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Summary: Another power, Another place
Review: A work of art in it's most pure form. Prepare to traverse a vortex of emotions, a cataclysm of fire. I didn't even need the bridge, I leapt through the portal, fueled by a touch to the soul. Raw emotion that shatters, shapes, molds, and extends a link of compassion to the heart. Try standing in the middle of a swift moving stream, become enveloped in the current. Feeling this transcript is to reading as breathing is to living
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Summary: A book no one should miss.
Review: _Magic's Pawn_ afftected me deeply in several ways, and for many reasons. It was the first piece of "adult" fiction I ever purchased for myself, and so the new elements of sexuality and other rather strong subjects packed an impressive wallop. I identified strongly with Vanyel's sense of emotional isolation as well, and I will say without hesitation that this book changed my life dramatically for the better.
Since encountering Lackey's amazing skill at character- and world-building, I have become a thouroughly devoted fan. Her messages, although they generally take second place to the simple story, are always positive and relevant. If you are looking at Lackey's work, this is an excellent palce to start getting to know the characters and the world to which you will become inescapably attached.
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Summary: The best of Lackey's "Heralds of Valdemar" series
Review: I must confess, I originally bought this book because I liked the cover illustration; it was intriguing without being overstated. When I finished the book, a tissue box and two chocolate bars later, I realized that I had stumbled upon one the most poignant, engrossing stories I have ever read of any book genre. Mercedes Lackey is unapologetic in her portrayal of a young gay teen whose destiny is forged without his consent. Vanyel Askevron, the reluctant heir to Forst Reach, is misunderstood and disliked by his family (save his sister, Lissa). After a run-in with the weaponsmaster of the keep, he is sent to Haven, Valdemar's capital, to live with his Mage-gifted Aunt Savil. While there he discovers friendship, as well as the true meaning of love and pain...and he must learn to cope with the magic inside himself, or else become Magic's Pawn. Mercedes Lackey has written a riveting tale of sorrow and triumph, of love found and lost, of happiness and poignancy--in other words, Lackey has written a story that anyone, gay or straight, can relate to without difficulty. It is a must read, whether you are into fantasy fiction or not
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Summary: A heartbreaking tearjerker for guys, gays, and girls
Review: I've recommended this book to ever gay male I know, though
I'm not gay myself. I just love a book that "takes you there"
It's just one of those books that pulls you along, makes you
live through intense emotions of love and loss. Bind that into a real world of magic and dilemna... well, if you love
magic and fantasy and have a hint of an emotional side READ IT!! This book is on my TOP 2 list of "best books I've ever read"
The other is the Riftwar Saga by Raymond E. Feist.
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Summary: One of the greatest books that deals with Gays ever writtten
Review: This book remains one of my favorites of all time, anyone who is a fan of fantasy, a follower of the arcane arts or who has ever had any curostity about the psychology of a gay man should read this book. I have several friends that were know Homo-pobes, that i recommended this book to and after they read it, boy, did they change thier tune! One of friends pointed out how this book in particular delt so well with introducing Vanyel as a person, who just happens to be gay, and yet at the same time dealing with the issues involved with great sensitivity and insight. Merecedes also applies this same insight into the inner workings of the Magick, intergrating some of the key ideas of modern pagan religions (especially Wicca) into her books, most notibly this one. She weaves a tale of Love and tragedy so real, you'd swear you've known the characters all you life. Beyond that, i think anyone who as dabbled in the Magickal arts will instantly relate to the hardships and heartache that can come from being "different" and not having people understand, or even fear, the arcane ways in which you choose to live your life. If it wasn't for the extreme bias in the educational system against Gays and Paganism, i would be the first to sign the list that would make this book required reading in all High school english classes, i think it would teach far more about humanity and great writing then most of the things I have been forced to read
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Summary: A brilliant work by an excellent author
Review: In the guise of plain and simple fantasy is one of the best books I have read. I must admit, I was sceptical when my sister recommended this book to me, but upon reading it, I was hooked. The story is an excellent one, evocative and sad, happy and bitter, it provides a sad look at some of the social issues that now plague us. I must admit that the begining, with such sad, brilliant writing deserves to be considered as one of the best examples of how a writer should write. I was so impressed with it that I promptly went out and bought myself a copy so that I could read it whenever I wanted.
