The Gates of Sleep by Mercedes Lackey
reviewed by Cindy Lynn Speer
On the day Marina Rosewood was christened, elemental mages from all around gathered to her cradle, each whispering something to the
sleepy babe, each granting her a small gift. Just as the last mage is about to take her turn, Arachne, Marina's aunt, appears. Spiteful
and angry, she curses the child with death. Fortunately, Elizabeth is able to take the child up, and though she can not remove
the curse, she is able to change it.
Joust by Mercedes Lackey
reviewed by Cindy Lynn Speer
Vetch's whole world was misery. As a serf working for the vile Khefti-the-fat, he has little hope for anything better. One
day he is hauling an oversized bucket filled with water when a man takes it from him and drinks it dry. The man is a jouster,
and his dragon, the magnificent Kashet, is nearby. Vetch's awe at the rare site is turned to fear when Khefti comes out and,
seeing him without the bucket in his hands, begins to beat Vetch. Ari, the jouster, steps in and decides to take Vetch with
him, to become his new dragon boy. Vetch can't believe his new luck.
The Gates of Sleep by Mercedes Lackey
reviewed by Ian Nichols
At birth, a baby girl is given gifts by her magical relations, gifts which should lead to happiness. But the second-last gift is
delivered by an estranged relation, who wasn't invited to the party. Her gift is a curse; death on or before the child's eighteenth
birthday. The last gift is one which tries to lift the curse, but only succeeds in softening it. You may have heard this story before.
Take a Thief by Mercedes Lackey
reviewed by Cindy Lynn Speer
You would think, from the stories of the heroic Heralds and their fair, strong Queen, that Valdemar would not have the poor and the desperate
scraping out a miserable living in any way that they can. But it does, and Skif knows the rules well. Orphaned at an early age, he has spent
most of his life working as a drudge in his Uncle Londer's tavern, the most disreputable in all of Haven.
Exile's Honor by Mercedes Lackey
reviewed by Cindy Lynn Speer
Valdemar and Karse have long been enemies. The Karse have made an art of it, sending bandits to plunder Valdemar, having their priests
train the people to believe that anyone with a Herald's Gift is a demon in need of death. Alberich of Karse, newly-made captain and
gifted with a handsome white stallion, has never formally committed himself to battle with his hereditary enemy. Now, his extraordinary
skills as swordsman and leader are being pitted against the very bandits his government hired.
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Brightly Burning by Mercedes Lackey
reviewed by Robert Francis
This is the story of Lavan Chitward, a youth of 16 just moved to Haven, the
capital city of Valdemar, with his parents and siblings. His parents are
engrossed with climbing the social ladder within their respective Guilds,
and his sibs are also thrilled, and intent on following their parents in the
Cloth Merchant and Needleworkers Guilds. Lavan isn't sure exactly what he
wants to do, but has very definite opinions on what he doesn't want to do --
and following in the family trade tops the list.
Flights of Fantasy edited by Mercedes Lackey
reviewed by Georges T. Dodds
With 10 original tales of birds of prey (plus one about crows) ranging from humorous to
dark fantasy, this anthology has tales of falconry, Native American
tribal totem birds, Arthurian reincarnations, along with stubborn
princesses and nasty sorcerers. As a bonus, there is a novella by
Mercedes Lackey which further develops one of the neglected
characters of her recent novel, Black Swan.
The Black Swan by Mercedes Lackey
reviewed by Robert Francis
This re-telling of the "Swan Lake" story may be one of Lackey's best books
yet. It's a tale of urbane madness, filial duty, greed, loyalty, and
ultimately, redemption. (And there's even a lake and some maidens who get
turned into swans!)
The River's Gift by Mercedes Lackey
reviewed by Jeri Wright
Ariella, lady of Swan Manor since the death of her mother, escapes her
chaperone as often as possible, abandoning needlework for the freedom of the
forest. She dreams of the freedom to live her life without constricting
rules. One day she is visited by a magical creature in the form of a
splendid black stallion... Mercedes Lackey's fans should be pleased. This
is a charming story, smoothly told by a master storyteller.
Owl Knight by Mercedes Lackey & Larry Dixon
reviewed by Jeri Wright
The 3rd novel in the latest Valdemar series doesn't break any new ground, but
it does give fans likeable characters, interesting personal relationships,
magic, adventure, and the pleasure of visiting old friends. We meet Darian again,
now a young man with an important role in the life of his adopted people.
Storm Breaking by Mercedes Lackey
reviewed by Todd Richmond
Todd says this is a good book, but not one that should
be read without reading the others. It fails to stand on its own
because there is just too much background that isn't covered.
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