Comments on: “Foundation,” Mercedes Lackey

By: Jay Zuckerman

Jay Zuckerman — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 06:14:54 +0000

I am not quite sure how I happened upon this page, but I was caught by your use of the term “detail character sketch.” I am working on a new character design for an art project I am working on and I am always interested in uncovering the basis for a great character. My realm is more visual, but I found your review interesting and helpful.

By: John R

John R — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 22:42:03 +0000

As a long time fan of Lackey’s Valdemar books, I really looked forward to this new one, and for the most part, it did not disappoint.

That being said, the book contradicts certain aspects of the Heralds that are well documented. I have read the Last Herald Mage trilogy more than a few times, and as recently as last year. This new book is set about 100 years after the time of Vanyel Ashevron, yet describes a mentor/trainee system for Heralds as having been entrenched forever. That is in direct conflict with the descriptions of Heralds in the three Vanyel books, and simply didn’t ring true.

Also there is one spot where one character refers to having “issues” with another character. This insertion of the politically correct and morally offensive sustitution of “issue” for “problem” was deeply disturbing, and somewhat out of character.

Nonetheless, I am looking forward to the next book in this new series.

By: Errant Thoughts » Blog Archive » Here’s the thing…

Errant Thoughts » Blog Archive » Here’s the thing… — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 21:13:47 +0000

[...] I’ve reviewed Mercedes Lackey’s Foundation and Candace Havens’s The Demon King and I. Coming up: reviews of some Cuisipro cookie [...]

By: heather

heather — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 01:09:04 +0000

Feline: Yay! I’m glad I could help you find it! Whether or not she’s an amazing writer (and really, I think that’s largely dependent on one’s preferences as a reader) what she does do incredibly well is create a fantastically vivid world with very well-realized characters. I think if I had gotten into the Valdemar books from the start I’d be addicted to them.

By: Literary Feline

Literary Feline — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 00:59:15 +0000

My husband introduced me to Valdemar back when we were in college and I’ve been a fan ever since. I hadn’t realized there was another book out! I’m so glad you mentioned it. I will definitely have to get my hands on this one.

I think there are better writers out there than Mercedes Lackey–at least in my opinion, but I do love the world she has created. It’s one that holds a lot of good memories for me. Thanks for the great review, Heather.