Early in the book is a new story of Valdemar with the novella "A Herald's journey." Tafri Tallyman lives in a small village in an isolated part of Valdemar. He lives a frugal life with his family until chosen by the Companion Adelayan. The Companion takes him to the city of Haven where he begins training as a Herald. This story is a nice addition to the series. Readers get a glimpse into a Herald trainee's life with enjoyable characters. The story is told in the author's descriptive, understandable style.
The interview with Mercedes Lackey is interesting and insightful. She talks about the creation of Valdemar and her writing career. Ms. Lackey speaks of her early life and being a reader. This helped develop her writing skills over the years. As an adult she has had many experiences like helping injured predatory birds that she incorporates into her novels. She goes on to talk about how she created Valdemar and its growth over the years in twenty-six books. The interview gives readers insightful ideas about how this author has become one of the most popular writers today.
Other sections of the book are very useful too. One section gives short, detailed summaries of every book, without spoilers, to refresh a reader's memory before tackling a new book. There is a description of every part of Valdemar written as travelogues. Another section covers the music of Ms. Lackey's songs of Valdemar. Many have been recorded and are available to readers. Maps, an interview with editor Betsy Wollheim, and an encyclopedic listing of people, places and things of Valdemar with definitions round out the book. Every section is useful in furthering a reader's knowledge and pleasure of Valdemar.
Readers will find The Valdemar Companion edited by John Helfers and Denise Little informative and entertaining. With so many books covering a vast history of a remarkable Fantasy world, readers need a reference to refresh their memories or enhance their experiences of the books. Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar has taken on a life of its own. Readers can continue to look forward to new books in the future. This book will be useful to refer back to for help. It is an entertaining and instructive book to a complex world and its people. Check it out if you get the chance.
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