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Summary: Tearjerkingly Wonderful
Review: I don't think I can say anything that hasn't been said already. This book is one of my favourites of all time which is a hard distinction to get. Vanyel is also one of my altime favourite characters as well. Just Wonderful! Made me a Lackey fan in the space of a few hours!
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Summary: Who could resist?
Review: Now, who could resist writing a review for the book that has, for more than 3 years, been their favorite in the world? If you can, you're a stronger person than I. This was the first fantasy book I ever read, and it's still the best. The story Misty spins of Vanyel and his tragic love and bewildering awakened powers touched something in my soul that has never gone back to the way it was. No matter how many times I read this book, I only love it more. It never palls... Truly, if I was ever even a little prejudice before I read this book, now I am something of a champion of homosexuals. All I can say is to read this book and then tell me if I'm wrong. I can guarantee I won't be.
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Summary: Must Read Fantasy
Review: This was the second Mercedes Lackey book I ever read, and while the first one (Sacred Ground) didn't hook me, this one certainly did. The moving portrayal of Vanyel's growth from an immature (though mistreated) spoiled brat to a soul wisened, lovely young man through hardship is a tale no one should miss. The portrayal of homosexuals is one of the best out there, and if you have any prejudice, this is bound to break it. Wonderful romance, gripping, heartwrenching characters, and a world that won't let you leave lead up to one of the best fantasy books I've ever read.
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Summary: Best Fantasy book I've read
Review: This book makes me feel like I'm right there with Vanyel. I couldn't put it down. My parents had to argue with me to stop reading and do my homework. I was confused for a while until I figured out Vanyel & Tylendel were gay. It's a must read! If you don't your missing out.
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Summary: This's the best book I've ever read.
Review: This's the best fantasy book I've ever read. Misty managed to juggle between romance & magics better than most of the other books I've read. Even though I've never like books on romance, but this's the book that got me hooked to Misty's books. This book's a must-read for all, no matter your age or sex.
Rating:
Summary: incredible book
Review: This is the book that truly got me hooked onto Ms. Lackey's works. I was reluctant to read it at first...but after I started the book I found that I had to search out a box of tissues. Halfway through I was crying too hard to see through my tears. Vanyel and Tylendel are characters the reader can feel for, and the book arouses strong emotions in the reader. So don't read this for the first time on the bus going home...you might find that people stare at you as you mutter indignantly to yourself! *g* A definite must-read.
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Summary: The entire trilogy kicks!
Review: I cried. Don't tell anyone I said that. This is the perfect beginning to an epic trilogy. Mercedes Lackey knows how to tell a story, and here she not only entertains, she has an important message about sexuality. She teaches tolerance, and tells us that no matter what preferences a person has, it's okay. Vanyel's strength comes through, and you can easily see the hero he will become.
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Summary: It hooked me!
Review: While not the first Valdemar book I read this was the one that truly got me hooked. I bought this book to read on a trip and I couldn't put it down. I truely fell in love with all the characters. It was as if I was actually there with Vanyel the whole time. I have read this book and the other two in the trilogy 12 times and I plan on reading them more. This book more than any other influence was the reason I developed my Non-prejudicial attitude.
Rating:
Summary: The BEST of Mercedes Lackey's books I have read yet.
Review: This is the best book of the entire series, in my opinion. It grabbed me right from the beginning and I honestly could not put it down (I stayed up all night reading it). The characters were wonderful, the setting was superb, and the story was just out and out great.
Rating: 
Summary: Read this series; think about ignoring the rest
Review: This is a marvelous trilogy. I've read and re-read it many times since I picked up the first book years ago. Lackey does a fabulous job in her characterizations, in the plot, and in keeping the readers' interest, both in Vanyel and the people surrounding him. I reccommend it to every reader of fantasy, with a few reservations. I'm sure I'm going to peeve a lot of rabid Lackey followers here, but the series isn't perfect. There are better ways to handle powerful emotions than by beating the reader's head with them. The emotional content of her books is powerful, but it lacks subtlety. Suicidal teen main characters can only be interesting for so long; after a while, they get really annoying. I think this trilogy is by far the best of the Valdemar series. I still have extremely fond memories of it. After poring over these, I read everything Valdemar I could find for a few years... and then I stopped. The characters in the various related series started seeming very ... familiar. She hasn't just used the same persona over and over again in dozens of books like Piers Anthony has, but none of the main characters are ever really that *different* from one another, either. _The Last Herald Mage_ is wonderful. It's important. It's groundbreaking in its portrayal of homosexuality. But, the more I look at the rest of the Valdemar series, the more I see it as preadolescent girls' fantasies made sophisticated, complete with talking horses & cats, dark & handsome heroes, awkward young women who 'just don't fit,' and enough unsubtle emotional content to fill a few diaries. But I have to admit, it is fun. For a while.
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