Books by Mercedes Lackey

Book SynopsisHerald Mags, the King of Valdemar's Herald Spy, has been developing a network of informants who observe the Court and the alleys alike, quietly gathering information to keep the Kingdom safe. Meanwhile, his wife Amily is growing into her position as the King's Own Herald, though she is irritated to encounter many who still consider her father to be the real King's Own. Nonetheless, she finds it increasingly useful to be underestimated, for there are dark things stirring in the shadows of Haven. Someone has discovered secrets of the women of the Court and the Collegia-and is using those secrets to terrorize them. They are targeting the religious houses of women, too, leaving behind destruction and obscene letters. Mags and Amily use both magic and wits to try and find the evildoer. But just as they appear to be on the verge of success, the letter writer tires of terror. Now they are out for blood...

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Book SynopsisCenturies before the events of Heralds of Valdemar, one man held the fate of a kingdom in his hands: Vanyel Ashkevron. Born with near-legendary abilities to work both Herald and Mage magic, Vanyel cannot run from his destiny. His raw power makes him the focus of frightening forces, and soon threatens to spiral out of his control. With wild magic wreaking havoc on the land and taking a brutal toll on the Heralds and Herald-Mages of Valdemar, Vanyel must shoulder his burden once again. Is the inexperienced Prince Tashir responsible for the magical destruction unleashed upon his kingdom - or is something darker and deadlier at work? While the king lies dying, will Vanyel and his Companion, Yfandes, have the strength to defend their people from the ultimate evil? The Last Herald Mage follows the legendary Vanyel Ashkevron and his Companion Yfandes, as Vanyel struggles with the enormity of his powers and the terrible responsibility they bring - all in the name of Valdemar.

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Book SynopsisMagpie is an orphan, chosen by one of the magical Companion horses of Valdemar and taken to the capital city, Haven, to be trained as a Herald. Can he solve the riddle of his parentage and his connection with the mysterious spies - and prove his loyalty - before the king and court banish him as a traitor?

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Book SynopsisSaved from a harsh life of destitution as an enslaved orphan, Mags has been recruited by the King's Own Herald as a spy. In this special appointment, Mags has thrived - he is well fed, educated and treasured for his unusually powerful Gift, an ability to Mindspeak and Mindhear anyone, regardless of whether they are Gifted. This makes him the ideal undercover agent for the king.After a year of careful investigation of the gem mines, it becomes clear that half of what was being produced has been disappearing. No one knows where the gems are going, or why. Mags must go undercover to find out. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he will confront old foes, and unearth a secret that goes to the heart of the nation of Valdemar.

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Book SynopsisThe seventeenth novel in the magical alternate history Elemental Masters series heads to Regency England to navigate property acquisition, marriage proposals, and other ancient horrors.

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Book SynopsisThe twelfth novel in Mercedes Lackey's magical Elemental Masters series reimagines Sherlock Holmes in a richly-detailed alternate 20th-century EnglandChristmas is a very special time of year. It is special for Psychic Nan Killian and Medium Sarah Lyon-White and their ward Suki, who are determined to celebrate it properly. It is special for their friends, Doctor John Watson, and his wife Mary, both Elemental Masters, who have found great delight in the season seeing it through young Suki's eyes. It is also special to others…for very different reasons.For Christmas Eve is also hallowed to dark forces, powers older than mankind, powers that come awake on this, the Longest Night. Powers best left alone. Powers that could shake the foundations of London and beyond.

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Book SynopsisLittle Red Riding Hood's real name is Gretchen Schwarzwald, and ten years ago, she was orphaned by an evil Earth Master. She was rescued by a Fire Master, and taught how to use her own Fire Powers. Now a werewolf pack is ravaging Exmoor, and she has come to help London's White Lodge eradicate it and find and destroy the Elemental Master behind it.

