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Alberich's Tale #2
Exile's Valor
This stand-alone novel in the Valdemar series continues the story of prickly weapons-master Alberich. Once a heroic Captain in the army of Karse, a kingdom at war with Valdemar, Alberich becomes one of Valdemar's Heralds. Despite prejudice against him, he becomes the personal protector of young Queen Selenay. But can he protect her from the dangers of her own heart?
438 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
About the author
Mercedes Lackey
631 books8,862 followersMercedes entered this world on June 24, 1950, in Chicago, had a normal childhood and graduated from Purdue University in 1972. During the late 70's she worked as an artist's model and then went into the computer programming field, ending up with American Airlines in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In addition to her fantasy writing, she has written lyrics for and recorded nearly fifty songs for Firebird Arts & Music, a small recording company specializing in science fiction folk music.
"I'm a storyteller; that's what I see as 'my job'. My stories come out of my characters; how those characters would react to the given situation. Maybe that's why I get letters from readers as young as thirteen and as old as sixty-odd. One of the reasons I write song lyrics is because I see songs as a kind of 'story pill' -- they reduce a story to the barest essentials or encapsulate a particular crucial moment in time. I frequently will write a lyric when I am attempting to get to the heart of a crucial scene; I find that when I have done so, the scene has become absolutely clear in my mind, and I can write exactly what I wanted to say. Another reason is because of the kind of novels I am writing: that is, fantasy, set in an other-world semi-medieval atmosphere. Music is very important to medieval peoples; bards are the chief newsbringers. When I write the 'folk music' of these peoples, I am enriching my whole world, whether I actually use the song in the text or not.
"I began writing out of boredom; I continue out of addiction. I can't 'not' write, and as a result I have no social life! I began writing fantasy because I love it, but I try to construct my fantasy worlds with all the care of a 'high-tech' science fiction writer. I apply the principle of TANSTAAFL ['There ain't no such thing as free lunch', credited to Robert Heinlein) to magic, for instance; in my worlds, magic is paid for, and the cost to the magician is frequently a high one. I try to keep my world as solid and real as possible; people deal with stubborn pumps, bugs in the porridge, and love-lives that refuse to become untangled, right along with invading armies and evil magicians. And I try to make all of my characters, even the 'evil magicians,' something more than flat stereotypes. Even evil magicians get up in the night and look for cookies, sometimes.
"I suppose that in everything I write I try to expound the creed I gave my character Diana Tregarde in Burning Water:
"There's no such thing as 'one, true way'; the only answers worth having are the ones you find for yourself; leave the world better than you found it. Love, freedom, and the chance to do some good -- they're the things worth living and dying for, and if you aren't willing to die for the things worth living for, you might as well turn in your membership in the human race."
Also writes as Misty Lackey
Author's website
"I'm a storyteller; that's what I see as 'my job'. My stories come out of my characters; how those characters would react to the given situation. Maybe that's why I get letters from readers as young as thirteen and as old as sixty-odd. One of the reasons I write song lyrics is because I see songs as a kind of 'story pill' -- they reduce a story to the barest essentials or encapsulate a particular crucial moment in time. I frequently will write a lyric when I am attempting to get to the heart of a crucial scene; I find that when I have done so, the scene has become absolutely clear in my mind, and I can write exactly what I wanted to say. Another reason is because of the kind of novels I am writing: that is, fantasy, set in an other-world semi-medieval atmosphere. Music is very important to medieval peoples; bards are the chief newsbringers. When I write the 'folk music' of these peoples, I am enriching my whole world, whether I actually use the song in the text or not.
"I began writing out of boredom; I continue out of addiction. I can't 'not' write, and as a result I have no social life! I began writing fantasy because I love it, but I try to construct my fantasy worlds with all the care of a 'high-tech' science fiction writer. I apply the principle of TANSTAAFL ['There ain't no such thing as free lunch', credited to Robert Heinlein) to magic, for instance; in my worlds, magic is paid for, and the cost to the magician is frequently a high one. I try to keep my world as solid and real as possible; people deal with stubborn pumps, bugs in the porridge, and love-lives that refuse to become untangled, right along with invading armies and evil magicians. And I try to make all of my characters, even the 'evil magicians,' something more than flat stereotypes. Even evil magicians get up in the night and look for cookies, sometimes.
"I suppose that in everything I write I try to expound the creed I gave my character Diana Tregarde in Burning Water:
"There's no such thing as 'one, true way'; the only answers worth having are the ones you find for yourself; leave the world better than you found it. Love, freedom, and the chance to do some good -- they're the things worth living and dying for, and if you aren't willing to die for the things worth living for, you might as well turn in your membership in the human race."
Also writes as Misty Lackey
Author's website
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
December 27, 2009
I don't think this is quite as strong a book as Exile's Honor, but I like it well enough. The primary plot (Selenay being a featherheaded teenager) is eyeroll-inducing at best, but I do like just about everything from Alberich's perspective, and his romance is charming and realistic, which is a nice change from all of the fated and sort of dire pairings we've seen so far.
Two small rants, though:
- Selenay is the Queen, had been raised from birth to rule, in an environment that has been firmly established to teach practical politics very, very well. How the hell is she not aware that a neighboring country has unmarried Princes of more or less relevant ages? They have treaties! Trade agreements! Ambassadors back and forth! The few pages she spends wondering if there are any eligible foreign men about undercut that entire plot for me. There's just no frigging way she's ignorant about such a fundamental detail.
- A lot of people gripe about Herald Myste, Lackey's admitted author-insertion character. I like her, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. The name is a bit over the top, perhaps, but she's a good character who fits a useful role in the story, and has many fewer Mary Sue qualities than, say, Vanyel (who is perfect in every way.) There are damned few middle-aged women who get to do awesome things in fantasy novels, and the more, the better. Especially when they get the guy in the end, too.
Two small rants, though:
- Selenay is the Queen, had been raised from birth to rule, in an environment that has been firmly established to teach practical politics very, very well. How the hell is she not aware that a neighboring country has unmarried Princes of more or less relevant ages? They have treaties! Trade agreements! Ambassadors back and forth! The few pages she spends wondering if there are any eligible foreign men about undercut that entire plot for me. There's just no frigging way she's ignorant about such a fundamental detail.
- A lot of people gripe about Herald Myste, Lackey's admitted author-insertion character. I like her, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. The name is a bit over the top, perhaps, but she's a good character who fits a useful role in the story, and has many fewer Mary Sue qualities than, say, Vanyel (who is perfect in every way.) There are damned few middle-aged women who get to do awesome things in fantasy novels, and the more, the better. Especially when they get the guy in the end, too.
May 1, 2017
I think this book was even better the second time around. I always love noticing stuff I missed the first time around... And sometimes it is the silliest things... for instance this line from the book made me giggle out loud this time through and I did not even remember it the first time through. Last page of Chapter 12 pg 258 in the paperback version. The line is "chattering like a flock of noisy little birds, and he with the look of a man being nibbled to death by ducks". All I can say is Ms. Lackey has a cruel streak, cuz I have seen a flock of ducks go crazy for a bunch of bread and you would not want to ever be their target. It would be a VERY slow agonizing death! Anyway, with this being my 2nd or 3rd read for the Valdemar series I have to say I am really enjoying falling in love with the world she created all over again. Her's were the first fantasy novels I had ever read where there were not only openly accepted gay & lesbian characters; but some of them were actually the hero of the books. Definitely not how most gay & lesbians were portrayed in books & films when I was growing up. It was great in this series to finally get Alberich's full story as well as so much of Selenay's background filled in. A definite must read!
