Closer to the Chest (Valdemar: The Herald Spy)

While I enjoyed the book, I thought that the poison pen plot was a little heavy handed and predictable. While reading, I was constantly reminded of internet comment sections and Reddit which prevented immersion. While I think it's an interesting take on a modern issue, I just couldn't get into this particular Lackey book the same way I usually can with her writing.

I generally Love Mercedes Lackey's books and there is no doubt this is written well yet the plot is weak. I trundles along, seemingly aimless and then decides on a direction. Sorry to say, the whole of this trilogy is the same.

I've been so disappointed in the last several books that Mercedes Lackey has written that when I ordered this one it was with the thought that if there was any more of the reusing material from other books or the sloppy writing that we've been seeing that I would be done buying her books.

Well, I needn't have worried. This book had a complete story arc; it had fast paced action; it had great characterization; in short it had all the elements that make us love reading books about Valdemar.

At this time there is a one star review from a reader who says that Lackey is pushing Lackey's religious beliefs, and I wanted to address that accusation. The book centers around misogynistic attacks against women on the Hill and in Haven and the plot of the book is the attempt to discover who is responsible for the attacks. Throughout the book the characters make it clear that in Valdemar misogyny is unacceptable. I can only conclude that the reader who claims that Lackey is pushing religious beliefs must either not have understood the book or must think that misogyny is acceptable.

So, if you're an anti-feminist who believes that it is wrong for women to support themselves and believes that attacks against women are acceptable, you will probably hate this book.

If, on the other hand, you don't mind social issues being addressed in light fiction and you want to read a well constructed story, I think you'll enjoy the book.

Author blends feminism and compassion with her swashbuckling and fantasy, and believable characters of all classes in a consistent society. The latest of the Mags and Amily Valdemar novels is a good one.

This third installment of The Herald Spy series is full of action. I figured out the bad guy early in the story, but how Mags solves the mystery, and deals with Valdemar's latest enemy, is great fun to read. Mercedes Lackey always spins an entertaining yarn.