Books by Mercedes Lackey

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 SynopsisCaptain Pausert had foiled the deadliest of space pirates and eliminated the threat of the Worm World, yet his troubles kept piling up. Sent on a secret mission to stop the nanite plague, he quickly found that someone had convinced the Imperial Fleet that he was actually a wanted criminal. There was only one thing to do - join the circus!

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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 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 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 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 SynopsisMagician-bard Eric Banyon settles in for a quiet life at his new New York apartment, only to discover that his building is a safe house for a group of occultist Guardians assigned to protect the city from supernatural evil.

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Book SynopsisYoung, brash, and impulsive, Rune backs up a brag by ascending Skull Hill to play fiddle for the malevolent spirit that resides there, striking a bargain with the ghost to surrender her soul if he tires of her playing before sunrise.

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Book SynopsisEric Banyon has more to worry about than passing his courses at Julliard. The evil elf lord Aerune, whose love was killed by mortal men, is determined to destroy the human race. Eric's only hope of stopping Aerune is to trap him inside a magical maze, from which there is no escaping.

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Book SynopsisThe demon Chernobog had almost seized absolute power in Venice until the guardian Lion-spirit awoke to protect his city. But the Lion's power is limited to Venice, and Chernobog has allied with the King of Hungary in besieging the island of Corfu to control the Adriatic.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"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."—B&N Review "Valdemar fandom, especially, will revel in tihs sterling example of what such a mixture of fans' and pros' work can be. Engrossing even for newcomers to Valdemar."—Booklist "The sixth collection set in Lackey's world of Valdemar presents stories of Heralds and their telepathic horse-like Companions and of Bards and Healers, and provides glimpses of the many other aspects of a setting that has a large and avid readership. The fifteen original tales in this volume will appeal to series fans."—Library Journal "Though several stories build on previous Elemental Masters works, 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) (for Elementary)

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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 SynopsisNew York Times-bestselling author Mercedes Lackey's Herald Spy series, set in the beloved fantasy world of ValdemarMags 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 CollegiuTrade ReviewPraise for The Collegium Chronicles: “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 “A real page-turner.... Outstanding characters, especially Mags, will greatly please Valdemar fans.” — Booklist “An enjoyable and pleasant read.... Mags is an appealing protagonist facing challenges (and successes) with which readers will empathize.” —RT Book Reviews “An entertaining fantasy starring a likable lead character.” —Midwest Book Reviews “Top Pick! ... A wonderful amalgam of fantasy and character study.” —Night Owl Reviews

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewPraise for series: "Lackey has written another intensely wrought, finely detailed story of heroic victims struggling to do the best with their fate. Vanyel’s magical strengths are countered by his very human insecurities." —VOYA "Lackey’s characterization, plotting, and wit are all of a high order. A real page-turner for any fantasy collection." —Booklist "Emotionally tense and full of drama and magic." —Locus "In Vanyel, [Lackey] has created her most empathetic male character to date, making our emotions run high as he meets his fate. And best of all, the very last plot twist is one of haunting beauty that will touch your heart." —RT Reviews "In this trilogy, Lackey reaches an intensity she had only begun to achieve.... The story of Vanyel is darker than her earlier books, and the pace is unrelenting." —American Fantasy Magazine

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Book SynopsisNow in paperback, the fourteenth novel in the magical alternate history Elemental Masters series continues the reimagined adventures of famed detective Sherlock Holmes.While Sherlock is still officially dead, John and Mary Watson and 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 brewing there. Not more than four hours later, a poor cottager, also from Dartmoor, 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. This is not the first time she has done this, and the children are moor-wise and unlikely to get into difficulties. But this time they did not come back, and in fact, their tracks abruptly stopped as if them Pharisees took''d ''em. The man begs them to come Trade 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 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, but a sickly constitution has kept her confined to the house for most of her life. Hoping to improve her daughter’s health—and lessen the burden on their family—Anna'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 learns new skills at Aunt Jinny’s side and discovers that she, too, has a gift for Elemental magic that Jinny calls “the Glory”. She also receives lessons from a mysterious and bewitching woman named Jolene, who assures her that, with time, Anna could become even more powerful than her aunt.   But with Anna’s increasing power comes increasing notice. BillieTrade 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 Synopsis2022 Dragon Award WinnerThe sixteenth novel in the magical alternate history Elemental Masters series follows sharpshooter Annie Oakley as she tours Europe and discovers untapped powers. Annie 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 Frida, 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.Trade 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 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 SynopsisIn this new series, set in the bestselling world of Valdemar, Heralds Mags and Amily must continue to protect the realm of Valdemar while raising their children and preparing them to follow in their footsteps.Mags, Herald Spy of Valdemar, and his wife, Amily, the King’s Own Herald, are happily married with three kids. The oldest, Peregrine, has the Gift of Animal Mindspeech—he can talk to animals and persuade them to act as he wishes. Perry's dream is to follow in his father's footsteps as a Herald Spy, but he has yet to be Chosen by a Companion. Mags is more than happy to teach Perry all he knows. He regularly trains his children, including Perry, with tests and exercises, preparing them for the complicated and dangerous lives they will likely lead. Perry has already held positions in the Royal Palace as a runner and in the kitchen, useful places where he can learn to listen and collect information. But there is growing rural unrest in a commTrade ReviewPraise for the Herald Spy trilogy:"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"With an unusually strong Gift that allows him to Mindspeak and Mindhear, Mags is perfectly suited for his role, and this sequel gives fans another opportunity to explore Lackey’s storied universe of Valdemar, one of the best-imagined fantasy universes in history." —Barnes & Noble Bookseller Picks"Mags remains an engaging character, and makes a very capable spy/investigator...his adventures still make engrossing reading." —Locus“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

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewPraise for the Herald Spy trilogy:"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"With an unusually strong Gift that allows him to Mindspeak and Mindhear, Mags is perfectly suited for his role, and this sequel gives fans another opportunity to explore Lackey’s storied universe of Valdemar, one of the best-imagined fantasy universes in history." —Barnes & Noble Bookseller Picks"Mags remains an engaging character, and makes a very capable spy/investigator...his adventures still make engrossing reading." —Locus“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

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