I enjoyed it.
Very good book, but also sad.

Lan is a merchant’s child savagely abused at the school his unsympathetic parents send him to; then during a bullying incident his Gift explodes with fatal fury. His Companion can control his fire, but there’s not much time for him to master his Gift because Karse is about to invade, and he’s their best hope of fighting them off. This one does have high stakes and a bunch of losses. ( )

Not long ago I tried another Lackey, acquired somehow or other, and found it an unreadable exemplar of 'high' fantasy. So I began this one with trepidation, but the assurance of a friend here that I'd like 'regular' Lackey just fine. And I am happy to say that I do. The story unfolds around a young and unhappy teenager who does not fit in at all with his family of cloth merchants. They've moved to the city and he is miserable away from the fresh air and physical activity. His parents, as parents are so often inexplicably are (but we'd never have a plot otherwise), are disappointed and even angry with his intransigeance and decide to send him to the new merchant-run school where he is set upon by a truly appalling bully. He becomes angrier and angrier until, in a rage, a magical power--to make fire--bursts forth uncontrolled and fatal. There are many powers, for mind-speech to empathy but this is rare beyond rare. Those with powers like these are sent to become either Heralds, Bards, or Healers. Heralds acquire a Companion-a horse that chooses them, and with whom they stay for a lifetime. But not only is Lavan chosen, but the bonding is an almost unheard of "life bond"--they will live or die as one. Valdemar is under siege from enemies and before he is fully trained Lavan is sent to the front. What I admire about this story is that it isn't the least bit sentimental -- but I can say no more without spoiling. I look forward to reading more of the books about the kingdom of Valdemar and surrounding lands. This book is somewhere in the middle of the work, but all are written to be stand-alones. ***1/2 ( )

I like the books Mercedes Lackey writes, she is good at creating a believable world and people to populate it. While her writing is not the strongest I do find it engaging ang and enjoyable. I like a series I can live inside of and her books are ones that have characters I feel invested in and a world I believe could exist.
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I remember being incredibly excited when I found out that this book was coming out, only to be disappointed when I read it. At this point, I think it's better if Mercedes Lackey just leaves Valdemar alone; her heart isn't there anymore. ( )