Valdemar (The Founding of Valdemar, #3)

by Mercedes Lackey

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.

• ISBN10: 0756417392
• ISBN13: 9780756417390
• Publish Date: 26 December 2023
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: Penguin Putnam Inc
• Imprint: DAW Books
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 464
• Language: English
• URL: https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9780756417390

Reviews

[Kim Deister]

Valdemar marks the end of a trilogy that I believe every fan of the series wanted since the very first book in the saga, Arrows of the Queen, was published in 1987. I know, as a long-time fan who has been (re)reading the entire saga continually (literally nonstop) since that first book, it is the series I always hoped for. The Founding of Valdemar allowed us to finally see it from the beginning. Valdemar wouldn’t be what it is without the Companions, the otherworldly creatures that, with their Heralds, protect Valdemar. To see this beginning was deeply emotional and meaningful for someone for whom this series has been a part of her personal identity.

Kordas Valdemar, the OG king, is a wonderful character. He is as flawed as anyone else, but he cares so deeply that he will always sacrifice himself for the greater good for the people who have laid so much faith upon him. It is because of King Kordas and his deep love of his people that Valdemar came to have the Companions.

All in all, a beautiful story in a wonderful saga!