I have loved this book since I was a teen. I've read it a couple of times since and I'm not a type to read books more than a once. I've even passed them on to my girls and they enjoyed the series. Don't stop with "Arrows" series... there are others that are great. Leave me a note if you want suggestions of which.

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An interesting read. Pretty typical of Mercedes Lackey--strong female character, lots of magic.

The main character, Talia, runs away from an arranged marriage at the age of thirteen. She's then Chosen by a magical companion and becomes a Herald, learning to use her telepathic abilities to protect the kingdom.

Definitely worth reading.

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I bought this book and the 2nd one in the series to ease my mind during a plane trip to San Francisco (plus a stop off in Detroit). I didn't really expect to like these books...but I did. At least, they don't stimulate your brain very much, but it's a pleasant enough read.

Is some of the plot implausible? Sure. Is some of the dialogue unbelievable? At times, yes. But I found myself overlooking those things and enjoying the story anyway.

Will I read this book again? Probably not, unless I take another long plane ride somewhere...

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A wonderful book! Talia breaks free of her opressively restrictive family to become a Herald--Valdemar's messengers, defenders of justice, and all-around heroes. She faces adventures and danger and overcoming her own mistrust of others with the help of her magical Companion, Rolan.

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Ahh... the first Mercedes Lackey book I ever read... and what a great one it is. I've re-read numerous times over the years and it remains to be one of my favorite books.

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This is the first, the VERY FIRST EVER Valdemar novel! Few fantasy series have garnered so many enthusiastic (maybe rabid) fans, and deservedly so!

From back cover: 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 Queens'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 which 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.

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Another in Lackey's history of Valdemar. Very good swords and sorcery.

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I was recommended this book as an introduction to Valdemar, and I wasn't impressed. Talia is a glaring Mary Sue, Lackey has a tendency to tell everything and show nothing, the worldbuilding uses far too many Capital Letters to describe Important Things and far too much handwaving, and if there was a plot I didn't notice it. It was a fun read for a few days, and I kept hoping it would get better, but it never did. Not the worst book I've ever read, but a disappointment overall.

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I loved this book! It has a great protagonist, and even though I'm no longer thirteen I definitely connected with her; this books could be great for a wide range of audiences. The plot can be somewhat stagnant at times, but since it is the first in a trilogy, I expect the next two books to have much more action. This book seemed like it was an introduction into the characters that will be written about more in the next 2 books. At any rate, I definitely think this series will be one of my favorites of the Valdemar novels, and I can't wait to read the next two!

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