This is it! The last year in which Jackie @ Death by Tsundoku and I will read Mercedes Lackey’s fantasy universe, known colloquially as the “Valdemar series” (despite taking place in several fictional countries beyond Valdemar).
I ask myself: Would I have read all of these books alone? I’m not sure. Given the fact that they take up a book slot (I plan about 5 books per month) every month in my reading, I might have easily been lured away from Valdemar if Jackie weren’t here with me. It’s like we’re holding hands and running through a fantasy world of people with mind magic and animal avatars for deities — and hold her hand keeps me going. Once we hit the end of 2021, I know I will be incredibly proud that Jackie and I stuck to it for three years.
Is this just about Jackie and me? Absolutely not. We’re asking you to read along with us. Did you miss the first two years? That’s not a problem. Most of Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar books are written as trilogies in which you are introduced to a main character and follow them for three novels. You don’t need to read any other trilogies before that. Thus, now is your opportunity to read Lackey’s newest Valdemar books (the most recent was published in 2020).
However, a note: you can see on the read-along schedule below that the books are sort of clumped. The first series has five titles (The Collegium Chronicles), then a trilogy (Herald Spy) and another trilogy that follows the previous books’ main character’s children (Family Spies). Based on the books’ synopses, all the titles in 2021 build on each other, continuing the story with the same main character. On the other hand, Lackey is known for getting readers up to speed no matter where they start her books, so if you only want to read a trilogy this year, I’d bet that you can do so without losing out on anything.
In 2019, my #ReadingValdemar posts had a lot of traffic. However, in 2020 I started to feel shy about reviewing a series. Readers and comments are more sporadic. Thus, I would share a second review the same day I posted a Valdemar review. In 2021, I’m not doing that; I’m going to proudly review each book and hope you appreciate what I have to say, even if fantasy series aren’t your jam.
Lastly, thanks to my spouse for creating these beautiful graphics for Jackie and me. Every year he puts together stunning images for our read-along, and he’s outdone himself once again.
Grab the Lapels 
Looking forward to reading this newer Valdemar books with you! I had already read most, if not all, of the older ones, but I haven’t read any of these. Should be fun!
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Heck yes, Kim! The only thing that has me a little worried is that all the books follow Mags (until the last three; then we follow Mags’s children), so if we don’t like this character, it’s going to be a long year. Please feel free to use the graphics that I put in this post on your own reviews, if you would like 🙂
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I think we’ll end up liking Mags. I have a feeling. 🤓
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I wonder what the third bunch of books, the ones about Mags’s kids, are going to be like. When we read the Gryphon books, I was surprised how different in tone the third book, starring two progeny, was.
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Hope you enjoy the final books in your Valdemar read-along! Three years is such an impressive commitment.
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Thank you. My fingers are crossed that Lackey’s writing has improved in recent decades and is consistently good.
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I’m still a laser pew pew guy, but I’m here for the long haul. Given the obscure reviews I make you read, the last I can do is follow along with dear old Valdemar.
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It is true that some of your older books leave me puzzled! I think perhaps they are quite an Australian aesthetic, which includes setting, and since I haven’t been anywhere near that half of the world, it’s hard to immerse myself in some of the books you read. However, I always enjoy when your wry humor shines through; it makes me smile.
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I don’t believe I shall join ye on this adventure but I will be glad to hear the yarns ye will spin after each one. Arrr!
x The Captain
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It’s so up your alley, though I know that lately you’ve focused on new-new books. You’re breaking the ice for the rest of us ships 😉
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How nice that Mr. GTL (I assume he took your name as readily as Mr BIP took mine) is able to participate at a distance. And also I think it’s terrific that you and Jackie are company for one another on this RAL. If one has to ask the question “I wonder, would I have finished reading these without my friend?” the answer is probably no, or, at least, “not so quickly or happily”. 😀
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Nick was “Mr. Professor Page” for eleven years. Now I just refer to him as my spouse in case there are readers who don’t know who Nick is by name.
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