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Arrows of the Queen ( The Heralds of…
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Arrows of the Queen ( The Heralds of Valdemar, Book 1) (original 1987; edition 1987)

by Mercedes Lackey

MembersReviewsPopularityAverage ratingMentions
3,940683,105 (3.99)168
Chosen by the Companion Rolan, a mystical horse-like being with powers beyond imagining, Talia, once a runaway, has now become a trainee Herald, destined to become one of the Queen's own elite guard. For Talia has certain awakening talents of the mind that only a Companion like Rolan can truly sense. But as Talia struggles to master her unique abilities, time is running out. For conspiracy is brewing in Valdemar, a deadly treason that could destroy Queen and kingdom. Opposed by unknown enemies capable of both diabolical magic and treacherous assassination, the Queen must turn to Talia and the Heralds for aid in protecting the realm and insuring the future of the Queen's heir, a child already in danger of becoming bespelled by the Queen's own foes.… (more)
Member:agricola64
Title:Arrows of the Queen ( The Heralds of Valdemar, Book 1)
Authors:Mercedes Lackey
Info:DAW (1987), Paperback, 320 pages
Collections:Your library
Rating:
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Work Information

Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey (1987)

  1. 40
    Dragonsong by Anne McCaffrey (sandstone78)
  2. 40
    Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce (Owlnip)
  3. 21
    Airs Beneath the Moon (Horse Mistress Saga) by Toby Bishop (viciouslittlething)
    viciouslittlething: A very similar book a young farm girl going off to school with horses.
  4. 21
    Path of Fate by Diana Pharaoh Francis (Alliebadger)
  5. 10
    Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey (ktoonen)
    ktoonen: Magical creatures paired telepathically with human youths (dragons versus horses/Companions), with similar feminist tones.
  6. 00
    The Crimson Crown by Cinda Williams Chima (mamaove)
  7. 00
    Green Rider by Kristen Britain (al.vick)
  8. 00
    The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley (ktoonen)
    ktoonen: Similar writing style, with strong feminist themes in epic fantasy.
  9. 00
    The Queen's Secret by Jessica Day George (humouress)
    humouress: Riders for the crown carry messages throughout the kingdom. The riders are able to communicate telepathically with their mounts.
  10. 23
    Dragon Bones by Patricia Briggs (SunnySD)
  11. 02
    Fire by Kristin Cashore (SunnySD)
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» See also 168 mentions

English (67)  Danish (1)  All languages (68)
Showing 1-5 of 67 (next | show all)
Very easy reading and I enjoyed the story.
I believe this is my first Mercedes Lackey read and it reminded me very much of Anne McCaffrey.
I do feel that there was not much of a plot - was the typical lowborn, neglected abused nobody is discovered as the "chosen one". There was danger from unknown villains that appeared to be resolved while still remaining basically unknown villains.
I'll forgive the lack of plot as this being the introductory "coming of age" part of the trilogy and expect there to be more challenges and a beefier plotline in the next 2 books. ( )
  stubooks | Apr 4, 2024 |
Another reread. Mercedes Lackey is one of those authors you have to read in your adolescent years to appreciate. Arrows is (mostly) well-written-- I began to notice some awkward spots this time around-- and certainly fun, but far from great literature. ( )
  caedocyon | Feb 23, 2024 |
A coming of age story that reads for the most part as if it's written for pre-teens. Not like a lot of Mercedes Lackey's fantasy novels which tend to be very overwritten and with lots of angst between the lovelorn and generally doomed characters. This one's more lively about a 13 year old girl from a very misogynistic and insular society who is 'chosen' by one of the intelligent horses, known as Companions, and undergoes training in the very important role of Queen's Own Herald (yes, all those things have capital letters!)

It's a bit of a Mary Sue (from classic Trek fandom, the character who is absolutely perfect and everyone loves her ... in this case, everyone except certain not well developed baddies). Her only flaws are lack of self confidence but she turns out to be the answer to the kingdom's prayer. Anyway, I liked some characters and enjoyed the first part of the story and there were some touching bits e.g. her friendship with a lonely old harpist but it is a bit too twee somehow. The saving grace is that although it is the first of a trilogy, it is fairly self contained and can be read as a standalone book so you don't feel the need to look for the other volumes! ( )
  kitsune_reader | Nov 23, 2023 |
I like all books in this world by Mercedes Lackey. ( )
  jrnedraw | Oct 20, 2023 |
A nice start of this series. I haven't read anything from the world of Valdemar before, and I am looking forward to spending more time there. ( )
  weaver-of-dreams | Aug 1, 2023 |
Showing 1-5 of 67 (next | show all)
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» Add other authors (2 possible)

Author nameRoleType of authorWork?Status
Mercedes Lackeyprimary authorall editionscalculated
Lee, Jody A.Cover artistsecondary authorsome editionsconfirmed
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Epigraph
Dedication
Dedicated to Marion Zimmerman Bradley and Lisa Waters who kept telling me I could do this ...
First words
A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the tree, but the young girl seated beneath it did not seem to notice.
Quotations
It was a feeling more than words; a shock and a delight. A breathless joy so deep it was almost pain; a joining. A losing and a finding; a loosing and a binding. Flight and freedom. And love and acceptance past all words to tell of the wonders of it--and she answered that love with all her soul.
Once is chance, twice is coincidence, ... But three times is conspiracy. P. 199
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Wikipedia in English (1)

Chosen by the Companion Rolan, a mystical horse-like being with powers beyond imagining, Talia, once a runaway, has now become a trainee Herald, destined to become one of the Queen's own elite guard. For Talia has certain awakening talents of the mind that only a Companion like Rolan can truly sense. But as Talia struggles to master her unique abilities, time is running out. For conspiracy is brewing in Valdemar, a deadly treason that could destroy Queen and kingdom. Opposed by unknown enemies capable of both diabolical magic and treacherous assassination, the Queen must turn to Talia and the Heralds for aid in protecting the realm and insuring the future of the Queen's heir, a child already in danger of becoming bespelled by the Queen's own foes.

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Book description
Talia, a young runaway, is made a herald at the royal court after she rescues one of the legendary Companions. When she uncovers a plot to seize the throne, Talia must use her empathic powers to save the queen.
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