Beyond Paperback – March 1, 2022

I read this novel voraciously. I had meant to only read a few chapters and stretch out reading this book into a week of enjoyment. Once I started, I just couldn’t stop. I should have realized I wasn’t going to be able to read it in small bits, it is a Valdemar novel and one written by M. Lackey, herself. Only the anthology short stories, have I ever been able to read slowly.Beyond was well plotted and written. The characters were so incredibly developed with so many great nuances to them, it made reading their story a privilege. As the reader, you already know that Valdemar away from the Empire was going to be created. How they got there, maybe not as much.Kordas and Isla were impressive to say the least. Kordas’s comment at one point about though being an arranged marriage, doesn’t mean Love is not there, even if it’s not the heart pounding initial love that might attract two people, is very true. I often wonder if this form of bonding and love isn’t better, you get to still be yourselves, but learn to allow for the other person to work with you and grow. They even address the fact that if Isla, if she ever met someone she did fall in love with, Kordas would annul their wedding vows. I don’t think either of them would necessarily find anyone better suited for each other.The various mages, and their circumspect way of speaking in code about The Plan was humorous. Having Delia there to act as the uninitiated, and when explaining things to herself, definitely helps if the reader missed some of the various double speak moments.My guess is the next book will be more of Delia and her potential suitor(s) as the new Kingdom of Valdemar is grown and expanded upon. Followed by when the King helps to make the Companions a reality to help this foundering land become something truly exceptional.Whenever I read a Lackey novel, after I always feel good about human nature and what life has to offer. She does show that there are bad things in the worlds, but a good person doesn’t have to succumb to that and be bad themselves. They should always strive to better things for themselves and others. Maybe a bit simplistic and naive to some, but to me it seems like rather impressive goals and something we should all strive for, especially with all the inequalities that are occurring in our own world. Reading her words always makes me feel as these inequalities can be addressed, maybe not completely removed yet, but we can make a better world together if we try.On a side note, I hope for more Diana Tregarde novels to someday be created. I understand that they were never the big sellers for her, which I don’t understand as I truly enjoyed them. I hope that maybe the wheel will turn or spins and possibly they might become popular now or in the near future, even if they weren’t initially. It would be difficult to surpass the popularity of the Valdemar books, but I would love to see them try.

At the outset, this book suffers from what every prequel suffers from – a diminishment of risk. We are expected to know coming into this that Valdemar will succeed. We know, before we open the front cover, that he will go on to found a kingdom in his name, pray for the guarantee this kingdom will not succumb to evil rulers, and be gifted the Companions as an answer to his prayers. He’s not going to die. He’s not going to fail.Lackey solves this problem in the beginning by introducing Kordas Valdemar in a most unheroic, or at least undignified situation, and letting the mix of humor and drama in turns carry us through the opening scene and into the story. Her narrative style, her voice, is a force in itself.Soon after, she brings in hosts of exciting characters and puts one in mortal danger (not saying which or what the outcome is – this book is way too good to spoil). We know Valdemar will survive. Will Ilsa? Delia? Cestin? Sydney? We have no clue. Beltran has a good chance, since he has the title of herald, but even with him, it’s not quite a guarantee.We learn of Valdemar’s plans and the more secretive workings of the kingdom through the point of view of Delia as she is brought in on “The Plan”. That gives on thread of a story a delightful isekai vibe. True, she’s a native to this land, but there is so much going on beneath the surface of which, at the story’s start, she is unaware.The story starts of charmingly, but soon rachets up the tension to the point it is impossible to put it down. I’m glad I was working from home while reading this, or I would have missed my stop on the train. As it is, it kept me up far past my bedtime.Fans of Lackey’s work will find elements from across her canon here. Again, no spoilers, but there is some depth added to one very interesting magical phenomenon that dates all the way back to The Last Herald Mage.In my opinion, this is Lackey’s greatest novel, a master writer at her strongest. The only thing I didn’t like about this book is it ended and as of this writing book 2 isn’t out yet.Oh, and don’t skip the dedication page. It’s amongst the most profound and forceful ever written. Lackey does not mince words. She’s also not wrong.