Rating: 
Summary: One of the best fantasy works around
Review: I got this book on the insistence of a friend, and with a great deal of reluctance; but as soon as I started it, I was hooked. The descriptions, the plot, the story-telling... everything is absolutely superb. I don't want to give away the plot of the book, for that is what gives it its flavour, but it is, in my eyes, one of the most well-written works around today. The story centers around a young teenager named Vanyel. I don't believe that a review should reveal the entire story, because there's no point in buying the book itself then, but I will give you a brief introduction. Vanyel doesn't exactly get along with his family, except for his elder sister and is frequently victimised by his father. Living in a medieval society, Vanyel is also expected to learn how to fight, and this is where the story begins to unfold. The armsmaster (trainer), hates Vanyel, and goes after him with a vengeance when he tries a new combat style. After a slight ...incident, Vanyel is sent to live with his aunt Savil, in the capital of Valdemar, as a sort of unofficial exile. And it is when he reaches Haven (the capital), that the fun begins. This book is such a delicately woven tale, such a work of craftsmanship, that I couldn't put it down. I was an intimate part of Vanyel's every experience- I wept with him, I exulted with him; when he was happy, my world ran smoothly, when he was upset, I was awful to be around. I realise that I sound like a manic-depressive, but I was truly involved in the book, and in the lives of the characters. I moped for days after a cataclysmic upheaval in his life, and quite honestly, the book moved me to tears. Mercedes Lackey has a gift for writing, and her descriptions are the most eveocative in the world, wrapping you up in the book to an extent you wouldn't belive. I even went and bought a second copy of the book, so that I could have one pristine copy on my bookshelf, and one to read and lend! This is not just a book... it's a work of art, one that tackles a lot of our modern-day issues with
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Summary: For those who love to visit a fantasy world and not return!
Review: "Magic's Pawn" is the first book in a trilogy by the author Mercedes Lackey. This is the first book I read by her, and the one that enthralled me so much that I subsequently read 17 more books set in her world of Velgarth.
It is the story of a young man, Vanyel, who is unaware that he has latent magical powers, and who is taken by his aunt to the city of Haven to be trained as a Herald-Mage, the peacekeepers and judges of Valdemar. He is soon 'chosen' by
a Companion, Yfandes, who are horselike creatures of mystical creation, and who bond with the Heralds. In this first book in the trilogy, Vanyel discovers both his newly found powers, and his youthful sexuality, which is a major theme of the book. If you love fantasy and like to laugh, cry, and be truly drawn into a new world, then this is for you!
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Summary: The merits of "Magic's Pawn"
Review: The book "Magic's Pawn" details one of the early histories of the nation of Valdemar. The books spins the tale of Vanyel, the son of a back-woods provincial noble. Vanyel is cast out from his home to live with his aunt, who is supposed to 'make a man out of him'. Durning his stay in Haven, the capital of Valdemar, Vanyel comes to realize that the world is much larger then he ever immagined. He finds love, but it is forbidden. Tylendel, Vanyel's male lover, is a beautifully crafted character that embodies love in any form. He transceds normal barriers, and encourages the reader to be free and honest with their beliefs and feelings. Lackey's use of a homosexual main character serves to seperate Vanyel from the rest of the people at Haven. This technique allows Vanyel to grow more and more different from the other characters of valdemar as the series progresses. Everyone is able to identify with the outcast, seclusive nature of Vanyel. Determined to do good, yet not knowing how to proceed. This novel offers a solace for anyone who has every felt lost, alone, defeated, outcast, or oppressed. It brings to life the spirits of hope, love, kindess, and courage. It is a book of great wisdom and healing, disguised in the form of simple fantasy
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Summary: Great book for fantasy lovers!
Review: Mercedes Lackey has done a beautiful job in bringing to life
a world in which magic is an everyday part. In a few short
pages you are in Valdemar, living in Withen Keep with Vanyel,
the "Peacock", and his large, somewhat powerful family.
Soon you are wisked away to Haven. The place where young people of high social standing are taken to get their higher education. It is also the place where Herald's, The mystically chosen protectors of Valdemar, are trained. Vanyel has been placed here to get him away from his father's
tyrannical ways. Vanyel is spoiled rotten and must learn to work with the people who are trying to help him.
He falls in love with a Herald Mage, Tylendel, and he begins
to learn what it is like to think of someone elses feelings
for a change.
It is a wonderful story of transformation, coming of age, love, loss, and rebirth. All of which combine to make
_Magic's Pawn_, a must read for anyone.
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