|
|
'Exile's Honor' and 'Exile's Valor' are a two book saga that grew out of the short story 'Stolen Silver' in Lackey's 'Werehunter' collection. I haven't found 'Exile's Honor' yet but I could follow the story well enough.
In the land of Valdemar, people with magical abilities known as Heralds have great responsibilities and trust. But what if a foreigner became a Herald? That is what happened to Alberich. Once he was a leader in the army of Karse, a land that has waged a 500 year holy war against Valdemar. But when Alberich's magic was discovered, his own people turned on him and tried to burn him as a demon. He escaped into Valdemar and had to adjust to being a Herald in a foreign land among people who didn't trust him.
Now after years in Valdemar, Alberich is trusted by most and has a place at the royal court training Heralds. He is mostly content having come to terms with having to transfer his loyalties. But now a new threat is rising, someone at court is plotting against the new young Queen. Alberich is determined to protect Queen Selenay, but the conspiracy against the Queen is insidious and includes the Queen's supposedly adoring newlywed husband. But Alberich will protect his Queen against any threat, and he is not a man you want as an enemy.
An excellent book, I really want to read 'Exile's Honor' now to see how Alberich earned trust, came to terms with magic and overcame that whole 500 year holy war issue. This book has honour, combat, conspiracy, the royal wedding from hell and polo used as a weapon of war. My only complaint was that to emphasize Alberich's 'foreignness', Lackey has him speak in an awkward grammar/sentence structure which is annoying to read. Anyway sentence structure aside, Alberich is a one man war machine who is regarded with fear and awe by most. Some still despise him as a Karseite. Despite being a Herald, Alberich's magic (foresight) is only used once in this book. He's an interesting character far more so than the weak Selenay who seems incapable of commanding a pet dove let alone a kingdom.
Anyway this is a excellent read and I hope to read 'Exile's Honor' soon.
Highest recommendation.
P-Con VI March 27th/28th/29th 2009
 |
 |
bravenet.com