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Tales of Valdemar #3
Crossroads and Other Tales of Valdemar
An original short fiction anthology set in Mercedes Lackey's bestselling world of Valdemar-featuring heroic Heralds and their horselike companions-and including an all-new novella by Lackey herself, as well as stories by other masters of the fantasy genre.
This anthology includes:
Introduction by Mercedes Lackey
Transmutation by Larry Dixon
The Feast of the Children by Nancy Asire
Death in Keenspur House by Richard Lee Byers
Dawn of Sorrows by Brenda Cooper
Horse of Air by Rosemary Edghill
A Change of Heart by Sarah A. Hoyt and Kate Paulk
All the Ages of Man by Tanya Huff
War Cry by Michael Longcor
Strength and Honor by Ben Ohlander
The Blue Coat by Fiona Patton
Safe and Sound by Stephanie Shaver
Song for Two Voices by Janni Lee Simner
Finding Elvida by Mickey Zucker Reichert
Darkwall’s Lady by Judith Tarr
Naught but Duty by Michael Z. Williamson
Landscape of the Imagination by Mercedes Lackey
This anthology includes:
Introduction by Mercedes Lackey
Transmutation by Larry Dixon
The Feast of the Children by Nancy Asire
Death in Keenspur House by Richard Lee Byers
Dawn of Sorrows by Brenda Cooper
Horse of Air by Rosemary Edghill
A Change of Heart by Sarah A. Hoyt and Kate Paulk
All the Ages of Man by Tanya Huff
War Cry by Michael Longcor
Strength and Honor by Ben Ohlander
The Blue Coat by Fiona Patton
Safe and Sound by Stephanie Shaver
Song for Two Voices by Janni Lee Simner
Finding Elvida by Mickey Zucker Reichert
Darkwall’s Lady by Judith Tarr
Naught but Duty by Michael Z. Williamson
Landscape of the Imagination by Mercedes Lackey
338 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 6, 2005
91 people are currently reading
1,657 people want to read
About the author
Mercedes Lackey
500Ìýbooks9,313ÌýfollowersMercedes entered this world on June 24, 1950, in Chicago, had a normal childhood and graduated from Purdue University in 1972. During the late 70's she worked as an artist's model and then went into the computer programming field, ending up with American Airlines in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In addition to her fantasy writing, she has written lyrics for and recorded nearly fifty songs for Firebird Arts & Music, a small recording company specializing in science fiction folk music.
"I'm a storyteller; that's what I see as 'my job'. My stories come out of my characters; how those characters would react to the given situation. Maybe that's why I get letters from readers as young as thirteen and as old as sixty-odd. One of the reasons I write song lyrics is because I see songs as a kind of 'story pill' -- they reduce a story to the barest essentials or encapsulate a particular crucial moment in time. I frequently will write a lyric when I am attempting to get to the heart of a crucial scene; I find that when I have done so, the scene has become absolutely clear in my mind, and I can write exactly what I wanted to say. Another reason is because of the kind of novels I am writing: that is, fantasy, set in an other-world semi-medieval atmosphere. Music is very important to medieval peoples; bards are the chief newsbringers. When I write the 'folk music' of these peoples, I am enriching my whole world, whether I actually use the song in the text or not.
"I began writing out of boredom; I continue out of addiction. I can't 'not' write, and as a result I have no social life! I began writing fantasy because I love it, but I try to construct my fantasy worlds with all the care of a 'high-tech' science fiction writer. I apply the principle of TANSTAAFL ['There ain't no such thing as free lunch', credited to Robert Heinlein) to magic, for instance; in my worlds, magic is paid for, and the cost to the magician is frequently a high one. I try to keep my world as solid and real as possible; people deal with stubborn pumps, bugs in the porridge, and love-lives that refuse to become untangled, right along with invading armies and evil magicians. And I try to make all of my characters, even the 'evil magicians,' something more than flat stereotypes. Even evil magicians get up in the night and look for cookies, sometimes.
"I suppose that in everything I write I try to expound the creed I gave my character Diana Tregarde in Burning Water:
"There's no such thing as 'one, true way'; the only answers worth having are the ones you find for yourself; leave the world better than you found it. Love, freedom, and the chance to do some good -- they're the things worth living and dying for, and if you aren't willing to die for the things worth living for, you might as well turn in your membership in the human race."
Also writes as Misty Lackey
"I'm a storyteller; that's what I see as 'my job'. My stories come out of my characters; how those characters would react to the given situation. Maybe that's why I get letters from readers as young as thirteen and as old as sixty-odd. One of the reasons I write song lyrics is because I see songs as a kind of 'story pill' -- they reduce a story to the barest essentials or encapsulate a particular crucial moment in time. I frequently will write a lyric when I am attempting to get to the heart of a crucial scene; I find that when I have done so, the scene has become absolutely clear in my mind, and I can write exactly what I wanted to say. Another reason is because of the kind of novels I am writing: that is, fantasy, set in an other-world semi-medieval atmosphere. Music is very important to medieval peoples; bards are the chief newsbringers. When I write the 'folk music' of these peoples, I am enriching my whole world, whether I actually use the song in the text or not.
"I began writing out of boredom; I continue out of addiction. I can't 'not' write, and as a result I have no social life! I began writing fantasy because I love it, but I try to construct my fantasy worlds with all the care of a 'high-tech' science fiction writer. I apply the principle of TANSTAAFL ['There ain't no such thing as free lunch', credited to Robert Heinlein) to magic, for instance; in my worlds, magic is paid for, and the cost to the magician is frequently a high one. I try to keep my world as solid and real as possible; people deal with stubborn pumps, bugs in the porridge, and love-lives that refuse to become untangled, right along with invading armies and evil magicians. And I try to make all of my characters, even the 'evil magicians,' something more than flat stereotypes. Even evil magicians get up in the night and look for cookies, sometimes.
"I suppose that in everything I write I try to expound the creed I gave my character Diana Tregarde in Burning Water:
"There's no such thing as 'one, true way'; the only answers worth having are the ones you find for yourself; leave the world better than you found it. Love, freedom, and the chance to do some good -- they're the things worth living and dying for, and if you aren't willing to die for the things worth living for, you might as well turn in your membership in the human race."
Also writes as Misty Lackey
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December 13, 2018In Progress review:
"Transmutation" by Larry Dixon 2.5 stars
This one was a little boring and a little incomprehensible. That's really not the right word - the words made sense, but...
This story is about gryphons (one gryphon) and it almost dying in a self-sacrificing way.
"The Feast of the Children" by Nancy Asire 3.5 stars
"The Feast of the Children" is a short about the beginnings of the purging of gifted children by fire by the Vkandis priesthood. It's a story that appears to want to focus on the good people of Karse after it has long been a major Valdemar enemy.
"Death in Keenspur House" by Richard Lee Byers 2.5 stars rounded up to 3 stars
This story is more of a...fantasy murder mystery. Not a very well done fantasy murder mystery - involving a city in the Valdemar world that we've only visited once before. Note: we did not enjoy our stay there...and neither did our heroines.
"Dawn of Sorrows" by Brenda Cooper 2 stars
Honestly, I'm starting to get tired of this anthology. This is yet another rather...preachy and sad tale. It's the story of someone who had to give up her only child to Valdemar's Choosing and what happened to her. It's unnecessarily sad and the ending... didn't make up for it.
All in all, right now... I'm not enjoying my read. I wanted some Mercedes Lackey Valdemar... This isn't that. Current rating: 2.75 stars
The Unread Stories
Horse of Air by Rosemary Edghill
A Change of Heart by Sarah A. Hoyt and Kate Paulk
All the Ages of Man by Tanya Huff
War Cry by Michael Longcor
Strength and Honor by Ben Ohlander
The Blue Coat by Fiona Patton
Safe and Sound by Stephanie Shaver
Song for Two Voices by Janni Lee Simner
Finding Elvida by Mickey Zucker Reichert
Darkwall’s Lady by Judith Tarr
Naught but Duty by Michael Z. Williamson
Landscape of the Imagination by Mercedes Lackey
"Transmutation" by Larry Dixon 2.5 stars
This one was a little boring and a little incomprehensible. That's really not the right word - the words made sense, but...