I purchased the Kindle edition of this book.This book was a nice change of pace from the continuing encyclopedia of Mags and his family (currently at 11 books). I have enjoyed many of the Valdemar books, and when I heard about this one I was hoping beyond my usual expectation for something fun. I got it.That being said, the book is filled with explanations, as Lackey is wont to do. I expect this, but I know a lot of people dislike it. These two things make her explanations tolerable: (1) The explanations fit into the story instead of standing out like a sore thumb, and (2) Lackey's "voice" as she narrates is - at least for me - very fun / interesting / stress-relieving.I was surprised with the Duke's solution. It isn't often that Lackey's characters go in that direction so blatantly.Alas, I continue to be disappointed with DAW's apparent inability to hire a decent copy editor.

Loved the book. Finally learning the history behind the creation of Valdemar.The stresses and strains emotionally involved in the escape and the generations of planning are fascinating. Then th way things finally come together are amazing. I love that the Duke was returned to his family and they could function as a real family now.

I love the series. Reading how this all started was Very satisfying. Characters are well written and flushed out so they seem human. Loved finding out how the Vrondi Made it to Valdemar.

Meesterlijk geschreven en een prachtig verhaal.Kende de andere boeken al.Weet nu hoe het begonnen is.Het verdiend een dikke aanbeveling

Dopo la trilogia dedicata alle Guerre dei Maghi, arriva questo capitolo ambientato, credo, in un futuro remoto.Intendiamoci, il worldbuilding c'è ed è affascinante, una trasposizione in chiave fantasy di molti concetti della fantascienza. Grande cura nei dettagli pertinenti la vita quotidiana, come in un documentario.E basta.Per il resto, un libro noiosissimo! Il protagonista è perfetto, irritante, nauseabondo nel suo essere dritto e puro, un santo!La trama è abbastanza semplice: nascondere agli occhi dell'Impero corrotto l'evacuazione di un intero ducato, armi e bagagli, animali compresi, in un mondo dove arrivano lontani gli occhi dei maghi. E tocca al protagonista distrarre l'attenzione dell'Imperatore, un sadico guerrafondaio, fino al completamento di un piano vecchio quanto il nonno di Kordas.Il problema è che Kordas, appena giunge in città, si fà prendere la mano dal proprio altruismo, al punto da includere, in un crescendo che sfiora la categoria, intere categorie di persone, dal personale di servizio ai bambini-ostaggio dei nobili, all'intera popolazione della città! Massì, la mia famiglia ha concepito un piano clamoroso e attento fin nei minimi dettagli per trasferire un ducato in modo che l'imperatore non possa scoprirlo e infiliamoci l'intera città, tanto chissenefrega l'importante è salvare TUTTI!Invece di giocare su questa mostruosa egomania, sui rischi che essa comporta, l'autrice spiana la strada ai protagonisti santi e buoni col potere del plot armor! Va tutto bene, ogni volta che qualcosa potrebbe minacciare il piano oplà, pronta la soluzione! La famiglia? Massì, abbiamo spazio per un'altra città, tesoro, anzi, invita pure i nemici dell'Impero, che facciamo una bella grigliata!Non c'è senso di pathos, niente, solo sbadigli. La città e l'imperatore stesso sono figure talmente generiche da non avere alcun appeal. Non c'è un pericolo che sia uno, solo tante elucubrazioni che, naturalmente, diventano spazio rubato nel libro, dato che ad un certo punto non ci credi più che esistano dei problemi.Noioso noioso noioso noiooooosooooo!Piccole note:1) perché 'la fondazione di Valdemar'? Il posto che stanno abbandonando si chiama Valdemar e vogliono fondare Valdemar?!?2) ovviamente, l'unico potenziale vero nemico viscido non lo era, anzi, figurarsi3)Non si capisce come l'impero sia diventato quel che è, non una spiegazione delle sue radici, delle sue origini. Solo una capitale malvagia perché industrializzata.4) dei residui mistici della Guerra dei Maghi si fà menzione giusto all'inizio. Non avranno alcun peso.

To anyone who knows the Valdemar series and the writings of Mercedes Lackey this feels like snuggling into a warm robe of familiarity. It has her familiar depth of detail and her well crafted characters who live on the page. I loved it and couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next in the series! I could still punch Merrin, but you will know why when you read it right to the end! I definitely recommend to anyone who likes richly detailed, well crafted worlds.

A fabulous fast paced story, hard to put down just like all the Valdemar books. The characters are so real and likeable, so happy the Plan was achieved! Can,t wait for more from Lackey,s imaginative mind. Excellent!