July 13, 2018
To my surprise, I never read this book before. I thought I read all the Valdemar novels long ago. Obviously not. As many stories later in this series, it’s kind of a mystery. Something strange is going on in the capital of Valdemar, and Herald Alberich, the kingdom’s Weaponsmaster, is investigating. Along the way, he is doing the other part of his duties, teaching weapons and fighting techniques to the students of the three Collegiums: the Bards, the Healers, and the Heralds.
Alberich is one of the two protagonists and POV persons in this story. Another is the young Queen Selenay, who is grieving for her father, slain during the recent war, and simultaneously dreaming of love and romance, as any other young woman.
Neither character is depicted very well. Neither feels alive. Although the plot is interesting, and could’ve made an engaging book, the execution is poor, and the pace snail-like slow. To every page of action, there are at least two pages of explanations and contemplations.
In fact, explanations, preaching, and pointless data dumps dominate this book. I didn’t like it at all. I read to the end only for the plot, even though I had to wade through the unnecessary verbiage to get from one turning point to another.
Alberich is one of the two protagonists and POV persons in this story. Another is the young Queen Selenay, who is grieving for her father, slain during the recent war, and simultaneously dreaming of love and romance, as any other young woman.
Neither character is depicted very well. Neither feels alive. Although the plot is interesting, and could’ve made an engaging book, the execution is poor, and the pace snail-like slow. To every page of action, there are at least two pages of explanations and contemplations.
In fact, explanations, preaching, and pointless data dumps dominate this book. I didn’t like it at all. I read to the end only for the plot, even though I had to wade through the unnecessary verbiage to get from one turning point to another.
September 28, 2010
I do love Lackey's Valdemar and picked up the earlier books eagerly. For me they're the equivalent of bookly comfort food. But I was disappointed in the earlier book centered on Alberich, Exile's Honor, and I'm afraid this sequel to it is no improvement.
It's a common criticism of Lackey that she's very black and white in her worldview and characterizations. That doesn't suit in fleshing out the supposedly intimidating Alberich, who hails from Valdemar's traditional enemy, Karse. It also doesn't help with the major plot-line of the book, which deals with the young Queen Selenay's first marriage; Prince Karathanelan practically has stamped on his head: I'm a walking disaster--which makes Selenay rather stupid for ever finding him appealing, especially given how much is made of her struggle not to have herself married off by her council. If you're new to Lackey and her Valdemar, I'd try Arrows of the Queen or Magic's Pawn as an introduction instead--I can't recommend this one to anyone but hardcore fans.
It's a common criticism of Lackey that she's very black and white in her worldview and characterizations. That doesn't suit in fleshing out the supposedly intimidating Alberich, who hails from Valdemar's traditional enemy, Karse. It also doesn't help with the major plot-line of the book, which deals with the young Queen Selenay's first marriage; Prince Karathanelan practically has stamped on his head: I'm a walking disaster--which makes Selenay rather stupid for ever finding him appealing, especially given how much is made of her struggle not to have herself married off by her council. If you're new to Lackey and her Valdemar, I'd try Arrows of the Queen or Magic's Pawn as an introduction instead--I can't recommend this one to anyone but hardcore fans.
June 10, 2022
Second in the Exile Duology subseries and seventh in the Heralds of Valdemar subseries all in the Valdemar universe, in 1376 AF (After Founding), and revolving around the Heralds of Valdemar. The focus switches back and forth between Queen Selenay and Weaponsmaster Alberich. If you're interested, there is a chronological listing of the Valdemar books on my website.
My Take
I like it. You don't need a special building or a religieux to honor God; it's what in your heart that matters.
Lackey uses a third person global subjective point-of-view from a variety of perspectives including Alberich and his massacre of the language — it certainly sets him apart, Selenay, and Myste.
I love how Alberich solved his privacy issue — and that the Companions enjoy it too, lol. Everyone also seems to enjoy Hurlee. It is a practical solution for too-active students and is a useful addition at the end.
Poor Selenay has lucked out with Myste and her knowledge, shooting down her pushy Councilors, lol. She is proving to be a thoughtful queen; it's too bad our own politicians can't be as considerate. On the negative side, Selenay is feeling caged, overworked, and misses her father. It does not help that her Council is trying to control her and insist she do what they say. I suspect it's why she succumbs to Karath.
Karath is . . . hoo boy, something else, a real idiot. He seems the answer to a maiden's prayer, but Lackey is cruel to her readers, as she slowly lays out the critical conflict. It gets really "good" after the wedding! I found myself cheering with almost every event! It does help how the Heralds conspire to get some time off for Selenay — and protect her.
The Collegia in Haven (for trainee Bards, Heralds, and Healers) are what our schools should aspire to. How they handled that disaster of the mirrors was admirable and really pounded the lesson in. I adored how Alberich responded to that uppity Blue! YES! As for his response to that Blue's partner? Another yes.
Lackey had an issue with her continuity. At first Adain is a Bardic Trainee, but he later has a Companion while Mical is said to be an Heraldic Trainee, but he's assigned a horse from the stables. Should be the other way around.
It is amazing how much Lackey manages to pack into Exile's Valor, from Selenay's having been on the throne for six months to getting courted and married, and then having a baby! While Selenay is the main story with several plotlines revolving around her, Lackey also inserts other tangents with students, Hurlee, and Alberich's "excursions".
I must confess that I did find it slow-going in some places, but these niggles aside, Exile's Valor is both character- and action-driven. It's one of my favorites in the Valdemar series.
The Story
It's a betrayal of sorts, Queen Selenay's Councilors are insisting she marry — their choice. Then there are those who are betting on whether she can last six months before they congratulate her on ascending the throne.
It's lucky for Selenay that Alberich is her suspicious Weaponsmaster with his ear to the ground.There are too many anomalies that begin to add up to a danger to the queen's heart.
The Characters
Herald Alberich, a.k.a. Great Rider, a former Karsite with a Gift for ForeSight, is the new Weaponsmaster. One of Alberich's aliases is Bret Carter. Kantor is his Companion and the disciplinarian of the Companion herd. Herald Dethor is the former Weaponsmaster.
The Kingdom of Valdemar is . . .
. . . ruled over by Queen Selenay. Caryo is Selenay's Companion. Sendar had been Selenay's father and the previous king. Elspeth is the stomach with a warhorn . . . and heir. Melidy had been Selenay's nurse. Some of Selenay's lady's maids include Lady Jenice and Lady Betrice. Selenay's Councilors include Lord Garthese and Lord Orthallen. Heralds uphold the laws throughout the land. The Provost Marshal is in charge of discipline.
Kyril is the Seneschal's Herald. Herald Elcarth, who suggested the stained glass, is the Acting Dean of Herald's Collegium; Bard Arissa is the Dean of Bardic Collegium. Talamir is the Queen's Own Herald . . . and not entirely in the here and now; Rolan is his Grove-Born Companion. Taver had been Talamir's original Companion until events in Exile’s Honor , Exile 1. Myste Willenger, formerly an accountant and clerk, is Herald-Chronicler-Second with esoteric knowledge of the laws and the strongest Truth-sensing ability. Aleirian is her Companion.
Mirilin and Jadus, after losing his leg in Exile’s Honor , are the Heralds permanently assigned to dispense justice in Haven. Herald Ravinia (her Gift is Mindspeech and Animal Mindspeech) is usually out riding circuit and has a relationship, ahem, with Mirilin. Sheiteny is Ravinia's Companion. Keren (Talamir is her grandfather), permanently stationed in Haven as the riding instructor with Dantris as her Companion, and Ylsa, a Special Messenger, are Heralds and partners; they'll become Selenay's bodyguards. Heralds Alton and Shanate are alternate bodyguards. Teren is Keren's twin brother who married and begot children; he was later Chosen. Herald Peled teaches law?? Jandal is a Companion.
