Magic's Pawn (The Last Herald-Mage Series, Book 1)
Groundbreaking epic fantasy series in Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar universe • Lambda-Award winning novels with heartfelt high adventure and magic
Though Vanyel has been born with near-legendary abilities to work both Herald and Mage magic, he wanted no part in such things. Nor does he seek a warrior’s path, wishing instead to become a Bard.
Yet such talent as his, if left untrained, may prove a menace not only to Vanyel but to others as well. So he is sent to be fostered with his aunt, Savil, one of the fame Herald-Mages of Valdemar.
But, strong-willed and self-centered, Vanyel is a challenge which even Savil cannot master alone. For soon he will become the focus of frightening forces, lending his raw magic to a spell that unleashes terrifying wyr-hunters on the land.
And by the time Savil seeks the assistance of a Shin’a’in Adept, Vanyel’s wild talent may have already grown beyond anyone’s ability to contain, placing Vanyel, Savil, and Valdemar itself in desperate peril.
Though Vanyel has been born with near-legendary abilities to work both Herald and Mage magic, he wanted no part in such things. Nor does he seek a warrior’s path, wishing instead to become a Bard.
Yet such talent as his, if left untrained, may prove a menace not only to Vanyel but to others as well. So he is sent to be fostered with his aunt, Savil, one of the fame Herald-Mages of Valdemar.
But, strong-willed and self-centered, Vanyel is a challenge which even Savil cannot master alone. For soon he will become the focus of frightening forces, lending his raw magic to a spell that unleashes terrifying wyr-hunters on the land.
And by the time Savil seeks the assistance of a Shin’a’in Adept, Vanyel’s wild talent may have already grown beyond anyone’s ability to contain, placing Vanyel, Savil, and Valdemar itself in desperate peril.
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Community Reviews
Magic’s Pawn (5/5)
by Mercedes Lackey
Date Finished: 6/28/23
Writing: 5
Characters: 5
Storyline: 3.75
Pacing: 5
Average: 4.6875
Okay but I loved this book. I literally zoned out throughout the entire thing and watched the entire book in my head like a movie. I don’t really remember the physical action of reading at all during this one the scenes in my head. I have never read any Mercedes Lackey before but I am definitely going to read more. I love her writing style and approach to trauma. I really enjoyed the pacing of the book. It kinda felt like not much really happened in the grand scheme of things but at the same time it felt like everything happened because of the way she writes. Vanyel and Mommy Savil are def two of my favorite characters i’ve read in a long time. Like Savil especially is soooo well done. I love the moments when Savil is getting her turn to share her inner thoughts, it’s chefs kiss. I am going to start book two of the trilogy very soon because i have to know what happens next.
by Mercedes Lackey
Date Finished: 6/28/23
Writing: 5
Characters: 5
Storyline: 3.75
Pacing: 5
Average: 4.6875
Okay but I loved this book. I literally zoned out throughout the entire thing and watched the entire book in my head like a movie. I don’t really remember the physical action of reading at all during this one the scenes in my head. I have never read any Mercedes Lackey before but I am definitely going to read more. I love her writing style and approach to trauma. I really enjoyed the pacing of the book. It kinda felt like not much really happened in the grand scheme of things but at the same time it felt like everything happened because of the way she writes. Vanyel and Mommy Savil are def two of my favorite characters i’ve read in a long time. Like Savil especially is soooo well done. I love the moments when Savil is getting her turn to share her inner thoughts, it’s chefs kiss. I am going to start book two of the trilogy very soon because i have to know what happens next.
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