This story is about gryphons (one gryphon) and it almost dying in a self-sacrificing way.
"The Feast of the Children" by Nancy Asire 3.5 stars
"The Feast of the Children" is a short about the beginnings of the purging of gifted children by fire by the Vkandis priesthood. It's a story that appears to want to focus on the good people of Karse after it has long been a major Valdemar enemy.
"Death in Keenspur House" by Richard Lee Byers 2.5 stars rounded up to 3 stars
This story is more of a...fantasy murder mystery. Not a very well done fantasy murder mystery - involving a city in the Valdemar world that we've only visited once before. Note: we did not enjoy our stay there...and neither did our heroines.
"Dawn of Sorrows" by Brenda Cooper 2 stars
Honestly, I'm starting to get tired of this anthology. This is yet another rather...preachy and sad tale. It's the story of someone who had to give up her only child to Valdemar's Choosing and what happened to her. It's unnecessarily sad and the ending... didn't make up for it.
All in all, right now... I'm not enjoying my read. I wanted some Mercedes Lackey Valdemar... This isn't that. Current rating: 2.75 stars
October 3, 2022
An of sixteen stories in the Tales of Valdemar fantasy series by a variety of authors.
The Series
"Transmutation" (After The Owl Mage Trilogy)
"Death in Keenspur House" (Master Selden, 2)
"Dawn of Sorrows" (Concurrent with Owlflight , 1?)
"A Change of Heart" (Heart, 1)
"War Cry" (concurrent with the Exile Duology, aka Alberich's Tale, 1)
"Strength and Honor" (Solaris, 2)
"Safe and Sound" (Wil & Leila, 1)
"Landscape of the Imagination" (Vows and Honor, 1.xx)
The Stories
Larry Dixon's "Transmutation"
Mortally wounded in battle, helping Valdemar, Kelvren is abandoned, treated as less than who he is, having expended his remaining energy in saving a fellow patient.
It's all about bigotry. Two "soldiers" who are wounded but treated differently because of their race. Housed together as dying patients, each pushes forth effort to help the other in their own ways. The frustrated Stavern and the dying Kelvren who both manage to lift the soldiers' morale. Oh, lordy, I do like how Kelvren got back at that cheap mayor!
"Pain shared is pain halved. I shared half of my pain with the mayor . . . and I feel much better now."
Characters
Silver Gryphon Kelvren Skothkar is a wingleader from k'Valdemar. Hallock Stavern of the Sixteenth Regiment was mortally wounded and is now a captain.
Jeft, a.k.a. Boy, is considered expendable by his village. His mother, Ammari, a seamstress and artisan, has discovered an amazing product.
Treyvan, an Adept, is one of the gryphon ambassadors to Haven. Pena is Treyvan's senior hertasi and a great cook. Whitebird is a trondi'irn . Rivenstone is Whitebird's assistant.
Based at Deedun, Farragur Elm is a trade baron who has formed a coalition and seized resources.
Nancy Asire's "The Feast of the Children"
It's the time of year when the priests tour from village to village, searching for eligible children � and not so eligible. Those will go into the Cleansing Fires.
Geez, I hate religions like this, especially when they're so corrupt! But any religion that forces people to do what they tell them is bad, in my book. The religion insists that magic is bad, evil. Unless the priesthood can use anyone who is capable of magic.
The Characters
Pyotr has been a priest in Two Trees for fifteen years. Selenna is Pyotr's sister. His cats include Tom, Puss, Patches, and Sunshine. Najan is their cousin, a trader who has moved freely about.
Vikandis Sunlord is the god the people of Karse worship. The Son of the Sun is the head of the religion. The current Sunlord is Hanovar who surrounds himself with yes-men. Chardan, Pyotr's childhood friend, is the power-hungry priest. Durban had been Two Trees' regular tester.
Richard Lee Byers' "Death in Keenspur House"
It's a critical wedding in Mordealth, intended to lay the feuds to rest. Only a theft and murder have set the Blues against the Greens. Again. Only the truth can set them free.
Whew, this one is full of tension and magics.
The Characters
Master Selden is a retired mercenary who teaches weaponry to the Blue faction. Marissa is the principal sword-teacher to the Green faction and Selden's friend and sparring partner.
The Keenspurs (Greens) include Lord Baltes, a widower about to be the groom. Tregan is Baltes' brother and the house mage; Yshan had been the previous house mage. Pivar is the leader of the Blues. Lukinda is Pivar's youngest daughter and the bride.
Brenda Cooper's "Dawn of Sorrows"
A look back in near history of the story of a lone bard and her experience of the negative side of a Choosing that inspired "Dawn of Sorrows".
It's a pip and Cooper slowly leads us to Jocelyn's remembrances. And the changes made to help parents left behind.
The Characters
Bard Dennis has assigned Bard Dawn "Silver" to Bard Jocelyn for their journey.
"Dawn of Sorrows" was Jocelyn's only song and a result of a desperate journey to warn Valdemarans living on the border with Hardorn. Dawn had lived in Johnson's Ford near Hardorn. Drake had been Dawn's husband. Their eight-year-old daughter, Lisle, was chosen by a Companion, Tamay. Ancar had been the evil ruler of Hardorn.
Rosemary Edghill's "Horse of Air"
There is a witch in the Armor Hills who must be stopped.
A sad tale of anger and why even Heralds need spies and where, how, they acquire them. Edghill also provides "Paynim's" back history and why Shavanne's soul has lingered.
Sendar was king when "Paynim the tinkerer" became a Herald � the voice and hands of the ruler of Valdemar; now Selenay is queen. Shavanne had been "Paynim's" Companion.
The Moonwoman is extorting people and goods from those of the Armor Hills. Meramay is a young widow. Garan had been her husband, taken. The Midsummer Meeting is a mustering of clans, to do business, exchange information, and search for mates. Liah had been born nineteen years ago. Her parents were Andren and Colmye with little knowledge of the world.
Sarah A Hoyt and Kate Paulk "A Change of Heart"
A Changeling, Ree is more human than most when he saves a brutalized boy.
A sad life of a child forced to hide, steal, and squat. Hoyt/Paulk introduce us to Ree's hideous life and his humanity.
The Characters
Ree is a Changeling, turned in the Mage Storms from human to a blend of human, rat, and cat who lives in Jacona. The pretty Jem is too vulnerable.
Tanya Huff's "All the Ages of Man"
Herald Jors feels too young for this. Too young for teaching, yet Gervais reassures him that he can teach what he knows to this new green Herald, who is quite forward. And she finally confronts Jors.
It's a frustrating tale at first and only really gets interesting when Alyise makes her first judgment. It's a good one, pointing to what can be celebrated. I do love how Companions enjoy plotting, lol.
Herald Jors and his Companion, Gervais. Herald Jennet's mother is ill; Inar is Jennet's Companion. Herald Alyise is green and being mentored by Jennet. Donnel is Alyise's Companion.
Michael Longcor's "War Cry"
It's said this will be the last battle between Valdemar and the Tedrels. And it's a bad time for Rury Tellar to learn about his Gift.
It's a tale that'll make you cry.
The Characters
Rury Tellar is facing his first big battle. Aed Karlan is their self-appointed jester, Milo, and Snipe are his fellow Guards. Twenty-eight-year Guard veteran, Sergeant Mit Krandal, a.k.a. Iron Mit, is in command of their unit. King Sendar and Princess Selenay will take part in the battle. Herald Erek Ranwellen, who has a mild touch of Empathy with a good bit of Mindspeech, and his Companion, Deanara.
