Arrows of the Queen, written by Mercedes Lackey, is the first in the Heralds of Valdemar series. I lament the fact I was introduced to this book so (relatively) late in life, because I would have loved and cherished this book as a child. If I had read this book before my stint working at Chapters, I would have been recommending it left and right to young adults — but don’t let that deter you from reading this if you don’t generally like YA fiction.
The book follows Talia, a young runaway, as she is chosen by a Rolan (the mythical equine Companion) to become a Herald. Heralds are the elite magical peacekeepers of the realm of Valdemar. Talia is overwhelmed by the sudden grandeur of her new life, but her simple living has prepared her with enough no-nonsense attitude to flourish. Talia quickly finds herself embroiled in political intrigues — ones that put her life, and the life of the royal family, at risk.
““For the most part we are very much honored in this Kingdom; but being a Herald can also be a fatal occupation.””
WORLD BUILDING, THE BOOK (SPOILERS AHEAD)
Arrows of the Queen is clearly the set up for the next two books, Arrows Flight and (perhaps rather ominously named) Arrows Fall. To that end, the plot in Arrows of the Queen is very straightforward: Talia grows in her powers and her education, as well as works to solve the mystery of who killed Rolan’s last herald and who is attempting to kill the Queen? The mysteries do matter, but the book blossoms slowly and organically. Everything takes time when you’re setting is medieval. It makes sense how slowly the plot to undermine the Queen takes.
The characters make up a diverse cast, and the acceptance of LGBT* characters within Herald’s Collegium is refreshing. It’s fantastic to read a world where these relationships, while perhaps not universally allowed, are welcome within the Herald’s ranks. We are introduced to the world through Talia’s nonjudgmental eyes, allowing us to see the simple splendor of the little things. It is a quaint, refreshing novel in a time where the fantasy trend is decidedly grimdark. That said, I’m excited to read the rest of the series and see Talia encounter the harshness of the world outside the Collegium and Valdemar
5/5 stars.
-LJ
