Rating: 
Summary: An excellent beginning to a new series
Review: Having already read the previous works, including the slightly disappointing Winds trilogy, I must admit that Mercedes Lackey has successfully drawn new inspiration, and created a series equal to her Arrows and Last Herald Mage trilogy. As you follow the adventures of Karal, a secretary to the Karsite envoy, you are granted a glimpse into the life of a Karsite as well as the troubles of adjusting in a foreign land. Also, we glimpse a quick look at the Eastern Empire, a mysterious empire in the far east that has been hinted about, but never before shown. On the whole, it is a wonderful and clearly well written work by a great author, and I couldn't put it down.
Rating:
Summary: The Moral Question: To Buy or Not To Buy
Review: For years Valdemar and Karse were traditional enemies. The Karsites, under the rule of the Son of Sun, would send demons against Valdemar and tell their children the tale of the White Demons and their riders until the fear was ingrained - and with the fear came hatred, perpetuating war. Within a short span though, Valdemar and Karse went from being deadly enemies to allies, fighting together. The new Son of Sun in Karse reversed many of the teachings of the old regime. When the call came for discussion of permanent treaties between several countries, Karse was invited to Valdemar's capital. Ulrich, a priest and one of the new Son of Sun's strongest supporters, and his apprentice, Karal, were sent as envoy and secretary. Lackey offers a look into Valdemar that hasn't been seen before, by letting us observe it through the eyes of someone raised to hate and fear the very people he now has to work with. Karal, though more open-minded than others would be, still harbors fear from the tales that he'd been told as a child. His relationship with Ulrich offers the needed tempering viewpoint, being one of both mentor/student and father/son. The look into Karsite culture is an interesting one - for the first time, we're offered a glance into what had been a culture with little known about it. Karse is not the only new culture approached; Lackey also introduces us to Tremane, hopeful successor to the Iron Throne. His story is one of another touching character - a human leader who makes mistakes while trying to act in the best interest of his people. While this subplot seems disjointed from the rest of the story, the background information makes it much easier to understand what happens later on, as well as endears you to the characters. The book is difficult to put down once started; Lackey's skill with description and character development leaves you feeling like you know them as well as you know yourself. This is definitely a book I would choose to curl up with on a rainy day. Lackey's talent at showing how the characters think and why they feel what they feel makes them all the more believable. Though there's little action, the politicking is more than enough entertainment for me. I enjoy the chance to get into the characters' heads, discover what they're thinking, and try and figure out what their next move is based on the information. Once again, Lackey's given me another keeper.
Rating:
Summary: The Moral Question: To Buy or Not To Buy
Review: For years Valdemar and Karse were traditional enemies. The Karsites, under the rule of the Son of Sun, would send demons against Valdemar and tell their children the tale of the White Demons and their riders until the fear was ingrained - and with the fear came hatred, perpetuating war. Within a short span though, Valdemar and Karse went from being deadly enemies to allies, fighting together. The new Son of Sun in Karse reversed many of the teachings of the old regime. When the call came for discussion of permanent treaties between several countries, Karse was invited to Valdemar's capital. Ulrich, a priest and one of the new Son of Sun's strongest supporters, and his apprentice, Karal, were sent as envoy and secretary. Lackey offers a look into Valdemar that hasn't been seen before, by letting us observe it through the eyes of someone raised to hate and fear the very people he now has to work with. Karal, though more open-minded than others would be, still harbors fear from the tales that he'd been told as a child. His relationship with Ulrich offers the needed tempering viewpoint, being one of both mentor/student and father/son. The look into Karsite culture is an interesting one - for the first time, we're offered a glance into what had been a culture with little known about it. Karse is not the only new culture approached; Lackey also introduces us to Tremane, hopeful successor to the Iron Throne. His story is one of another touching character - a human leader who makes mistakes while trying to act in the best interest of his people. While this subplot seems disjointed from the rest of the story, the background information makes it much easier to understand what happens later on, as well as endears you to the characters. The book is difficult to put down once started; Lackey's skill with description and character development leaves you feeling like you know them as well as you know yourself. This is definitely a book I would choose to curl up with on a rainy day. Lackey's talent at showing how the characters think and why they feel what they feel makes them all the more believable. Though there's little action, the politicking is more than enough entertainment for me. I enjoy the chance to get into the characters' heads, discover what they're thinking, and try and figure out what their next move is based on the information. Once again, Lackey's given me another keeper.
