Customer Reviews

Finding the Way and Other Tales of Valdemar

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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

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)!

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.

As with previous anthologies set in the Valdemar realm, (see Sword of Ice and Other Tales of Valdemar, and Crossroads and Other Tales of Valdemar); this fifteen story collection targets fans of the Mercedes Lackey world. Each tale is well written as the focus is predominately on heralds and Companions. The bar of excellence opens high with "Finding the Way," by Ms. Lackey and Larry Dixon as the unique Shera the Hertasi uses her pathfinder skill in the treacherous Gripping Mire swamp. At the coronation of Queen Alliana, King Nabeth of Karse sends his envoy with an offer to join them in worship of Vikandis Sunlord and then she can marry his heir; a year later his army invades the heathen Valdemar from the east ("In Burning Zones We Build Against the Sun by Rosemary Edghill and Denise McCune). In the "Education of Evita (by Mickey Zucker Reichert) and in "The Groom's Price," (Michael Z. Williamson and Gail Sanders) the leads must learn to use their magic properly. "A Bard by Any Other Name" (Fiona Patten) and "Healing in White" (Kristen Schwengel) showcase bards and healers as Finding the Way and Other Tales of Valdemar is filled with plenty of heart that fans of the Lackey realm will relish.

Harriet Klausner

Finding the Way and Other Tales of Valdemar (2010) is the sixth Fantasy anthology in the Valdemar series, following Changing the World. The initial work in this sequence is Sword of Ice.

This anthology contains fifteen original stories:

- "Finding the Way" by Mercedes Lackey and Larry Dixon takes a Companion through Gripping Mire with a hertasi guide.

- "In Burning Zones We Build Against the Sun" by Rosemary Edghill and Denise McCune unites a Mindhealer with a Companion and his Chosen.

- "Unintended Consequences" by Elizabeth A. Vaughn presents the wife of a traitor with a gift.

- "The Education of Evita" by Mickey Zucker Reicher confronts a naive young Chosen with the consequences of her ignorance.

- "A Charm of Finches" by Elisabeth Waters involve Maia in the affairs of another girl with a feckless and violent brother.

- "Healing in White" by Kristen Schwengel is about a Chosen who is also a Healer.

- "Songs of a Certain Sort" by Brenda Cooper takes the twins into much peril in pursuit of a popular song.

- "Otherwise Engaged" by Stephanie Shaver concerns a Bard who loves a Healer, but not enough to marry him.

- "Heart's Choice" by Kate Paulk continues the story of Ree and Jem. Ree adds another hobgoblin to the family.

- "Heart's Own" by Sarah A. Hoyt follows the story of Ree and Jem. The hobgoblin baby is now a toddler, but hasn't yet spoke a word.

- "The Time We Have" by Tanya Huff has a Herald find his life-bond much too late.

- "A Bard by Any Other Name" by Fiona Patton deals with a graffiti writer in Haven. The poetical pieces are passionate, but lack finesse.

- "Change of Life" by Judith Tarr tells of a grandmother at the wedding of her last daughter. Then a Companion appears.

- "Lack of Vision" by Nancy Asire presents a judge in Karse with a clear-cut case of murder.

- "The Groom's Price" by Michael Z. Williamson and Gail Sanders takes a Shin'a'in Chosen on a reluctant journey to Haven.

These tales are interesting views of the various cultures and societies in the Valdemar tales. Although short tales, they develop well fleshed scenarios. Some are humorous and others are suspenseful. Each shows new aspects of the Valdemar universe.

My favorite in this volume is "Change of Life". After a long and fulfilling life, Marlys has an opportunity to follow her dreams. Maybe an oldster like myself finds more in this tale, but the author creates a story worth returning to again and again.

The next installment in this series is Untitled. The title should be announced soon.

Highly recommended for Valdemar fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of strange cultures, various magics, and interesting characters. Read and enjoy!

-Arthur W. Jordin

I love this series. I have a kindle but I prefer to buy this authors books. I will always keep them with me

I love Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar series. The short tales by other people can sometimes be disappointing, but I found most of these engaging and enjoyable. Especially since they used some of the same authors & characters in the multiple books of short stories, so you started to follow a character. Over all I am glad I bought the 4 I did.

Mercedes Lakey has created such a viable "place" that others are able to truly write their own stories that fit into the creation of the world called Valdemar. I enjoyed this collection a great deal, and look forward to other collections of similar materials.

While this anthology doesn't really play to any of the main characters in the series it does give some good little side stories that can relatively fit anywhere in the Valdemar time line.

I'm not going to go into each story or review everyone but for those that are a fan of the Valdemar series as a whole they should enjoy this book.

Like all collections there are some stories that are better than others. But this collection is notable in that even the not so great stories are solid 4 stars and not a stinker in the bunch. That's why I gave it 5 stars. The last story about Kethery's great grand son being chosen against his will if pretty funny.