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"Spellbinding storyteller" (Rave Reviews) Mercedes Lackey continues her epic Valdemar series.
Magpie is a thirteen-year-old orphan chosen by one of the magical Companion horses of Valdemar and taken to the capital city, Haven, to be trained as a Herald. Like all Heralds, Magpie learns that he has a hidden Gift-the Gift of telepathy.
But life at the court is not without obstacles. When Mags is "recognized" by foreign secret operatives whose purpose is unknown, Mags himself comes under suspicion. Who are Magpie's parents-who is he, really? Can Mags solve the riddle of his parentage and his connection with the mysterious spies-and prove his loyalty-before the king and court banish him as a traitor?
Once Magpie was a slave for a sadistic mine owner, but the young teen became free when the Valdemar Companion Sentient Horse like magical being, who communicates telepathically, Chose him. Mags is ensconced in Haven training at the Herald Collegium to become a herald. Although the curriculum is hard, Mages believes he is paradise with a comfortable place to sleep and plenty of food to eat.
However, Mags does not feel a part of the group and prefers to sleep in a bedroom in the barn where his Companion is boarded. In the records, he learns the names of his parents who were foreigners. He comes under suspicion when those who foresee have a vision of the king with blood on him and the sense the person with him is a foreigner. His peers at school especially suspect Mags, but his true friends band together and make him feel as if he belongs. One day when he is in Haven, Mags sees the phony tradesman and his bodyguards who say they are from Seejay. After Mags and his buddies exposed their fake identities they pretended to leave. Mags sees the phony person again and knows they are dangerous to Hven. With his Companion injured and he being isolated, Mags must prevent the foreigner from performing the dastardly deed he plans on doing.
Once again Mercedes Lackey brings her fantasy Kingdom of Valdemar to life; a place where magic and Psi power are considered natural skills though most citizens lack either. This entry is a brilliant coming of age story in a realm with a distinguished culture especially a deep rooted belief structure and a thriving political system. Mags brings the energy and excitement to the entertaining plot as he learns he is the son of foreigners growing up as a stranger in a strange land who suddenly observes foreigners seemingly following him.
Harriet Klausner
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 15, 2012
I have the complete series of the Collegium. I have enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone that likes fantasy writing.
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Posted December 31, 2011
The second of the Collegium Chronicles picks up just after the end of the first. Filling in more of the history of the Heralds college while telling a complete story the readercan enjoy even if it is their first visit to Valdemar.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Great Book! Compliments the first one. Can wait to read the next one.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Once again, Mercedes Lackey has given us another wonderful novel of Valdemar. This continues right where 'Foundation' left off; with more political intrigues, great character interaction, and of the Companions!
The only issue I had with this book was at one point the main character (Mags) has a huge fight with two of his closest friends. The three of them exhange VERY hurtful words with one another but in the end they judt blow it over with quick apologies and it feels like that issue was never really resolved.
This book is a great one to read if you love fantasy/adventure type books or are just a fan of Mercedes Lackey overall
Kimms44
Posted January 10, 2011
Felt like this was all she had ready for the publisher. I would rather have had the tail end with 2 books that had some meat on them rather than this one that was thin.
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Posted December 26, 2010
This book is wonderful. The details given in the book make it very easy to visualize. Mags' trials in the story are so real that it feels like they are actually happening to you. Not only was the book exciting but I found myself crying while reading parts. Intrigues is a great addition to the Valdemar Series. Lackey did not disappoint.
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Posted November 24, 2010
I love this new Valdemar series. This and the Vanyel books are my favorites of hers. The story was great and keeps you guessing. Mags is so real that it feels as if you really know him. Very well written. I can't wait for the next one.
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Posted October 12, 2010
I Also Recommend:
Just like the rest of Lackey's works this is a great follow up to Foundations. The creation, termoil, ins and outs of the formation of the Colleguim and further discovery into the past! I love it! Lackey did leave the door open for further 'intrigues' for a third book. I simply can't wait!
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Posted October 11, 2010
I remember Mags from the previous book, but wasn't able to reread the other book first.. you don't really need to.. Just know that this is Heralds of Valdemar story, set in Haven and is just as exciting as the last few "earlier history" books.
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Posted September 21, 2010
Pretty disappointed to see it coming out in all forms for pre-order EXCEPT eBook. Especially since Foundation was released in pre-order. Really?? What's up with that? Not sure who to be disappointed with more, the writer or the publisher . . .
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Overview
"Spellbinding storyteller" (Rave Reviews) Mercedes Lackey continues her epic Valdemar series.
Magpie is a thirteen-year-old orphan chosen by one of the magical Companion horses of Valdemar and taken to the capital city, Haven, to be trained as a Herald. Like all Heralds, Magpie learns that he has a hidden Gift-the Gift of telepathy.
But life at the court is not without obstacles. When Mags is "recognized" by foreign secret operatives whose ...