The Tedrels are the enemy, hungry for their own homeland.
Ben Ohlander's "Strength and Honor"
A tortured, dead Herald and Companion are found, one more instance of the corruption within the Karse priesthood. Their lies more and more obvious. Their corruption more evil.
You can't help but hate the corruption of the Karsite religion and be proud of the men who battle it. Then there's the ending, and I'm still crying.
The Characters
The wounded Colonel Tregaran is preparing for war with his own. A firecat is keeping Tregaran company. Cogern, Warmaster of the Nineteenth Foot, Hero of the Regiment and Beloved of Vkandis, is a trusted comrade. Delrimmon of the Thirteenth and Hergram of the Thirty-first are with the Nineteenth.
Solaris is the priest who believes in the old ways. Laskaris is the current Son of the Sun.
Fiona Patton's "The Blue Coat" It's but a pitiful remnant of the Goshon Clan and only getting worse. Vulshin and Shersi have dreamed of a blue coat. A garment they'll find if they head to Valdemar.
It's a story that starts out sad and yet has hope at the end.
The Characters
What remains of the Goshon Clan of trappers. Treyill k'Goshon has shaman potential and Kellison, another cousin with a good mind, are hunting while Dierna, their cousin, is giving birth. The strong Bayne is Trey's brother. Shersi is their midwife. Vulshin is the family shaman. Aivar had been Vulshin's grandson and Dierna's husband.
Kith Arkarus of Waymeet is the quarry master. Gabrielle Post is Kith's niece and an apprentice of Haven's Master Builder, Gabrielle's father. Captain Danel is of the Valdemar Guard.
Stephanie D Shaver's "Safe and Sound"
Leila has her own personal horror, writing a song that will encourage the Bardic College to make her a full bard.
Musicians are writers too, as we see while Leila and Malesa argue over "events without a discernible plot, antagonist, or resolution". I liked Leila's counterargument about the "untold stuff between the lines".
The main plot is Leila composing her graduation song with Wils' closure part of it. A subplot is the bard-to-be who knows nothing about tact and diplomacy. Surely there are songs that include those topics. Another subplot is Leila's worry about her brother who has a good answer for her. Oh, lordy, there's that Companion humor again when Vehs is "kidnapped", lol. It's a good story that reinforces the need to talk your problems out.
The Characters
Bardic-trainee Lelia is desperate for inspiration for her master song. Lyle is her twin who just got his whites; Rivan is Lyle's Companion. Malesa is a friend of Lelia's working on her own piece. Herald Daryann had written a journal. Herald Wil is Daryann's brother who was also Chosen with his Companion, Vehs.
Janni Lee Simner's "Song for Two Voices"
Holderkin may have as many wives as they wish but it's the Firstwife who rules those wives. When Latya notices Garen's unexpected preference for his newest wife, she does her best to make Nara's life miserable.
It's a Herald, a woman, who unexpectedly fights for Holderkin, but it's Nara who saves Garen, provides Latya with a lesson, and pays the Herald with story.
Heralds and other Valdemarans believe Holderkin men only care about themselves. I'm too much of a feminist to enjoy stories about the Holderkin, but "Song for Two Voices" ended on a positive note.
The Characters
Holderkin are isolationists who practice polygamy and despise magic. Garen Aranson inherited his Steading from his father. He has three wives � Latya is the strict Firstwife who gave him another son, Isa is his second underwife who bore a daughter; two brothers, and an oldest son, Ari, who works the fields. He even cares for those littles too small to work. Gracious of him. Jeth is a cousin and Nara, his daughter, who is not content in her life although song gives her happiness.
Mickey Zucker Reichert's "Finding Elvida"
It's a terrible battle with such loss, such that Elvida's emotions unleash her Gift until she loses it again.
It's about self-doubt holding one back, and Elvida wallows in it.
The Characters
Herald Elvida and her Companion, Raynor. Other Heralds include Sharylle and her Companion Tabnar; her partner is Anthea and her Companion, Leahleh.
Judith Tarr's "Darkwall's Lady"
An alliance is proposed from one Lady to a Lord in exchange for the Lady gaining an heir. Their child, Merris, will be raised in her home keep until she comes of age.
Merris learns much of her keep-to-be, but has never visited. She hears praise from the tutors Darkwall provides but she also hears nervous rumors from others. Luckily for the independent Merris, Herald Coryn and Selena insist on going with her.
The stories she's heard and those tutors of Merris' are dang creepy. I gotta say, Merris' conclusion as to why the Lady of Darkwall ranged so far to find her makes a lot of sense. It is an interesting story, but after all the build-up, I was disappointed with the ending. Oh, it was a good one, but too easy.
The Characters
Lord Bertrand of Forgotten Keep has a wife, the Lady Beatrice, who became pregnant after they already had a full grown son and a married daughter.
The Lady of Darkwall Keep has no heir and has a bad reputation. The Lady-provided tutors.
Herald Isak is old and accompanied by Herald-Intern Coryn. Selena is Coryn's Companion and brimming with warnings.
Michael Z Williamson's "Naught But Duty"
It's the aftermath of battle for an employer Arden has come to despise.
It's sensible that Arden wants to keep his men employed, interested, and retain a good reputation. His current employer? Well, Arden takes care to count their payment in front of their employer. And he follows the contract to the letter. It's a hard line to walk and remain honorable. I had to laugh at the nitpicky choices Arden makes to avoid slaughtering innocents.
The Characters
Arden is the High Rider of the Toughs, who have been employed by Lord Miklamar. Balyat is a scout. Ty'kara is Shin'a'in; Bukli is skilled with signals and good with a sword; and, Mirke appears to be a good cook.
Miklamar allows his troops any license after a battle. Shakis is Miklamar's regional deputy. Count Namhar is with the Anasauk Confederacy. The grief-stricken Chal is part of Namhar's entourage.
Mercedes Lackey's "Landscape of the Imagination"
Tarma and Kethry have delivered their charge to her niece in the Duchy of Silverthorn. It's a bad place to be if you're low on money, as the duchy is very peace-abiding with high taxes.
Yet the ladies are determined to get out even if they are in need of money. A need that leads to a mistake when they encounter a lone woman in need of bodyguards.
It's a weird story that turns out to be fun, especially for Tarma who see it as the perfect training scenario.
The Characters
Tarma, a Shin'a'in Swordsworn, and Kethry, a sorceress of the White Winds school, are a low-level mercenary pair without a reputation. Need is the magic sword that commands Kethry. Warrl is a kyree who has decided to be Tarma's familiar. The warsteeds are Hellsbane and Ironheart.
The Duchy of Silverthorn taxes hell out of everyone. Nanca Jente is a sorceress whose temporary bodyguards were taken out. Jendran is the colleague she intends to meet.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a split complement of oranges and dusky purple. The purple forms a border with a thin aged gold border with a dark blue background inside. Overlapping the inset is a flaming orange heater shield with a deep brown distressed border with rivets. Emerging from inside the shield is the head of a wild-eyed Companion in profile. Across the bottom of the inner background are three more heater shields: the leftmost with a purple background and silver rivets like stars and a white pegasus in profile, the center is a dull orange with a coiled black and orange zigzagged snake while the rightmost has a black background and a deep orange gryphon with its feathers detailed in black against a black background. At the very top is a rectangle with an aged background for the title in a combination of deep red and black and a short notice of the book's contents. At the bottom, just under the three small shields is another rectangle with an aged background informing us of the identity of the editor, in black.
The title is the various Crossroads and Other Tales of Valdemar encountered in these short stories.
The Series
"Transmutation" (After The Owl Mage Trilogy)
"Death in Keenspur House" (Master Selden, 2)
"Dawn of Sorrows" (Concurrent with Owlflight , 1?)
