Magic's Price
by Mercedes Lackey
Valdemar: The Last Herald-Mage (3), Valdemar: Publication Order (8), Valdemar: Chronological Order (798 AF)
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Groundbreaking epic fantasy series in Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar universe • Lambda-Award winning novels with heartfelt high adventure and magicValdemar—the once-peaceful kingdom protected by the magic of its Herald-Mages—is now besieged on all fronts. The king lies near death, the neighboring land of Karse wages a relentless war against Valdemar, and the forces led by a master of dark forbidden magic are massing to strike the final devastating blow against the kingdom.
And show more Vanyel, the most powerful Herald-Mage Valdemar has even known, has become the primary target of the evil which is reaching out to poison all the land.
With all his fellow mages slain, Vanyel alone remains to defend his people against the dark master’s army. Yet a dream vision has revealed to Vayel the fate which awaits should he and his Companion Yfandes take up the dark master’s challenge.
And if either Vanyel or Yfandes falters, the dream will become a horrifying reality in which both Valdemar and its last Herald-Mage must pay the ultimate price. show less
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kaydern One of Mercedes Lackey's other books that features a gay main character!
Member Reviews
The final installment of the Last Herald-Mage trilogy is one that I can never read with comletely dry eyes. The whole story in the trilogy comes to a head when, after a series of assassination attempts and successes, Vanyel learns that he is the only Herald-Mage left in Valdemar. Not only that, but that the enemy who has been gradually picking off the Herald-Mages has also been murdering unChosen children with the Mage-Gift, to ensure that no more Mages get trained in Valdemar's borders. Coupled with the plight of a dying king and war on the border, Vanyel decides, rightfully, that he is the only one to deal with this enemy.
Interwoven with this story is Vanyel new relationship with the Bard Stefan, who, as we learn later, is the show more reincarnation of Tylendel. Yes, it's sappy, and no, it never fails to bring a little smile to my face when I think about it. The reasoning behind the reincarnation was explained quite simply, in that there was a good amount of unifinished business and guilt in Tylendel's heart when he died, and, as Vanyel confirms at the end of the novel, Heralds are given the choice to come back after they've died, if they so desire. It may not be an original reason, but at least it's a reason.
The part of this book that never fails to tug at my heartstrings is when Vanyel realises that in saving the kingdom, he will, without fail, go to his death, and yet he keeps on pretending, for Stefan's sake, that things will be fine. And the bitter triumph when Yfandes comes to his aid at the very end, providing him enough strength to be sure he'll take out the enemy when he goes...
Yes, when you end up grieving for fictional characters, you know the author's done something right.
It's interesting to note that, as in many other novels of Valdemar, Mercedes Lackey includes song lyrics in the back of the book, relating to the trilogy that has just finished. Most of them are songs of Vanyel's exploits, but one, My Lady's Eyes (well-known to be Vanyel's mother's favourite song) has commentary before it that I believe we're supposed to infer was written by Stefan. It's a nice touch, and lends a bit more of a connection to the song lyrics we're seeing and the time they came from.
A great ending to a great trilogy. Lackey did not only tell Vanyel's story, but also did a wonderful amount of explanation and set-up for the future of Valdemar, which is a delight for fans of the series to see and to be a part of. Well worth reading! show less
Interwoven with this story is Vanyel new relationship with the Bard Stefan, who, as we learn later, is the show more reincarnation of Tylendel. Yes, it's sappy, and no, it never fails to bring a little smile to my face when I think about it. The reasoning behind the reincarnation was explained quite simply, in that there was a good amount of unifinished business and guilt in Tylendel's heart when he died, and, as Vanyel confirms at the end of the novel, Heralds are given the choice to come back after they've died, if they so desire. It may not be an original reason, but at least it's a reason.
The part of this book that never fails to tug at my heartstrings is when Vanyel realises that in saving the kingdom, he will, without fail, go to his death, and yet he keeps on pretending, for Stefan's sake, that things will be fine. And the bitter triumph when Yfandes comes to his aid at the very end, providing him enough strength to be sure he'll take out the enemy when he goes...
Yes, when you end up grieving for fictional characters, you know the author's done something right.
It's interesting to note that, as in many other novels of Valdemar, Mercedes Lackey includes song lyrics in the back of the book, relating to the trilogy that has just finished. Most of them are songs of Vanyel's exploits, but one, My Lady's Eyes (well-known to be Vanyel's mother's favourite song) has commentary before it that I believe we're supposed to infer was written by Stefan. It's a nice touch, and lends a bit more of a connection to the song lyrics we're seeing and the time they came from.
