Brightly Burning

This is probably the most depressing Valdemar story there is, and certainly the most depressing book that I actually enjoy. Lan suffers a lot, from a lot of directions - the bullies, his family, his own expectations of himself, what duty drives him to do, the emotions he has to call up to work his Gift - there's very little respite for him, and his bond to Kalira, while it relieves some of the pressures, has its own drawbacks. For all of Pol's hopes, it was probably the best ending he could have had - the dragon was getting stronger, I think. But I end the book in tears every single time. At the same time, it's an extremely rich story, it adds another layer to my understanding of Heralds, it shows yet another new level of Valdemar show more society (wealthy merchants and Guildmasters, this time), and I enjoy reading it despite the depressing situation. Very rich, and worth it. show less

Not long ago I tried another Lackey, acquired somehow or other, and found it an unreadable exemplar of 'high' fantasy. So I began this one with trepidation, but the assurance of a friend here that I'd like 'regular' Lackey just fine. And I am happy to say that I do. The story unfolds around a young and unhappy teenager who does not fit in at all with his family of cloth merchants. They've moved to the city and he is miserable away from the fresh air and physical activity. His parents, as parents are so often inexplicably are (but we'd never have a plot otherwise), are disappointed and even angry with his intransigeance and decide to send him to the new merchant-run school where he is set upon by a truly appalling bully. He becomes show more angrier and angrier until, in a rage, a magical power--to make fire--bursts forth uncontrolled and fatal. There are many powers, for mind-speech to empathy but this is rare beyond rare. Those with powers like these are sent to become either Heralds, Bards, or Healers. Heralds acquire a Companion-a horse that chooses them, and with whom they stay for a lifetime. But not only is Lavan chosen, but the bonding is an almost unheard of "life bond"--they will live or die as one. Valdemar is under siege from enemies and before he is fully trained Lavan is sent to the front. What I admire about this story is that it isn't the least bit sentimental -- but I can say no more without spoiling. I look forward to reading more of the books about the kingdom of Valdemar and surrounding lands. This book is somewhere in the middle of the work, but all are written to be stand-alones. ***1/2 show less

This is one of my very favourite novels - and, in fact, the one I take my name from. I love Mercedes Lackey, I love Valdemar, and I particularly love Lavan and Kalira, for all that this book definitely makes me cry - it's not a bad kind of crying, and it's an example of a trope I truly love when done well (when in the right mood) for the ending.

Drama and realistic showing of trauma and bullying, and also anxiety, war, love, despair. . . A beautiful book.

This is only the second Valdemar book I have ever read, after 'To Take a Thief', but I found this book easy to get into and readable. Even if you haven't read other Valdemar books, the author puts in just enough information about who is king, and the system of Heralds and Guilds to give the reader a good picture of what Valdemaran life is like.

Lavan is easy enough to like and sympathize with, especially given the character of his mother. Him figuring out a temporary solution with the bullies and making friends with other victims, and then him finally lashing out after being abused was engaging to read, and the insertion of Jisette Jellneck introduced a new dimension to this story.

The last part of the book deals with the war between the show more two countries and Lavan's importance in aiding Valdemar's victory against the Karsites. Overall it's a really good fantasy book, one of the best I enjoyed in a while. show less

In a way, a lot of the Valdemar books are boarding-school books. This is the only one that involves an actual school, though. The first third of the book is as much a bullying-revenge fantasy as anything, although I would very much not recommend it solely for that, as Lavan Firestorm is perhaps the most truly tragic character in a long line of tragic characters of Valdemar.

Beyond the actual arc, it's a charming book filled with Lackey's usual charming supporting cast. There's enough real drama to keep it moving - even the boarding school bullying is genuinely scary - and enough mundane detail to establish the characters involved. The last third is a war story, and it does an excellent job of establishing both the tragedy inherent in show more heroism and, perhaps surprisingly, of parenting.

I do get a little annoyed at books where the main character is a "poor little rich kid," tremendously privileged but with that privilege completely ignored in favor of the real but not all that critical disadvantages of, say, having wealthy, influential parents and living in the fashionable part of town. Lackey seems to trend in that direction (and when she goes the other way she goes a touch overboard) and it bugs me here more than it does when the privilege involved is that of feudal nobility, but that may be my personal peeve.

I read Brightly Burning before any other Valdemar book, and it was rather an odd introduction to the world - it's a standalone novel (perhaps moreso than any other,) but it's definitely aimed at the dedicated Valdemar reader and I liked it much better after having a better grip on the universe. It holds up tolerably well - it'd probably be better off classified as YA material, but it's solid YA material. show less

Lan is a merchant’s child savagely abused at the school his unsympathetic parents send him to; then during a bullying incident his Gift explodes with fatal fury. His Companion can control his fire, but there’s not much time for him to master his Gift because Karse is about to invade, and he’s their best hope of fighting them off. This one does have high stakes and a bunch of losses.

This is one of my favorite entries in the Valdemar Saga. I guess I'm just a sucker for tragedy and self-sacrifice. Lavan Firestorm is a Herald with a powerful, and dangerous talent. Many people are afraid of him. The Heralds aren't sure what to do with him. If he could control his power he would be a great asset, but he could also destroy the people he cares about. When a traitorous plot threatens the kingdom, Lavan may be the only hope. Lavan is a great characters, and the familiar world of Valdemar a comfortable back drop. Highly recommended!