Magic's Pawn (The Last Herald-Mage Series, Book 1)

Rating:
Summary: Totally Glued to the Book!
Review: The story was truly moving and I fell in love with Vanyel quite instantly! I was imagining myself as Vanyel as I read the book and I simply can't put it down....as I only began to read the book late in the night, I technically skipped sleeping altogether just to finish the book! I would have picked up the 2nd book immediately if not for the fact that I was quite exhausted.

For those who had not read this book, I'll say they're truly missing something!

Rating:
Summary: Simply fantastic.
Review: This is the very first Mercedes Lackey book I ever read... and I very quickly bought not only the second two books in the trilogy, but some more of her writings.

The first reason I picked up Magic's Pawn is the "horse" on the cover, because I am an animal lover. But I sat down on the floor of the bookstore to read a couple pages to get a feel for it, and I could hardly close the book to buy it!

This book is an amazing love story. It does not matter that it is between two males at all -- it is simply portrayed as a deep love bond between two souls. This book actually changed my mind from being squeamish about gays to accepting, supporting, and understanding them.

But more than a love story, it's a record of a boy growing up, learning a lot about himself. Throughout he has the wonderful support of his "horse" Yfandes, who is truely a lady, no matter her shape. She and Vanyel are mind-linked, which helps him through a lot of hard times. They also share a lot of fun bantering and generally affectionate teasing.

If you want a "talking animal" story, get this. If you want a gay love story, get this. If you want a timeless love story, get this. If you want a simply magic story, get this.

Rating:
Summary: I laughed, I cried and I read it twice...
Review: Wow! Kudos to you, Ms. Lackey on the first installment in the Vanyel epic. Not only is this fantasticfantasy, but it has a serious and morale side to it, as well.This book is not for the squimish. Homosexuality is a biggie. After all, Vanyel is shay'a'chern-or, in layman's terms-gay. Vanyel is a sheltered boy, growing up as a Border-Holder's son. His armsmaster, Jarvis, beats on him constantly and even breaks his arm. When Vanyel finally reaches Haven-and his Aunt, Herald-Mage Savil Ashkevron, he feels lonley and left out. Until he meets Tylindal. His life-bonded or soul mate, if you will. I wont give you a COMPLETE synopsis, but I just want to say that when certain characters died, my eyes started to water. Or when a character made a stupid decision, I jumped up and down screaming at him or her or even it. I HIGHLY recommend the HERALD-MAGE series-and all the rest of Misty's work.

Rating:
Summary: where was this book when i was a teenager?
Review: i just now have discovered this in my middle age, and oh how i wish this book had been around when i was a kid. the positive portrayal of love between two boys was something i never could have imagined while growing up, and judging by the reviews ive read here, many others have the same reaction.

beyond that, this is a rollicking good adventure story and well worth a read on that level alone. i cant wait to read the concluding two books of the trilogy now.

and i really hope vanyel will find someone to love now that lendel is gone...

Rating:
Summary: Simply ...so...Awesome..! ([e-mail])
Review: GOD...This book, is one of or the BEST book I have ever read. I am Shaych myself and am only 17. I was so so touched my Magic's Pawn. I cannot decribe the feeling I got from this book, but it only confirmed how I felt about myself. After reading this book I cried at night in my bed and wondered if it was ever possible for me to have the kind of love that Vanyel shared with Tylendel and Stefen.. I really doubt it but I can allways hope. I loved the 3 book series. I love this book, I just wish there were more involving people like Vanyel in a fantasy setting.. : )

Rating:
Summary: THIS BOOK WAS GREAT!
Review: I love this book! It was so incredibly breath-taking! I read it in like a day. The characters are so easy to bond with. For some reason's Misty's characters are always like that. Maybe bond isn't the right word. I dunno. I can't think of another way to put it. I just have one more thing to say. IT'S NOT FAIR! WHY DO ALL THE HOT GUYS HAVE TO BE SHAY'A'CHERN? ::shrug:: Oh well. If you're into fantasy READ THIS BOOK! MUAHAHAHAHA! Ok I'm done.

Rating:
Summary: GREAT book!
Review: I loved this book, this entire series is a must read! Vanyel is one of the deepest, most complex charachters I have ever read about. You truly feel for him, his very disfuntional family, his wonderfull Aunt Savil, and his lifebonded - 'Lendle. . . Your heart goes out to him in so many ways, you feel you truly know him like no one else.

Rating:
Summary: This Book is Like and Old Trusted Friend to Me
Review: I don't want to sound melodramatic, but no other book has had as much an effect on my life as this one. During my freshman year of college, at the age of fourteen, a friend of mine recomended this book. It was one of the first positive portrayals of homosexuality that I had encountered and I identified strongly with the main character, Vanyel. Like him, I knew I was different, but couldn't figure out how. As he discovered that he was gay, I realized I was a lesbian. And as he fell in love with his roommate, I fell in love with mine. I can't tell you what it was like to feel that I was not alone, to see someone else (even if it was a fictional character) having the same experiences as me. This book helped me through one of the most difficult periods of my life. It has become like an old friend. I've re-read it many times, and as I grow older and have new experiences, I gain new perspective and insights into it. Every time I read it, it's like coming home again. And, I'd like to note, that my own story has a happy ending. My roommate, now lover, and I have shared six wonderful years together.

Rating:
Summary: The absolute best book I have *ever* read.
Review: I first read Magic's Pawn when I was 14-years-old and it totally changed my life. I finally had the guts to come out and tell my parents that I, like Vanyel, was shay'a'chern. Since reading this book I've gone on to read every other Mercedes Lackey book currently in print, and even though I loved them all, this one still remains my very favorite.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent! Extraordinary! Exceptional!
Review: Magic's Pawn was the first Misty book I read, and I was instantly hooked. Her character development is incredibly, not only with Vanyel and Sayvil, but also with Tylendel and Lady Treesa. I could just hear Treesa's "vapors" and see Tylendel's sweet smile. I have worn out 4 copies(softcover) of Magic's Pawn, and hope to buy another one soon. I went on to become a huge Lackey fan, and I would love nothing more than to eventually get in contact with her by letter or e-mail.