Captain Lekar is with the City Guard, who meets with Alberich. Rusken and Kimel are a couple of the Guardsmen training with Alberich.
Students in the Herald's Collegium include Korten, Ledale, Aldo, Triana, Kadhael Corbie is an uppity Blue, Osberic, and Telbrenm who will have to take charge of a weapons session. Companion Cheric brought in a "Tedrel Orphan", Theodren; Trainee Rotherven will be Theodren's mentor. Some of those involved in Hurlee include Harrow (and I think Lekaron is his Companion), Shanda, and Brion.
Adain, a Bardic Trainee, is tight with Mical, an Heraldic Trainee whose Gift is Touchreading with Eloran as his Companion, and they're notorious for their pranks. Anelie is a sympathetic Healer. Healer Crathach is Mical's second cousin.
Marriage candidates include Rannulf, who is Gartheser's nephew. His mother is Lady Elena of Penderkeep. Orthallen's nephew Kris is a bit young. Devlin Gereton, a budding expert in drama, is the third son of Lord Stevel Gereton, a family which has not distinguished itself.
Cuelin is the Master of the Glassworkers Guild. Elkin is a glassworker favored by Cuelin.
Norris Lettyn is the primary actor in his troupe, and they're operating from the Three Sheaves Inn in the Cattle Market area. He's quite the man with the ladies and appears to be living beyond his means. Laric had been a butler and knows Myste.
Hardorn is . . .
. . . a country allied with Valdemar. Alessandr is king. Ambassador Werenton will be replaced by Isadere.
Rethwellan is . . .
. . . also an ally of Valdemar. Ambassador Brenthalarian requests that Selenay receive King Megrarthon's second son, the attentive, handsome Prince Karathanelan "Karath". The king's heir, Faramentha, has a young son.
The Temple of the Lord of Light is how Valdemarans refer to the Temple of Vkandis Sunlord, the Karsite religion. Priest Gerichen is a true man of the Sunlord.
The Broken Arms is a tavern — try not to eat or drink here. The Companion's Bell is a tavern popular with Heralds with a secret room for Alberich. The Compass Rose seems to be popular with the students. Hurlee started as a war training exercise and quickly evolved. It was the disastrous Tedrel Wars in Exile’s Honor that changed so much of Valdemar. Swordmistress Tarma shena Tale'sedrin was a famed Shin'a'in with a training school in the Vows and Honors subseries. The Maidens of the Moon is a legend of Rethwellan. The Silver Horn is a brothel for the rich with Kassie as one of the "ladies".
The Cover and Title
Two-thirds of the left side of the cover is a dreamy purple with swirls of a pale lilac forming the background for the author's name at the top in a black-shadowed gold. Below this is a gold-framed heater shield with a background of birch trees. Thrusting from the left edge of the shield is the head of a white Companion wearing a brown bridle, his mane streaming behind him. Below this is a black-shadowed white for the title and below this is a series blurb in black. On the right side of the cover is the mêlée at the end with more birch trees in the background.
The title refers to Alberich and this Exile’s Valor.
My Take
I like it. You don't need a special building or a religieux to honor God; it's what in your heart that matters.
Lackey uses a third person global subjective point-of-view from a variety of perspectives including Alberich and his massacre of the language — it certainly sets him apart, Selenay, and Myste.
I love how Alberich solved his privacy issue — and that the Companions enjoy it too, lol. Everyone also seems to enjoy Hurlee. It is a practical solution for too-active students and is a useful addition at the end.
Poor Selenay has lucked out with Myste and her knowledge, shooting down her pushy Councilors, lol. She is proving to be a thoughtful queen; it's too bad our own politicians can't be as considerate. On the negative side, Selenay is feeling caged, overworked, and misses her father. It does not help that her Council is trying to control her and insist she do what they say. I suspect it's why she succumbs to Karath.
Karath is . . . hoo boy, something else, a real idiot. He seems the answer to a maiden's prayer, but Lackey is cruel to her readers, as she slowly lays out the critical conflict. It gets really "good" after the wedding! I found myself cheering with almost every event! It does help how the Heralds conspire to get some time off for Selenay — and protect her.
The Collegia in Haven (for trainee Bards, Heralds, and Healers) are what our schools should aspire to. How they handled that disaster of the mirrors was admirable and really pounded the lesson in. I adored how Alberich responded to that uppity Blue! YES! As for his response to that Blue's partner? Another yes.
Lackey had an issue with her continuity. At first Adain is a Bardic Trainee, but he later has a Companion while Mical is said to be an Heraldic Trainee, but he's assigned a horse from the stables. Should be the other way around.
It is amazing how much Lackey manages to pack into Exile's Valor, from Selenay's having been on the throne for six months to getting courted and married, and then having a baby! While Selenay is the main story with several plotlines revolving around her, Lackey also inserts other tangents with students, Hurlee, and Alberich's "excursions".
I must confess that I did find it slow-going in some places, but these niggles aside, Exile's Valor is both character- and action-driven. It's one of my favorites in the Valdemar series.
The Story
It's a betrayal of sorts, Queen Selenay's Councilors are insisting she marry — their choice. Then there are those who are betting on whether she can last six months before they congratulate her on ascending the throne.
It's lucky for Selenay that Alberich is her suspicious Weaponsmaster with his ear to the ground.There are too many anomalies that begin to add up to a danger to the queen's heart.
The Characters
Herald Alberich, a.k.a. Great Rider, a former Karsite with a Gift for ForeSight, is the new Weaponsmaster. One of Alberich's aliases is Bret Carter. Kantor is his Companion and the disciplinarian of the Companion herd. Herald Dethor is the former Weaponsmaster.
The Kingdom of Valdemar is . . .
. . . ruled over by Queen Selenay. Caryo is Selenay's Companion. Sendar had been Selenay's father and the previous king. Elspeth is the stomach with a warhorn . . . and heir. Melidy had been Selenay's nurse. Some of Selenay's lady's maids include Lady Jenice and Lady Betrice. Selenay's Councilors include Lord Garthese and Lord Orthallen. Heralds uphold the laws throughout the land. The Provost Marshal is in charge of discipline.
Kyril is the Seneschal's Herald. Herald Elcarth, who suggested the stained glass, is the Acting Dean of Herald's Collegium; Bard Arissa is the Dean of Bardic Collegium. Talamir is the Queen's Own Herald . . . and not entirely in the here and now; Rolan is his Grove-Born Companion. Taver had been Talamir's original Companion until events in Exile’s Honor , Exile 1. Myste Willenger, formerly an accountant and clerk, is Herald-Chronicler-Second with esoteric knowledge of the laws and the strongest Truth-sensing ability. Aleirian is her Companion.
Mirilin and Jadus, after losing his leg in Exile’s Honor , are the Heralds permanently assigned to dispense justice in Haven. Herald Ravinia (her Gift is Mindspeech and Animal Mindspeech) is usually out riding circuit and has a relationship, ahem, with Mirilin. Sheiteny is Ravinia's Companion. Keren (Talamir is her grandfather), permanently stationed in Haven as the riding instructor with Dantris as her Companion, and Ylsa, a Special Messenger, are Heralds and partners; they'll become Selenay's bodyguards. Heralds Alton and Shanate are alternate bodyguards. Teren is Keren's twin brother who married and begot children; he was later Chosen. Herald Peled teaches law?? Jandal is a Companion.
Captain Lekar is with the City Guard, who meets with Alberich. Rusken and Kimel are a couple of the Guardsmen training with Alberich.
