The Last Herald Mage Trilogy
By Mercedes Lackey
***** Stars
Summary
In the first book, we go through his period at the collegium, and his time with the Hawkbrothers. He ultimately learns what it is to be a Herald, and decides to become one. He gains his Companion, Yfandes. In the second, we encounter a much older Vanyel. He is summoned one night across the border by a plea for help in the night, and discovers a huge mystery threaded with danger. In the third book, Vanyel is once again older. He deals with his deteriorating Monarch and other such things, until other Herald Mages begin to be assassinated. He strikes out to stop whoever it is from killing any more Heralds.
My Thoughts
The main character, Vanyel, is an amazing one. Among other things, he's gay, stubborn, and caring. He goes through in one year more than most people have to endure in a life time. He becomes a Herald at a great personal loss, and at one point, he almost decides to not be a Herald, ultimately because he knows that he will almost certainly die horribly if he chooses to become one.
One of the things I love most about these books is the confrontations, both good and bad. The characters most present in these little spats are Withen, his father, Stefen, Tylendel, and, of course, the villains.
Another thing that makes this book stand out from others I've read is the depth of emotion. Chances are you'll end up crying, and occasionally laughing through out the series. You will feel the characters' emotions as the book progresses. There are times where you'll forget for a moment where you are, if these books grab you the way they grabbed me.
Ultimately, these books are my favorite for too many reasons to list, so I suggest you pick them up and read them if you love a good fantasy. Also, if some of the things seemed confusing, it was because I was trying not to tell you too much. I don't want to give the story away!