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Book SynopsisThe long-awaited founding of Valdemar comes to life in this new series from the New York Times bestselling author and Grand Master of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. Baron Valdemar and his people have found a temporary haven, but it cannot hold all of them, or for long. Trouble could follow on their heels at any moment, and there are too many people for Crescent Lake to support. Those who are willing to make a further trek by barge on into the West will follow him into a wilderness depopulated by war and scarred by the terrible magics of a thousand years ago and the Mage Wars. But the wilderness is not as "empty" as it seems. There are potential friends and rapacious foes.... ....and someone is watching them.

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Book SynopsisThe long-awaited story of the founding of Valdemar concludes in the final book of a trilogy from the New York Times bestselling author and beloved fantasist.

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Book SynopsisThe thirteenth novel in the magical alternate history Elemental Masters series continues the reimagined adventures of Sherlock Holmes in a richly-detailed alternate Victorian England. The threat of Moriarty is gone-but so is Sherlock Holmes. Even as they mourn the loss of their colleague, psychic Nan Killian, medium Sarah Lyon-White, and Elemental Masters John and Mary Watson must be vigilant, for members of Moriarty's network are still at large. And their troubles are far from over: in a matter of weeks, two headless bodies of young brides wash up in major waterways. A couple who fears for their own recently-wedded daughter hires the group to investigate, but with each new body, the mystery only deepens. The more bodies emerge, the more the gang suspects that there is dangerous magic at work, and that Moriarty's associates are somehow involved. But as they race against the clock to uncover the killer, it will take all their talents, Magic, and Psychic Powers-and perhaps some help from a dearly departed friend-to bring the murderer to justice.

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Book SynopsisThe long-awaited founding of Valdemar comes to life in this new series from a New York Times bestselling author and beloved fantasist. Within the Eastern Empire, Duke Kordas Valdemar rules a tiny, bucolic Duchy that focuses mostly on horse breeding. Anticipating the day when the Empire's exploitative and militant leaders would not be content to leave them alone, Korda's father set out to gather magicians in the hopes of one day finding a way to escape and protect the people of the Duchy from tyranny. Kordas has lived his life looking over his shoulder. The signs in the Empire are increasingly dire. Under the direction of the Emperor, mages have begun to harness the power of dark magics, including blood magic, the powers of the Abyssal Planes, and the binding and "milking" of Elemental creatures. But then one of the Duchy's mages has a breakthrough. There is a way to place a Gate at a distance so far from the Empire that it is unlikely the Emperor can find or follow them as they evacuate everyone that is willing to leave. But time is running out, and Kordas has been summoned to the Emperor's Court. Can his reputation as a country bumpkin and his acting skills buy him and his people the time they need to flee? Or will the Emperor lose patience, invade to strip Valdemar of everything of worth, and send its conscripted people into the front lines of the Imperial wars?

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Book SynopsisWithin the Eastern Empire, Duke Kordas Valdemar rules a tiny, bucolic Duchy that focuses mostly on horse breeding. Anticipating the day when the Empire's exploitative and militant leaders would not be content to leave them alone, Korda's father set out to gather magicians in the hopes of one day finding a way to escape and protect the people of the Duchy from tyranny. Kordas has lived his life looking over his shoulder. The signs in the Empire are increasingly dire. Under the direction of the Emperor, mages have begun to harness the power of dark magics, including blood magic, the powers of the Abyssal Planes, and the binding and "milking" of Elemental creatures. But then one of the Duchy's mages has a breakthrough. There is a way to place a Gate at a distance so far from the Empire that it is unlikely the Emperor can find or follow them as they evacuate everyone that is willing to leave. But time is running out, and Kordas has been summoned to the Emperor's Court. Can his reputation as a country bumpkin and his acting skills buy him and his people the time they need to flee? Or will the Emperor lose patience, invade to strip Valdemar of everything of worth, and send its conscripted people into the front lines of the Imperial wars?