"A Change of Heart" (Heart, 1)
"War Cry" (concurrent with the Exile Duology, aka Alberich's Tale, 1)
"Strength and Honor" (Solaris, 2)
"Safe and Sound" (Wil & Leila, 1)
"Landscape of the Imagination" (Vows and Honor, 1.xx)
The Stories
Larry Dixon's "Transmutation"
Mortally wounded in battle, helping Valdemar, Kelvren is abandoned, treated as less than who he is, having expended his remaining energy in saving a fellow patient.
It's all about bigotry. Two "soldiers" who are wounded but treated differently because of their race. Housed together as dying patients, each pushes forth effort to help the other in their own ways. The frustrated Stavern and the dying Kelvren who both manage to lift the soldiers' morale. Oh, lordy, I do like how Kelvren got back at that cheap mayor!
"Pain shared is pain halved. I shared half of my pain with the mayor . . . and I feel much better now."
Characters
Silver Gryphon Kelvren Skothkar is a wingleader from k'Valdemar. Hallock Stavern of the Sixteenth Regiment was mortally wounded and is now a captain.
Jeft, a.k.a. Boy, is considered expendable by his village. His mother, Ammari, a seamstress and artisan, has discovered an amazing product.
Treyvan, an Adept, is one of the gryphon ambassadors to Haven. Pena is Treyvan's senior hertasi and a great cook. Whitebird is a trondi'irn . Rivenstone is Whitebird's assistant.
Based at Deedun, Farragur Elm is a trade baron who has formed a coalition and seized resources.
Nancy Asire's "The Feast of the Children"
It's the time of year when the priests tour from village to village, searching for eligible children � and not so eligible. Those will go into the Cleansing Fires.
Geez, I hate religions like this, especially when they're so corrupt! But any religion that forces people to do what they tell them is bad, in my book. The religion insists that magic is bad, evil. Unless the priesthood can use anyone who is capable of magic.
The Characters
Pyotr has been a priest in Two Trees for fifteen years. Selenna is Pyotr's sister. His cats include Tom, Puss, Patches, and Sunshine. Najan is their cousin, a trader who has moved freely about.
Vikandis Sunlord is the god the people of Karse worship. The Son of the Sun is the head of the religion. The current Sunlord is Hanovar who surrounds himself with yes-men. Chardan, Pyotr's childhood friend, is the power-hungry priest. Durban had been Two Trees' regular tester.
Richard Lee Byers' "Death in Keenspur House"
It's a critical wedding in Mordealth, intended to lay the feuds to rest. Only a theft and murder have set the Blues against the Greens. Again. Only the truth can set them free.
Whew, this one is full of tension and magics.
The Characters
Master Selden is a retired mercenary who teaches weaponry to the Blue faction. Marissa is the principal sword-teacher to the Green faction and Selden's friend and sparring partner.
The Keenspurs (Greens) include Lord Baltes, a widower about to be the groom. Tregan is Baltes' brother and the house mage; Yshan had been the previous house mage. Pivar is the leader of the Blues. Lukinda is Pivar's youngest daughter and the bride.
Brenda Cooper's "Dawn of Sorrows"
A look back in near history of the story of a lone bard and her experience of the negative side of a Choosing that inspired "Dawn of Sorrows".
It's a pip and Cooper slowly leads us to Jocelyn's remembrances. And the changes made to help parents left behind.
The Characters
Bard Dennis has assigned Bard Dawn "Silver" to Bard Jocelyn for their journey.
"Dawn of Sorrows" was Jocelyn's only song and a result of a desperate journey to warn Valdemarans living on the border with Hardorn. Dawn had lived in Johnson's Ford near Hardorn. Drake had been Dawn's husband. Their eight-year-old daughter, Lisle, was chosen by a Companion, Tamay. Ancar had been the evil ruler of Hardorn.
Rosemary Edghill's "Horse of Air"
There is a witch in the Armor Hills who must be stopped.
A sad tale of anger and why even Heralds need spies and where, how, they acquire them. Edghill also provides "Paynim's" back history and why Shavanne's soul has lingered.
"A wise man never needs to borrow trouble since fools give it away for free."The Characters
Sendar was king when "Paynim the tinkerer" became a Herald � the voice and hands of the ruler of Valdemar; now Selenay is queen. Shavanne had been "Paynim's" Companion.
The Moonwoman is extorting people and goods from those of the Armor Hills. Meramay is a young widow. Garan had been her husband, taken. The Midsummer Meeting is a mustering of clans, to do business, exchange information, and search for mates. Liah had been born nineteen years ago. Her parents were Andren and Colmye with little knowledge of the world.
Sarah A Hoyt and Kate Paulk "A Change of Heart"
A Changeling, Ree is more human than most when he saves a brutalized boy.
A sad life of a child forced to hide, steal, and squat. Hoyt/Paulk introduce us to Ree's hideous life and his humanity.
The Characters
Ree is a Changeling, turned in the Mage Storms from human to a blend of human, rat, and cat who lives in Jacona. The pretty Jem is too vulnerable.
Tanya Huff's "All the Ages of Man"
Herald Jors feels too young for this. Too young for teaching, yet Gervais reassures him that he can teach what he knows to this new green Herald, who is quite forward. And she finally confronts Jors.
It's a frustrating tale at first and only really gets interesting when Alyise makes her first judgment. It's a good one, pointing to what can be celebrated. I do love how Companions enjoy plotting, lol.
"If you don't celebrate your victories, all you remember are your defeats."The Characters
Herald Jors and his Companion, Gervais. Herald Jennet's mother is ill; Inar is Jennet's Companion. Herald Alyise is green and being mentored by Jennet. Donnel is Alyise's Companion.
Michael Longcor's "War Cry"
It's said this will be the last battle between Valdemar and the Tedrels. And it's a bad time for Rury Tellar to learn about his Gift.
It's a tale that'll make you cry.
The Characters
Rury Tellar is facing his first big battle. Aed Karlan is their self-appointed jester, Milo, and Snipe are his fellow Guards. Twenty-eight-year Guard veteran, Sergeant Mit Krandal, a.k.a. Iron Mit, is in command of their unit. King Sendar and Princess Selenay will take part in the battle. Herald Erek Ranwellen, who has a mild touch of Empathy with a good bit of Mindspeech, and his Companion, Deanara.
The Tedrels are the enemy, hungry for their own homeland.
Ben Ohlander's "Strength and Honor"
A tortured, dead Herald and Companion are found, one more instance of the corruption within the Karse priesthood. Their lies more and more obvious. Their corruption more evil.
You can't help but hate the corruption of the Karsite religion and be proud of the men who battle it. Then there's the ending, and I'm still crying.
The Characters
The wounded Colonel Tregaran is preparing for war with his own. A firecat is keeping Tregaran company. Cogern, Warmaster of the Nineteenth Foot, Hero of the Regiment and Beloved of Vkandis, is a trusted comrade. Delrimmon of the Thirteenth and Hergram of the Thirty-first are with the Nineteenth.
Solaris is the priest who believes in the old ways. Laskaris is the current Son of the Sun.
Fiona Patton's "The Blue Coat" It's but a pitiful remnant of the Goshon Clan and only getting worse. Vulshin and Shersi have dreamed of a blue coat. A garment they'll find if they head to Valdemar.
It's a story that starts out sad and yet has hope at the end.
The Characters
What remains of the Goshon Clan of trappers. Treyill k'Goshon has shaman potential and Kellison, another cousin with a good mind, are hunting while Dierna, their cousin, is giving birth. The strong Bayne is Trey's brother. Shersi is their midwife. Vulshin is the family shaman. Aivar had been Vulshin's grandson and Dierna's husband.
Kith Arkarus of Waymeet is the quarry master. Gabrielle Post is Kith's niece and an apprentice of Haven's Master Builder, Gabrielle's father. Captain Danel is of the Valdemar Guard.
