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Summary: Another good tale of Valdemar
Review: "Brightly Burning" is the tale of Herald Lavan Firestorm, a Herald that is mentioned in some of Mercedes Lackey's other Valdemar novels.Lavan is unhappy with his new life in Haven, and his preoccupied social-climbing parents don't notice or seem to care. They just want him to be more like his older brother and pursue a trade, so they send him to a school where merchants' children can find the trade that suits them best. School turns out to be even more of a nightmare for Lavan. The oldest students are in charge of discipline and make life miserable for everyone younger. They are allowed to beat, humiliate and manipulate, forcing the younger students to steal for them or do their homework. Lavan is not immune to their tactics, and finds himself even more unhappy. However, whenever Lavan is pushed to the edge of his anger, he is struck with severe headaches. They are so strong that he can't go to school, giving him a few restful days away from the school bullies. Upon going back, Lavan is only targeted more. As his anxiety builds, he seeks desparately to avoid the bullies. It works for a while, but when the bullies finally corner him they get more than they bargained for. Lavan's extraordinary gift is awakened... "Brightly Burning" goes on from there to complete Lavan's tale as he becomes a Herald. This isn't Mercedes Lackey at her best, but the story makes you want to keep reading. Lavan is a moving character, unique in many ways. I was able to easily sympathize with him throughout the story. Bottom Line: An entertaining read for Valdemar fans, but don't read this first if you are unfamiliar with Valdemar
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Summary: It was OK...but
Review: The only reason why I read this book was because it was written by Mercedes Lackey. And, having read almost every other book of the Valdemar series, I found it rather disappointing. I like books that have great characterisation and a good plot to go along with it. The plot was worse than mediocre for the simple fact that i've seen it recycled so many times in her books. I could even predict what would happen in the end. Even the better-than-average characterization could not salvage the plot. For first-time readers, I recommend the LHM series. Although its plot is not new, the characters are fantastically drawn
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Summary: Too much hype for such a disappointing book
Review: I think I'll just start by saying the honest truth: I didn't like it. Frankly, I didn't see the point to this book--Lavan Firestorm is a character who was mentioned ONCE in the entire course of the series. He starts fires. That's about it. He has no control over what he does, so there is little personal development here. And, about his personality... Lackey has once again attempted to seduce us with the plight of a poor, mistreated waif who has never been shown the least kindness. Now, this worked with Talia. She was sweet and good and growing up in a extremely restricted society. And it worked with Vanyel--Van was a brat at the beginning, but that was a big part of his early character. Besides, he had reasons to be so annoying. Darien...was less convincing to me. He was just a surly little punk, living within a bizarre northern village. I didn't much care for him. Lavan...I HATED the boy. The only great crime done to him was that his parents *gasp* made him go to school. The horrors... His Companion annoyed the heck out of me with her constant gushingly sweet speech. Also, the timeline of the book was all off. By my reckoning, Lavan became a full Herald in less than a year, which blows my mind. As for the other characters...very weak, very one-dimensional. Very dull with very predictable speech and predictable actions. All in all, a disappointing potboiler from Lackey. If she insists on writing books about ancient characters, why not Stefen? Or Need? Or Baron Valdemar, founder of our beloved countr? Anything but another needy suicidal teenager.
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Summary: Mercedes Lackey's best effort since the Storm Trilogy
Review: The Owl Series was disappointing but Mercedes Lackey sparks new interest by writing about Laven Firestorm (a historical character). She not only delivers a nicely developed climax but also explores the unique bond between a Herald and his/her Companion. I would recommend this book to a friend and fans of Lackey will not want to pass this up!
