Rating: 
Summary: One of her best...
Review: I like the book because of the quality of writing that been missing lately in her books. I first got hooked onto her novels when I read "By The Sword" which this books reminds me of a lot. Both are VERY enjoyable. I will definietly buy this book and probably the valor one when both become paperbacks.
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Summary: Albrech Rules
Review: Until this book came out, I had NEVER read a Lackey book. I was largely unimpressed by the covers, the horses looked cheesy, and the plots seemed like they would be unfulfilling. Exhiles Honor proved me wrong. I love the story, and I've been poking at the other books by her in the hopes to see more of him, though really I'm not sure if there ARE any books where he plays such a prominent role, which is a slightly disapointing thought as he's an ENORMOUSLY cool character. If anyone knows more books that prominently include him, let me know! (somehow...)
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Summary: Meet Alberich of the Sunsguard - now Heraldic Trainee
Review: In addition to covering Alberich's life from around the time of his Choosing during the reign of King Sendar until the end of the Tedrel Wars, Lackey also includes other trainees who aren't standard issue as characters in the story, answering by illustration how the Collegium copes with trainees who don't fit the usual mold of eager-beaver teenage idealists. How, for example, can the heir to the throne - who *must* be a Herald - be sent out on internship, as all trainees must? (In answering that question by showing us young Selenay's working relationship with Alberich, we also see how the city courts of Haven function, and some of the nuts-and-bolts detail of Heraldic internship that we *didn't* get in _Arrow's Flight_.) And what happens when someone much older than the usual run of trainees is chosen - a grown man, or a middle-aged woman who isn't physically up to what average Heralds are expected to do?Let me hasten to add that these characters have roles to play in Alberich's story; they aren't simply grafted on to illustrate a point. For example, the King and his heir accept as an article of faith that Companion's Choice is never wrong, so they must deal with the political fallout of Kantor's choice of one of the shining stars of the Karsite Army - not only a foreigner, but hailing from Valdemar's traditional enemy. "Prologue" This is either a retouched version of the short story "Stolen Silver" from _Horse Fantastic_ and _Werehunter_, or the original version after Lackey restored some cut material. [I favour the latter theory slightly after comparing the two.] Alberich pours his heart and soul into his career in the Sunsguard - as the illegitimate son of a poor woman, he'll make his way in the world on merit through hard work, or not at all. But paradoxically, rising high may be his downfall, as increased rank brings closer scrutiny, and his unwanted gift of foresight (prophecy) has grown harder to conceal over the years. The captain's-eye view of the corrupt nature of pre-Solaris Karsite politics, wherein duty often runs a distant second to backstabbing one's professional rivals, is reinforced throughout the story as Alberich's memories of his homeland provide perspective to those who have never known it. "Exile's Choice" Alberich's transition from the status of patient in Healer's Collegium to Weaponsmaster Second in Herald's Collegium - the latter simultaneous with his own training, which also illustrates how the Collegium copes with trainees who are older than the typical eager teenaged candidate. Alberich's status as the only adult Karsite chosen, of course, marked him - but rather than the expected rejection of the *humans* of the Collegium, we're given further illumination on the nature of Companions - not just the archangelic Grove-born, but how more ordinary Companions are affected by their dual nature. As for Alberich himself, he has a legitimate grievance, which he points out as soon as he's healed enough for conversation with the King's Own, Talamir. In Choosing him, Alberich's Companion violated Alberich's right to choose what to do with his own life. Kantor made it impossible for Alberich to ever go home (even to his own *country*, let alone his life), or to protect his own people by setting a proper example of what a Sunsguard soldier *ought* to be, and doing his duty. "The Tedrel Wars" Yes, "wars", plural - each spring's campaign brings "a little war", wherein the Tedrels dig in, fortify a base, and conduct a scorched-earth campaign, sapping Valdemar's strength before withdrawing into Menmellith (that disputed territory between Rethwellan and Karse that figured prominently in _By the Sword_). The Tedrels are fighting a war of attrition - once Valdemar's strength appears to be at its ebb, *then* the Tedrels will focus on a single, unrelenting campaign. Here Alberich's old friend Herald-Chronicler Myste (Mercedes "Misty" Lackey's own alter ego) enters the story as a rare adult Trainee, and we learn how the curriculum of the Collegium can be adapted to cope with even a half-blind, middle-aged newly Chosen who can't fight her way out of a henhouse. (I note that her Companion Aleirian appears to be named after Lackey's husband, Larry Dixon.) In summary, the events of this book all predate those of the Arrows trilogy in internal chronology, but Lackey has matured greatly as a writer, so readers might prefer to read the Arrows books first, since _Exile's Honor_ is superior. Alberich's work in Haven dovetails nicely with what we learned of him in _Take a Thief_, which is set later in his life but before the Arrows trilogy.