Stephanie D Shaver's "Safe and Sound"
Leila has her own personal horror, writing a song that will encourage the Bardic College to make her a full bard.
Musicians are writers too, as we see while Leila and Malesa argue over "events without a discernible plot, antagonist, or resolution". I liked Leila's counterargument about the "untold stuff between the lines".
The main plot is Leila composing her graduation song with Wils' closure part of it. A subplot is the bard-to-be who knows nothing about tact and diplomacy. Surely there are songs that include those topics. Another subplot is Leila's worry about her brother who has a good answer for her. Oh, lordy, there's that Companion humor again when Vehs is "kidnapped", lol. It's a good story that reinforces the need to talk your problems out.
The Characters
Bardic-trainee Lelia is desperate for inspiration for her master song. Lyle is her twin who just got his whites; Rivan is Lyle's Companion. Malesa is a friend of Lelia's working on her own piece. Herald Daryann had written a journal. Herald Wil is Daryann's brother who was also Chosen with his Companion, Vehs.
Janni Lee Simner's "Song for Two Voices"
Holderkin may have as many wives as they wish but it's the Firstwife who rules those wives. When Latya notices Garen's unexpected preference for his newest wife, she does her best to make Nara's life miserable.
It's a Herald, a woman, who unexpectedly fights for Holderkin, but it's Nara who saves Garen, provides Latya with a lesson, and pays the Herald with story.
Heralds and other Valdemarans believe Holderkin men only care about themselves. I'm too much of a feminist to enjoy stories about the Holderkin, but "Song for Two Voices" ended on a positive note.
The Characters
Holderkin are isolationists who practice polygamy and despise magic. Garen Aranson inherited his Steading from his father. He has three wives � Latya is the strict Firstwife who gave him another son, Isa is his second underwife who bore a daughter; two brothers, and an oldest son, Ari, who works the fields. He even cares for those littles too small to work. Gracious of him. Jeth is a cousin and Nara, his daughter, who is not content in her life although song gives her happiness.
Mickey Zucker Reichert's "Finding Elvida"
It's a terrible battle with such loss, such that Elvida's emotions unleash her Gift until she loses it again.
It's about self-doubt holding one back, and Elvida wallows in it.
The Characters
Herald Elvida and her Companion, Raynor. Other Heralds include Sharylle and her Companion Tabnar; her partner is Anthea and her Companion, Leahleh.
Judith Tarr's "Darkwall's Lady"
An alliance is proposed from one Lady to a Lord in exchange for the Lady gaining an heir. Their child, Merris, will be raised in her home keep until she comes of age.
Merris learns much of her keep-to-be, but has never visited. She hears praise from the tutors Darkwall provides but she also hears nervous rumors from others. Luckily for the independent Merris, Herald Coryn and Selena insist on going with her.
The stories she's heard and those tutors of Merris' are dang creepy. I gotta say, Merris' conclusion as to why the Lady of Darkwall ranged so far to find her makes a lot of sense. It is an interesting story, but after all the build-up, I was disappointed with the ending. Oh, it was a good one, but too easy.
The Characters
Lord Bertrand of Forgotten Keep has a wife, the Lady Beatrice, who became pregnant after they already had a full grown son and a married daughter.
The Lady of Darkwall Keep has no heir and has a bad reputation. The Lady-provided tutors.
Herald Isak is old and accompanied by Herald-Intern Coryn. Selena is Coryn's Companion and brimming with warnings.
Michael Z Williamson's "Naught But Duty"
It's the aftermath of battle for an employer Arden has come to despise.
It's sensible that Arden wants to keep his men employed, interested, and retain a good reputation. His current employer? Well, Arden takes care to count their payment in front of their employer. And he follows the contract to the letter. It's a hard line to walk and remain honorable. I had to laugh at the nitpicky choices Arden makes to avoid slaughtering innocents.
The Characters
Arden is the High Rider of the Toughs, who have been employed by Lord Miklamar. Balyat is a scout. Ty'kara is Shin'a'in; Bukli is skilled with signals and good with a sword; and, Mirke appears to be a good cook.
Miklamar allows his troops any license after a battle. Shakis is Miklamar's regional deputy. Count Namhar is with the Anasauk Confederacy. The grief-stricken Chal is part of Namhar's entourage.
Mercedes Lackey's "Landscape of the Imagination"
Tarma and Kethry have delivered their charge to her niece in the Duchy of Silverthorn. It's a bad place to be if you're low on money, as the duchy is very peace-abiding with high taxes.
Yet the ladies are determined to get out even if they are in need of money. A need that leads to a mistake when they encounter a lone woman in need of bodyguards.
It's a weird story that turns out to be fun, especially for Tarma who see it as the perfect training scenario.
The Characters
Tarma, a Shin'a'in Swordsworn, and Kethry, a sorceress of the White Winds school, are a low-level mercenary pair without a reputation. Need is the magic sword that commands Kethry. Warrl is a kyree who has decided to be Tarma's familiar. The warsteeds are Hellsbane and Ironheart.
The Duchy of Silverthorn taxes hell out of everyone. Nanca Jente is a sorceress whose temporary bodyguards were taken out. Jendran is the colleague she intends to meet.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a split complement of oranges and dusky purple. The purple forms a border with a thin aged gold border with a dark blue background inside. Overlapping the inset is a flaming orange heater shield with a deep brown distressed border with rivets. Emerging from inside the shield is the head of a wild-eyed Companion in profile. Across the bottom of the inner background are three more heater shields: the leftmost with a purple background and silver rivets like stars and a white pegasus in profile, the center is a dull orange with a coiled black and orange zigzagged snake while the rightmost has a black background and a deep orange gryphon with its feathers detailed in black against a black background. At the very top is a rectangle with an aged background for the title in a combination of deep red and black and a short notice of the book's contents. At the bottom, just under the three small shields is another rectangle with an aged background informing us of the identity of the editor, in black.
The title is the various Crossroads and Other Tales of Valdemar encountered in these short stories.
Shelved as 'featured'
September 29, 2021
March 6, 2018
I usually don't read short stories because they are ... short. I would rather delve into hundreds of pages and experience the story. However, it has been a long time since I have read about the heralds of Valdemar. This was OK but I still would prefer stories from the original author rather than compilations from other authors.
February 12, 2022
Transmutation
I liked this story because a little boy showed kindness to a creature most people in his village were scared of. The boy helped him when he needed aid. The boy was rewarded by an offer to serve the gryphons.
Feast of the Children
I liked this story because the priest helped the children that had special "gifts." The people were afraid of these gifts and called them "witch powers". I think these children would have been welcome in Haven.
Horse of Air
I liked this story because because the hearld had helped a woman who was different. She is an albino and the people were scared of her. She actually had bard gifts which she used on the villagers . Even though, she didn't use her gifts correctly, I couldn't blame her I felt sorry for her.
Safe and Sound
I liked this story because of the persistence of a bard trainee. Even though her methods were not the right way to go about it, she made amends and still got her song to perform for her test to become a full bard.
Two Voices, One Song
I liked this story because it was about true love between two people despite their age. They ended up being soulmates. The man had more than one wife. His soulmate was his fourth wife. When he was wounded, she saved his life through song.
I liked this story because a little boy showed kindness to a creature most people in his village were scared of. The boy helped him when he needed aid. The boy was rewarded by an offer to serve the gryphons.
Feast of the Children
I liked this story because the priest helped the children that had special "gifts." The people were afraid of these gifts and called them "witch powers". I think these children would have been welcome in Haven.
Horse of Air
I liked this story because because the hearld had helped a woman who was different. She is an albino and the people were scared of her. She actually had bard gifts which she used on the villagers . Even though, she didn't use her gifts correctly, I couldn't blame her I felt sorry for her.
