This post is going to cover a trilogy instead of one book only. I’ll give thoughts on each book below, but the circumstances surrounding my sudden re-read of this trilogy are such that I don’t think thoughts on them individually would stand alone well.
I’m a quiet but ardent fan of Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar books. The Last Herald Mage trilogy, specifically, is heart-rending. I love it. Vanyel Ashkevron’s story is painful, beautiful, magical. This is a trilogy I now return to when painful or traumatic events happen in my own life. I return to Vanyel to grieve with him, to grieve through his story. Such it was this time, when early in October 2021 (I’m actually writing this in December, don’t be fooled by the publish date) my family suffered a deep, personal, loss. I won’t go into details here, but suffice to say I’m still grieving, and will be for awhile.
In any case, these books helped me through the initial period. It wasn’t the first time they have, and I doubt it’ll be the last.
Magic’s Pawn by Mercedes Lackey
Started: 18 October 2021
Finished: 19 October 2021
The first book in this trilogy starts as many books in the Valdemar universe: with a twist. Our main character isn’t obviously gifted with magic, like many of Mercedes Lackey’s protagonists. It takes a little of a meandering path to reach Vanyel’s awakening. But the theme of this trilogy is trauma, and love, and loss. And moving on and through that loss. A message I still sorely need.
Another highlight of this series is that Vanyel is an openly gay character, and the trilogy highlights other homosexual relationships as well. The representation may read a little dated in 2021, however, these books were published from 1989 to 1990. So for that time, any representation was bold and daring.
Magic’s Promise by Mercedes Lackey
Started: 19 October 2021
Finished: 19 October 2021
Magic’s Promise is the happiest book of the three — but still deals heavily with themes of loss and what comes after. Another theme of this trilogy is fear of the unknown, and the type of hate uncertainty can breed. All poignant for our time, unfortunately. I devoured this one in a day. I don’t remember much of this re-read, to be honest. But I highly recommend all three of these books.
Magic’s Price by Mercedes Lackey
Started: 20 October 2021
Finished: 27 October 2021
I tend to spend most of the read of Magic’s Price crying, and this read was no different. This is high praise. I’ve read this trilogy four or five times now, at least, and every time, even though I know exactly what’s going to happen, it makes me emotional. Writing that unlocks emotion like that speaks for itself, I think. Vanyel Ashkevron is the bleeding emotional core of this trilogy, and oh, does he bleed and sacrifice so much.
But there is a heartfelt, hopeful ending to this traumatic trilogy. One that tells we can overcome, our sacrifices are worth it, a love always endures.
If you’ve never read Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar books, I do recommend The Last Herald Mage trilogy, but I don’t recommend starting with it. I think the best entry point to Valdemar is Arrows of the Queen; but, either way. These books supported me when I needed it most. We all have authors we lean on when we’re hurt or troubled, I’m sure. I’d love to know what some of yours are, dear stranger.
2021 Reads:
- This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal el-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
- Shuri by Nic Stone
- Scythe by Neal Shusterman
- Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman
- The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin
- Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
- The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart
- Empire of Sand by Tasha Suri
- Realm of Ash by Tasha Suri
- Magic’s Pawn by Mercedes Lackey
- Magic’s Promise by Mercedes Lackey
- Magic’s Price by Mercedes Lackey