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Average rating4
The long-awaited story of the founding of Valdemar comes to life in this 3rd book of a trilogy from a New York Times bestselling author and beloved fantasist. The refugees from the Empire have established a thriving city called Haven with the help of the Tayledras and their allies. But the Tayledras have begun a slow withdrawal to the dangerous lands known as the Pelagirs, leaving the humans of Haven to find their own way. But even with Haven settled, the lands around Haven are not without danger. Most of the danger comes in the form of magicians: magicians taking advantage of the abundant magical energy in the lands the Tayledras have cleansed; magicians who have no compunction about allying themselves with dark powers and enslaving magical beasts and the Elementals themselves. Kordas, his family, and his people will need all the help they can get. But when a prayer to every god he has ever heard of brings Kordas a very specific and unexpected form of help, the new kingdom of Valdemar is set on a path like nothing else the world has ever seen. Perfect for longtime fans of Valdemar or readers diving into the world for the first time, the Founding of Valdemar trilogy will delight and enchant readers with the origin story of this beloved fantasy realm.
Series
Series
50 primary books#58 in Valdemar (Publication order)
Valdemar (Publication order) is a 50-book series with 50 primary works first released in 1987 with contributions by Mercedes Lackey and Larry Dixon.
Series
38 primary books#6 in Valdemar (Chronological)
Valdemar (Chronological) is a 38-book series with 38 primary works first released in 1987 with contributions by Mercedes Lackey and Larry Dixon.
Series
3 primary books#3 in The Founding of Valdemar
The Founding of Valdemar is a 3-book series with 3 primary works first released in 2021 with contributions by Mercedes Lackey.
Reviews
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Valdemar is the conclusion of the Founding of Valdemar series, which is a prequel to the larger Valdemar series that starts with Arrows of the Queen.
The Valdemar series has always been cozy fic, before cozy fic was a thing. It is a fluffy, escapist delight. Yes there are bad guys, but it's never so bad we can't beat them, and the good guys are truly good. It's not too complex, so if you're looking for deeply flawed heroes or anti-heroes, this isn't the place to look. Every child who reads these books (and most of the adults, I'd wager) dream about being chosen by a Companion, joining the ranks of the Heralds and being welcomed into an enormous found family, and adventuring on the side of Right and Good. Because the Kingdom of Valdemar has always stood on the principles of what is right and good, and the Companions are what has anchored the Kingdom and it's government and people to that foundation.
And in the concluding book of this trilogy, we finally get what we've been waiting for - the story of how, when and why the first Companions appeared in Valdemar, bonding with their Chosen and changing the trajectory of a budding new kingdom.
I read this book as a palate cleanser in between some heavier books, and it was exactly what I needed. It's like a light, airy desert after a rich and heavy dinner. This book in particular did feel a little less detailed in it's story and plot than the first two of the trilogy, and that's the only reason it's not a full four stars - I'd give it a 3.8 if I could do partials. But it was still a perfect ‘curl up under a blanket with some tea and daydream' book.
If you are a fan of the original Valdemar series, then this is a must read. If you were a horse girl as a child, this is a must read. Or if you're just looking for a magical, cozy fantasy fic to relax with, then this is it.
