Kim Deister
This book is the first published work in the overall Valdemar saga, although not the first in a chronological order of the world itself. It is also the book that spawned my love of Mercedes Lackey and the world itself, the work that fueled my love of fantasy.
The protagonist, Talia, is a strong female character that is developed in a very real and believable way. She is strong but flawed, and that is what makes her such a relatable character. She isn’t portrayed as being perfect in anything she is or does, physically or in any other way. Instead, her strength is found in her own inner character. She doesn’t run away from obstacles but faces them head-on and finds a way to overcome them. She isn’t afraid to ask for help when she realizes she needs it. She finds personal satisfaction in being useful, and that is a beautiful thing to see in a character.
things i loved about this book…
- The Heralds. At their heart, Heralds are a family, often the first a Chosen has ever truly known. I love that concept!
- Talia’s friends. I loved that, by and large, they were kind and accepting and supportive of one another. I love the representation of platonic love and support to be found in the pages of this book. It’s nice to see nontoxic relationships in action.
- The teachers. So often the adults in charge are portrayed as blind to the woes of their charges. That isn’t the case here, which I loved. They pay attention, they notice, and they help.
- The issues. There is mention of sex, but it’s done in a healthy way, touching on the differences between lust and love, as well as safety. There’s conversations about trauma and loss, finding one’s true family, boundaries, and consequences.