Students in the Herald's Collegium include Korten, Ledale, Aldo, Triana, Kadhael Corbie is an uppity Blue, Osberic, and Telbrenm who will have to take charge of a weapons session. Companion Cheric brought in a "Tedrel Orphan", Theodren; Trainee Rotherven will be Theodren's mentor. Some of those involved in Hurlee include Harrow (and I think Lekaron is his Companion), Shanda, and Brion.
Adain, a Bardic Trainee, is tight with Mical, an Heraldic Trainee whose Gift is Touchreading with Eloran as his Companion, and they're notorious for their pranks. Anelie is a sympathetic Healer. Healer Crathach is Mical's second cousin.
Marriage candidates include Rannulf, who is Gartheser's nephew. His mother is Lady Elena of Penderkeep. Orthallen's nephew Kris is a bit young. Devlin Gereton, a budding expert in drama, is the third son of Lord Stevel Gereton, a family which has not distinguished itself.
Cuelin is the Master of the Glassworkers Guild. Elkin is a glassworker favored by Cuelin.
Norris Lettyn is the primary actor in his troupe, and they're operating from the Three Sheaves Inn in the Cattle Market area. He's quite the man with the ladies and appears to be living beyond his means. Laric had been a butler and knows Myste.
Hardorn is . . .
. . . a country allied with Valdemar. Alessandr is king. Ambassador Werenton will be replaced by Isadere.
Rethwellan is . . .
. . . also an ally of Valdemar. Ambassador Brenthalarian requests that Selenay receive King Megrarthon's second son, the attentive, handsome Prince Karathanelan "Karath". The king's heir, Faramentha, has a young son.
The Temple of the Lord of Light is how Valdemarans refer to the Temple of Vkandis Sunlord, the Karsite religion. Priest Gerichen is a true man of the Sunlord.
The Broken Arms is a tavern — try not to eat or drink here. The Companion's Bell is a tavern popular with Heralds with a secret room for Alberich. The Compass Rose seems to be popular with the students. Hurlee started as a war training exercise and quickly evolved. It was the disastrous Tedrel Wars in Exile’s Honor that changed so much of Valdemar. Swordmistress Tarma shena Tale'sedrin was a famed Shin'a'in with a training school in the Vows and Honors subseries. The Maidens of the Moon is a legend of Rethwellan. The Silver Horn is a brothel for the rich with Kassie as one of the "ladies".
The Cover and Title
Two-thirds of the left side of the cover is a dreamy purple with swirls of a pale lilac forming the background for the author's name at the top in a black-shadowed gold. Below this is a gold-framed heater shield with a background of birch trees. Thrusting from the left edge of the shield is the head of a white Companion wearing a brown bridle, his mane streaming behind him. Below this is a black-shadowed white for the title and below this is a series blurb in black. On the right side of the cover is the mêlée at the end with more birch trees in the background.
The title refers to Alberich and this Exile’s Valor.
November 5, 2020
In a vacuum, this book would be fine. But it's not. I imagine most people reading it will have read the previous book Exile's Honor or any of the two dozen other books set in the world of Valdemar by Mercedes Lackey. It just doesn't quite fit with everything, which is the flaw of a prequel to a book written 15 years after the original book. Things aren't mentioned for a variety of reasons: . I understand it's fully difficult to write within gaps with prequels, but the number of things never to be referenced again is rather disappointing. I also have a hard time believing that I know Valdemar is a particularly odd location when it comes to the "civilized world," but my previous spoiler text strains credulity.
That said, it's still a mostly fun book, getting to see Alberich make connections with certain other Heralds, as well as the long, slow process of espionage. Clearly Take a Thief and these two Alberich books is the beginning of Lackey's turn to Herald-Spy fiction that she later expands and continues with the Collegium Chronicles and its sequels (saying that I'm not a fan of the Mags books may be understating it).
Anyone familiar with the Arrows trilogy is likely to be frustrated since the secret villain is both obvious and his comeuppance won't come for years. Some of the decisions made also destroyed my suspension of disbelief (why was the Queen left in the dark so long?).
That said, it's still a mostly fun book, getting to see Alberich make connections with certain other Heralds, as well as the long, slow process of espionage. Clearly Take a Thief and these two Alberich books is the beginning of Lackey's turn to Herald-Spy fiction that she later expands and continues with the Collegium Chronicles and its sequels (saying that I'm not a fan of the Mags books may be understating it).
Anyone familiar with the Arrows trilogy is likely to be frustrated since the secret villain is both obvious and his comeuppance won't come for years. Some of the decisions made also destroyed my suspension of disbelief (why was the Queen left in the dark so long?).
April 21, 2020
Exile's Valor was a decent book; entertaining with some poignant parts and I liked getting to spend more time with Alberich. However, it was very much more YA than Exile's Honor, and it seemed like Selenay - who came across as very mature in the prior book - lost most of her brain for the majority of this story.
Also, it can't possibly be that difficult to come up with some evidence against the 'patron'. They have at least two of the coded (now decoded) letters that were being passed, and those letters contain information that the queen had to have confided in someone. By the end of the book, when she's accepted that the courtship and marriage were a sham to steal her throne, it should be a simple enough matter to show her the letters and ask who she confided the information to. As has been pointed out by multiple characters, it's not like there are many possibilities, and she should recognize the importance of ousting and hanging for treason whoever passed such personal information in a conspiracy to have her killed and Valdemar ruled by a tyrant regent.
Overall, I would have liked Exile's Valor a lot more if it had been written in the same adult tone as Exile's Honor. It's still a decent book as it is, just not anywhere as good as its predecessor.
Also, it can't possibly be that difficult to come up with some evidence against the 'patron'. They have at least two of the coded (now decoded) letters that were being passed, and those letters contain information that the queen had to have confided in someone. By the end of the book, when she's accepted that the courtship and marriage were a sham to steal her throne, it should be a simple enough matter to show her the letters and ask who she confided the information to. As has been pointed out by multiple characters, it's not like there are many possibilities, and she should recognize the importance of ousting and hanging for treason whoever passed such personal information in a conspiracy to have her killed and Valdemar ruled by a tyrant regent.
Overall, I would have liked Exile's Valor a lot more if it had been written in the same adult tone as Exile's Honor. It's still a decent book as it is, just not anywhere as good as its predecessor.
August 19, 2018
It has been less than a year since the death of King Sendar in the Tedrel Wars. His daughter, Selenay, has been crowned but her youth makes her Councilers nervous. There is a plan among them to get her married off and she is determined to thwart them, unless her own heart leads her astray.
In the meantime, her Weaponsmaster, Alberich, has found some disturbing signs in his second role as spymaster for the Heralds. He has found someone trying to foment unrest against Selenay and he has also seen some questionable activity involving some young nobles.
All this while the day-to-day life of Valdemar goes on.
I don't know what to say about any book written by Mercedes Lackey. I've run out of superlatives. Recently, a friend commented that he was reading a book and there were no anti-heroes. The main characters didn't cross lines or justify immoral acts with the idea that it was for the good of all. They were just heroes.
I agree with him. Thank the Universe for Mercedes Lackey.
In the meantime, her Weaponsmaster, Alberich, has found some disturbing signs in his second role as spymaster for the Heralds. He has found someone trying to foment unrest against Selenay and he has also seen some questionable activity involving some young nobles.
All this while the day-to-day life of Valdemar goes on.
I don't know what to say about any book written by Mercedes Lackey. I've run out of superlatives. Recently, a friend commented that he was reading a book and there were no anti-heroes. The main characters didn't cross lines or justify immoral acts with the idea that it was for the good of all. They were just heroes.
I agree with him. Thank the Universe for Mercedes Lackey.