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Book SynopsisThe ongoing saga of Valdemar enters a new era with this epic trilogy, from the New York Times bestselling author and Grand Master of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. On the border between Valdemar and the deadly Pelagirs Forest, the gryphon hero Kelvren returns from a near-fatal self-sacrifice that won him the approval of Valdemar's ground troops but caused a diplomatic crisis. Frustrated by his lack of a hero's welcome, Kelvren is talked into helping with an expedition by his old friend, Firesong. Firesong struggles with his own age and mortality, and he intends to solve a vast mystery at the center of legendary Lake Evendim as his crowning achievement. Just getting the multicultural fleet underway is a challenge, but what awaits them is a situation none of them could expect.

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Book SynopsisMags was once an enslaved orphan living a harsh life in the mines, until the King's Own Herald discovered his talent and trained him as a spy. Now a Herald in his own right, at the newly established Heralds' Collegium, Mags has found a supportive family, including his Companion Dallen. Although normally a Herald in his first year of Whites would be sent off on circuit, Mags is needed close to home for his abilities as a spy and his powerful Mindspeech gift. There is a secret, treacherous plot within the royal court to destroy the Heralds. The situation becomes dire after the life of Mags' mentor, King's Own Nikolas, is imperiled. His daughter Amily is chosen as the new King's Own, a complicated and dangerous job that is made more so by this perilous time. Can Mags and Amily save the court, the Heralds, and the Collegium itself?

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Book SynopsisThe long-awaited founding of Valdemar comes to life in this new series from the New York Times bestselling author and Grand Master of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. Within the Eastern Empire, Duke Kordas Valdemar rules a tiny, bucolic Duchy that focuses mostly on horse breeding. Anticipating the day when the Empire's exploitative and militant leaders would not be content to leave them alone, Korda's father set out to gather magicians in the hopes of one day finding a way to escape and protect the people of the Duchy from tyranny. Kordas has lived his life looking over his shoulder. The signs in the Empire are increasingly dire. Under the direction of the Emperor, mages have begun to harness the power of dark magics, including blood magic, the powers of the Abyssal Planes, and the binding and "milking" of Elemental creatures. But then one of the Duchy's mages has a breakthrough. There is a way to place a Gate at a distance so far from the Empire that it is unlikely the Emperor can find or follow them as they evacuate everyone that is willing to leave. But time is running out, and Kordas has been summoned to the Emperor's Court. Can his reputation as a country bumpkin and his acting skills buy him and his people the time they need to flee? Or will the Emperor lose patience, invade to strip Valdemar of everything of worth, and send its conscripted people into the front lines of the Imperial wars?

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Book SynopsisThe beloved Elemental Masters series moves to America for the first time in a rich retelling of The Queen of the Copper Mountain, set against the backdrop of Tennessee coal country. Anna May Jones is the daughter of a coal miner. When her father succumbs to Black Lung, the coal company wastes no time in turning the family out of their home. In desperation, Anna May's mother sends her to live with her Aunt Jinny, a witchy-woman and an Elemental Master, in a holler outside of Ducktown. As she settles into her new life, Anna May finds herself falling for a stonemason with such a talent for stonecarving that people come all the way from Memphis to commission statues and tombstones from him. But he's not content with his current skill--he wants to learn to carve stone so well it looks real. When the stonemason disappears on a quest to fulfill his ambition, it is up to Anna May to follow and find him, armed with the new abilities Aunt Jinny has taught her. To save the man she loves, Anna May must journey into the mountain--and confront the horrors that lurk in the darkness of the mine.

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Book SynopsisMags, a young Herald trainee in Haven, the capital city of Valdemar, has very rare talents. Recognising this, the King's Own Herald trains Mags as a spy, tasking him with uncovering the secrets of a mysterious new enemy who has taken an interest in Mags himself. Why is an even deeper mystery. The answers can only be found in the depths of Mags' past, if he survives long enough to find them.

