Talia, a young runaway, is made a herald at the royal court after she rescues one of the legendary Companions. When she uncovers a plot to seize the throne, Talia must use her empathic powers to save the queen.
Arrows of the Queen (Heralds of Valdemar)
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Review
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 Queens'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 which 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.
Cover art by Jody A. Lee
About the Author
Mercedes Lackey is a full-time writer and has published numerous novels and works of short fiction, including the best-selling Heralds Of Valdemar series. She is also a professional lyricist and a licensed wild bird rehabilitator. She lives in Oklahoma with her husband, artist Larry Dixon, and their flock of parrots.
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More About the Author
Mercedes Lackey is the acclaimed author of over fifty novels and many works of short fiction. In her "spare" time she is also a professional lyricist and a licensed wild bird rehabilitator. Mercedes lives in Oklahoma with her husband and frequent collaborator, artist Larry Dixon, and their flock of parrots.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
56 of 62 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
I made new friends when I read this book. Not the kind of friends that die at the end or live happily ever after so you never have to wonder about them again, but the kind who stick around for a while. The kind where you buy more books to find out where they are, how they're doing, and what adventures they've gotten themselves into.
Arrows of the Queen is the introduction to the realm of Valdemar. The main character of the tale, Talia, is a young girl who is raised in a very strict environment. She runs away and circumstances land her in a school for Heralds, where she begins learning how she can help and protect the people of her realm.
Only slightly disappointing is the plot. Simply put, not much of consequence happens. It's a sort of 'Guide to the Life of a Herald', which is ideal if you're planning to read more about the characters of Valdemar, but not if it's the only Mercedes Lackey novel you ever plan to collect. That's not to say that it doesn't have it's exiting moments, just that it isn't focused on them.
Character development is without a doubt the best quality of Arrows of the Queen. People like Jadus and Skif and Talia were so much fun to get to know that I read on the train and at lunch and every other available moment to finish the book well before the day was out.
The book is a lighter style of fantasy similar to Pern or EarthSea - the kind that you can enjoy on several levels without thinking too deeply.
29 of 32 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Mass Market Paperback
I first picked this book up 5 years ago, I was 13 andimmediately clicked with the protagonist, Talia, who also happened tobe 13 at the start. Arrows of the Queen is an excellent intro to the world of Velgarth and the concept of Mind-Magic and supernatural beings. Outwardly the story is somewhat fairy-tale like and "sugary". Lackey does however do a wonderful job of developing characters. Sure the mean students seem evil, but look beyond that and catch that they are influenced by the power-struggles of their parents, and the "good" ones like Talia and Skif also have their flaws. The former has to overcome amazingly low self-esteem and the latter an ex-thief. Sure the Heralds seem too perfect, but that is the whole point. The Companions (supernatural beings in the form of white horses) choose them for their noble qualities and magical talent. Oh, but you say "White horses? How cheesy!" Perhaps if you look at it shallowly, then yes, but keep in mind this is Lackey's earliest attempt at this series of novels. If you read the trilolgies beyond, you will find the reason that Companions are white. I won't tell you what the reason is, but it can be found in the Mage Winds Trilogy. So get past the sugariness of the tale and enjoy the charming story for what it really is, a wonderful introduction. I encourage you to read this one and beyond. The novels that follow get increasingly more complex and grown-up and cover other regions and time-periods of Velgarth. There is even subtle sex in the next novel, Arrow's Flight. This novel will always hold a place close to my heart because it was my first into the world of magic and mystical beings. Please read it, even if you're not a 13-year-old girl. Your comments are appreciated. :)
22 of 27 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Once again, another minority I-don't-think-Lackey- is-the-greatest-thing-ever-to-hit-fantasy opinion. That said, I will agree that this is one of her more charming trilogies, character-wise. Perhaps overly so: Talia & co. are all universally well-meaning, good-hearted, ethically conscious, etc. ad nauseam.
I'll be honest: I did enjoy the book, especially for some of its humor, but here (again) Mercedes Lackey tends toward melodrama, and all the endearments ("love," "kitten," and so on) start to grate after a while. Isn't there anyone in the trilogy who is not a) one of the hero types listed above or b) a malicious, ambitious, greedy and poorly portrayed megalomaniac villain?
