Storm Breaking (The Mage Storms, Book 3) [Hardcover]

Mercedes Lackey (Author), Larry Dixon (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1996 | Series: Mage Storms (Book 3)

In the conclusion of the Mage Storms trilogy, the Western lands try to devise a new system of magic in place of the ancient forces that once threatened them in order to fend off an assault by the Eastern Empire. Original.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The Mage Storms trilogy, which is itself but one of several novel-clusters in Lackey's epic Heralds of Valdemar fantasy series, concludes with zest as the mysterious mage-storms?set back temporarily in Storm Rising?continue to produce monsters, disrupt magic (on which many cultures in Lackey's fantasy universe depend) and threaten to demolish all that exists. Here, the western allies, including mages and the Sun-priest Karal, look desperately among the exotic machines in the Tower of Urtho, the Mage of Silence, for a way to stop the storms; elsewhere, in Hardorn, Duke Tremane is offered the kingship, contingent upon a primitive ritual that will tie his fate to that of the land. Emperor Charliss declares Tremane a traitor and names Baron Melles his heir, allowing Melles new latitude for infamy. Many familiar characters from Lackey's previous books are here, as well as some impressive new ones, including a gryphon delegation from Iftel. Unlike most fantasy, this novel errs on the side of too little description, but, even so, Lackey's world remains rich in ideas and personalities, and the magic she imagines (unlike the political intrigue) continues to be complex and often innovative. Come the next stormy night, admirers of her brand of fantasy will enjoy curling up with this tempestuous work.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

The stunning conclusion to the Mage Storms trilogy finds Valdemar on the brink of destruction from magical vibrations in which the mage storms. Recommended for fantasy collections with a series following.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 448 pages
• Publisher: DAW Hardcover; First Edition edition (October 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0886777135
• ISBN-13: 978-0886777135
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 1.5 x 6.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,014,352 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

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars mesmerizing and an excellent ending!, September 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Storm Breaking (The Mage Storms, Book 3) (Paperback)

I thought this book was fantastic. I couldn't put it down. I happen to be a hopeless romantic, and the interaction between Natoli and Karal made for a very touching side story. I liked the ending and for those of you who have read it you'll know when i say that Altra is wonderfully faithful to Karal. If you haven't read this, read it! You need to read the first two before this but they are all excellent books. In fact, I think this is the best of her Valdemar series. If anyone wants to talk about Lackey or Anne McCaffrey or Star Trek, please email me. Thanks!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Give it a try, not everyone will like it a first!, August 25, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Storm Breaking (The Mage Storms, Book 3) (Hardcover)

I will agree that the story starts of with a weak and predictable plot; however, it does pick up the pace towards the end. At first I did not like this book once I was done with it...But I read it again one month later, and started to like it. While this book is not a "filler book," it does leave you with that impression the first few times. The story ending is somewhat unresolved, i.e. the Empire, the Alliance, and the new laws of magic, but if she follows her pattern, they will be filled in at a later date/book. The latest book, Owlflight, does deal with some of the new laws of magic, but not all aspects are dealt with. I have read every book in the series at least seven times each, so I can say this is not one of the best! Her latest books may leave the reader unsatisfied with the characters, but after a while they grow into the story and fit in. This book could have done with a bit less dialogue dealing with trivialities, but the basic ideas and style that makes her other books so enjoyable are there--just buried under several things that might turn off newcommers or dedicated fans in the series.

Newcommers should start with The Last Herald Mage series, then read it chronologically. Read the Gryphon books as the second to last completed trillogy, though before this trillogy so you can get a better understanding of the plot developments. Overall, this is a good book, mabey not the best of the series, but it does fill in the gaps nicely with a thorough, mostly entertaining, plot with few holes.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Read! Developed plot, Great Storyline, November 27, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Storm Breaking (The Mage Storms, Book 3) (Paperback)

I loved this book. Many people said there were too many characters and plots that didn't tie in together. Were they reading the same book? Every single part of this story, the history of the first cataclism, to the tower, Grand Duke/King Tremane's ascension to the Hardornean throne which brings Iftel into the open and gives our heroes ideas of how to protect the land, even the Emperor of the East and his plot to destroy everything plays a part. I don't want to give it away but if you know the books...this one ties it all together!! We find out history and learn the why's of things. Without all the plotlines and character development we wouldn't understand how our heroes succeed at their near impossible task! Loved it!