April 8, 2010
I’ve been reading Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar fantasy series for the last two months—all 24 of them. Some of them I like better than others but all of them are entertaining. (though I’d only give five stars to my favorites: the two books about Weaponsmaster Alberich: Exile’s Honor and Exile’s Valor.) Usually Lackey writes a trilogy following the growth and experiences of a character who doesn’t fit in and is suddenly thrust into an unexpected new life where he or she learns about his own abilities, values, and the larger world around. Valdemar and it’s neighboring nations—allies and enemies—are peopled with Companions (not horses) who “choose” someone to bond with, intelligent gryphons, history-loving Kyree who resemble big wolves, extra large raptors that can form mind bonds with certain people, mercenaries, mages, avatars, and other amazing creatures. Add to that mind magic and real magic, court intrigues and wars, good versus evil, and you have lots of interesting twists to spice up a fictional history spanning 3000 years.
I think I enjoy this fantasy series because I am drawn to the basic values that undergird all the stories (with the exception of a few ideas that I am only tolerant of). I always cheer when good triumphs, when people are compassionate and kind, when friends help each other, and duty and responsiblity motivate actions. Basically, I seemed to find these same values running through all the stories:
Honor and integrity are important attributes.
A sense of service and duty is a driving character trait in the main characters.
Education and development of your personal gifts is highly valued.
Casual sex is acceptable, but committed and life-bonded love is sought after, whether shared in opposite sex or same sex unions.
All religions are respected and all Gods honored and revered.
The God of each religion is concerned for and involved with His people yet is bound by His subjects' self-will and freedom of choice.
I think I enjoy this fantasy series because I am drawn to the basic values that undergird all the stories (with the exception of a few ideas that I am only tolerant of). I always cheer when good triumphs, when people are compassionate and kind, when friends help each other, and duty and responsiblity motivate actions. Basically, I seemed to find these same values running through all the stories:
Honor and integrity are important attributes.
A sense of service and duty is a driving character trait in the main characters.
Education and development of your personal gifts is highly valued.
Casual sex is acceptable, but committed and life-bonded love is sought after, whether shared in opposite sex or same sex unions.
All religions are respected and all Gods honored and revered.
The God of each religion is concerned for and involved with His people yet is bound by His subjects' self-will and freedom of choice.
December 24, 2015
This may have been a little... weak? I still loved it and devoured it (as I do with all of Lackey's, because I like her), but the main conflict was ... a bad marriage? I do appreciate the not-so-subtle "think before you marry" moral. The awkward sex scene was awkward though. She really should have skipped that. And really, after book 1, where the main problem was war, this just seemed like a petty followup where nothing really happened. And we never got the Orthallen (my assumption anyway) reveal either. And now I'll be starting Take a Thief in the hopes that it's the continuation.
(OK, side problem: I understand that this was written before the Collegium Chronicles, but there was some annoying chronology issues that I wish she'd go back and revise... First of all, how long has the bloody Karsite problem been going on with nothing happening! They've had spies in Karse since "860", and it's only "now" coming to a head (in 1355)... And they knew in 860 about how the Karsite priests control demons and no one seems to know. I suppose this was a problem I should have had with the last book. But I only now thought of it.) Also, since they've had a "King's spy" since at least 50 years before 860, you'd think their spy program would not be a novelty, especially to someone like Myste who knows all the history... I guess this is a problem with writing a series out of chronological order.)
(OK, side problem: I understand that this was written before the Collegium Chronicles, but there was some annoying chronology issues that I wish she'd go back and revise... First of all, how long has the bloody Karsite problem been going on with nothing happening! They've had spies in Karse since "860", and it's only "now" coming to a head (in 1355)... And they knew in 860 about how the Karsite priests control demons and no one seems to know. I suppose this was a problem I should have had with the last book. But I only now thought of it.) Also, since they've had a "King's spy" since at least 50 years before 860, you'd think their spy program would not be a novelty, especially to someone like Myste who knows all the history... I guess this is a problem with writing a series out of chronological order.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2023
The second part of Herald Alberich's origin story. He's now Weaponsmaster at the Herald's Collegium, but he is still dealing with many of his fellow heralds being leery of his background as a soldier from Karse. This book looks at what happened after the Karsite wars and the empire learning how to deal with a Queen rather than King on Valdemar's throne.
December 7, 2016
I'm very fond of Alberich and feel that the author has done a wonderful job in portraying the complexities of his character. I enjoyed this thoroughly, and even more than its predecessor, Exile's Honor. I wish there were many more Alberich books.
June 24, 2022
More of Alberich's story, and the background to a bunch of things that happen in the Arrow trilogy.
June 16, 2019
I really like it.
I love Alberich and his way and his look on things. I love how he takes care of people he likes and that he gets the chance to fall in love in this one. Yes, I'm shipping Myste and Alberich so much right now.
Also, Alberich, if you ever think that your ForeSight is not longtime? Just think about Hurlee. It's my strong believe that your ForeSight helped invent Hurlee. *nods*
My heart was aching for Selenay the whole time. Since we already know what will happen because of "Arrows for the Queen", it hurt even more. I just want to hug her and tell her that even though still some heartbreak/betrayal will come - there also will be someone she can trust and rely on.
I love Myste so much. Some of the things she said in regard of Norris and in general hit a bit close to home, so, yeah, I love her even more. I love the way she got all the information and that she volunteered even though things like this are not her forte. I love how she managed to reel in Alberich and that they have this wonderful thing.
The mentions of Vanyel, Lavan and Ashkerov war horses? Yeah, my heart is in shreds.
There are so many details and little things that I love. Hurlee. Companions plotting without the knowledge of their Chosen. The consequences for the mirror breaking. Alberich being so, so, so kind to the little new Chosen from the Tedrel orphans (I really, really, really wish Alberich and Vanyel could have met.). Every tiny bit of information we get about the Companions. Alberich re-guessing himself in regards to the training group. Myste being awesome. Selenay being awesome. The way the author showed that grieving is okay and that it takes a while. And so many more things. <3
I just love this world and its characters so much. Every time I finish one book, I want to go back and re-read all the others with the knowledge gained from the book. <3
I love Alberich and his way and his look on things. I love how he takes care of people he likes and that he gets the chance to fall in love in this one. Yes, I'm shipping Myste and Alberich so much right now.
Also, Alberich, if you ever think that your ForeSight is not longtime? Just think about Hurlee. It's my strong believe that your ForeSight helped invent Hurlee. *nods*
My heart was aching for Selenay the whole time. Since we already know what will happen because of "Arrows for the Queen", it hurt even more. I just want to hug her and tell her that even though still some heartbreak/betrayal will come - there also will be someone she can trust and rely on.
I love Myste so much. Some of the things she said in regard of Norris and in general hit a bit close to home, so, yeah, I love her even more. I love the way she got all the information and that she volunteered even though things like this are not her forte. I love how she managed to reel in Alberich and that they have this wonderful thing.
The mentions of Vanyel, Lavan and Ashkerov war horses? Yeah, my heart is in shreds.
