Closer to the Heart (Valdemar: The Herald Spy)

In all honesty I was disappointed with the work. Mag's has been the least interesting character in the series and now he has six books...come on. The writing is familiar and that is great but the characters, bad guys, and story just really seem half a$*ed. The only reason for the second star is from the writing style which, as usual, is done well. I am thinking it is just time to cut bait with Mags story and move on into pretty much anything. Vanyel was a wonderful character who could use more attention. How about jumping back into the prehistory wjust before the Mage Wars. Dear lord, anything would do at this point because these stories at present are chasing some of the original fans away.

Valdemar had been becoming formulaic: someone doesn't fit, becomes Herald, becomes hero. Mercedes Lackey has taken established Heralds from a previous subseries and used them to show the lives of the common people as well as some of the aristocracy. She's broken the formula she had fallen into, and it makes the plotline much more original and surprising. In some respects, the Heralds are supporting characters in this novel, and the common people and the common non-Heraldic gifts they have for doing things are showcased. Hopefully she'll continue in the next book of the trilogy (which unfortunately, given her normal publishing schedule, I'll have to wait another year for.)

Mercedes lackey always provides a good read. And has been among my preferred authors for several years now. It has been a pleasure to watch little mags grow from a half feral starved slave boy, into the skilled and self confidant Herald Mags. I will be looking forward to the next book from ms Lackey.

You always know what to expect of a Valdemar story: abused, misunderstood child grows into a Hero(ine), has adventures, and Lives Happily Ever After. But I love the horses...the big white ones and the Shin'a'in warsteeds. The story of Mags is into its second series now, so perhaps there will be more--and perhaps there will be more plot development. This one is not very well-integrated. Lackey has several other series, however, and may well be tiring of those big, white, omniscient horses. She's been writing about them for nearly thirty years, after all. Still, I'll buy the next one...

I had bought the first book of Herald Spy: Closer to Home and enjoyed it greatly along with the entire Foundation series. I have enjoyed all of her Valdemar series and of course I had to purchase this one. I read the entire book on the day I received it so I could let my son read it who also enjoys the books. Looking forward to any new books on the Heralds of Valdemar.

Lackey mailed this one in.
No wholesale insertion of sections from prior novels again, fortunately, but...

Ellen Cheeseman-Meyer runs it down pretty well. http://www.tor.com/2015/10/19/book-reviews-mercedes-lackey-valdemar-closer-to-the-heart/

I've been looking forward to the continuation of this storyline. And I found myself run through the range of reactions that Lackey manages to evoke in so many of her books. I'm not certain if it's intended, but there were points where observations made by the characters fit so well into today's headlines. But perhaps it's just that some things hold true no matter when or where they are said.

It was fun following the characters that I've come to know and watch them grow as Lackey continues to develop them. Some interesting twists that I didn't see coming and I read through it within just a few days of my last trip. Which leaves me looking forward to the next one. I have no doubt that fans of the Collegium series of Valdemar will find themselves just as entertained in this series. Enjoy!

As usual, an enjoyable story with highly engaging characters. The only Valdemar stories since being introduced to The Last Herald Mage trilogy some 25 years ago that didn't make the grade with me were the short stories edited, not written by, Ms. Lackey. My personal judgement of a good book is, "Would you re-read it later?" The answer here; Yes. Maybe a couple of times.

She had her form back. This book actually seemed to go to the end. The one before and the last two of the previous series seemed to get so far and it was like the author was done with the story but didn't really finish it. This one was really good. Glad to see she didn't wait until the next one to get Amily and Mags married.

As usual, Mercedes Lackey has produced another fine evening for me with a cup of hot chocolate and this installment of her Mags series...can't wait for the next in the series...always a joy when her newest of any series come out.

Mags has always been one of my favorite characters. Seeing him get a happy ending, even in the midst of continued adventures is wonderful. Loved the reminders from Amily that even if the world looks at you as though you are weak and useless you can prepare yourself mentally and physically to achieve whatever you want!