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Summary: Intoxicating Reading
Review: I was looking for a book to get lost in one day and came upon "Brightly Burning." Have read the "Magic" series by Mercedes Lackey, I was familiar with the realm of Valdemar. Having thouroughly lost myself in that series I was prepared to be dissapointed in this book (as my expectations were probably too great). How wrong I was! This book was just as compelling as the others I had read by Ms. Lackey! What a joy to loose myself (I must admit, it can become and obsessive world in which to loose yourself) for a few days (you just don't want to put it down). I finished it this morning and I must say, the end is worth the read. Ms. Lackey as a gift for spinning an intoxicating web of lovable characters, lands and events. Her ability to paint a picture witn words helps you put things aside for a while. I recommend this book for a good mid-winter or hot summer night read. When you need to loose yourself, this is a book for you!
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Summary: Curse of Fire
Review: Lavan(a.k.a. Lan) is a 16 year old boy who has been taken from his old home. Like most people he hates where he lives now and that hate starts to build up into something soemthing that starts to grow, especially when he starts getting bullied at his new school. Lan's hate starts to turn into something that has been sleeping for the longest time, and who knows what will happen when it's woken up. This book is very good, and has everything that you could ask for in a legend. Lan is learning to deal with his power and finding some control. I never like to spoil a book by telling everything that happens. So, I have only given you the beginning, but I hope that you will read the book yourself for the end.
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Summary: Excellent, if sad
Review: It has been quite a while since I last read this book. With that said, I still have a strong emotional response every time I see the book on my bookshelf. I think the hallmark of a great author is to make the readers feel the way the characters do. This book was heart-wrenching. That means Mercedes Lackey did her job, and did it well.
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Summary: Fantasy at its best!
Review: This book should be a classic in the Sci-Fi/Fantasy genre. Although not as complex as Enders Game, the character development is generous, stereotypes are kept to a minimum, and imagery is exquisitely believable. I identified with the main character, Lavan Chitward, because I felt picked on as a child both pre and post adolescent. Lavan is to me the fantasy version of Andrew Wiggin of Orson Scott Card's "Enders Game." Instead of incredible intelligence, Lavan is given special powerful abilities. He is written so well as the reluctant hero, he demands empathy. I don't "get lost" in books very easily but Mercedes Lackey (is that her real name?) made it difficult for me to remain in reality. I love the passion and clarity with which she writes.
I recommend this book for anyone in grade 7 or above. The plot deals with some issues that younger people may not appreciate.
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Summary: Life Long Companions
Review: I thought that it was a really good book. I have read a lot of her other works and found them enjoyable. I really liked the part when Lavan's companion dies so he torches the entire mountain killing himself and the opposing army which killed his companion. I thought it was kind of sad how his family didnt like him except his little sister. But I like the fact that the good sister gets together with his friend. One thing I didnt understand was what happened to the girl that liked him. I think it was sad that with a life-bond to the companion, he couldnt love her except as a friend, but she was in love with him. This is one of those books I could read over and over again. To tell you the truth I did read it twice and both times I was almost crying when he tells his dead companion he will avenge her death as long as he dies in the process because he cant stand to live without her. I would reccommend this book to anybody who likes fiction and stories that at the end the protagonist dies in a very heroic way. You would also like it if you like books that will make you cry at the end.
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Summary: Back to the good ol' days....
Review: I picked up this book on a whim at Powell's the other day. I hadn't read Lackey in a few years, and was interested to see what her new Valdemar book was like. I had been a little turned off by the direction a few of her Valdemar nolvels had recently taken-- they just didn't interest me as much as the "Arrows" trilogy, the Vanyel series, or the Tarma and Kethry books. But, what the heck, right? Well, think I can honestly say that this book was right back with the "old" ones. It was wonderful to see another story taking place at the Heraldric Collegium, and to see the Companions playing a large role again. I'd forgotten how much I'd missed them!
Anyhow, if you liked her earlier books, I think you'll like this one. The plot was rather predictable (her standard form) but it was enjoyable regardless. I read it in one day, and found myself wishing that I had two or three more about this subject to look forward to.
I'll definately be picking up her other new ones as they come out.
It was a treat on a gloomy Saturday! :)
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