Rating: 
Summary: Valdemar addicts only. Otherwise: not again?
Review: I confess that I do understand Mercedes Lackey's popularity--but I no longer agree with it. Personally, I miss her Tarma & Kethry stories, or her earlier Valdemar works.
She does provide an interesting "outsider's" portrayal of Valdemar in this book (I haven't gotten my hands on the rest of the trilogy; sorry). However, one of her strengths-- sympathetic portrayal of her heroes and heroines-- backfired, at least for me. Warmth and sentimentality carried too far becomes cloying and off-putting.
And once again, her trouble in portraying villains comes through. I was unimpressed by Charliss and his cohorts. The "mathematical" nature of magic was intriguing, but not overwhelmingly so (and has no doubt been handled more originally elsewhere).
If you're biting your nails over the fate of Valdemar's ever-widening cast of characters, go ahead. I realize I am a minority opinion, but after a while, Lackey's works seem to be getting more and more uninspiring.
Rating:
Summary: Great book, but not quite Lackey's greatest.
Review: I enjoyed reading this book, but I liked the Mage Winds trilogy far better. I was also kind of hoping to read more about Elspeth & Darkwind.
Rating: 
Summary: Karsites in Valdemar!
Review: I loved this book--especially the story line with Karel. I loved the fact that Misty has created a usefulness for the Blues and has developed their part in the Collegium and society as whole. Alos, Misty did a great job developing the entire Karsite side. Be patient with the Empire and stranded general plot lines: It takes time to set up an epic. However . . . Misty could have done a better job with the residents in Haven. The native characters' development has suffered to allow the ambassadors to be developed. This lack of continuing character development for the Palace Residents disconnects the reader from the story in many places. Beware, ladies: Have that box of tissue ready, because you'll end up needing it when you least expect it. Misty always has a good cry in her books, and this one doesn't disappoint in that arena.
Rating:
Summary: Karsites in Valdemar!
Review: I loved this book--especially the story line with Karel. I loved the fact that Misty has created a usefulness for the Blues and has developed their part in the Collegium and society as whole. Alos, Misty did a great job developing the entire Karsite side. Be patient with the Empire and stranded general plot lines: It takes time to set up an epic. However . . . Misty could have done a better job with the residents in Haven. The native characters' development has suffered to allow the ambassadors to be developed. This lack of continuing character development for the Palace Residents disconnects the reader from the story in many places. Beware, ladies: Have that box of tissue ready, because you'll end up needing it when you least expect it. Misty always has a good cry in her books, and this one doesn't disappoint in that arena.
Rating:
Summary: Great book!
Review: I loved this book. No other word for it. This is the first Lackey book I have ever read. I must admit the begining was boring; I found nothing interesting about Charliss, I did find Karal an exteremly well written character that I really could relate to. I think that having the attentions of Altra and Florian along with the trials of being a priest. I love Altra! My favorite character ever!!! Florian is also a interesting character. I loved the plot. The ancient enemies, Karse and Valdemar must ally together by the decree of Vkandis sun lord to fight for the well being of their world. Reflection of the ancient power released during the Mage Wars is happening upon the inhabitants of Velgrath. They must find a way to destroy the power surges before they themselves are destroyed. Anywho, I really really liked this book! The only thing that could be better was if this book was longer!
Rating:
Summary: You must read this book! It's the best book!
Review: I loved this book. No other word for it. This is the first Lackey book I have ever read. I must admit the begining was boring; I found nothing interesting about Charliss, I did find Karal an exteremly well written character that I really could relate to. I think that having the attentions of Altra and Florian along with the trials of being a priest. I love Altra! My favorite character ever!!! Florian is also a interesting character. I loved the plot. The ancient enemies, Karse and Valdemar must ally together by the decree of Vkandis sun lord to fight for the well being of their world. Reflection of the ancient power released during the Mage Wars is happening upon the inhabitants of Velgrath. They must find a way to destroy the power surges before they themselves are destroyed. Anywho, I really really liked this book! The only thing that could be better was if this book was longer!
Rating:
Summary: Not her best, but better than Winds.
Review: I think ML is a better storyteller when she only deals with one central character and his/her trials. Winds was a little too jumbled, and this book is too. The main focus on Karal gives it a little bit more cohesion. I liked Karal a lot, and Altra too. One of the best scenes in the book is when Karal finds and comforts Altra after a trgic incident. (I'm trying not to give anything away here.)
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