There are so many details and little things that I love. Hurlee. Companions plotting without the knowledge of their Chosen. The consequences for the mirror breaking. Alberich being so, so, so kind to the little new Chosen from the Tedrel orphans (I really, really, really wish Alberich and Vanyel could have met.). Every tiny bit of information we get about the Companions. Alberich re-guessing himself in regards to the training group. Myste being awesome. Selenay being awesome. The way the author showed that grieving is okay and that it takes a while. And so many more things. <3
I just love this world and its characters so much. Every time I finish one book, I want to go back and re-read all the others with the knowledge gained from the book. <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2019
Heralds of Valdemar Prequels: 2
This is a slooow story. About two thirds of it is setup for the sudden court intrigue that picks up the pace in the rest of the book, but even that's a speed-up-slow-down stutter as opposed to a race to the finish. The writing is full of unbelievable setup that the author tries to justify to the reader with paragraphs of rationalization that don't work. Hey, if you have to explain it, you obviously didn't do it right. If you took the trouble to try to forcefeed the reader, you know you didn't do it right in the first place. Sloppy all around. There's also a lot of repetitive introspection, especially on the part of Selenay. It's as if the author had a target wordcount she was aiming for. The story has an unsatisfactory ending with the head of the conspiracy still unknown and at large. Not sure what the title has anything to do with the story. Not really worth reading unless as a cure for insomnia.
This is a slooow story. About two thirds of it is setup for the sudden court intrigue that picks up the pace in the rest of the book, but even that's a speed-up-slow-down stutter as opposed to a race to the finish. The writing is full of unbelievable setup that the author tries to justify to the reader with paragraphs of rationalization that don't work. Hey, if you have to explain it, you obviously didn't do it right. If you took the trouble to try to forcefeed the reader, you know you didn't do it right in the first place. Sloppy all around. There's also a lot of repetitive introspection, especially on the part of Selenay. It's as if the author had a target wordcount she was aiming for. The story has an unsatisfactory ending with the head of the conspiracy still unknown and at large. Not sure what the title has anything to do with the story. Not really worth reading unless as a cure for insomnia.
May 26, 2021
This was a great duology. I love Alberich and Cantor, they are perfect examples of Herald and Campanion. I enjoyed watching Alberich develope and settle into his role as Weapons Master. It was also good to follow Celene and discover exactly how she had come to be in the state she was in at the beginning of Arrows of the Queen. I seriously love the Valdemar world, if only I could have a Campanion.
January 6, 2021
One of the best of the Valdemar series.
March 30, 2017
It was great to read a Valdemar novel with a slightly different perspective: not an awestruck teenager, but an adult, and an outsider in Valdemaran society. I also really enjoy the plots of these books, and the new characters who are introduced, and Selenay's perspective as well. It's interesting to see her love-struck teenage reaction have such a profound influence over both her and her country's future (as well as the further developments in the books).
Although one thing bothers me: Myste. She's such an obvious self-insert that it gets kind of ridiculous. Really, Misty, subtlety this was not.
Although one thing bothers me: Myste. She's such an obvious self-insert that it gets kind of ridiculous. Really, Misty, subtlety this was not.
May 20, 2020
Lackey has a slight tendency to be wordier than she needs to be; the plot has one or two holes in it (why did the Valdemar court, which so values intelligence and espionage, have nobody in neighboring Rethwellan asking questions?), and the question left unresolved at the end of the book, presumably to serve as basis for another book, would be resolved in two pages if the main characters acted intelligently. Still, the story has nice plot, with small details achieving new significance later in the story, the characters were likable, and the action kept me reading.
August 1, 2019
I think I read this many years ago and liked it better then. This time around I found it slow and boring with the only action at the very end. I did a lot of skipping and skimming, mostly skipping. The first book established Alberich as a character and was worth reading for that alone.
I'd say read the first of the series and maybe skip this one?
I recommend this book to fans of Mercedes Lackey, fans of Valdemar, people that feel they have to read every Valdemar book, fans of Alberich.
I'd say read the first of the series and maybe skip this one?
I recommend this book to fans of Mercedes Lackey, fans of Valdemar, people that feel they have to read every Valdemar book, fans of Alberich.
November 22, 2017
In Valdemar, Alberich has found his place. Weaponsmaster by day, spy by night, ever alert, ever vigilant. The new Queen is having trouble finding her footing, and her Councilors are pushing for a swift marriage. But Alberich senses danger. The only question is, will it come from within or from outside? And will he be ready when it comes?
Nice to see the characters develop, and I will be eager to see how this series unfolds.
Nice to see the characters develop, and I will be eager to see how this series unfolds.
September 2, 2007
...and this was one of the last of Lackey's books I tried, when she was falling into blatant self-insertion. It was cute when the "historian" character based on herself was a throwaway reference. Less cute when she became a central character. Good grief.
February 3, 2008
Great book written about a story that is refurred too in her other novels. It was fun to read even though I knew the eventual outcome. Still, she managed to put some surprising elements that I wasn't expecting at all in it.
November 25, 2016
Exciting, intrigue, danger, miscommunication, sadness, trickery...unresolved ending, loose threads dangle...
October 5, 2023
Exile’s Valor is probably my favorite Valdemar book at the moment. That might be due to the ending that made me cry, but I did really enjoy the book as a whole. Each of the elements combined really well. Definitely the superior spy book when compared to Herald Spy and Family Spies.
I like getting a look at what weapons practices are like from the Weaponsmaster’s POV. Makes a change from pretty much always having from a student’s POV.
Neat to read how glass is shaped and stuff. Highly recommend watching the Netflix’s Blown Away to actually witness some of that. They make some pretty cool art pieces. Not really practical, like Alberich is interested in, but neat all the same.
I like that Selenay’s still grieving toward the beginning of the book. She should be. It’s not like grief ever really goes away, and definitely not if you haven’t had time to really process anything because of how busy you are. As busy as Selenay is. Of course, that this essentially leads to the whole Karath thing is a bit regrettable, but… it is what it is.
We also basically have confirmation that Kirball isn’t a thing anymore… or, ya know, yet, as publication times go. Alberich essentially created Hurlee, though he didn’t know it at the time. As I’d completely forgotten about Hurlee except for reading random reviews of the Collegium Chronicles where people were complaining about it not existing, that’s not a big deal. Just interesting to see an author’s mind at work vs her readers. Also, I kind of see how Hurlee got so lodged in peoples minds, as it does play a very large role here. Alberich remarks that it’ll probably fade, which I’m going to take as some confirmation as to what happened to Kirball. These things happen.
It’s also really interesting to see how a majority of Alberich’s spy stuff went on to influence Mags’. Obviously some things weren’t thought up during Exile’s Valor that ended up being created in The Herald Spy, so there are technically continuity errors if you’re reading chronologically, like I am. I find the differences interesting, even if The Herald Spy completely ruined my enjoyment of the spy stuff in Valdemar. That said, I feel like Alberich’s spy stuff is just more believable than Mags’.
I actually quite like the Alberich/Mytse pairing and bit of romance. It feels quite real, as far as fictional relationships are often choreographed. Selenay/Karath, however… much barf. I am not really a fan of their kind of romance. Aaand considering how that turns out… still barf. Lots of barf.
It’s an interesting move that Karath is being known as Karath and not the name he had in Rethwellan among his family (Thanel)… known because the first part of By the Sword comes before/happens at the same time as this bit of Exile’s Valor. Makes sense, if you’re at least trying to separate your past self from your present self, or from your reputation.
Mical’s volunteering has me legit in tears. The hurlee team leaping to Selenay’s defense at the drop of Alberich’s vision was also tear-inducing. I’m not even particularly attached to them and their immediate reaction to their duty is just… aaaahhhh. Not to mention the rest of the Heralds and Trainees.
Given how Mercedes Lackey doesn’t shy away from certain realities of life, I shouldn’t really be super surprised Selanay has postpartum depression. I also kind of knew that from reading later books in the chronology. Selanay’s not super motherly in Elspeth’s direction, if I'm remembering correctly.
So yeah, I ended up really enjoying Exile’s Valor. It was a lot of fun with a good tempering of emotion to go along with it.
I like getting a look at what weapons practices are like from the Weaponsmaster’s POV. Makes a change from pretty much always having from a student’s POV.
