Into the West: Founding of Valdemar Series, Book 2

Of course what sort of story do you expect from Ms Lackey. She’s a treat to read and the images her words create are breathtaking to experience. There is no wonder as to why she’s always been one of my favorite authors. I even slowed my reading down so I could languish with this book over a few days instead of all of it in one or two.The Heralds of Valdemar have been one of the best storylines and concepts that I’ve read. There is lot that can be done with it, and this author has used it to the utmost. Bringing in so many diverse cultures, gods, magical ideas and more. I’m so glad she finally relented and is telling the story of the founding of Valdemar. It ties everything up from past series but at the same time, leaving so much open that if she decides to write a other chapter of this universe, from whichever time, there will be plenty to share.Adding the Hawkbrothers into the story but then asking to keep their mystique in place was great. It allowed their inclusion into this story without destroying the future stories that happen later in the growth of the Valdemar and the Heralds.I can hardly wait to finish the last book of the trilogy when it’s released (please let that be sooner then later). I wonder if maybe the Earth Elementals will somehow incorporate into the Heartstone, or at least modify it, to make it more of what’s used in the later chronological stories. I also wonder if Rose, the released vrodni, might not return when its time for the first Companion to be created. That Dehlia will likely become one of the first Heralds is completely plausible, along with so many others that might have mind magic potential of which the magicians and healers could open up for them, if wished.I truly enjoy many aspects of this author’s writing. I especially like that she shows us what could be if such and such was possible. I realize many of her concepts are idealistic, but with fantasy genre work, it supposed to make you hope for ideals. Sort of like how many people think of the future state of governance in Star Trek is a great concept for all. In that universe, everyone seems to be reduced to a homogenous whole with only small differences. I like Ms Lackeys way better, created so many differences and allowing them to co-exist together. There is no better epithet that saying “There is no true one way”. Now if we could only translate that to our own world as it is now.If you haven’t read many of this author’s novel, I’d recommend changing that. She brings a fun and unique story in each of her novels and in her different story universes. Even better as you read them and for quite a while after finishing one, you get those warm fuzzy feelings about how humans have the capacity to be there for each other. Not every author can consistently create this response, but Ms Lackey does it time and and time again.

I love this series! I love that after all these years we finally hear the story of how Valdemar came to be. I love the characters, storyline and the creative flair the author adds in! It a definite cover to cover read and you better keep the take out menus on hand. You won’t want to put it down. I’ve been a longtime fan of this author and I fondly remember standing outside the local bookstore for opening on release date for every book the author wrote. I’ve worn out the original books so many times with rereading them constantly over the years that I’ve never not reached for one of the authors books when I’ve needed a friend. Thank goodness for ebooks! I can tote my entire library of this amazing author with me wherever I go!I hope you love this author’s creativity as much as I do and receive many years of pleasure from them! Enjoy!

I usually enjoy any of the Valdemar books. Mercedes Lackey has kept my interest with wonderful characters and intricately written plots. I really liked the first book in this series, was excited to read the sequel and am looking forward to the third book.This book isn't nearly as good as the first book. I found it somewhat tedious reading without as much character development. I like Delia better at the conclusion of book than I had earlier. The trip took too long. I really liked the last few chapters the best. I am very upset with some unnecessary language which the author included. Of all the books I've read of hers this is the first time I can remember her using the "f" word. I was not happy and very surprised to find it used several times--too many times unnecessarily, in my opinion. I also found the longer name of Sydney the cat annoying. Just Sydney was enough or something less shocking.I do recommend the book because it's the second book in the series and important to the continuity of the series, but be prepared for some very slow sections. I'm looking forward to reading the final book and hope it's more like the first one, which I've already read twice.

Mercedes Lackey does not disappoint in this newest addition to the Valdemar series. The story follows Kordas and the 15,000 who followed him out of the Empire into the unexplored wilderness. Along the way they encounter people, make allies, and fight off strange monsters. Throughout, a new nation is being formed and the earliest elements of what makes Valdermar such an incredible place to live begin to appear. When the convoy reaches a red forest, they encounter an evil even more ferocious than the Empire. Can they make it through to find a place to call home? I've been reading Valdemar books since the late 1980's and have loved them all. Each series within the world is well-written, drawing the reader further into the story and making it easy to connect with the characters. This is the second book of the origins of the Kingdom of Valdemar. Lackey does an excellent job of wrapping up several story threads. I love how she does that so you don't feel left hanging, and yet I know there has to be another book in this series. There are hints from all previous books of events that have not yet happened and I can't wait to read all about it.

I must admit that I don't really like prequels. Too many of them are shallow attempts to get more content from a really played out cast of characters or worse, attempts to plug plot holes in the parent series. Mercedes Lackey did not do that here.What she has given us are great back stories for many of the physical and cultural features of Valdemar, while telling a fabulous adventure story. I plan to reread it to pick up as many of those clues as I can, then look back at the Mage Wars books.I also want to spend more time with the civics and political theory discussion in chapter 18. It should be pulled out into its own publication and assigned as mandatory reading for all high school students - and all registered voters.

I love Mercedes Lackey books they bring me into a world I would never of thought of the second book is fantastic. The only issue I have with the entire book is when he was talking to the Hawk brothers. It got very confusing.I have already pre-ordered book 3 I can’t wait.

I can't wait for the final book of this trilogy about the founding of Valdemar.

good story

4 1/2 StarsMy personal rating system1 Star Couldn't finish the book2 Stars Didn't really like the book, but was interested enough in the story to finish (Skipping great chunks)3 Stars The book was okay, finished it and will consider reading more from the author4 Stars Really enjoyed the book, will check out others by this author4 1/2 Stars Loved the book, will immediately check out others by author, if asked will recommend book5 Stars LOVED the book, will immediately check out all others by author, will preemptively recommend book to ALL my book friendsThe book suffered a little (just a tiny bit) from middle book syndrome, but the characters were likable, the story was good, and the action was engaging. I'm looking forward to the final book in the trilogy. I loved it and expect I'll be rereading it again in the future. This book is a solid 4 and a half stars which I've bumped up to five as Amazon doesn't do half stars.

Always love mercedes lackey. The book came quickly and was in pristine condition I am very happy