Once again, she covers up her lack of a focused plot by focusing more on character relationships. This sort of psychotherapy-oriented tale isn't bad *per se*; however, Lackey takes it to extremes. Yes, we care about Dirk and Talia and who-knows-who-else. But yes, I would *also* like to see a villain who isn't another cardboard cutout; and make no mistake, I have yet to see *any* Lackey villain who is more than a cardboard cutout with a few unique quirks.
I'm not saying the lady can't write; she can. I only wish she'd take the time to polish her works, because there's obviously potential there for some really riveting stories, and she's just as obviously not quite there yet.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
These are among Misty Lackey's first books; the first novel (almost a novella, really) might be the first Valdemar book. And they have all the flaws of first novels. Lackey's writing improved considerably; the Last Herald Mage series, beginning with Magic's Pawn (The Last Herald-Mage Series, Book 1), in particular, are a lot better written.
But we are introduced to Valdemar, Companions, Heralds and "Mind Magic" here, and at that level it's kind of fun. But Lackey's villains are cardboard cut-outs, and come from the James Bond "explain your evil plans in detail" school of bad guys and gals. And the plots have holes you can drive trucks, er... ride Companions through. As just one example, consider that the nasty bullies who nearly kill the heroine are let go because there is no evidence against them; two chapters later, we watch the heroine being taught the "Truth Spell," magic that compels the accused to tell the truth, whether he wants to or not.
The second book of the trilogy has some moderately racy sex scenes, and the third book has an extended torture sequence; not recommended for children. If you enjoy seeing early, less polished efforts from an author, or want to get the partially developed (and sometimes inconsistent - an ambassador from Karse?) backstory on Valdemar, then this trilogy is for you. But it's a guilty pleasure; it's really not all that good.
But we are introduced to Valdemar, Companions, Heralds and "Mind Magic" here, and at that level it's kind of fun. But Lackey's villains are cardboard cut-outs, and come from the James Bond "explain your evil plans in detail" school of bad guys and gals. And the plots have holes you can drive trucks, er... ride Companions through. As just one example, consider that the nasty bullies who nearly kill the heroine are let go because there is no evidence against them; two chapters later, we watch the heroine being taught the "Truth Spell," magic that compels the accused to tell the truth, whether he wants to or not.
The second book of the trilogy has some moderately racy sex scenes, and the third book has an extended torture sequence; not recommended for children. If you enjoy seeing early, less polished efforts from an author, or want to get the partially developed (and sometimes inconsistent - an ambassador from Karse?) backstory on Valdemar, then this trilogy is for you. But it's a guilty pleasure; it's really not all that good.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Sugar-coated poison
A sweet, appealing story that's not a problem, unless one takes the underlying philosophy seriously. Read more
Published 6 days ago by Linda Schwab
3.0 out of 5 stars
missing books
Where is the other 2 books When I buy an audio book I expect to be able to listen to the entire trilogy not just one book . Read more
Published 21 days ago by travis
4.0 out of 5 stars
First series I read
This is the first series I read by Mercedes Lackey. I fell in love with the characters, companions, and the country. This series introduces Talia. Read more
Published 1 month ago by m.Artlip
5.0 out of 5 stars
What a great read!
The story is timeless, the imagery is vivid, the characters feel like friends. I wish I could live in Valdemar!
Published 1 month ago by SnzyGtrGrl
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great fantasy writer
I'm a big Mercedes Lackey fan, and Valdemar is one of her go-to universes (also, the first Lackey book I ever read was in this series). Read more
Published 2 months ago by Maureen Hanson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love it
This first book of the trilogy is very detailed and makes you feel as if you are there and a part of Talia's trials and joys.
Published 2 months ago by Candee F.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lackey scores again!
This is one of my favorite books in my favorite series. I read this book when it was first written and was glad to find it available for Kindle.
Published 2 months ago by tlt
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Read
I have always loved the Valdemar series. I have all the hard cover versions, this electronic version makes it easier and more convenient to carry my library around where ever i go.
Published 4 months ago by Josh B.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Easy Read
It is more a set up for the world of Valdamar than anything but it is a comftorable easy read, if a bit simple, but it makes for a lovley Sunday afternoon.
Published 5 months ago by cheshirephrogg
4.0 out of 5 stars
great start
This is a great start to the world of Valdemar, can't wait to delve deeper into the series. I've read some of her Bard books, in the past, a wonderful, vibrant series.
Published 6 months ago by randomcthulu
