The Valdemar Series is an expansive and enduring fantasy series created by prolific author Mercedes Lackey. Spanning numerous books and anthologies, this series is set in the magical kingdom of Valdemar, a land inhabited by humans and magical creatures. At the heart of the series is the mystical bond between humans and intelligent, empathic horse-like creatures known as Companions.
Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar Series is celebrated for its rich world-building, engaging characters, and its exploration of themes like friendship, bravery, and the balance between magic and responsibility.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Author | Mercedes Lackey |
| Genre | Fantasy |
| Number of Books | Over 40 novels and numerous short stories and anthologies |
| Publication Years | 1987 – present |
Themes and Motif
- Friendship and Bond: The deep, empathic bond between Heralds and their Companions forms a central theme, highlighting the power of friendship and trust.
- Duty and Responsibility: The series explores the moral obligations and sacrifices that come with power, as Heralds must protect the kingdom from various threats.
- Acceptance and Diversity: Valdemar embraces individuals with diverse backgrounds, abilities, and appearances, promoting acceptance and inclusion.
| S no. | Book’s Name | Year of Publication | Book’s Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Last Herald-Mage Trilogy: Magic’s Pawn | 1989 | Check Price |
| 2 | The Last Herald-Mage Trilogy: Magic’s Promise | 1990 | Check Price |
| 3 | The Last Herald-Mage Trilogy: Magic’s Price | 1990 | Check Price |
| 4 | The Collegium Chronicles: Foundation | 2008 | Check Price |
| 5 | The Collegium Chronicles: Intrigues | 2010 | Check Price |
| 6 | The Collegium Chronicles: Changes | 2011 | Check Price |
| 7 | The Collegium Chronicles: Redoubt | 2012 | Check Price |
| 8 | The Collegium Chronicles: Bastion | 2013 | Check Price |
| 9 | The Herald Spy Trilogy: Closer to Home | 2014 | Check Price |
| 10 | The Herald Spy Trilogy: Closer to the Heart | 2015 | Check Price |
| 11 | The Herald Spy Trilogy: Closer to the Chest | 2016 | Check Price |
| 12 | Brightly Burning | 2001 | Check Price |
| 13 | Vows and Honor: The Oathbound | 1988 | Check Price |
| 14 | Vows and Honor: Oathbreakers | 1989 | Check Price |
| 15 | Vows and Honor: Oathblood | 1998 | Check Price |
| 16 | Exile’s Honor | 2002 | Check Price |
| 17 | Exile’s Valor | 2003 | Check Price |
| 18 | Take a Thief | 2001 | Check Price |
| 19 | Arrows of the Queen | 1987 | Check Price |
| 20 | Arrow’s Flight | 1987 | Check Price |
| 21 | Arrow’s Fall | 1988 | Check Price |
| 22 | The Mage Winds Trilogy: Winds of Fate | 1991 | Check Price |
| 23 | The Mage Winds Trilogy: Winds of Change | 1992 | Check Price |
| 24 | The Mage Winds Trilogy: Winds of Fury | 1993 | Check Price |
| 25 | The Mage Storms Trilogy: Storm Warning | 1994 | Check Price |
Reception
- Critical Reception: The Valdemar Series has received positive reviews for its imaginative world, character development, and themes of empathy and acceptance.
- Reader Reception: Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar books have gained a dedicated and passionate fanbase who appreciate the series’ warmth, rich mythology, and the enduring bonds between characters and Companions.
Trivia and Fun Facts
- Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar series includes numerous trilogies and standalone novels, each exploring different aspects of the world and its history.
- The series has inspired fan communities and even fan-created works set in the Valdemar universe.
- Mercedes Lackey often explores LGBTQ+ themes in her works, including same-sex relationships and characters with diverse gender identities, contributing to the series’ inclusive and progressive nature.