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Book SynopsisMiriam may be the daughter of Queen Alethia of Tirendell, but she''s not a princess. She''s the child of Alethia and her previous husband, the King''s Champion, who died fighting for the king, and she has no ambitions to rule. When her new baby sister Aurora, heir to the throne, is born, she''s ecstatic. She adores the baby, who seems perfect in every way. But on the day of Aurora''s christening, an uninvited Dark Fae arrives, prepared to curse her, and Miriam discovers she possesses impossible power.Soon, Miriam is charged with being trained in both magic and combat to act as chief protector to her sister. But shadowy threats are moving closer and closer to their kingdom, and Miriam''s dark power may not be enough to save everyone she loves, let alone herself.

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Book SynopsisMagpie pursues his quest for his parent's identity with burning urgency - while also discovering another hidden talent and being trained by the King's Own Herald as an undercover agent for Valdemar. Magpie and his friends, Lena and Bear, must face their demons and find their true strength as they seek to become full Heralds, Bards, and Healers of Valdemar.

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Book SynopsisMags, Herald Spy of Valdemar, and his wife, Amily, are happily married with three kids. The oldest, Peregrine, has the Gift of animal Mindspeech, and his dream is to follow in his father’s footsteps as a Herald Spy. But there is growing rural unrest in a community on the border of Valdemar. A report filled with tales of strange disappearances and missing peddlers is sent to Haven by a Herald from the Pelagirs. To let Perry experience life away from home, Mags proposes that his son accompany him on an expedition to discover what is really going on. During their travels, Perry’s Mindspeech allows him to communicate with the local wildlife of the Pelagirs, whose connection to the land aids in their investigation. But the details he gleans only deepen the mystery. They must discover the truth behind the disappearances—before those disappearances turn deadly…

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Book SynopsisIn this second installment of the Family Spies series, set in the bestselling world of Valdemar, the children of Heralds Mags and Amily must follow in their parents' footsteps to protect the realm. Mags, Herald Spy of Valdemar, and his wife, Amily, the King's Own Herald, are happily married with three kids. Their daughter, Abidela, dreams of building upon her parents' legacy by joining the Artificers, hoping to offset her seeming lack of a Gift. But when Abi senses the imminent collapse of a bridge only moments before it happens, she saves countless lives, including that of her best friend, Princess Katiana. The experience, though harrowing, uncovers her unique Gift-an ability to sense the physical strains in objects. Intrigued by the potential of her Gift, the Artificers seek to claim her as their own-but so do the Healers. Through training with both of them, Abi discovers unique facets of her Gift, including a synesthetic connection to objects that allows her to "see" as well as feel the strains. Her Gift may also grant her a distinct advantage as a spy-there won't be a building in the entire kingdom of Valdemar with a secret room that she doesn't know about. With the help of her mentors, she must hone her gift to uncover the hidden secrets in the depths of Valdemar.

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Book SynopsisAnnie Oakley has always suspected there is something "uncanny" about herself, but has never been able to put a name to it. But when Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show goes on tour through Germany, Bill temporarily hires a new sharpshooter to be part of his "World Wide Congress of Rough Riders": a woman named Giselle, who also happens to be an Elemental Master of Air. Alongside this new performer, Annie discovers that she and her husband, Frank, are not simply master marksman, but also magicians of rare ability. As they travel and perform, Annie must use her newfound knowledge and rare skill to combat creatures of the night scattered across the countryside, who threaten both the performers and the locals. Annie's got her gun, and it's filled with silver bullets.

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Book SynopsisThe long-awaited founding of Valdemar comes to life in this new series from the New York Times bestselling author and Grand Master of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. Baron Valdemar and his people have found a temporary haven, but it cannot hold all of them, or for long. Trouble could follow on their heels at any moment, and there are too many people for Crescent Lake to support. Those who are willing to make a further trek by barge on into the West will follow him into a wilderness depopulated by war and scarred by the terrible magics of a thousand years ago and the Mage Wars. But the wilderness is not as "empty" as it seems. There are potential friends and rapacious foes.... ....and someone is watching them.