Safe and Sound
I liked this story because of the persistence of a bard trainee. Even though her methods were not the right way to go about it, she made amends and still got her song to perform for her test to become a full bard.
Two Voices, One Song
I liked this story because it was about true love between two people despite their age. They ended up being soulmates. The man had more than one wife. His soulmate was his fourth wife. When he was wounded, she saved his life through song.
May 15, 2015
Normally I really enjoy the collected short stories written by great authors aka sanctioned fan-fiction. However, this collection didn't speak to me the way the others have. There were two stories I really enjoyed (Dawn of Sorrows, Safe and Sound) but the others were overall just okay. The main stories from Lackey and Dixon were focused on aspects of Valdemar that are not my favorite so I was probably less interested in the stories. Also there were no stories involving Companions� choice and there were few stories that featured Companions at all and they are usually my favorite part! As I said, it is a good collection and I liked it, but I don’t think it was the greatest.
May 25, 2024
My review is broken into pieces following each individual story in the order I read them in. I read 7 stories from this anthology.
“The Blue Coat� by Fiona Patton: Another story of a few people finding Valdemar and a new life therein. I guess it was alright.
“The Feast of the Children� by Nancy Asire: I really liked this one. Pretty sure Sunshine would be the first Fire Cat and, if not, at least the first mentioned in the series.
“Landscape of the Imagination� by Mercedes Lackey: I envisioned Nanca’s training space to be rather like the chessboard of Wonderland fame. It was interesting for a kind of holo-deck or Danger Room style place to exist here. Figures that sorcerers with enough time on their hands would do something like that. I kind of like Nanca and I was definitely amused by Warrl’s reaction to being given flight for a short while. Highly amused by his threat to Tarma afterward.
“War Cry� by Michael Longcor: Dunno why, but people pledging themselves to Valdemar makes me tear up. Might also be knowing Sendar’s fate and seeing him again� This one’s also really brutal.
“Safe and Sound� by Stephanie D. Shaver: Kinda cute and kinda heart-wrenching. I teared up.
“Strength and Honor� by Ben Ohlander: Tregaran has a firecat friend. I’m amused by this.
I’m not overly fond of the big ol� battle in the middle of this, but either end of the story is alright.
“Horse of Air� by Rosemary Edghill: Alright, if a bit bittersweet.
“A Change of Heart� by Sarah A. Hoyt and Kate Paulk: Neat little look at a “hobgoblin� in The Empire. I enjoyed it.
“The Blue Coat� by Fiona Patton: Another story of a few people finding Valdemar and a new life therein. I guess it was alright.
“The Feast of the Children� by Nancy Asire: I really liked this one. Pretty sure Sunshine would be the first Fire Cat and, if not, at least the first mentioned in the series.
“Landscape of the Imagination� by Mercedes Lackey: I envisioned Nanca’s training space to be rather like the chessboard of Wonderland fame. It was interesting for a kind of holo-deck or Danger Room style place to exist here. Figures that sorcerers with enough time on their hands would do something like that. I kind of like Nanca and I was definitely amused by Warrl’s reaction to being given flight for a short while. Highly amused by his threat to Tarma afterward.
“War Cry� by Michael Longcor: Dunno why, but people pledging themselves to Valdemar makes me tear up. Might also be knowing Sendar’s fate and seeing him again� This one’s also really brutal.
“Safe and Sound� by Stephanie D. Shaver: Kinda cute and kinda heart-wrenching. I teared up.
“Strength and Honor� by Ben Ohlander: Tregaran has a firecat friend. I’m amused by this.
I’m not overly fond of the big ol� battle in the middle of this, but either end of the story is alright.
“Horse of Air� by Rosemary Edghill: Alright, if a bit bittersweet.
“A Change of Heart� by Sarah A. Hoyt and Kate Paulk: Neat little look at a “hobgoblin� in The Empire. I enjoyed it.
January 17, 2021
This third anthology was little darker than the previous two, although I still enjoyed each story - especially the final one, by Mercedes herself.
Its always lovely to get to revisit the world of Tarma and Kethry and, of course, the wonderful Warrl!
There were a couple of stories that had me thinking about how differently other authors can take a well-known world to but, all-in-all, I found each one made a great edition to it.
As I read anthology #4 before the first three, I guess i need to go straight over Moving Targets, and on to Changing the World!
I hope its as good as these previous four anthologies have been!
Its always lovely to get to revisit the world of Tarma and Kethry and, of course, the wonderful Warrl!
There were a couple of stories that had me thinking about how differently other authors can take a well-known world to but, all-in-all, I found each one made a great edition to it.
As I read anthology #4 before the first three, I guess i need to go straight over Moving Targets, and on to Changing the World!
I hope its as good as these previous four anthologies have been!
December 23, 2018
Not a dud in the bunch
How many anthologies have you read that felt like you had to slog through story after story before getting to one you truly enjoyed?
You won't run into that here, or in many future Valdemar anthologies!
I've read these in hardcopy, years ago, but after reading the recently released 12th collection, I felt nostalgic and went back to the beginning.
That's the thing about fantasies, they never get old!
How many anthologies have you read that felt like you had to slog through story after story before getting to one you truly enjoyed?
You won't run into that here, or in many future Valdemar anthologies!
I've read these in hardcopy, years ago, but after reading the recently released 12th collection, I felt nostalgic and went back to the beginning.
That's the thing about fantasies, they never get old!
April 10, 2024
Another great collection of short stories set in the Valdemar world, or adjacent lands. I'm actually finding that I'm often drawn most to the stories of those in Karse, and luckily there's always at least a couple in each of these anthologies. The very short story from Lackey herself at the end was cute, and a nice way to quickly wrap up the book when I realized late tonight that I had a single chapter left. I've already pulled the next book out and will be starting it tomorrow morning.
November 4, 2019
An early "fan fiction" compilation of stories about Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar. Actually, that's misleading, because the stories were written by accomplished authors (some I suspect at the invitation of Lackey) and all were edited by her. If you enjoy her Valdemar series, you will enjoy these stories.
October 26, 2020
I like the books Mercedes Lackey writes, she is good at creating a believable world and people to populate it. While her writing is not the strongest I do find it engaging ang and enjoyable. I like a series I can live inside of and her books are ones that have characters I feel invested in and a world I believe could exist.
September 19, 2023
Choose Your Path...
TalesValdemar3
An interesting collection of stories.
The worldbuilding is based on The Valdemar landscape, but the when varies from offering to offering. So we bounced from Sendar to Selenay to Elspeth, and all the ranges of possibilities that offered.
Some were easier to complete than others.
TalesValdemar3
An interesting collection of stories.
The worldbuilding is based on The Valdemar landscape, but the when varies from offering to offering. So we bounced from Sendar to Selenay to Elspeth, and all the ranges of possibilities that offered.
Some were easier to complete than others.
October 25, 2023
more lore
A good set of Velgarth stories, including griffons (and gryphon Adepts) the final battle of the Tedrel wars (and Empathic berserkers), Holderkin lifebonds (and the repeat story of two divines separated), and Bards (an equal mix of investigative reporters, news anchors and drama queens in one Scarlet clad package).
A good set of Velgarth stories, including griffons (and gryphon Adepts) the final battle of the Tedrel wars (and Empathic berserkers), Holderkin lifebonds (and the repeat story of two divines separated), and Bards (an equal mix of investigative reporters, news anchors and drama queens in one Scarlet clad package).
January 11, 2024
Continuing to read the short stories in the Tales of Valdemar series, and thought this volume stands out from the rest so far with most of the stories being quite good-especially the first one Transmutation by Larry Dixon. I’d rather be reading the novels but this is at least keeping me connected to Lackey’s fantasy world.
September 20, 2024
outstanding!
