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!