Foundation: Book One of the Collegium ChroniclesA Valdemar Novel (Heralds of Valdemar) (Paperback)

~ Mercedes Lackey (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In this chronicle of the early history of Valdemar, a thirteen-year­old orphan named Magpie escapes a life of slavery in the gem mines when he is chosen by one of the magical companion horses of Valdemar to be trained as a herald. Thrust into the center of a legend in the making, Magpie discovers talents he never knew he had-and witnesses the founding of the great Heralds' Collegium.

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: DAW; Reprint edition (October 6, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0756405769
• ISBN-13: 978-0756405762
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #14,047 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars a split opinion, November 6, 2009

By	Mandy - See all my reviews

I was really torn trying to rate this novel. Ultimately, I gave it 3 stars, though I can see where people less familiar with Lackey's work would give it 4. Certainly, if Foundation is your first or early foray into the world of Valdemar, I can see giving it a 4. But, having read all of the series many times, I was torn.

Mags is indeed a likeable character who overcomes significant odds by being Chosen. He has an interesting personality, and Lackey sets up the foundation of his personality very well. In particular, I like the relationship he has with his Companion, Dallen. The two have an older brother-younger brother thing going on that is really well developed.

I like the intrigue that Lackey introduces. She does know how to leave a reader wondering what will happen next.

That said - down to the meat and bones of why I gave it a 3. According to the timeline, King Randale dies only 52 years before the founding of the Collegium. (And really, I think that's generous given that Magic's Promise and Magic's Price took place over several years, but let's assume that Vanyel died in 798.) Thus, Trevan (?) should be King and Jisa should be King's Own - they were both young when Randale died. But, we seem to have a random, unnamed King and Nikolas is King's Own. To me, this simply doesn't make any sense, and it truly disturbs the Valdemar timeline. At the end of Magic's Price, it mentions that Bard Stefan lived a long time after Vanyel, and I would expect the founding of the Collegium to take place right around that Stefan dies - especially given that he was 17 years younger than Vanyel.

As a longtime reader of the Valdemar series, such errors seem neglectful on Lackey's part. I certainly hope some explanation - worked into a history lesson for Mags or something of the like - is forthcoming in the next Collegium Chronicles book.

This seems

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good but needs more, October 14, 2009

By	C. WILSON "Zelda Mom" (Williamsburg, VA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book was a great addition to the series, but unlike most of the other books, it is not a story in its own. Too many questions are left unanswered at the end. Great characters, and the story was intriguing, but it just didn't go far enough! The 2nd book in the series better fill in some more blanks.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Heralds ride again., December 16, 2009

By	Mayta Lazarus "comedy fan" (Norwalk CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

As a fan of all things Valdemar, or Velgarth if I don't want to seem racist I was very happy to once again get something to ease the craving for talking spirit animals and a land that seems most ideal. My only complaint is that I have to wait for the next installment. I await it eagerly.