Storm Breaking (The Mage Storms, Book 3) (Paperback)

~ (Author)

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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: DAW (October 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0886777550
• ISBN-13: 978-0886777555
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #171,226 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #84 in

  Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Authors, A-Z > ( L ) > Lackey, Mercedes

• This is item 3 in The Mage Storms Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Hey, I liked it., August 29, 2001

By	Loyalfoleyfan "blonderoo" (Saskatoon, Canada) - See all my reviews

I have been reading Misty's books for about 10 years now, starting with The Last Herald-Mage series. Since I finished that trilogy, I have purchased every Mercedes Lackey/Valdemar book I can get my hands on. I am eagerly awaiting Take A Thief, the story of Skif pre-Cymry (his Companion), as well as the Valdemar Companion. Anyways, I liked this series. I have read many reviews complaining about Lackey's evil-just-for-the-heck-of-it bad guys. Take a look at Tremane. At first, you want to hate him, because he's from the Eastern Empire. But as we get to know him, it turns out he's not such a bad guy. When he finally took some responsibility (I don't want to spoil the book), I found myself liking him.
As for new Valdemar books, I would like to see a book on the founding and King Valdemar himself. I would also like to see what happens with Selenay's twins, Kris and Lyra. Who becomes Chosen first, who becomes Heir, etc. (Are you reading this, Ms. Lackey?) Getting away from Valdemar itself, I wouldn't mind reading about some of Need's earlier bearers.
Anyways, I like Lackey's books. 'Nuff said.

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

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!

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars uplifting!, November 4, 1999

By	shel99 - See all my reviews

as someone who has spent way too much money on mercedes lackey books (yes, i own all 21 of the valdemar books, and will undoubtedly be buying owlknight when it comes out in paperback), reading this book (again and again!) makes me feel justified in my purchases! no, of course she is no tolkein. but the world she has created is so vivid and her characters so real, that you can't help becoming totally absorbed. many authors will write a short series, and then when the books become popular, keep writing more and more and eventually end up writing ridiculous books that are nowhere near as good as the first ones were (case in point: the dragonlance series - the chronicles and legends trilogies are absolutely fantastic but the never-ending sequels, in my opinion, are just plain stupid. of course, they're by different authors. but i digress. back to mercedes lackey). where was i? oh yes. mercedes lackey is not like that. in fact, i think her writing has gotten better and better as the series progressed. i did find it hard to get through the long passages about what's going on in the empire - they're the bad guys, you want to know what the characters you care about are doing!

SPOILER HERE - STOP IF YOU HAVENT READ THIS BOOK.

but in the end the conclusion was definitely satisfying and uplifting. that last line, about karal gaining vision without sight (or whatever the exact line is), makes me choke up every time, especially since karal is in a tie with tarma for my favorite character of all the 21 books.

ok, this review has ended up being a bit long and confused, and i'm sorry - anyway - i highly recommend this book. that's all.