Chosen by the Companion Rolan, a mystical horse-like being with powers beyond imagining, Talia, once a runaway, has now become a trainee Herald, destined to become one of the Queen’s own elite guard. For Talia has certain awakening talents of the mind that only a Companion like Rolan can truly sense.
But as Talia struggles to master her unique abilities, time is running out. For conspiracy is brewing in Valdemar, a deadly treason that could destroy Queen and kingdom. Opposed by unknown enemies capable of both diabolical magic and treacherous assassination, the Queen must turn to Talia and the Heralds for aid in protecting the realm and insuring the future of the Queen’s heir, a child already in danger of becoming bespelled by the Queen’s own foes.
Download and start listening now!
"This was the first book by Mercedes Lackey I ever read. I was in 8th grade. It was really good and lead me to the rest of the books she wrote, and I continue to read her new releases. I reread it, and it's still a fun book. Good introduction to the world of companions and the queens own."
— Twiztid (4 out of 5 stars)
“The story is well told, and the major characters are well-drawn. As a whole, the trilogy offers evidence of Lackey’s…potential to become a major figure in the field.”
— Booklist, praise for the series" I read this one, and I barely remember it.. But it's by Lackey, so it must be okay. "
— Jesse, 2/19/2014" This is the first book I read of Lackey's - I now own the whole series and a few more. Good read with a great world and fast paced enough to keep you reading when you should be sleeping. "
— Georgena, 2/7/2014" While not perfect I can understand why so many friends have recommended it over the years. "
— Matthew, 1/26/2014" Basically, this is a rewrite of McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern, but without the trace science-fictional trappings, and with horses instead of dragons. "
— David, 1/26/2014" Her first Valdemar book, and one worth reading again. Very good descriptions. Young adult, so keep that in mind "
— Lauren, 1/10/2014" On loan from the boyfriend's sister. Fantasy hasn't been my typical fare lately, but I'm getting into it. Good thing it's the first of a series ;) "
— Ericka, 12/20/2013" The first four Heralds of Valdemar are the best of Lackey (I've read ~12 of hers). The second novel is only OK. The first is definitely the best. "
— Summer, 11/25/2013" I like the series, but the plots are remarkably similar - hard luck kid gets Chosen, struggles a bit, then finds his/her place. "
— Cecilia, 8/17/2013" This is my favorite book ever. I first read it when I was in 5thish grade, and have loved it and reread it numerous times. "
— Tonya, 5/5/2013" My all-time favorite book, in my all-time favorite series. "
— Willow, 4/10/2013" Enjoyed the book, wish i had a horse companion "
— Annmarie, 8/3/2012" Some days, this is my favorite series and somedays it's my second favorite. :) "
— Marie, 7/21/2012" My favorite fantasy author and possibly my favorite author period. This first Trilogy is one of the best. "
— Mary, 11/8/2011" Mercedes Lackey is my very most favorite author. I've only listed this book here because it's the one to start with and it would take way too long to add all of them. "
— Jillian, 10/18/2011" Really fun. I enjoyed a lot of things about this. I enjoyed how Lackey didn't hide from having her character deal with long-term verbal abuse, and I liked that it was frank about sex. It was just a really fun take on the fantasy genre, and I will definitely be reading the sequel. "
— Ms., 9/4/2011" Review coming. This is a classic read for any girl or woman who loves fantasy. "
— Jeanne, 8/9/2011" Reread for the nostalgia factor and it really didn't hold up, alas. "
— Stacey, 7/8/2011" I can't wait to see what happens next. Completely compelling. "
— Haley, 6/17/2011" Way back in middle school, I devoured this series and cried quarts over the third book. I thought I would try them to see how I thought they stood up. It was pretty cliched--very Chosen One who turns out to have ALL the powers--but it's also deftly done, which helps a lot. (Dec 2011) "
— Maureen, 6/13/2011" This book got me hooked on Mercedes Lackey. The series may have some triggers for some people though. "
— Chrysty, 6/1/2011" Very fond of this series, read as a teenager. <br/> "
— Triskeles, 5/6/2011" Love the entire Valdemar series and grab and read any new ones assoon as they are out. A really great starter to the series. Strong protagonists and a really good read "
— Penny, 4/12/2011" I love this book. I love the whole series of books. Wonderful Fantasy books. I wish I could live in this world. "
— Lyndsaygrace, 3/4/2011" Entertaining, but not amazing. "
— Lisa, 1/31/2011Mercedes Lackey is a bestselling American author of fantasy novels, including the Valdemar series, the Elemental Masters series, the 500 Kingdoms series, and many more. She also has written many stand-alone novellas and short stories.
Christa Lewis has narrated over two hundred audiobooks. She is a classically trained actress with a four-year conservatory training in voice and acting. She has a smart and funny vibe, but can also meet the moment in straightforward or somber works of nonfiction thanks to a seventeen-year stint as a newsreader. Christa speaks accent-free German fluently and offers a variety of believable accents and dialects. Her narrations are well received—there have been seven Earphones awards across a variety of genres—YA, literary fiction, biography and memoir—a 2019 SOVAS Voice Arts Award in Biography and two Audie nominations. Pippa Jayne was the Sultry Listeners’ Award Winner 2019 in the Erotica category.