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Book SynopsisIn this chronicle of the early history of Valdemar, a thirteen-year old orphan named Magpie escapes a life of slavery in the gem mines when he is chosen by one of the magical companion horses of Valdemar to be trained as a herald. Thrust into the centre of a legend in the making, Magpie discovers talents he never knew he had, and witnesses the founding of the great Heralds' Collegium.

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Book SynopsisThe fourteenth novel in the magical alternate history Elemental Masters series continues the reimagined adventures of Sherlock Holmes in a richly-detailed alternate 20th-century England. While Sherlock is still officially dead, John and Mary Watson, Nan Killian, and Sarah Lyon-White are taking up some of his case-load—and some work for Lord Alderscroft, the Wizard of London. Lord Alderscroft asks them to go to Dartmoor to track down a rumor of evil magic. Not more than four hours later, a poor Dartmoor cottager arrives seeking their help. His wife, in a fit of rage over the children spilling and spoiling their only food for dinner that night, sent them out on the moors to forage for something to eat. The children are moor-wise and unlikely to get into difficulties, but this time they did not come back, and their tracks abruptly stopped. The man begs them to come help. They would say no, but there’s the assignment for Alderscroft. Why not kill two birds with one stone? But the deadly bogs are not the only mires on Dartmoor. And these are not the only missing children.

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Book SynopsisPsychic Nan Killian and medium Sarah Lyon-White, and their clever birds, the raven Neville and the parrot Grey, have been agents of the Elemental Fire Master, Lord Alderscroft, since they left school. Now they have a new commission: to work with the famous man living at 221 Baker Street. But not the man living in flat B; they are to assist the one living in flat C. Taking the occult cases his more famous friend refuses, Doctor John Watson and his wife Mary, who are themselves Elemental Masters of Water and Air, will need every skill the girls and their birds can muster. Together, the girls will confront the mysterious and deadly entity that nearly killed them as children: the infamous Haunt of Number 10 Berkeley Square, and a multitude of spirits that threaten to destroy not only a lifelong friendship, but far more than that.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Beautifully written.... Shows a sure touch with the wonder and adventure that characterize the best fantasy writers.” —RT Reviews “Lackey has created a complex, interesting world.” —American Fantasy Magazine “The story is well told, and the major characters are well-drawn. As a whole, the trilogy offers evidence of Lackey’s...potential to become a major figure in the field.” —Booklist “So well-crafted you’ll want read it an entire night. The Heralds are all people you know, or wish you knew.” —OtherRealms

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewPraise for the Elemental Masters series:“Lackey’s fantastical world of Elementals, plus her delightful Nan and Sarah, create an amusing contrast for Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes and John Watson…. The mix of humor, history, fantasy, and mystery is balanced in a way that any reader could pick up the book and thoroughly enjoy it from beginning to end.” —RT Reviews“The Paris of Degas, turn-of-the-century Blackpool, and the desperation of young girls without family or other protection come to life in a story that should interest a broad readership.” —Booklist“All in fine fairy-tale tradition.... It’s grim fun, with some nice historical detail, and just a hint of romance to help lighten things.” —Locus“The action and dialogue flow freely, mingling with beautiful descriptions of European countryside and just a hint of romance.... A well-developed heroine and engaging story.” —Publishers Weekly“The fifth in the series involving the mysterious Elemental Masters, this story of a resourceful young dancer also delivers a new version of a classic fairy tale. Richly detailed historic backgrounds add flavor and richness to an already strong series that belongs in most fantasy collections. Highly recommended.” —Library Journal“The Elementals novels are beautiful, romantic adult fairy tales. Master magician Mercedes Lackey writes a charming fantasy.” —Worlds of Wonder“Ms. Lackey is a master in fantasy, and this visit to an alternate historical England is no exception. Vivid characterization and believable surroundings are flawlessly joined in a well-detailed world.” —Darque Reviews"I find Ms. Lackey's Elemental Masters series a true frolic into fantasy." —Fantasy Book Spot