Neat to read how glass is shaped and stuff. Highly recommend watching the Netflix’s Blown Away to actually witness some of that. They make some pretty cool art pieces. Not really practical, like Alberich is interested in, but neat all the same.
I like that Selenay’s still grieving toward the beginning of the book. She should be. It’s not like grief ever really goes away, and definitely not if you haven’t had time to really process anything because of how busy you are. As busy as Selenay is. Of course, that this essentially leads to the whole Karath thing is a bit regrettable, but… it is what it is.
We also basically have confirmation that Kirball isn’t a thing anymore… or, ya know, yet, as publication times go. Alberich essentially created Hurlee, though he didn’t know it at the time. As I’d completely forgotten about Hurlee except for reading random reviews of the Collegium Chronicles where people were complaining about it not existing, that’s not a big deal. Just interesting to see an author’s mind at work vs her readers. Also, I kind of see how Hurlee got so lodged in peoples minds, as it does play a very large role here. Alberich remarks that it’ll probably fade, which I’m going to take as some confirmation as to what happened to Kirball. These things happen.
It’s also really interesting to see how a majority of Alberich’s spy stuff went on to influence Mags’. Obviously some things weren’t thought up during Exile’s Valor that ended up being created in The Herald Spy, so there are technically continuity errors if you’re reading chronologically, like I am. I find the differences interesting, even if The Herald Spy completely ruined my enjoyment of the spy stuff in Valdemar. That said, I feel like Alberich’s spy stuff is just more believable than Mags’.
I actually quite like the Alberich/Mytse pairing and bit of romance. It feels quite real, as far as fictional relationships are often choreographed. Selenay/Karath, however… much barf. I am not really a fan of their kind of romance. Aaand considering how that turns out… still barf. Lots of barf.
It’s an interesting move that Karath is being known as Karath and not the name he had in Rethwellan among his family (Thanel)… known because the first part of By the Sword comes before/happens at the same time as this bit of Exile’s Valor. Makes sense, if you’re at least trying to separate your past self from your present self, or from your reputation.
Mical’s volunteering has me legit in tears. The hurlee team leaping to Selenay’s defense at the drop of Alberich’s vision was also tear-inducing. I’m not even particularly attached to them and their immediate reaction to their duty is just… aaaahhhh. Not to mention the rest of the Heralds and Trainees.
Given how Mercedes Lackey doesn’t shy away from certain realities of life, I shouldn’t really be super surprised Selanay has postpartum depression. I also kind of knew that from reading later books in the chronology. Selanay’s not super motherly in Elspeth’s direction, if I'm remembering correctly.
So yeah, I ended up really enjoying Exile’s Valor. It was a lot of fun with a good tempering of emotion to go along with it.
October 24, 2017
Here there be spoilers. Do not read if you don't want my rant to ruin the story for you.
You have been warned.
...Does this woman no longer have an editor? I read and re-read it five times and I'll be blunt - the ERRORS in this book make it nearly unreadable. I wrote out a timeline and this book doesn't jive in any way, shape, or form with the timeline of the Arrows of the Queen timeline concerning the ages of important characters. And hey, anybody else notice how in By the Sword the king of Rethwellan died from shock after his son was killed trying to murder the queen of Valdemar, but in THIS book the king died and the prince tried to use his death to shame the queen into crowning him?
Dear heavens, if the story itself weren't so interesting and the characterization so fascinating, I would have flushed this book down the toilet. By itself, it's worth 3 stars (the first book is a solid 4 stars in contrast), but the moment you look at it inside the franchise, I had to knock it down to 2.
I WOULD have knocked it down to ZERO stars because the errors are so glaring they make me want to tack the novel to the wall and throw darts at it, except the story itself is good enough to keep it at 2 stars.
Look - let me be blunt. There is a character who is introduced as a Herald. Right in the middle of the book, the same character is called a Bard, and his buddy, a Bard, is called a Herald. This isn't just one small line where you can see where the glitch was made - this is PAGES where the author goes on and on about this "Herald" riding his Companion and the "Bard" riding a horse. AND THEN, to make matters worse, at the end of the book, THE FIRST DUDE IS CALLED A HERALD AGAIN! And again, it's not just one line or a place where you can see she transposed a name by mistake and it wasn't caught by the editor - we're talking a full CHAPTER of this kid being called a Herald.
If screwed-up timelines and blatant errors regarding character names are going to get under your skin, do not read this book. Maybe the later editions have fixed it; I don't know. All I know is that I read the book, threw it against a wall in frustration, and then re-read it, because the story is gripping and the characters are compelling.
What a pain in the butt!
You have been warned.
...Does this woman no longer have an editor? I read and re-read it five times and I'll be blunt - the ERRORS in this book make it nearly unreadable. I wrote out a timeline and this book doesn't jive in any way, shape, or form with the timeline of the Arrows of the Queen timeline concerning the ages of important characters. And hey, anybody else notice how in By the Sword the king of Rethwellan died from shock after his son was killed trying to murder the queen of Valdemar, but in THIS book the king died and the prince tried to use his death to shame the queen into crowning him?
Dear heavens, if the story itself weren't so interesting and the characterization so fascinating, I would have flushed this book down the toilet. By itself, it's worth 3 stars (the first book is a solid 4 stars in contrast), but the moment you look at it inside the franchise, I had to knock it down to 2.
I WOULD have knocked it down to ZERO stars because the errors are so glaring they make me want to tack the novel to the wall and throw darts at it, except the story itself is good enough to keep it at 2 stars.
Look - let me be blunt. There is a character who is introduced as a Herald. Right in the middle of the book, the same character is called a Bard, and his buddy, a Bard, is called a Herald. This isn't just one small line where you can see where the glitch was made - this is PAGES where the author goes on and on about this "Herald" riding his Companion and the "Bard" riding a horse. AND THEN, to make matters worse, at the end of the book, THE FIRST DUDE IS CALLED A HERALD AGAIN! And again, it's not just one line or a place where you can see she transposed a name by mistake and it wasn't caught by the editor - we're talking a full CHAPTER of this kid being called a Herald.
If screwed-up timelines and blatant errors regarding character names are going to get under your skin, do not read this book. Maybe the later editions have fixed it; I don't know. All I know is that I read the book, threw it against a wall in frustration, and then re-read it, because the story is gripping and the characters are compelling.
What a pain in the butt!
October 15, 2020
Exile's Valor is the story of Selenay's first few years of reigning as Queen of Valdemar. She is crowned at the end of Exile's Honor and is quite young to be assuming the throne. While many reviewers have criticized Lackey's portrayal of Selenay, I find it perfect. She might be Queen but she's still a teenager with no friends in a court that is trying to control her during the prime of her life. She misses her father, companionship, and freedom. Of course she's going to easily fall for the first handsome prince to come courting her. Of course she is going to make poor decisions on marriage because no one has EVER talked to her about what the right things to do are here. While it might have been painful to watch unfold, I found Selenay's youthful exuberance and stubbornness to be delightful. And, well, it also helps that I knew how this story would end.
Alberich is a fun character to follow. Lackey gives me a lot to think about while I'm reading while also giving Alberich very clear Otherness characteristics. This Otherness allows the reader to more objectively view Valdemar. Seeing this world from an outsider's perspective makes our Heralds a bit more human, which I appreciate.
Depending on where you look, Exile's Valor is either listed as a stand-alone novel or the second book in Alberich's Tale, continuing about a year after Exile's Honor. While this can be read as a stand-alone novel in the Valdemar series, I wouldn't recommend it in most cases. It's nice to continue Alberich's narrative and stick with his consistent narrative voice.
