Rating: 
Summary: Surprisingly Good
Review: I feel that the last Herald-Mage series is probably her best, as i noticed her more recent books have began to slide downhill. I enjoyed this book based on the fact that she for once actually developed her main character, and also, because her writing quality wasn't being distracted by a romantic interest in the novel as the last tended to be. I noticed in this book Vanyel really grew from the whiney boy he was in the first part; he matured alot and also came to terms with who he was, what he was destined for and what had happened to him in the past (Which i thought was well done.) Vanyel also lost the hollowness that many of Lackey's other characters tend to have- he was actually believeable in this book, and not some perfect doll who was incapable of fault. I gave this book four stars because although it was good, it was not exceptional- despite that it was almost out of place for her writing style and quality.
Rating: 
Summary: HEARTFELT AND INSPIRATIONAL
Review: I got a loan of this book from a friend and was reluctant to read it at first, but by the time I had gotten through the first chapter I couldn't turn the next page fast enough. Vanyel to me is an inspiration, I found myself thinking back to times when I wanted to be like Superman and other childhood Heroes. My hands were shaking when I had reached half way through, I found I couldn't put the book down. I finished the book that night, and the next day I was in the shop looking for the next book in the series. Lackey is a genius the way she can grab your attention and hold it to the very end of the book and leave you panting for more. I hadn't read any other of her books before, but by the time I was half way through this book I knew who Vanyel was and what his childhood was like, without delving into too much detail. This book is shear excitment and heartache and inner challenges all in one and I would recommend this book to anyone.
Rating:
Summary: Magic's Promise
Review: I got the book by mistake and what a mistake! I couldn't put it down! You will weep and you will laugh. The heartbreak and the resulution of doing what Vanyel has to do. If there were ever a place like Valdamar, I would like to go there! This is a MUST read for all fantasy readers. You will believe all things in love are possible. Read it! You won't be disapointed, I promise!
Rating:
Summary: This trilogy Rocks!
Review: I have read the first two books out of the Last Herald/Mage trilogy and I am completely in love! Never before have I been so totally involved in a book. With Magic's Promise you see that Vanyel has to finally cope with losing Lendel along with seeing everyone he knows grow more distant. I cried many times after reading the line where he looks to the night sky and says, "Good night, ashke. Where ever you are. Wind to thy wings--" Mercedes Lackey is the BEST fiction writer, ever! Not even Tolken moved me like this book. This one diserves more than a ten, I give it a 100!
Rating:
Summary: A Spectacular Book
Review: I loved this entire series. I can't say it much cleaer. I don't want to summarize the book because I know I'll give some wonderful part away, but I can say that if you don't read this book, you will REALLY miss out.
Rating:
Summary: One to read again and again
Review: I read this book when it was first published in 1990. I bought it when I happily found out that Mercedes Lackey had written more than just "The Arrows of the Queen" that I had found in 1988. I loaned it to several friends before I actually got to read it. Since then this book and the third of The Last Herald Mage series, "Magic's Price" have been among my five favorite books of all time. I read these books at least 2 or 3 times every year. It is like going home again every time. Each time I cry and laugh, and each time I wish the story went on. The Heralds of Valdemar books have all been pretty good. Some haven't been the greatest and others have been spectacular, but this series is the best by far. The three books in this series also deal with some difficult issues. They are dealt with in an extremely compassionate manner that is comfortable for most any age reader. I first found these books when I was 13 and am now 25. I count these books as part of the reading of my young adulthood which helped shaped who I am. Many clasify these books as young adult fiction. That is most likely because they are suitable for that age group, but they are certainly complex and plain WONDERFUL enough to captivate any reader. (Final Note: I have three copies of each book, and all of them I have practically read to tatters, but can't bring myself to get rid of them!)
Rating:
Summary: Heart Breakingly Beautiful!
Review: I went straight into Magic Promise after Magic Pawn. Magic Promise is just as spell binding. Not because of the fantasy aspects or the magic because I have read more imaginative ones. It is the protagonist, Vanyel, who imprisons me. I admit I am in love with this beautiful character. Twelve years after Magic Pawn, Vanyel is now a great herald-mage held in awe by all. Yet he remains sad and so much alone that my heart goes out to him. His struggles with his sexual preference, his attempt to make peace with his father and the arms master who tortured him during his boyhood and the loss of his soul mate 12 years ago which continues to haunt him is touching and beautifully told. Vanyel's pain as he conjures up his soul mate by magic because he misses him so much and Vanyel's final acceptance of his death is just heart rending. Vanyel facing Death, who gave him the choice to live to fight and protect those he loves or final peace and release from pain and sufferings towards the end of Magic Promise just tugs at my heart. Still Magic Promise has its light and tender moments provided by the unique bond and love between Vanyel and his Companion. Because of Vanyel I have added Lackey to my list of must read writers.
Rating:
Summary: Simply Amazing
Review: If i could have, I'd have given this book 50 stars!! Quite simply, I loved this book, not to mention the first and last in the trilogy. this one, however, stood out as my favorite. it's a great story, however if you don't like sad scenes stay away. before it was all over and done with, i think i had cried enough tears to fill a well. Vanyel goes through alot of very emotional experiences, especially in "Magic's Price." But I recommend this book to anyone who's a fan of fantasy novels. It's definitely become my favorite book.
Rating:
Summary: a good bridge
Review: If you love the series, this is a must have. However, not quite as interesting as the first or last. It is the lightest book in the trilogy.
Rating:
Summary: Vanyel rides again
Review: In "Magic's Promise," Vanyel Ashkevron is tired. He's been doing the work of five full Herald-mages, and desperately needs some R&R. Does he get it? Well . . . no. Not exactly. But he does find out more about himself, save a neighboring kingdom, and comes to some sort of peace with himself over the lingering grief over his lover Tylendel's death (his lifemate from "Magic's Pawn"). The interesting thing about this book is that it dwells on how difficult dealing with family often is. Vanyel's family doesn't like it that he's gay, and hasn't accepted it fully; his mother is still trying to press women on him, and he really doesn't like that. (Can't say that I blame him, either.) They also don't quite seem to know what to do with Vanyel; he's so powerful, and yet he's one of theirs, so they don't fear him . . . it's very tough for them. So, while Vanyel balances as best he can amidst his not very understanding family, he discovers a few more interesting things along the way. One, he'd badly misjudged Jervis, the armsmaster at Forst Reach (his father's seat); Jervis is a much better person than I'd ever given him credit for in the first book ("Magic's Pawn"), and sincerely wants to make amends for his earlier bad behavior. This was welcome, and quite unexpected. The second is that women can still be turned by a fair face and a handsome body, even if they know you're gay. Maybe (dare I say it?) especially if they know you're gay. Not a welcome revelation, to be sure. But an honest one, and drawn from life. Mercedes Lackey does extremely well drawing these insights, from how families treat their own when they love but do not understand, to the overall treatment of gay men and women in society. In Valdemar, there may indeed by "no one, true way" but there is still a range of behavior -- and, sadly, gay men and women aren't totally accepted everywhere even there. As for why it gets only four stars, rather than five? Well, one character, Melenna, really makes me grit my teeth when she shows up. And I'm not so keen on Herald Lores' behavior, either (you'll have to read it to understand); put them both together and they lessen my enjoyment of the book by a bit. But I still enjoy the book, no question. Lackey shows the best -- and worst -- facets of being young, attractive, powerful, and gay -- in this book, which is why I recommend it highly.
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