Valdemar is the conclusion of the Founding of Valdemar series, which is a prequel to the larger Valdemar series that starts with Arrows of the Queen.

The Valdemar series has always been cozy fic, before cozy fic was a thing. It is a fluffy, escapist delight. Yes there are bad guys, but it's never so bad we can't beat them, and the good guys are truly good. It's not too complex, so if you're looking for deeply flawed heroes or anti-heroes, this isn't the place to look. Every child who reads these books (and most of the adults, I'd wager) dream about being chosen by a Companion, joining the ranks of the Heralds and being welcomed into an enormous found family, and adventuring on the side of Right and Good. Because the Kingdom of Valdemar has always stood on the principles of what is right and good, and the Companions are what has anchored the Kingdom and it's government and people to that foundation.

And in the concluding book of this trilogy, we finally get what we've been waiting for - the story of how, when and why the first Companions appeared in Valdemar, bonding with their Chosen and changing the trajectory of a budding new kingdom.

I read this book as a palate cleanser in between some heavier books, and it was exactly what I needed. It's like a light, airy desert after a rich and heavy dinner. This book in particular did feel a little less detailed in it's story and plot than the first two of the trilogy, and that's the only reason it's not a full four stars - I'd give it a 3.8 if I could do partials. But it was still a perfect 'curl up under a blanket with some tea and daydream' book.

If you are a fan of the original Valdemar series, then this is a must read. If you were a horse girl as a child, this is a must read. Or if you're just looking for a magical, cozy fantasy fic to relax with, then this is it. ( )

While the background of the Valdemar of later books is useful and fun, the writing is somewhat boring and full of what feels like insider jokes or easter eggs, which are good once in a while, but not when there as many as are in this book. The plot is also very predictable. and feels like so many other books. ( )

The third book in the Founding of Valdemar series brings the Companions and the first Heralds. Kordas has stopped being able to dodge the will of his people and has been crowned King. He is the sort of man who is always thinking and planning for the good of his people in this new and dangerous land. With the Tayledras withdrawing to cleanse new parts of a Pelagirs, Kordas is concerned about his people's future.

Kordas feels that he and his son won't be tempted to form their kingdom into an empire with all the abuses he fled to get to this new land. But he worries about his future descendants and petitions the gods for some sort of solution. The arrival of the Companions is an answer to that prayer. And the answer is timely because an Adept is planning to take over Valdemar and has an army of magical creatures at her disposal.

I enjoyed this epic fantasy which had great worldbuilding. There is interesting magic and huge magical battles. There was a pair of cursed lovers whose story winds its way through many of the later Valdemar stories in the songs of the Bards. And there are also small things like grieving the loss of a cat. I enjoyed the people in the story and their trials in building a new world.

This was engaging epic fantasy whether you are new to world of Valdemar or someone like me who has been reading in that world for more than thirty years. ( )

There's something special about an author who can give you a very satisfying tale and leave you wanting more every single time. This is what I found in the 3rd installment of Mercedes Lackey's The Founding of Valdemar series.

This is a well written book that is set far enough from book 2 (10 years) for the Valdemarans to have made nice progress in building a city and the settling the area they want to claim for the country of Valdemar.

We get answers - Why does none of the histories/ballads talk about the Tayledras befriending and assisting them upon arrival and beyond.

We are left with questions - Who or what is the Mother Below and is it still there dormant?

And... I want the next book now. No? Guess it's re-read the whole series time for me.

Thank-you to DAW and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

#Valdemar #NetGalley ( )