Order of Valdemar Book Series

The 'Valdemar' series, a rich tapestry of fantasy literature created by a collaborative group of talented authors including Mercedes Lackey, Jody A. Lee, John Helfers, Kerrie L. Hughes, Nick Podehl, Tanya Huff, and Larry Dixon, invites readers into a captivating world filled with magic, intrigue, and diverse characters.

Set in the enchanting kingdom of Valdemar, the series explores themes of honor, loyalty, and the bond between humans and their magical companions, the Companions—intelligent horses gifted with the ability to choose their riders. This unique connection allows for incredible adventures and challenges as characters navigate their destinies in a land fraught with danger and mystery.

Each installment weaves together various storylines, showcasing the struggles of heroes and heroines as they confront personal trials, seek justice, and protect the realms from dark forces. With a blend of epic quests, deep character development, and intricate world-building, the 'Valdemar' series captivates fans of all ages.

Whether it’s the tale of a fledgling Herald learning to wield their newfound powers or the exploration of an ancient prophecy, the ever-expanding universe of Valdemar offers a rich and immersive experience. Readers can look forward to discovering the historical depth and vibrant lore that define this beloved series as it continues to unveil new adventures and thrilling stories.

The "Valdemar" series is a richly developed fantasy universe created primarily by Mercedes Lackey, and it has been expanded by various other authors. The series spans multiple trilogies, standalone novels, and short stories, focusing on themes of magic, politics, and the bond between humans and the magical companions known as Companions.

Here’s a brief description of key works and contributions by various authors to the "Valdemar" series:

By Mercedes Lackey:

1. Arrows of the Queen - This is the first book in the "Heralds of Valdemar" trilogy. It introduces Talia, a young girl who becomes a Herald, a powerful protector of the realm bonded with a Companion. The novel explores her struggles with acceptance, her pedagogical training, and the emerging dangers threatening Valdemar.

2. Magic’s Pawn - The first book in the "Last Herald-Mage" trilogy, it follows the story of Vanyel Ashkevron, a young mage who discovers his powers amidst personal tragedies and societal discrimination. The novel explores themes of self-identity, love, and the consequences of power.

3. The Last Herald-Mage Trilogy - This trilogy follows Vanyel's journey as he grapples with his powers, love, and the responsibilities that come with being a Herald. It includes "Magic’s Pawn," "Magic’s Promise," and "Magic’s Price."

By Other Authors:

1. Jody A. Lee - Best known for her anthology contributions, she adds depth to the Valdemar world with short stories that expand its lore, often centering on supporting characters and lesser-known events.

2. John Helfers - He contributed to the "Valdemar" series with novels like "The Phoenix Unchained." In his works, he typically delves into the political machinations and military aspects of Valdemar, providing readers with a broader perspective on the realm's governance and conflicts.

3. Kerrie L. Hughes - Known for her contributions to the "Valdemar" short story collections, her stories often focus on the personal growth of characters within the extensive Valdemar lore, highlighting their relationships with Companions and each other.

4. Nick Podehl - While primarily known for his work as an audiobook narrator, Podehl has also written within the Valdemar universe, contributing to anthologies and helping to bring narratives to life through his vocal interpretations.

5. Tanya Huff - Another author who has contributed short stories to the Valdemar collections, Huff infuses her narratives with rich character development and adventurous plots, often highlighting individual journeys and the theme of companionship.

6. Larry Dixon - He has contributed both short stories and has collaborated with Lackey on novels, emphasizing the bond between humans and Companions, as well as the intricacies of Valdemar's history in his narratives.

Overall:

The "Valdemar" series is a collaborative tapestry of storytelling that highlights the deep connections between characters, their Companions, and the challenges they face in a world filled with magic and intrigue. Each author brings a unique perspective, glossing over themes like loyalty, sacrifice, and the pursuit of justice in the beautifully crafted realm of Valdemar. Each book can be read independently, but they all contribute to an overarching narrative within the Valdemar universe.

The "Valdemar" series, primarily written by Mercedes Lackey, is a rich fantasy universe teeming with a diverse cast of characters. While multiple authors have contributed to the series, several main characters are particularly noteworthy. Here’s an overview of some of them:

1. Vanyel Ashkevron: A key protagonist in "Magic's Pawn," Vanyel is a highborn youth who struggles with his identity and sexuality. He is a powerful mage and is pivotal in the fight against dark forces. Vanyel’s journey is about self-discovery, love, and sacrifice, making him one of the most beloved characters in the series.

