Brightly Burning

I still have goose bumps...Herald Lavan Firestorm.....the man....the reason that there is nothing but ash at burning pines...This book is'nt like Mrs.Lackey's many earlier works, it focuses on one person:Lavan Firestorm.In This book, an abused boy finds a great power within himself, and eventually learns that his gift, or "the dragon" as its reffered to, is vitally important to the survival of his kingdom.Lavan goes through... Read Full Review

I have read every single Valdemar book, save Oathblood, that was written and when I read the reviews for this one, I was actually shocked and offended. So many people say, "Oh, it was fine, but..."Frankly, this one is my favorite. Of course, I delight in tragedy, which this manifestly is one. The Saga of a boy, surounded by nasty tormenters, finding a Gift he would never have chosen, and finding the courage to face down an... Read Full Review

I'm not one of those readers who thought "Owlflight" and its sequels were boring. I thoroughly enjoyed them, and the whole Valdemar series for that matter. "Brightly Burning," however, is quite amazing, a real standout on the level of the Last Herald Mage and Queen's Own trilogies. Mercedes Lackey is at her storytelling best here. And her talent for creating memorable characters we care about is as good as ever. This tale... Read Full Review

Brightly Burning tells the legend of Herald Lavan Firestorm of the Heralds of Valdemar. The background is carefully delineated for the tragic tale of young Lavan, the epic hero of the magical kingdom of Valdemar. He begins as an unhappy boy in the Chitward family, textile merchants recently moved from countryside to urban Haven due to their profitable cloth and needlework trade. Lavan is uncomfortable with his family's... Read Full Review