Any fan of Valdemar will find these short stories intriguing and well worth the read. Just forces one to keep reading all that is available about Valdemar. I have immense respect and admiration for the genius of the contributing authors, and for Mercedes Lackey, the creator of Valdemar. I want a Companion!
Any fan of Valdemar will find these short stories intriguing and well worth the read. Just forces one to keep reading all that is available about Valdemar. I have immense respect and admiration for the genius of the contributing authors, and for Mercedes Lackey, the creator of Valdemar. I want a Companion!
June 4, 2017
This is a collection of short stories about Valdemar. The tales may be short, but they are well written and explore the variety and diversity of Lackey's created world.
April 5, 2018
Some of the stories were so much better than others. Since war stories are not my favorite, those were the ones I liked least. And, Lackey's own story was one of my favorites.
July 23, 2019
Tales brings new short stories to help round out the world . Lovely and a nice quick read
November 22, 2020
As usual, I love these anthologies set in an oh so familiar world. This reread was a good one.
March 14, 2022
SHORT STORIES ARE FUN.
Some delicious tales. Some that continue
characters and/or events from other SS from Valdemar compilations. Fan fiction at its best.
Some delicious tales. Some that continue
characters and/or events from other SS from Valdemar compilations. Fan fiction at its best.
June 18, 2022
Good bunch of stories. One about an injured gryphon, one about the wandering female swordswomen, one about the captain of the Toughs mercenary band. And more. I liked it. Good read.
October 5, 2022
Reread
May 9, 2020
Fun read I enjoyed most of the stories. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 30, 2012
This review has been crossposted from my blog at . Please head there for more in-depth reviews by me, which appear on a timely schedule.
Another collection of short stories edited by Mercedes Lackey. They encompass a wide range of topics, some tastefully sexy, some very sad. Overall a remarkably good collection that adds to the Valdemar world.
"Transmutation" by Larry Dixon is extremely well written and seamlessly fits in with the rest of the novels by Lackey (fitting since he's her husband!). I've never liked the way griffins spoke; I find it hard to read. It's a long story, and Dixon makes the most of it to tell his tale. Very good.
"The Feast of the Children" by Nancy Aspire goes along with the idea of the burnings of children in Karse. The God is able to act in small ways, particularly through his cats!
"Death in Keenspur House" by Richard Lee Byers is strange, I didn't like it and I think it's by the same author that I didn't like in one of the other anthologies. The murder mystery type thing. It doesn't fit in with the rest of the stories for me.
"Dawn of Sorrows" by Brenda Cooper is touchingly sad. The story takes place after the Storm Warning trilogy, and depicts what the back story is for those that are left behind after a Choosing.
"Horse of Air" by Rosemary Edghill is also rather sad. I didn't get into the story (perhaps it was the use of first person), but I don't think I was meant to either. It was a bit of a story within a story actually.
"A Change of Heart" by Sarah A. Hoyt and Kate Paulk concerns Ree and Jem. I've never really liked the style, although the idea of it is interesting. It does fit in with the Valdemar world convincingly enough, although I naturally would have liked to see more Heralds.
"All the Ages of Man" by Tanya Huff has the return of Herald Jors! Yay, Jors! This time he is required to act as a mentor, but it's not working out for him because he feels that he isn't old enough. The writing is engaging, and I'm always happy to hear more. I'm glad Huff stuck to expanding the same character throughout her short stories for these collections.
"War Cry" by Michael Longcor is touching. I guess a purpose of these stories is to dispel the myth that everyone who has Gifts will be chosen. Others have a different role to play. This story fits in neatly with Exile's Valor.
"Strength and Honor" by Ben Ohlander is the return of Tregaren and a part of Vkandis' army in Karse from the first set of short stories. The perspective has changed slightly, but it's just as good as the first one. Another bit of background on Solaris.
"The Blue Coat" by Fiona Patton is surprisingly good, I enjoyed the storyline, if not entirely the execution.
"Safe and Sound" by Stephanie D. Shaver is a story for twins. A young Bard is chasing a song, and is willing to do anything to get it. Written just as I would imagine Lackey would - very enjoyable.
"Song For Two Voices" by Janni Lee Simner is about a lifebonding in the Holderkin. It isn't a surprise for me that this is the way the Holderkin live, and although I didn't like the splitting of the two parts, I could understand why it was written that way.
"Finding Elvida" by Mickey Zucker Reichert is in the same style as The Legend of Nightfall, which means that I loved it! It's a little hard to believe that a Herald has been sent out on circuit without proper training for all of her Gifts, but if this was occurring during the mage wars, it's understandable.
"Darkwall's Lady" by Judith Tarr is creeply sneaky. Well written, not technically about Heralds, although one plays a role. Interesting that that type of magic was able to survive in Valdemar after the advent of vrondi by Vanyel.
"Naught but Duty" by Michael Z. Williamson is a tricky one! Well written, and intentionally confusing at times. I keep thinking of Good Duke Arden from the Bardic Voices universe, but this is an entirely different kettle of fish.
"Landscape of the Imagination" by Mercedes Lackey fits in with the By The Sword collection of short stories about Tarma and Kethry. Just as good as I would have hoped.
My gripe for these stories is probably that for some of them it is hard to know where to place them in the Valdemar chronology. The thing that I like is that lots of them are about Karse, and the Sun Priests, which is something I have always wanted to know more about.
This is a good collection, I'd recommend it for both teens an adults. Anyone who enjoys the Valdemar world will appreciate having this set of short stories to read when there isn't time for a longer novel.
Another collection of short stories edited by Mercedes Lackey. They encompass a wide range of topics, some tastefully sexy, some very sad. Overall a remarkably good collection that adds to the Valdemar world.
"Transmutation" by Larry Dixon is extremely well written and seamlessly fits in with the rest of the novels by Lackey (fitting since he's her husband!). I've never liked the way griffins spoke; I find it hard to read. It's a long story, and Dixon makes the most of it to tell his tale. Very good.
"The Feast of the Children" by Nancy Aspire goes along with the idea of the burnings of children in Karse. The God is able to act in small ways, particularly through his cats!
"Death in Keenspur House" by Richard Lee Byers is strange, I didn't like it and I think it's by the same author that I didn't like in one of the other anthologies. The murder mystery type thing. It doesn't fit in with the rest of the stories for me.
"Dawn of Sorrows" by Brenda Cooper is touchingly sad. The story takes place after the Storm Warning trilogy, and depicts what the back story is for those that are left behind after a Choosing.
"Horse of Air" by Rosemary Edghill is also rather sad. I didn't get into the story (perhaps it was the use of first person), but I don't think I was meant to either. It was a bit of a story within a story actually.
"A Change of Heart" by Sarah A. Hoyt and Kate Paulk concerns Ree and Jem. I've never really liked the style, although the idea of it is interesting. It does fit in with the Valdemar world convincingly enough, although I naturally would have liked to see more Heralds.
"All the Ages of Man" by Tanya Huff has the return of Herald Jors! Yay, Jors! This time he is required to act as a mentor, but it's not working out for him because he feels that he isn't old enough. The writing is engaging, and I'm always happy to hear more. I'm glad Huff stuck to expanding the same character throughout her short stories for these collections.
"War Cry" by Michael Longcor is touching. I guess a purpose of these stories is to dispel the myth that everyone who has Gifts will be chosen. Others have a different role to play. This story fits in neatly with Exile's Valor.
"Strength and Honor" by Ben Ohlander is the return of Tregaren and a part of Vkandis' army in Karse from the first set of short stories. The perspective has changed slightly, but it's just as good as the first one. Another bit of background on Solaris.
"The Blue Coat" by Fiona Patton is surprisingly good, I enjoyed the storyline, if not entirely the execution.
"Safe and Sound" by Stephanie D. Shaver is a story for twins. A young Bard is chasing a song, and is willing to do anything to get it. Written just as I would imagine Lackey would - very enjoyable.