I appreciate the long-game Lackey is going for across Alberich's Tale. Lackey's eye is on the prize of how Arrows of the Queen ends. The mysterious Patron has it coming. Knowing what is going to happen in the next book chronologically made Exile's Valor even more fun for me to read. Spoilers make for wonderful tension.
Exile's Valor isn't a perfect book. But it is a great addition to the Valdemar universe. I really enjoyed getting lost in this story. Now I hope that Skif's story, the last Valdemar book Melanie and I will be reading this year, can hold up to the entertainment value of Alberich's perspective.
Alberich is a fun character to follow. Lackey gives me a lot to think about while I'm reading while also giving Alberich very clear Otherness characteristics. This Otherness allows the reader to more objectively view Valdemar. Seeing this world from an outsider's perspective makes our Heralds a bit more human, which I appreciate.
Depending on where you look, Exile's Valor is either listed as a stand-alone novel or the second book in Alberich's Tale, continuing about a year after Exile's Honor. While this can be read as a stand-alone novel in the Valdemar series, I wouldn't recommend it in most cases. It's nice to continue Alberich's narrative and stick with his consistent narrative voice.
I appreciate the long-game Lackey is going for across Alberich's Tale. Lackey's eye is on the prize of how Arrows of the Queen ends. The mysterious Patron has it coming. Knowing what is going to happen in the next book chronologically made Exile's Valor even more fun for me to read. Spoilers make for wonderful tension.
Exile's Valor isn't a perfect book. But it is a great addition to the Valdemar universe. I really enjoyed getting lost in this story. Now I hope that Skif's story, the last Valdemar book Melanie and I will be reading this year, can hold up to the entertainment value of Alberich's perspective.
April 6, 2024
I really enjoyed Exile's Honor, but I'm finding the second book is unfortunately full of plotholes, and rather annoying characters..... it seems that Lackey wants every single book she writes about every single person in the Harolds to be a spy.
She forces this occupation on every single person it seems in the last four series that I read by her.
Also, that this comes after the Arrows books -we already know what happens, so the danger and mystery of it all is completely pointless and falls flat. We KNOW how it all turns out.
It also doesn't make any sense why the weapons master would suddenly be called to be a spy anyway…
And even if he was, why would he suddenly give up on trying to prove who "the patron" was, or that the prince was still alive?
Arrows is like what, 10 years after this book? And he has done absolutely nothing? In fact, apparently he is not even working as a spy anymore and is just the weapons master. Because that's all he seems to do in the Arrows novels…
Which seems like a pretty big lapse on his part. Something completely out of character, I can only assume that the author didn't know what to do with him.
And that nobody bothers to inform the queen of these plots whatsoever, the excuses they make for it are just ridiculous.
The whole point of having a spy master is to report the queen. I mean good Lord they don't even figure out who the guy behind it all is until the Arrows Fall book. 🙄
And Alderich isn't even involved in that uncovering or death. So this entire book seems pretty pointless.
And how LUCKY that the 'players' just HAPPENED to be geared up, armoured, and practicing during Selenay's danger.🙄
HOW does a fully trained Herald Queen lose her swird to an ACTOR?? SERIOUSLY?!?!
Why was Norris even involved in the ambush? He had what he wanted. To be involved in the assassination of the queen? Why would he put himself in that position? He's all about selfishness and self preservation… There's absolutely no motivation for his character at this point.
And.....you'd think...ALBERICH....weapons master, soldier, killer, warrior....would know if he killed a man or not.
She forces this occupation on every single person it seems in the last four series that I read by her.
Also, that this comes after the Arrows books -we already know what happens, so the danger and mystery of it all is completely pointless and falls flat. We KNOW how it all turns out.
It also doesn't make any sense why the weapons master would suddenly be called to be a spy anyway…
And even if he was, why would he suddenly give up on trying to prove who "the patron" was, or that the prince was still alive?
Arrows is like what, 10 years after this book? And he has done absolutely nothing? In fact, apparently he is not even working as a spy anymore and is just the weapons master. Because that's all he seems to do in the Arrows novels…
Which seems like a pretty big lapse on his part. Something completely out of character, I can only assume that the author didn't know what to do with him.
And that nobody bothers to inform the queen of these plots whatsoever, the excuses they make for it are just ridiculous.
The whole point of having a spy master is to report the queen. I mean good Lord they don't even figure out who the guy behind it all is until the Arrows Fall book. 🙄
And Alderich isn't even involved in that uncovering or death. So this entire book seems pretty pointless.
And how LUCKY that the 'players' just HAPPENED to be geared up, armoured, and practicing during Selenay's danger.🙄
HOW does a fully trained Herald Queen lose her swird to an ACTOR?? SERIOUSLY?!?!
Why was Norris even involved in the ambush? He had what he wanted. To be involved in the assassination of the queen? Why would he put himself in that position? He's all about selfishness and self preservation… There's absolutely no motivation for his character at this point.
And.....you'd think...ALBERICH....weapons master, soldier, killer, warrior....would know if he killed a man or not.
April 30, 2021
I found Alberich's accent difficult to read when I first encountered these two books, and can't remember finishing this one before, though I remember having borrowed it from the library. I loved it as an audiobook, the narrator does a great job and the accent is way less noticeable when you hear it instead of read it!
The various plays Alberich attends are hilarious, as is thinking about a character like him viewing it. I felt like this installment did a great job of humanizing Alberich and Selenay, and give a whole new light to the events of the Arrows trilogy and the final events of By The Sword. Even Elspeth in the Mage Winds takes on a new light.
By the end of the book, I felt so much compassion for Elspeth. How lonely her childhood must have been after these events! Selenay had a wonderful relationship with her own father, but Elspeth is practically orphaned by comparison. I understand Elspeth's behaviour and choices as an adult much better now after peeking into Selenay's early thoughts towards her.
I feel like this is a must read for fans of Valdemar, as important to later developments as the Arrows or LHM trilogies. Skip Exile's Honor if you must, but definitely read this one.
I loved the development of Alberich's romantic relationship. It's hinted at all along, and develops quite naturally while never overshadowing more important events.
The various plays Alberich attends are hilarious, as is thinking about a character like him viewing it. I felt like this installment did a great job of humanizing Alberich and Selenay, and give a whole new light to the events of the Arrows trilogy and the final events of By The Sword. Even Elspeth in the Mage Winds takes on a new light.
By the end of the book, I felt so much compassion for Elspeth. How lonely her childhood must have been after these events! Selenay had a wonderful relationship with her own father, but Elspeth is practically orphaned by comparison. I understand Elspeth's behaviour and choices as an adult much better now after peeking into Selenay's early thoughts towards her.
I feel like this is a must read for fans of Valdemar, as important to later developments as the Arrows or LHM trilogies. Skip Exile's Honor if you must, but definitely read this one.
I loved the development of Alberich's romantic relationship. It's hinted at all along, and develops quite naturally while never overshadowing more important events.
March 11, 2023
This was fine, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who isn't already a fan of Valdemar. It was nice to read a little bit more about the events that happened shortly before the Arrows of the Queen trilogy, and I, like many others, like the character of Alberich, so it was enjoyable to hear more about his past and personality. There are also an odd number of generalizations about "females" and "males," which doesn't jive with how I remember Mercedes Lackey books that I read when I was younger, especially since many of the series have strong female protagonists, and the Herald Mage trilogy is a M/M series that was ahead of it's time. It could just be the current socio-political situation, but it made it seem like veiled TERF-y-ness. (Just googled "Mercedes Lackey TERF" and found the following tweet from Nov 2021, which was 17 years after the publication of this book in support of trans people and apologizing from previous statements: https://twitter.com/mercedeslackey/st... )
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