2. Talia: The main character in "The Last Herald-Mage" trilogy, Talia is a young noblewoman who becomes a Herald of Valdemar. She possesses empathic abilities that allow her to communicate with and heal others. Talia’s story explores themes of duty, acceptance, and the burden of her powers.

3. Kerrick: A character from "The Valdemar Bards" series, Kerrick is a talented bard with a deep connection to the magical aspects of music and storytelling. His journey involves navigating the complexities of his abilities and the responsibilities that come with them.

4. Elspeth: Featured in "The Arrows of the Queen" series, Elspeth is a young girl from a troubled background who is chosen to become a Herald. Her strength and determination help her overcome various adversities, and she grows into a formidable leader.

5. Windstorm: The Companion (a magical horse-like creature) of Talia, Windstorm has a strong bond with her and aids her in her missions. The Companions are integral to the Heralds, serving as their partners and supporting them in times of need.

6. Javan: A key character in the later novels, Javan is a skilled fighter and strategist who plays an important role in addressing the impending dangers faced by Valdemar. His character embodies the themes of loyalty and bravery.

7. Admiral Karsin: A character found in some of the stories, Admiral Karsin is a military leader who faces both external threats and internal challenges within Valdemar.

8. Maggie: A supporting character who brings depth to the relationships within the Valdemar universe, Maggie often provides comic relief and wisdom.

The Valdemar series explores various themes, including gender identity, love, duty, and the struggle between good and evil, with a rich tapestry of characters that offer readers insight into these themes. The collaborative efforts of various authors contribute to a dynamic exploration of Valdemar's society and its challenges.

The "Valdemar" series, primarily created by author Mercedes Lackey, is a rich and expansive fantasy universe that has captivated readers since the publication of the first book, "Arrows of the Queen," in 1987. Here are some interesting facts about the series and its related works by various authors:

1. Friend and Companion Magic: One of the hallmark features of the Valdemar series is the concept of Companions, mystical horse-like creatures that choose individuals to become Heralds. These Companions are linked to their Heralds in profound ways, embodying themes of friendship, loyalty, and mutual respect.

2. Multifaceted Worldbuilding: The Valdemar universe features a well-developed magical system, complete with various schools of magic, unique creatures, and a rich history spanning centuries. Each book often explores different eras or regions within this world.

3. Diverse Authors: While Mercedes Lackey is the primary creator, other authors have contributed stories set in the Valdemar universe, such as Jody A. Lee and Tanya Huff. This collaborative world-building allows for varied storytelling styles and perspectives.

4. Female Protagonists: Lackey's works often feature strong female leads who defy traditional fantasy tropes. Characters like Talia, the protagonist of "Arrows of the Queen," are portrayed with depth and complexity, often overcoming societal barriers to fulfill their destinies.

5. Exploration of Social Issues: The series often addresses themes such as discrimination, personal identity, and societal norms. For example, various novels tackle LGBTQ+ relationships, making the series inclusive and progressive for its time.

6. Extensive Timeline: The chronological timeline of Valdemar is vast, with books spanning centuries. Readers can explore the history of the kingdom through the eyes of different characters, connecting them to the larger narrative.

7. Real Locations and Myths: Some elements of Valdemar are inspired by real-world myths and locations. For example, the concept of Heralds can be likened to knightly figures in medieval narratives, while the structure of the society mirrors aspects of historical kingdoms.

8. Collaborative Anthologies: The Valdemar series includes anthologies featuring multiple authors, allowing for different interpretations of the setting. Collections such as "The Last Herald Mage" series and "Valdemar: The Last Herald Mage" showcase a variety of characters and plots.

9. Award-Winning Series: Mercedes Lackey has received several awards for her contributions to the fantasy genre, including the Lambda Literary Award, which recognizes excellence in LGBTQ+ literature.

10. Rich Continuity: Many stories and characters intersect throughout the series, contributing to a coherent narrative that rewards long-term readers. Fans of the series can appreciate the callbacks and references to previous books.

The "Valdemar" series remains an enduring and beloved part of the fantasy genre, with its themes of friendship, identity, and courage resonating with readers of all ages.