A great ending to a great trilogy. Lackey did not only tell Vanyel's story, but also did a wonderful amount of explanation and set-up for the future of Valdemar, which is a delight for fans of the series to see and to be a part of. Well worth reading! show less
Mercedes Lackey found a new favorite tool: the interrupted speech. Everyone keeps getting interrupteb, by others talking, thinking, some action. All the time. And I mean ALL. THE. TIME. Stop it.
It's really distracting after a while, also it ends up being a relationship drama and very little action.
It's really distracting after a while, also it ends up being a relationship drama and very little action.
The final book in The Last Herald-Mage series, this is a strong and moving conclusion to Vanyel's story. I like Vanyel, in part because he does his best, but isn't perfect. His strengths and flaws make this book a powerful story of love (of people and country) and duty. There are some scenes of sexual violence that are more implied than graphically covered, but it is integral to the story.
If you like fantasy, start at the beginning with Magic's Pawn and read the trilogy. I'm willing to bet you will like it.
If you like fantasy, start at the beginning with Magic's Pawn and read the trilogy. I'm willing to bet you will like it.
Am Utterly Engrossing Series!
I picked up this series because I was in the process of writing a fantasy novel with a gay hero and I wanted to see what other works were out there. I had never read Ms. Lackey's work, so I didn't know what to expect. I was not just pleasantly surprised by this trilogy, I was completely captivated by it and very sad when I reached the final page. The plot is interesting and the pace is quick. The characters, especially the hero Vanyel, are extremely sympathetic, primarily due to the fact that they are so flawed. Some may find the romance a bit sappy, but I'm the first to admit that I dig that kind of thing and you'll see it in my own novels as well.Orphan's Quest (Chronicles of Firma, Book One) Best of all show more for me, though, was the fact that although her hero is unapologetically gay, the series does not become mired in its "gayness" as so many other works of gay-themed fiction I have read.
This trilogy gave me a great deal of inspiration to push on with my own fantasy aspirations. I owe Misty a big hug if we ever meet face to face. I highly recommend these three books. Whether you're gay or straight, you'll find them an excellent read and, like me, you'll be sorry to reach that last page. show less
I picked up this series because I was in the process of writing a fantasy novel with a gay hero and I wanted to see what other works were out there. I had never read Ms. Lackey's work, so I didn't know what to expect. I was not just pleasantly surprised by this trilogy, I was completely captivated by it and very sad when I reached the final page. The plot is interesting and the pace is quick. The characters, especially the hero Vanyel, are extremely sympathetic, primarily due to the fact that they are so flawed. Some may find the romance a bit sappy, but I'm the first to admit that I dig that kind of thing and you'll see it in my own novels as well.Orphan's Quest (Chronicles of Firma, Book One) Best of all show more for me, though, was the fact that although her hero is unapologetically gay, the series does not become mired in its "gayness" as so many other works of gay-themed fiction I have read.
This trilogy gave me a great deal of inspiration to push on with my own fantasy aspirations. I owe Misty a big hug if we ever meet face to face. I highly recommend these three books. Whether you're gay or straight, you'll find them an excellent read and, like me, you'll be sorry to reach that last page. show less
While I have loved this series, I think that this one is my least favorite of the three. I love Vanyel's character as much as ever, even with all of his stubbornness. For me it was Stefan's character, as well as bits of his back story, that just didn't do it for me. Luckily, more of the story focused on Vanyel and that made me happy!
Vanyel is as protective and fiercely loyal as everl He is also always willing to risk himself for the greater good. But Stefan... I wanted to love him, and I did like him, but there were moments that even that was a struggle. He was such a foikl to Vanyel. Vanyel is loyal and noble and honest and I felt like Stefan skirted the edge of nobility and honesty. As a Bard, he had the means to use his Gifts to show more peacok a bit, to influence others, and to gain personal wealth. And while he used his Gifts in very good ways, he also tended to use them in ways that weren't. And the attitude was always one of surprise when ethics were pointed out to him. That was largely unbelievable to me, considering the back story of the Bards and their training. And he did a whole lot of manipulating of Vanyel himself. He just didn't get the drive that a hero has to save the world. In actuality, Stefan was probably the most realistic character in the novel. He was flawed and he was really just a regular guy with some musical gifts. But in the context of a high fantasy novel, he just seemed to be the odd man out.
However, I did love the story. In true Vanyel style, he was driven hero of the story that risked himself repeatedly to save the kingdom and those he loved. He is the character that I always felt deserved to be truly happy and I am not sure he ever got that in life, not really. There were a lot of twists and turns in this book, some a bit predictable and some far less so. There was one regarding Stefan that I am truly not sure how I feel about, although it does answer a lot of questions. And the ending was a bittersweet one that I appreciated!
