Finding the Way and Other Tales of Valdemar [Mass Market Paperback]

Mercedes Lackey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 7, 2010

In March 1987, a young author from Oklahoma published her first novel, Arrows of the Queen. This modest book about a magical land called Valdemar was the beginning of a fantasy masterwork series that would span decades and include more than two dozen titles. Now readers can take a journey to the world of Valdemar-including Tanya Huff, Mickey Zucker Reichert, Fiona Patton, and Judith Tarr-each adding their own special touches.

Editorial Reviews

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.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: DAW; Original edition (December 7, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0756406331
• ISBN-13: 978-0756406332
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #54,709 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #6 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Authors, A-Z > ( L ) > Lackey, Mercedes
  • #6 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Fantasy > Anthologies

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great anthology, highly recommended for the Valdemar fans!, January 3, 2011

By 

Jackie-the-Greyhound "45-mile-an-hour-couch-p... (Spain) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Finding the Way and Other Tales of Valdemar (Kindle Edition)

I rarely say this about an anthology, but this is one that should be read in order after the previous ones, Moving Targets and Other Tales of Valdemar and Changing the World: All-New Tales of Valdemar as a several of the stories (about half) involve continuing the tales from previous anthologies. I was most happy to see the follow up stories for Maia (the girl with the animal mindspeech), Shia (the Chosen with the healing gift), Jors (of the changing diaper fame, but in a much different story!), as well as Leila the Bard, Ree and Jem, Rhiannon and Dionne, as well as Seargent Hektor. It's not often an 'anthology' with diverse authors gives you such continuity of characters!

As can be expected some of the stories are better than others...but all were worthwhile, and considering the different styles, tastes and focal points, there is something here for (I would presume) all Valdemar fans. In order to avoid spoilers I will just say it was great to see the growth in Ree and Jem's family, and I truly enjoyed seeing parts of Selenay's story inside a couple of them as well. And I NEVER thought about a young Shin'a'in with a Companion.

Now, for anyone reading this and wondering what are these weird words I'm spouting on with, well it's hard to explain (at least I didn't bring up the Hertasi...oops). Suffice it to say the story of Valdemar (and earlier) has unfolded over 35 or so books in various series and anthologies. Needless to say, it does involve a lot! The writing over the years has been variable, but Valdemar (etc) stories are ones that I still feel compelled to continue reading. Of late the offerings have been these anthologies, where there is a story by Mercedes Lackey (and husband Larry Dixon), but where other authors have been given the chance to write as well and the general quality has been high.

I very much have enjoyed this collection and do recommend the book...the stories all stand alone, but are richer for having the background of the earlier works.

By the way, the first in the original series is Arrows of the Queen, not the first chronologically, but the first one published. Her website can direct you to the chronology, but I prefer to read these in order of publication date (also noted on her website listing). Though there are some mature themes alluded to, nothing is too graphic and they generally read like YA.

JTG

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for a car trip!, December 16, 2010

By 

Linda S. Boehmer (Pittsburgh PA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Finding the Way and Other Tales of Valdemar (Kindle Edition)

Fans of Valdemar will enjoy these stories. Some are written in the original author's voice. This anthology is like a box of chocolates. Some are exactly to your taste. Some leave you hungry for more. None were a waste of time. Unlike chocolates, you can taste them again (and they are not fattening)!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best one yet, December 23, 2010

By 

M. Vienop "Readerwolf" (Sacramento, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Finding the Way and Other Tales of Valdemar (Mass Market Paperback)

The Valdemar novels of Mercedes Lackey are enchanting and fun reads. The short story compilations are even better. The stories are quick and powerful, packing serious emotional wallop. The authors of these pieces help flesh out the skeleton that Ms. Lackey created in her novels, some with clear ties to familiar characters but most with new friends and Companions battling new enemies. Several of the short story books have tales I've gone back to later. "Finding The Way" features the only story so far that I have IMMEDIATELY re-read, "The Time We Have." The book might be worth buying for that story alone. But I've enjoyed them all.