Intrigues: Book Two of the Collegium Chronicles (A Valdemar Novel) [Hardcover]

Mercedes Lackey (Author)

Book Description

Series: The Collegium Chronicles | Publication Date: October 5, 2010

"Spellbinding storyteller" (Rave Reviews) Mercedes Lackey continues her epic Valdemar series.

Magpie is a thirteen-year-old orphan chosen by one of the magical Companion horses of Valdemar and taken to the capital city, Haven, to be trained as a Herald. Like all Heralds, Magpie learns that he has a hidden Gift-the Gift of telepathy.

But life at the court is not without obstacles. When Mags is "recognized" by foreign secret operatives whose purpose is unknown, Mags himself comes under suspicion. Who are Magpie's parents-who is he, really? Can Mags solve the riddle of his parentage and his connection with the mysterious spies-and prove his loyalty-before the king and court banish him as a traitor?

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
  
• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: DAW Hardcover; 1st Printing edition (October 5, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0756406390
• ISBN-13: 978-0756406394
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (53 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #164,421 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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

33 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Mags has it tough but he "muddles through", October 5, 2010

By 

D. Politis "A book is good company" (IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Intrigues: Book Two of the Collegium Chronicles (A Valdemar Novel) (Hardcover)

Mags grows up in this sequel to Foundation. He learns more about how friendships work and the true meaning of teamwork. For a former slave in a mine, learning how to fit in is difficult. I enjoyed the banter between Mags and Dallen (his companion). This book is darker than Foundation, with Mags having to deal with a lot of unpleasantness. My only quibble is that this book seems geared toward a younger audience, with most of the focus on young adults in the Collegium taking classes. I still really enjoyed it even though I'm not in that stage of life. Fans of Valdemar should definitely read Intrigues, but it's not anywhere near my favorite Mercedes Lackey novel.

33 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A little disappointed..., October 8, 2010

By 

michael j. whitten (knoxville, tennessee United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Intrigues: Book Two of the Collegium Chronicles (A Valdemar Novel) (Hardcover)

So, I am a great fan of Lackey and have read all of her books. Foundation was one of my favorites of hers so far, but frankly I was overall disappointed with Intrigues. I mean the plot was interesting and all, but the way in which it was presented was choppy at best. Lackey seems to have been in a hurry with this one for there is none of her previous more flowing writing style. It jumps from scene to scene abruptly, and you are left with some feelings of disappointment for the scenes are not played out fully to reader satisfaction. Also as a side note...she could use a new editor to check grammar and spelling (sorry pet peeve of mine). Anyway, interesting plot and the character of Mags does show really interesting growth in this installment. However, I think Lackey needs to revisit her old works because this writing style does not even come close to her previous works.

57 of 66 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Wait For Book 3 Before Buying, October 8, 2010

By 

BookMaven (Washington DC) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Intrigues: Book Two of the Collegium Chronicles (A Valdemar Novel) (Hardcover)

Don't get me wrong: Intrigues is not bad, it's just not a complete story. Reading through the novel is (unfortunately) a lot like watching Star Wars: the Phantom Menace. It's mildly entertaining, but most of it's build-up for the actual, interesting Darth Vader story everyone wants to see.

Honestly, this book feels like Ms. Lackey had a deadline, and decided to throw together her "backstory" notes regarding "Character Development" along with some stuff she remembered from Harry Potter. At one point, I was fairly certain Mags IS Harry...well, emo medieval Harry, complete with wannabe quidditch. Except, Mags's Nimbus.. err.. Companion can talk, and J.K. Rowling always had a really strong, solid plot (with a real beginning, middle, and end) in her books with a LOT less preaching. Intrigues, on the other hand, is almost entirely about telling the reader what the characters are all about (at one point, in fact, the characters shout at one another what their characters are like before other characters step in to explain that yes indeed that is true but so-and-so has added depth/aspects of their personality and that added depth is blah blah blah). Some of you may think I'm exaggerating, but sadly I'm not. That last sentence actually takes up an entire chapter.

IF an interesting story occurs (and there are some pretty heavy-handed hints that there are Happenings afoot in Valdemar, particularly toward the end of the book), it should unfold in the third book. So, I'd wait for the third book and read the two at once. Or, skip the second book altogether. You won't be missing much.