Customer Reviews

Exile's Honor (Heralds of Valdemar Prequel)

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(19)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Compared to the early books in this series (such as the Arrows of the Queen trilogy), this deep-backgrounder on Herald/Weaponsmaster Alberich is very sophisticated in its handling of moral and ethical questions. This is the case not only for Alberich himself, but also for the Karsite weaponsmaster who trained him, and the discussions of the varying nature of the priesthood of Vkandis Sunlord. It doesn't slow down the story line -- it just gives it greater depth.

I've been really disappointed with the latest books by this author--many of which seem slapped together without any real thought, or given to lesser writers to work on--so I'm thrilled to say that this book is worthy of the author who brought us Talia and Vanyel and Elspeth.

After reading "Take a Thief" and the one about the fire starter (can't remember what it's called now...), I almost didn't bother with this one. I was ready to write Ms. Lackey off as a writer who got too popular and didn't need to put in the work anymore. So I'm really glad to say that book has the same caliber of writing that made the early books in the series so powerful: strong characters, believable feelings, and overall a sense that you are in this place with these people.

If you felt as I did, and were wavering about this one, I say go for it!

In the last year I have become a fan of Mercedes Lackey, I have read all of the Valdemar books except for the Owl Trilogy and Burning Brightly. She has created alot of wonderful and beloved characters in her Valdemar books, Vanyel, Talia, Skiff, Elspeth, Keorywn, Tarma and Kethry, and Alberich, who finally gets the spotlight in this great novel.

It starts nicely with the short story that she wrote years ago showing how Alberich, Captain in the Army of Karse (the centuries old neighbor and enemy of Valdemar), was choosen as a Herald. Saved from being burned alive by the Vkandis Sunlord Priests for using "Witch Powers" by his Companion Kantor. From there she delves into Alberich's head as he comes to adjust to and love his new home in the land of the country he was raised to hate and fear. I loved how Alberich was torn in trying to remain true to his values of honor and loyality to both his homeland of Karse and his new home of Valdemar, trying to save Valdemar and at the same time not trying to hurt Karse too much is a balance he strives for throught the novel. I also enjoyed the portrayal of Vkandis Sunlord, the God of Karse, and how Alberich tries to understand what hand he played in bringing him to become a Herald of Valdemar. This is a nice companion piece to what we learned of the Sunlord in the Mage Storms Trilogy

Alberich is not the only one featured in this one, a young Princess Selenay is shown, which was a nice touch as we see how she came to be the great Queen and ruler of Valdemar in the later books. Alot of other familiar characters pop up such as Talimar, Lord Orthellen, Myste and more. Plus we also get to see Selenays' father King Sendar, who I liked very much. It was nice to see them and get alot of backstory information only mentiond off hand in other books.

If you love Lackey and Valdemar, you have to have this book. Its a keeper.

When I heard that another Lackey book had come out I actually felt a little sad. I *always* buy them, and (lately) I *always* give up on them after about 100 pages, unless I'm thoroughly bored. Skif in _Take a Thief_ was not well thought out, the whole thing read rather like a very badly done copy of _Oliver Twist_. _Last Herald Mage_ was an eye-opening, life changing experience for me and a lot of other people, and it's heartbreaking to see such a talented writer wasting her energy.

But I bought _Exile's Honor_ anyway. I loved Vanyel's story enough to spend the twenty-six dollars and give my favorite author the royalty, even though I knew the Alberich's story wouldn't be worth it.

And I was wrong.

The story begins as Alberich, a Captain in the Karsite army, saves a village from bandits. Because he used "witch powers", he is condemned to die for it.

Alberich's "horse" (Kantor) rushes him from the flames and across the border to Valdemar. The rest of the story is a tragic, epic, and ultimately uplifting psychological examination into an impossible choice: to go back home, and die, or stay, and give the talents and knowledge honed by the land you loved to the land you have been raised to fear and hate.

Talamir's story is included, and for this alone you could buy the book.

Valdemar has come full circle with _Exile's Honor_. The early books are childish views of honor and idealism. This book is an adult's realization of the world, where there is still honor, but maybe the idealism is a little tarnished, bent, in favor of what must be.

_Exile's Honor_ isn't _The Last Herald Mage_, or _Arrows of the Queen_. But in many ways it's better.

I thought that this book was one of the best in the Valdemar series. I admit that I am biased; I love all the books that Mercedes Lackey writes about Valdemar(especially the Herald Mage series) and would buy just about anything she produces, but I believe that characterisation is her strength and was a little disappointed to miss some of that richness in a couple of her recent novels. However, in Exile's Honor she has come back to full strength! I thought that the characterisations in this book were as good as anything she has done.
The story expands on a short story that I originally read in HorseFantastic which told how Alberich, then a loyal Captain in the Karse army, was rescued from Karse (and being burned alive), by a Companion who took him to Valdemar. Fans know Alberich from other stories of Queen Selanay's reign but the transformation of an intensely honorable man from being a loyal son of Karse to an equally loyal weaponsmaster in Valdemar without compromising his honor is a wonderful story. It is also a story which, to my mind manages to be upbeat, despite some pretty intense descriptions of battles, without ever becoming sentimental.
The book describes Selanay when she was the heir apparent - thereby shedding light on her character - and explains how she ascended the throne. It also introduces the Grove born Companion, Rolan - so it is a 'must read' for those who want to know all about Valdemar.
I strongly recommend this book. It could, I think be read alone, but I think that readers who are familiar with Valdemar will probably enjoy it even more . Buy it and enjoy!