My Recommendation: True, it was not my favorite of the series, but it is an important part of the overall saga. I do recommend it for invested readers of the series.
This review originally appeared on my blog, The Caffeinated Diva reads. show less
Vanyel is as protective and fiercely loyal as everl He is also always willing to risk himself for the greater good. But Stefan... I wanted to love him, and I did like him, but there were moments that even that was a struggle. He was such a foikl to Vanyel. Vanyel is loyal and noble and honest and I felt like Stefan skirted the edge of nobility and honesty. As a Bard, he had the means to use his Gifts to show more peacok a bit, to influence others, and to gain personal wealth. And while he used his Gifts in very good ways, he also tended to use them in ways that weren't. And the attitude was always one of surprise when ethics were pointed out to him. That was largely unbelievable to me, considering the back story of the Bards and their training. And he did a whole lot of manipulating of Vanyel himself. He just didn't get the drive that a hero has to save the world. In actuality, Stefan was probably the most realistic character in the novel. He was flawed and he was really just a regular guy with some musical gifts. But in the context of a high fantasy novel, he just seemed to be the odd man out.
However, I did love the story. In true Vanyel style, he was driven hero of the story that risked himself repeatedly to save the kingdom and those he loved. He is the character that I always felt deserved to be truly happy and I am not sure he ever got that in life, not really. There were a lot of twists and turns in this book, some a bit predictable and some far less so. There was one regarding Stefan that I am truly not sure how I feel about, although it does answer a lot of questions. And the ending was a bittersweet one that I appreciated!
My Recommendation: True, it was not my favorite of the series, but it is an important part of the overall saga. I do recommend it for invested readers of the series.
This review originally appeared on my blog, The Caffeinated Diva reads. show less
The last of the Valdemar-Vanyel-magic in this series, and it's taken me a couple of days to digest it. While reading it, I enjoyed it immensely, but it left a lot of questions hanging in thin air.
I liked it well enough, it was a good story, but the last half of the book felt hurried, hastily and shoddily put together, and this had me falling out of the narrative more than once. I feel it was not up to Ms Lackey's usual standards. I have only a couple of excerpts from the whole book, which—for me—is telling. (And to be honest, there was a lot of "telling" going on, and not so much "showing").
"He's like a cat; takes up far more space than is even remotely possible under the laws of nature." This made me giggle.
"I love you, too. show more You're absolutely the best friend, the dearest love I've ever had. I'll love you as long as there's anything left of me." This had me bawling my eyes out, and with good reason.
I wish I wish Ms Lackey had written this whole last installment in the series in more chapters, with more words, more years, more story, more everything. I feel a little lost, a little bit like Stef. And I feel Stef was tricked out of his rights not once, but twice.First as Tylendel, and then as Stefen. Which I thought was very sad.
What I have loved through all three books, however—and what makes me give this last one a four-star rating—is the fact that for the first time, I am reading a story about a manly man (who isn't into fighting and muscles and shooting and blood), a man who is openly gay (but doesn't fiddle around making excuses ) and at last, a man who is strong. So strong. A new kind of manly-strong. Impressive.
But I would like for someone to explain to me why the Dark Mage Leareth was after Vanyel, and who he was. Together with about 16 other questions that were left unanswered.
It was a little bit like this: Vanyel arrives, Vanyel finds a new love, King is sick, new love can help, dark mage appearing and then Book Finished. Trilogy over. Story done.
WHAT?
Huh? there is a whole warring host of What? Who? Why? How? Really? When? and Were? running around my head now. The ending was not up to the rest of the opus. I much preferred the first and second books. We come full circle with this last one, but it's a wiggly-squiggly circle, one that doesn't roll well. It kind of fell apart whenSavil was killed. It all went out the window right about then, as if Ms Lackey was tired of writing this story and wanted it finished.
Perhaps if Stef could step out of the pages and come sing me the final song? His Bard-gift is to make people live the story he sings—that would be of great help to my understanding right now.
Frustrating.
***
I was NOT asked to read this book by anyone, I paid for it with my own money, as I do for all the books I read, all the music I listen to and the movies I watch. show less
I liked it well enough, it was a good story, but the last half of the book felt hurried, hastily and shoddily put together, and this had me falling out of the narrative more than once. I feel it was not up to Ms Lackey's usual standards. I have only a couple of excerpts from the whole book, which—for me—is telling. (And to be honest, there was a lot of "telling" going on, and not so much "showing").