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Book SynopsisWhen a man is caught stealing from a walled garden owned by a strange woman, he bargains away his youngest daughter in return for food for his family. The woman, rumored to be a witch, takes the golden-haired child and locks her away in a high tower. Sixteen years later, Giselle has lived an isolated life, but her adoptive mother has trained her in Air magic, and Giselle must use her new skills on a quest to avenge her broken heart...

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Book SynopsisSet in the beloved and New York Times-bestselling world of Valdemar, this 1st book in a new trilogy returns to the tales of the majestic gryphonsOn the border between Valdemar and the deadly Pelagirs Forest, the gryphon hero Kelvren returns from a near-fatal self-sacrifice that won him the approval of Valdemar's ground troops but caused a diplomatic crisis. Frustrated by his lack of a hero's welcome, Kelvren is talked into helping with an expedition by his old friend, Firesong.Firesong struggles with his own age and mortality, and he intends to solve a vast mystery at the center of legendary Lake Evendim as his crowning achievement. Just getting the multicultural fleet underway is a challenge, but none of them could expect what awaits them.Set in the beloved fantasy realm of Valdemar, Gryphon in Light is adventurous epic fantasy at its best.

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewPraise for The Silver Bullets of Annie Oakley"A charming alternate history...[Lackey] infuses it with entertaining historical details and delightful descriptions of Annie’s trick shots. Annie’s spunk in the face of mythical monsters makes this a charmer." —Publishers Weekly"This fully realized world takes real history and slips it sideways into a gas lamp fantasy where evil walks the night and magic exists to combat it. That Annie straddles both worlds makes her a heroine to follow.... Readers looking for fictionalized tales focusing on historical figures, historical-ish fiction featuring women with agency, and lovers of gaslamp fantasy will find that Annie’s silver bullets hit their mark." —Library JournalPraise for the Elemental Masters series“Lackey’s fantastical world of Elementals, plus her delightful Nan and Sarah, create an amusing contrast for Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes and John Watson…. The mix of humor, history, fantasy, and mystery is balanced in a way that any reader could pick up the book and thoroughly enjoy it from beginning to end.” —RT Reviews“The Paris of Degas, turn-of-the-century Blackpool, and the desperation of young girls without family or other protection come to life in a story that should interest a broad readership.” —Booklist“All in fine fairy-tale tradition.... It’s grim fun, with some nice historical detail, and just a hint of romance to help lighten things.” —Locus“The action and dialogue flow freely, mingling with beautiful descriptions of European countryside and just a hint of romance.... A well-developed heroine and engaging story.” —Publishers Weekly“The fifth in the series involving the mysterious Elemental Masters, this story of a resourceful young dancer also delivers a new version of a classic fairy tale. Richly detailed historic backgrounds add flavor and richness to an already strong series that belongs in most fantasy collections. Highly recommended.” —Library Journal“The Elementals novels are beautiful, romantic adult fairy tales. Master magician Mercedes Lackey writes a charming fantasy.” —Worlds of Wonder“Ms. Lackey is a master in fantasy, and this visit to an alternate historical England is no exception. Vivid characterization and believable surroundings are flawlessly joined in a well-detailed world.” —Darque Reviews"I find Ms. Lackey's Elemental Masters series a true frolic into fantasy." —Fantasy Book Spot