"Song For Two Voices" by Janni Lee Simner is about a lifebonding in the Holderkin. It isn't a surprise for me that this is the way the Holderkin live, and although I didn't like the splitting of the two parts, I could understand why it was written that way.
"Finding Elvida" by Mickey Zucker Reichert is in the same style as The Legend of Nightfall, which means that I loved it! It's a little hard to believe that a Herald has been sent out on circuit without proper training for all of her Gifts, but if this was occurring during the mage wars, it's understandable.
"Darkwall's Lady" by Judith Tarr is creeply sneaky. Well written, not technically about Heralds, although one plays a role. Interesting that that type of magic was able to survive in Valdemar after the advent of vrondi by Vanyel.
"Naught but Duty" by Michael Z. Williamson is a tricky one! Well written, and intentionally confusing at times. I keep thinking of Good Duke Arden from the Bardic Voices universe, but this is an entirely different kettle of fish.
"Landscape of the Imagination" by Mercedes Lackey fits in with the By The Sword collection of short stories about Tarma and Kethry. Just as good as I would have hoped.
My gripe for these stories is probably that for some of them it is hard to know where to place them in the Valdemar chronology. The thing that I like is that lots of them are about Karse, and the Sun Priests, which is something I have always wanted to know more about.
This is a good collection, I'd recommend it for both teens an adults. Anyone who enjoys the Valdemar world will appreciate having this set of short stories to read when there isn't time for a longer novel.
October 20, 2023
"Once you have tasted flight, you forever after walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will ever long to return."
Transmutation: I literally love Kelvren so much this is perfect. I hope there’s more stories about him in the other anthologies.
The Feast of Children: obviously takes place before Solaris is Son of the Sun since the feasts are still happening. But interesting to see there were already some priests taking actions against them.
Death in Keenspur Hours: I have no memory of these characters or places. Reads like an Agatha Christie or Sherlock Holmes novel
Dawn of Sorrows: I don’t know these people either but at least we’re seeing something from a bard’s POV for once
Horse of Air: This is not about what I thought it was going to be about.
A Change of Heart: Something from the POV of a changeling.
All the Ages of Man: Previously read in The Demon’s Den
War Cry: The battle where King Sendar dies that makes Selenay Queen.
Strength and Honor: I guess this is right before the Karse stuff went down. Right before Solaris becomes Sunlord. And I guess Tregaran is a fire at now?
The Blue Coat: Another tale from the early days of the kingdom of Valdemar, before Vanyel.
Safe and Sound: Me as a Bard lol
Transmutation: I literally love Kelvren so much this is perfect. I hope there’s more stories about him in the other anthologies.
The Feast of Children: obviously takes place before Solaris is Son of the Sun since the feasts are still happening. But interesting to see there were already some priests taking actions against them.
Death in Keenspur Hours: I have no memory of these characters or places. Reads like an Agatha Christie or Sherlock Holmes novel
Dawn of Sorrows: I don’t know these people either but at least we’re seeing something from a bard’s POV for once
Horse of Air: This is not about what I thought it was going to be about.
A Change of Heart: Something from the POV of a changeling.
All the Ages of Man: Previously read in The Demon’s Den
War Cry: The battle where King Sendar dies that makes Selenay Queen.
Strength and Honor: I guess this is right before the Karse stuff went down. Right before Solaris becomes Sunlord. And I guess Tregaran is a fire at now?
The Blue Coat: Another tale from the early days of the kingdom of Valdemar, before Vanyel.
Safe and Sound: Me as a Bard lol
July 7, 2024
Transmutation by Larry Dixon
Powerful. Absorbing. Compelling. 5 stars
The Feast of the Children by Nancy Asire
Touching. 4 stars
Death in Keenspur House by Richard Lee Byers
Different. (But what's it got to do with Valdemar?) 3.5 stars
Dawn of Sorrows by Brenda Cooper
Profound. Tearjerker. 4.5 stars
Horse of Air by Rosemary Edghill
Fascinating. 4 stars
All the Ages of Man by Tanya Huff
Heh heh heh. *smirk* 4 stars
War Cry by Michael Longcor
Touching. Profound. 4 stars
Strength and Honor by Ben Ohlander
Touching. 4 stars
The Blue Coat by Fiona Patton
*sob* Towards a new life. 4 stars
Safe and Sound by Stephanie Shaver
*sob* Siblings. 4 stars
Song for Two Voices by Janni Lee Simner
Controversial lifebond. 3.5 stars
Finding Elvida by Mickey Zucker Reichert
Needlessly tragic. 3 stars
Darkwall’s Lady by Judith Tarr
Delightfully fairytale-ish. 4 stars
Naught but Duty by Michael Z. Williamson
Convoluted honor. 3.5 stars
Landscape of the Imagination by Mercedes Lackey
Delightful. 4 stars
Powerful. Absorbing. Compelling. 5 stars
The Feast of the Children by Nancy Asire
Touching. 4 stars
Death in Keenspur House by Richard Lee Byers
Different. (But what's it got to do with Valdemar?) 3.5 stars
Dawn of Sorrows by Brenda Cooper
Profound. Tearjerker. 4.5 stars
Horse of Air by Rosemary Edghill
Fascinating. 4 stars
All the Ages of Man by Tanya Huff
Heh heh heh. *smirk* 4 stars
War Cry by Michael Longcor
Touching. Profound. 4 stars
Strength and Honor by Ben Ohlander
Touching. 4 stars
The Blue Coat by Fiona Patton
*sob* Towards a new life. 4 stars
Safe and Sound by Stephanie Shaver
*sob* Siblings. 4 stars
Song for Two Voices by Janni Lee Simner
Controversial lifebond. 3.5 stars
Finding Elvida by Mickey Zucker Reichert
Needlessly tragic. 3 stars
Darkwall’s Lady by Judith Tarr
Delightfully fairytale-ish. 4 stars
Naught but Duty by Michael Z. Williamson
Convoluted honor. 3.5 stars
Landscape of the Imagination by Mercedes Lackey
Delightful. 4 stars
May 27, 2015
Mercedes Lackey wrote one short story in this collection and edited the others. All are based in the world Lackey created for her Valdemar novels, although some of the stories are in Karse, the Pelagirs, or other areas outside the country of Valdemar. The longest story is by Lackey’s husband Larry Dixon and is the first story in the book. His story is a griffin story, the ones I like least in the Valdemar series. It does contain both Kelvren (from the Darien books) and Hydona and Treyvan (from the Mage Storms books).
Most of the others are fairly short. None are particularly outstanding or contribute more to the backstory of the main characters. There's one story set in Karse that's a lead-in to Solaris becoming Son of the Sun, which is nice if you have read the longer stories with her in it.
An enjoyable read if you like the Valdemar novels, but missable otherwise.
Most of the others are fairly short. None are particularly outstanding or contribute more to the backstory of the main characters. There's one story set in Karse that's a lead-in to Solaris becoming Son of the Sun, which is nice if you have read the longer stories with her in it.
An enjoyable read if you like the Valdemar novels, but missable otherwise.
January 6, 2019
This is the first time I read this but I think when I put it on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ I must have said I did read it. My two favorites is the first one by Larry Dixon and the last one which was done by Lackey herself because it featured Tarma and Kethry, old favorites of mine. I love the first story with the gryphon who sacrificed so much of his magic to save a dying warrior so he could see his wife. I love the gryphons and have plans on making a painting of gryphons in a jungle that have more of a Harpy Eagle and Jaguar look to them. I wasn't reading these anthologies in order so in this one I found the first Bree story that I was actually introduced to in the later anthologies. Bree is a character that got caught in a change circle with a rat and a cat, he became a cross of human with cat's eyes a rat's tail and fur, and it reminded me of an 80's movie called Ratboy. A perfect collection.
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