"He's like a cat; takes up far more space than is even remotely possible under the laws of nature." This made me giggle.
"I love you, too. show more You're absolutely the best friend, the dearest love I've ever had. I'll love you as long as there's anything left of me." This had me bawling my eyes out, and with good reason.
I wish I wish Ms Lackey had written this whole last installment in the series in more chapters, with more words, more years, more story, more everything. I feel a little lost, a little bit like Stef. And I feel Stef was tricked out of his rights not once, but twice.
What I have loved through all three books, however—and what makes me give this last one a four-star rating—is the fact that for the first time, I am reading a story about a manly man (who isn't into fighting and muscles and shooting and blood), a man who is openly gay (but doesn't fiddle around making excuses ) and at last, a man who is strong. So strong. A new kind of manly-strong. Impressive.
But I would like for someone to explain to me why the Dark Mage Leareth was after Vanyel, and who he was. Together with about 16 other questions that were left unanswered.
It was a little bit like this: Vanyel arrives, Vanyel finds a new love, King is sick, new love can help, dark mage appearing and then Book Finished. Trilogy over. Story done.
WHAT?
Huh? there is a whole warring host of What? Who? Why? How? Really? When? and Were? running around my head now. The ending was not up to the rest of the opus. I much preferred the first and second books. We come full circle with this last one, but it's a wiggly-squiggly circle, one that doesn't roll well. It kind of fell apart when
Perhaps if Stef could step out of the pages and come sing me the final song? His Bard-gift is to make people live the story he sings—that would be of great help to my understanding right now.
Frustrating.
***
I was NOT asked to read this book by anyone, I paid for it with my own money, as I do for all the books I read, all the music I listen to and the movies I watch. show less
This is the final book in the 'Last Herald-Mage' and, as the series name intimates, the Herald-Mages of Valdemar have decreased in number to such an extent that Vanyel is the last active Mage amongst the Heralds as he battles Karse. But when his aunt dies under such circumstances that 'accident' could be ruled out Vanyel realises that there is another enemy out there attacking Valdemar's defences and he goes on a vengeance filled quest to find this enemy, only to be brought back to his senses by his lover, the Bard Stefan.
This is easily the best book in the trilogy even though it does get a little icky in places
This is easily the best book in the trilogy even though it does get a little icky in places
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Author Information
Fantasy fiction author Mercedes Richie Lackey was born in Chicago on June 24, 1950, and she received a B.S. from Purdue University in 1972. She is also a professional lyricist and has rehabilitated raptors. Lackey started writing her own short stories when her favorite science fiction and fantasy authors weren't producing new books fast enough for show more her. She began writing professionally with the encouragement of author C. J. Cherryh, whom Lackey had met at a science fiction convention. Many of Lackey's books, including the Queen's Own trilogy, the Vows and Honor series, Valdemar: family Spies, and the Last Herald-Mage and Mage Winds trilogies, take place in the imaginary world of Valdemar. She has authored numerous series, including the Bardic Voices series and a series of occult mysteries featuring Diana Tregarde, a modern-day witch. Lackey enjoys collaborating and has co-written books with authors such as C.J. Cherryh, Anne McCaffrey, Piers Anthony, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Mark Shepherd, and Ru Emerson. Her title Redoubt made The New York Times Best Seller List for 2012. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
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Awards and Honors
Series
Valdemar: The Last Herald-Mage
3 works (3)
Valdemar: Publication Order
42 works (8)
Valdemar: Chronological Order
42 works (798 AF)
Belongs to Publisher Series
DAW Book Collectors (821)
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Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- Magic's Price
- Original publication date
- 1990
- People/Characters
- Vanyel Ashkevron; Stefan; King Randale; Treven; Treesa; Yfandes (show all 14); Savil Ashkevron; Moondance; Starwind; Shavri; Master Dark; Leareth; Kellan; Jisa
- Important places
- Valdemar (fictional); Velgarth (fictional)
- Dedication
- To Russell Galen, Judith Louvis and Sally Paduch and everyone who dreams of wearing Whites.
- First words
- Sweat ran down Herald Vanyel's back, and his ankle hurt a little - he hadn't twisted it, quite, when he'd slipped on the wooden floor of the salle back at the beginning of this bout, but it was still bothering him five exchan... (show all)ges later.
- Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)To this day, that gittern is grown into the tree it leaned against then, the goldenoak's roots entwined about its strings in a gentle embrace, and there are bright days, when the wind whispers through the trees, that the Forest of Sorrows seems the most inappropriate name possible.
- Original language
- English
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- Reviews
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- (4.11)
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- ISBNs
- 11
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- 5