This fourteenth anthology of short stories set in the beloved Valdemar universe features tales by debut and established authors and a brand-new story from Lackey herself.

The Heralds of Valdemar are the kingdom's ancient order of protectors. They are drawn from all across the land, from all walks of life, and at all ages--and all are Gifted with abilities beyond those of normal men and women. They are Mindspeakers, FarSeers, Empaths, ForeSeers, Firestarters, FarSpeakers, and more. These inborn talents--combined with training as emissaries, spies, judges, diplomats, scouts, counselors, warriors, and more--make them indispensable to their monarch and realm. Sought and Chosen by mysterious horse-like Companions, they are bonded for life to these telepathic, enigmatic creatures. The Heralds of Valdemar and their Companions ride circuit throughout the kingdom, protecting the peace and, when necessary, defending their land and monarch.

This fourteenth anthology of short stories set in the Valdemar universe is as good as the first anthology that I read. I'm a long-time fan of the Valdemar books and Mercedes Lackey so I've been reading the stories for a long time and one of my first observations is the quality. Even with new and established authors, there is no lack of talent and readability. Each story is unique and a pleasure to read. Some feature new characters while others involve long-standing characters from previous anthologies and a continuing storyline; each of the stories in the anthology is enjoyable and encompasses the ideals of the Valdemar worlds, caring of others, willingness to risk oneself for others, and a bevy of skills and talents.

One of the best qualities of the stories is that the stories don't just feature Heralds. They feature characters from all walks of life, lords and peasants, healers and warriors, those from within Valdemar and those from without. There are those with special abilities and those who use only their wits and strength of character. The one thing all the stories have in common are likeable characters and stories that are enthralling to the reader.

The other element that makes this unique is that there are no weak stories, none that are difficult or unenjoyable to read. And if you've never read any of the stories by Mercedes Lackey, this anthology is an excellent place to start, to familiarize yourself with the world of the author and whet your appetite for other novels with the enthralling and delightful characters and plots contained within. It will catapult readers into wanting to read the other anthologies and other novels set in this wondrous fantasy world by Mercedes Lackey. If you are a long-standing fan, you will thoroughly enjoy every story.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. ~~ Andrea Rittschof

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