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Book SynopsisNow in paperback, the long-awaited founding of Valdemar comes to life in this second book in the new series from a New York Times-bestselling author and beloved fantasist.Baron Valdemar and his people have found a temporary haven, but it cannot hold all of them, or for long. Trouble could follow on their heels at any moment, and there are too many people for Crescent Lake to support. Those who are willing to make a further trek by barge on into the West will follow him into a wilderness depopulated by war and scarred by the terrible magics of a thousand years ago and the Mage Wars. But the wilderness is not as “empty” as it seems. There are potential friends and rapacious foes.... ....and someone is watching them.Trade ReviewPraise for Into the West"The high stakes and the dangerous journey keep the story moving at a brisk pace. Lackey’s characters, meanwhile, are admirable as ever as they learn to work together. Series fans will not be disappointed." —Publishers WeeklyPraise for Valdemar"Eye Spy feels like a present written especially for me. You're gonna want to read it. This one's a firecracker." —Tor.com"Whether it's the spellbinding world, the intrigue of the plot, or the simple yet remarkable narrative style—it is impossible to say which of these makes the story so good, but one thing is for sure: Closer to Home marks the beginning of another fantastic Lackey series." —RT Reviews"Mags remains an engaging character, and makes a very capable spy/investigator.... His adventures still make engrossing reading." —Locus"Returning to her beloved Valdemar universe, Lackey opens her new series at a pivotal time in the history of Valdemar.... Series fans will enjoy the variations on a familiar theme, while enough information is presented for first-timers to discover a world of high adventure and individual courage. Highly recommended." —Library Journal"Closer to the Heart has the two things that have always made me love these books: a richly detailed history of the world, and beautiful writing." —The Arched Doorway"Lackey is a master at characterization." —The Ranting Dragon

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Book SynopsisThe long-awaited story of the founding of Valdemar comes to life in this 3rd book of a trilogy from a New York Times bestselling author and beloved fantasist.The refugees from the Empire have established a thriving city called Haven with the help of the Tayledras and their allies. But the Tayledras have begun a slow withdrawal to the dangerous lands known as the Pelagirs, leaving the humans of Haven to find their own way.But even with Haven settled, the lands around Haven are not without danger. Most of the danger comes in the form of magicians: magicians taking advantage of the abundant magical energy in the lands the Tayledras have cleansed; magicians who have no compunction about allying themselves with dark powers and enslaving magical beasts and the Elementals themselves.Kordas, his family, and his people will need all the help they can get. But when a prayer to every god he has ever heard of brings Kordas a very specific and unexpected form oTrade ReviewPraise for Valdemar"The high stakes and the dangerous journey keep the story moving at a brisk pace. Lackey’s characters, meanwhile, are admirable as ever as they learn to work together. Series fans will not be disappointed." —Publishers Weekly"Eye Spy feels like a present written especially for me. You're gonna want to read it. This one's a firecracker." —Tor.com"Whether it's the spellbinding world, the intrigue of the plot, or the simple yet remarkable narrative style—it is impossible to say which of these makes the story so good, but one thing is for sure: Closer to Home marks the beginning of another fantastic Lackey series." —RT Reviews"Mags remains an engaging character, and makes a very capable spy/investigator.... His adventures still make engrossing reading." —Locus"Returning to her beloved Valdemar universe, Lackey opens her new series at a pivotal time in the history of Valdemar.... Series fans will enjoy the variations on a familiar theme, while enough information is presented for first-timers to discover a world of high adventure and individual courage. Highly recommended." —Library Journal"Closer to the Heart has the two things that have always made me love these books: a richly detailed history of the world, and beautiful writing." —The Arched Doorway"Lackey is a master at characterization." —The Ranting Dragon"If you are a fan of this world and have been holding off for this particular trilogy to be completed before jumping in, now is your time - you won't be disappointed." — Game Vortex