Rating:
Summary: Good Writing but Ordinary
Review: Well, the book was excellent, I can't deny that. The problem is that book's main character isn't a Herald Mage nor does he have a unique gift like Firestarting. The book is. The book is. . . The book is . . . . The book is about a Karsite swordsman who has FarSight. A very ordinary gift of very average quality. Herald-Trainee Malken in Brightly Burning had a much stronger FarSight gift. I just felt this was very oridinary. There was no magic in this book, or any kind of spectacular abilities that made me put the book down and say, "Wow, that is cool." It was just very boring, but otherwise, the book was exceptionally written. Mercedes partially makes up for it in her combat climax at the end, but even still, there was still a partial void there. I can understand that in Valdemar there really isn't anymore room for "super gifts" but it would be nice to see perhaps a story from a very strong Healer's point of view or maybe an exceptionally strong Fetcher. (oh boy, I always hated that word) Good Work Mercedes!
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Summary: Wonderful account of Alberich's early experiences
Review: While some of Lackey's books began to lack in quality (the Owl Sight books) Exile's Honor brings back the Mercedes Lackey quality we all love. This book is a must for any collector, and a must for any casual reader of the Velgarth books. The account of the Tedrel Wars is particularly touching and very well written. It was nice to learn more of previously introduced characters (Talamir, Jadus, ...) and, of course, Alberich's Choosing as a Herald.
Rating: 
Summary: Pleasant Enough Read
Review: I have heard it said that Mercedes Lackey is certainly a prolific writer if not a great one. There is probably some truth to that. Exile's Honor is an example of what a very good writer can produce, if it is written a little too quickly. I actually liked this book, the story was interesting, the characters somewhat unique and remarkable, but . . . it just doesn't seem to be finished. There are too many twists in the story that normally would be foreshadowing of events to come that turn out to be nothing. Why are they there? Who knows. It reads like the plot had been altered as the writing progressed but nothing was done to align the story at the end. It just seemed to be hurried and unfinished. Maybe she expects to write more about Alberich and the beginning of Queen Selenay's reign, if that's so then it might explain the lack of closure, the unfinished feeling. All in all it was a pleasant story, a fairly quick read. Neither deep nor profound it was fun and I do RECOMMEND it.
Rating:
Summary: Okay, but getting kind of old
Review: I've been a fan of Mercedes Lackey for a long time. One of the reasons I've been a fan is because I always feel I connect with her characters. However, maybe I'm getting too old for her books, because I'm a bit sick of the formula she tends to use with each book. Namely, the main character is unhappy, or maybe things just aren't going swell for them, then a magical white horse comes and says "I choose you," and all is well and somewhat sappy. Not that this formula didn't work in the Vanyel and Talia trilogies. I have fond memories of both those triolgies and still re-read them today. This formula seems out of place here, though. Alberich is a good character, one I have always enjoyed, but I don't think Lackey brought the sort of complexity of plot to this book that she could have. I for one would have liked to know more about Alberich's life in Karse. We all know what happens later: he is chosen and from then on he has the understanding and love that is necessary for him to "open up." Then comes the war, and he affirms his loyalty both to his country and to the Heralds, etc. In my humble opinion, Lackey should have spent more time developing the character and context of Alberich. She glosses over his early time as a Herald, allowing him the make the choice of serving Valdemar instead of returning to a homeland that he obviously cares for greatly within only a chapter or so. Then she speeds a few years into the future, where our main concern is the Tedrel wars, a conflict that Lackey does not really set up before we are flung directly into the middle of it. In short, it didn't really seem to me like Lackey took very much interest in developing a more complicated plot, instead relying on her age-old old formula. Maybe this would be interesting for a first time Lackey reader, but for me it's just old news. Quite frankly, it is not the formula I would have expected Alberich's life to take on. And the whole Yoda-talk thing Alberich has going on is getting a little old. He's a smart man; can't he figure out the order in which speaks one?
Rating:
Summary: A Different Kind Of Hero
Review: I use Mercedes Lackey's novels to mentally "get away from it all" and I must say that Exile's Honor was a perfect weekend getaway kind of a read. In telling the story of Alberich of Karse, Herald of Valdemar, Lackey puts to spotlight on one of her most interesting supporting characters who has a prominent role in several other novels. Alberich is an interesting character and the story has a number of contemporary, real world parallels. It is also a surprisingly about spirituality and religion especially as experienced by a person from a "fundamentalist" background who is rather suddenly thrown into an environment where tolerance and understanding are the "golden" or shall we say "silver white" rule. I particularly enjoy Lackey's novels when they hint of sequel and something more. This novel is particularly satisfying in that regard. Its probably as suitable for younger readers as well as more mature fans. On the downside, it gets a bit spotty in early going, but there is a great battle scene at the climax of the novel that is wonderfully exciting. Its also a good novel for that friend you want to introduce to Valdemar.
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Summary: Another great Lackey book
Review: This is a great book that fills in where other stories left off. Tells of how Albrech became weapons master and when Sendar was killed and Selaney became queen. Also lets you know about Jadus' losing his leg. It is a continuation af the short story of Silver in her last book of short stories. Mrs Lackey weaves great stories amd this is another of those stories.
Rating:
Summary: Great book!
Review: I love the valdemar series, i was estatic when i found out there was a new set of books coming out :) I am only on chapter 6 but it's rocking so far =) Anyone notice that there's a little blip where the name Elspeth is used instead of Selenay? Its when Alberich and Selenay first meet, a page or two after. Probably use to always writing about Elspeth the past few years :)
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