Anyone who has read large amounts of Lackey has most likely gotten used to her formulas of writing. She doesn't always stick by them, mind you, nor are these always bad formulas to follow.

Valdemar, by and large, has been plagued by 'unhappy' child stories. That is to say, children in bad situations who are suddenly scooped up by magical white horses and taken off to be Important People in the realm. There's much more to that, but that is the underlying basis to many of her stories. I find these enjoyable, for a very simplistic and sweet tales. I don't read them to tax my brain, but simply to loose myself in Valdemar for a while.

Exile's Honor is a bit different, hailing more towards her Vows and Honor series and 'By the Sword'. The main character, Alberich, is not particularily unhappy with his life when he's scooped up (though he is in a bind at that particular moment in time) unlike many of the children of the earlier books.

In this book, Lackey delves into what it means to keep a vow... and the refinement of that vow and how it changes your perceptions of the world as you realize exactly what you promised. Honor, duty, loyalty... all play a part as Alberich's life is twisted and turned, and as layers are peeled away he finds the core of himself and his faith.

He is the youngest captain in the Karse army, a man who made it up through the ranks due to a sixth sense. He had to keep his magical power secret because only the sun priests who rule the country are supposed to wield the power, a gift from their God. When a Sunpriest discovers Alberich's powers he orders him burned in the cleansing fire, but his horse rescues him and takes him into Valdemar, Karse's ancient enemy.

The horse is no ordinary animal but a companion, a magical being who bonds with his Chosen, the Heralds of Valdemar. Alberich settles into exile comfortably, making himself useful to the king and heir. When the Karse invite the Tedrael, a people with no country, into their land to fight for the lands of Valdemar, Alberich does all in his power to make sure that his adopted nation will win the upcoming war without destroying the people who are the heart of Karse.

A Valdemar novel is always a special treat and EXILE'S HONOR is no exception. Alberich is a memorable and honorable hero who stays true to his values and even impresses the rulers who by all rights should not trust him. The story line is exciting, fast-paced and very creative a mix of magic, sword & sorcery, and a country bound by love and honor. Mercedes Lackey is one of the genre's most creative fantasy writers today.

Harriet Klausner

As a longtime fan of Lackey's Valdemar books, I enjoyed getting a little bit of the backstory of some of the familiar characters from the other books.

Many reviewers have given this book a poor rating, saying this was the first Lackey book they've read and they were unimpressed. THIS IS NOT A STAND-ALONE NOVEL. One reviewer mentioned a frustration with the lack of resolution of several plotlines, such as Alberich's suspicion of Lord Orthallen. This is essentially a prequel to the Heralds of Valdemar trilogy -- Arrows of the Queen, Arrow's Flight, and Arrow's Fall. The storylines that start in Exile's Honor are setting up the events that occur in the Arrows trilogy. If you'd like to try Lackey's Valdemar books, I'd start with those. On my member page is a listmania list of the books in the order I'd recommend you read them. I adore these books -- they're not especially deep or thought-provoking, but they're fun escapist fantasy.

For those who are Valdemar fans, I'd certainly recommend this book, though it has its flaws, including Alberich talking too much like Yoda and an unnecessary romance subplot with a thinly disguised Mercedes Lackey. But I really enjoyed spending some time with characters that were already history in the earlier books, such as King Sendar and his King's Own, Talamir, as well as seeing what Selenay was like as a young girl.

I have read all of the Valdemar books twice over, and this one was the only book that made me laugh out loud, and cry.

It is amazing. If you have not read any of the other books in the series this is a wonderful book to start with. We get to meet Selenay as a princess, and get to know her better than we ever have before. Characters old and new appear, and many have made `cameos' in other books, so for those of you who have read all of the other books and short stories there are treats in here for you too.

The writing in this book is amazing. Misty writes about honor in a way than cannot fail to inspire. Her characters are human, likable, and understandable, you cannot help but care for them and respect their passion.

My only complaint, and I have difficulty calling it that, is I wanted more. I wanted to see Selenay wed, and Elspeth born, and the foiled assassination. Well perhaps there will be a sequel to Exile's Honor.

The structured life of a weapon's master is an excellent starting point for both author and reader. The routine of life training recruits makes a reader comfortable and at ease as they immediately know what to expect. From this point we can either have an entirely by the numbers book, or move beyond this into something more.

Neither really happens here, it is Valdemar after all so there is some by the numbers rote plotting but Alberich's assimilation into Valdemar while remaining Karsite in his heart is well done. Through Alberich, we actually see some things about Valdemar proven that we were only told. There is a community of Karsite ex-patriates, they worship the Sun Lord in Valdemar and are accepted showing the diversity and religious freedom of Valdemar.

However, I would have liked this much better if a bit more of Alberich's time in the Karsite forces had been revealed. We have really only a brief sketch of his time there before he is Chosen and ends up in Valdemar. A bit more of the Karsite back-story would have been appreciated.

The book is a fast read, and will keep you engaged. As I said in the title, this is familiar ground trod well. Good comfort reading with enough deviation from what is expected to be entertaining. I don't often comment on editing, but the book was fairly tight, a nice story given only the length it needed which is very nice to see in the current age of the bloated novel, bloated trilogy and bloated open ended series.