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Book SynopsisThis 17th anthology of short stories set in the beloved Valdemar high fantasy universe features tales by debut and established authors and a brand-new story from Mercedes Lackey.The Heralds of Valdemar are the kingdom's ancient order of protectors. They are drawn from all across the land, from all walks of life, and at all ages—and all are Gifted with abilities beyond those of normal men and women. They are Mindspeakers, FarSeers, Empaths, ForeSeers, Firestarters, FarSpeakers, and more. These inborn talents—combined with training as emissaries, spies, judges, diplomats, scouts, counselors, warriors, and more—make them indispensable to their monarch and realm.Sought and Chosen by mysterious horse-like Companions, they are bonded for life to these telepathic, enigmatic creatures. The Heralds of Valdemar and their Companions ride circuit throughout the kingdom, protecting the peace and, when necessary, defending their land and monarch.Join Trade ReviewPraise for Anything with Nothing "This engaging anthology will appeal to long-time Valdemar fans and new readers, showcasing every person’s ability to become a hero when presented with an underlying need." —Booklist"Every one of these anthology books has been a joy to read. While Lackey's own contribution to the collection is often a reason to read it, in and of itself, the collection as a whole typically expands on the depth of the Valdemar setting in unique ways. Any fan of this world shouldn't hesitate to pick up Anything with Nothing." —GameVortexPraise for the Valdemar anthologies"New readers will have no trouble understanding the world and its characters. The strength of the anthology comes in the unity and flow of the stories as each one builds subtly toward a gentle, thoughtful point with a perfect blend of emotion and intrigue." —Publishers Weekly (starred)"Even occasional visitors to Valdemar or readers of Lackey’s recent foundation novel Beyond will enjoy the trip to this popular world." —Library Journal“Fans of Lackey’s epic Valdemar series will devour this superb anthology. Of the thirteen stories included, there is no weak link—an attribute exceedingly rare in collections of this sort. Highly recommended.” —The Barnes & Noble Review “Exceedingly well done, it helps keep readers unconfused while wandering the enormous fictional terrain the Valdemar oeuvre covers.” —Booklist“Each story brings unique ideas that carry on the fantastical elements from the world created by Lackey. Fans new and old will step into a literary world that’s unlike any other and will be sucked into tales that will take them on wondrous journeys.” —RT Reviews“Shenanigans is filled with fun little adventures that are quick reads. The mix of continued character development in the various mini-series, along with the one-and-done stories, makes for a nice assortment of stories that just add depth to Lackey's world.” —Game Vortex

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Book SynopsisIn New York Times bestselling author Mercedes Lackey's action-packed sequel to Hunter, a storm is headed to Apex City, and unless Joy and the Hunters put up the fight of their lives, it might just sweep them all away. Joy knows she'll be facing more dangerous Othersiders than ever before as a new member of the Elite Hunter unit, but if anyone is up to the challenge it's her. Then the rules change. The leaders of Apex must come together to protect the city, but tensions have never been higher between the Hunters and the powerful PsiCorps, with each group competing to be the primary protector of the city.  Chaos erupts when Ace, the murderous Hunter who tried to kill Joy at her Elite trials, escapes from the Army's captivity and defects to the Othersiders. Joy has no idea what Ace might be capable of with the help of the cunning Folk, but she may be about to find out as Othersider forces are gaining strength and momen

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Book SynopsisFrom beloved fantasy author Mercedes Lackey comes a fresh and feminist reinterpretation of Sleeping Beauty.  Miriam may be the daughter of Queen Alethia of Tirendell, but she's not a princess. She's the child of Alethia and her previous husband, the King's Champion, who died fighting for the king, and she has no desire to rule. When her new baby sister Aurora, heir to the throne, is born, she's ecstatic. She adores the baby, who seems perfect in every way. But on the day of Aurora's christening, an uninvited Dark Fae arrives, prepared to curse her, and Miriam discovers she possesses impossible power. Soon, Miriam is charged with being trained in both magic and combat to act as chief protector to her sister. But shadowy threats are moving closer and closer to their kingdom, and Miriam's dark power may not be enough to save everyone she loves, let alone herself.

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Book SynopsisIn the thrilling finale to Mercedes Lackey's #1 New York Times bestselling trilogy, Joy must risk everything to end a brutal war... before she loses all she's ever loved.

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