
Narrator: Christa Lewis
Series: Heralds of Valdemar (Book 1)
Publication: Tantor Audio (March 30, 2018)
Length: 9 hours and 19 minutes
Description: 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 that 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 insuring the future of the Queen's heir, a child already in danger of becoming bespelled by the Queen's own foes.
My Thoughts: This coming-of-age fantasy introduces readers to the kingdom of Valdemar. Talia is a young girl from the edge of Valdemar. Her people are holderkin - poor and patriarchal. When she turns thirteen, Talia is given the choice of marrying or becoming a servant of the goddess. She decides to run away.
Having secretly read stories of Heralds and Companions, she has dreamed of being a Herald herself. But her total ignorance of the world outside her family's gates makes this a very difficult goal. However, Rolan who was the Companion to the Queen's Own has gone off on a quest after the death of the Queen's Own to find another. He chooses Talia.
This excellent story introduces a world to us as readers and to Talia as she discovers her new life. From learning what it means to really be a Herald of Valdemar and what it is to be a target for the same conspiracy that murdered the previous Queen's Own, Talia has a lot to learn. She makes friends, discovers her talents, and finds her life's purpose as the story goes on.
This story, published in 1987, is the first in a trilogy and the first of the multitude of Valdemar books which followed it including new titles to be published in 2024 and 2025.
I bought this one at Chirp April 23, 2023. You can buy your copy here.
I bought this one at Chirp April 23, 2023. You can buy your copy here.
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