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  • Closer to Home (Valdemar: The Herald Spy)
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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
3,237 global ratings
5 star
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4 star
24%
3 star
7%
2 star
1%
1 star
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Closer to Home (Valdemar: The Herald Spy)

Closer to Home (Valdemar: The Herald Spy)

byMercedes Lackey
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Top positive review

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M.
4.0 out of 5 starsAND...we're back in Valdemar!
Reviewed in the United States ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ on May 28, 2015
I can't *believe* I didn't realize there was a new Valdemar book until now. This was published seven months ago! Well, whatever; that oversight was corrected the very moment I found this.

I liked it. I think I like it better than I liked the Collegium Chronicles (the previous series, which calls on the same cast of characters), actually. The Collegium Chronicles got pretty lazy at times (book 2, I'm looking at you in particular), giving the impression that some of the characters' behavior was happening not because it fit the story, but because it was simpler to write. This one didn't irritate me nearly as much, and I don't think it's *only* because I was so hot to read a new Valdemar story.

In this first Herald Spy book, Mags has graduated and is on his way back to Haven at the end of his training circuit, suggesting that little time - perhaps a year? - has passed between the end of Bastion and the start of this book. His girlfriend Amily is still there, and Jakyr and Lita, their mentors, are with them, but Bear and Lena have gotten themselves proper grownup jobs and are no longer traveling with them...which, I have to say, is a relief. That sense of laziness I mentioned before seemed to be most pronounced around Bear and Lena...and even when they were acting realistically, I found them both kind of annoying. So, anyway, they get back to Haven, report to the King's Own to receive their own grownup jobs, and settle in.

And then, naturally, everything turns upside down.

I didn't bother reading the other reviews before buying this, so I can't say for certain that that first OMG moment hasn't been spoiled...but just in case, it won't be me that ruins it. I will say that there's a whiff of that same laziness in that scene - the outcome was just a leeeettle too convenient - but...I overlooked that.

I'll assume that anyone reading this is long-familiar with Valdemar (if by some chance you're not, start with Arrows of the Queen), so I'll just focus on the differences between this and the others. For starters, this book is the first that really flips between multiple points of view. The Vanyel books, for example, might have occasionally flipped us to Savil's POV for a page or two, but Vanyel was clearly the main character. Closer to Home actually has three main characters - or maybe 2ยฝ - and gives them roughly equal air time. One is Mags, naturally, one is Amily, and I'll let the third be a surprise...though I'll say it's not a Herald. I admit, I was a little nonplussed by the split stories at first, but by the end I'd decided that I was happy Lackey'd decided to write it that way.

Hmm...another change is that we've really only had glimpses of the nobility up until now. Brief conversations with Vanyel, or the nobility as seen through a Herald's eyes. Closer to Home takes place at court, and...let's just say the fairytale of the nobility is completely dashed by the end. And this is probably the first Valdemar book that so blatantly plays on another well-known story - namely, Romeo and Juliet. I always thought Shakespeare's play was pretty gag-worthy, though, and I'm happy to say that though Lackey borrows from the original, it's not just a re-write.

So far, I doubt I'll be quite as enamored by the Herald Spy books as I was by, oh, the Arrows series, or the Mage Winds (probably my favorite)...but I sense a sharp uptick in quality as compared to the Collegium Chronicles. (Which, I should point out, I still read and liked just fine.) But, when you get down to it, if you're a fan of Valdemar, is there really even a question as to whether you'll read this?
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5 people found this helpful

Top critical review

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Katrien Van Lerberghe
3.0 out of 5 starsI used to love all books written by Mercedes Lackey
Reviewed in the United States ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ on November 18, 2015
I used to love all books written by Mercedes Lackey . The Arrows of the Queen series moved me to tears , the Valdemar books are among my prized possessions . But lately , there is too much social comment in the books to enjoy them . Mind you , I like social comment , I am a history fan and like it when she sketches a deeper insight in how the people of Valdemar actually live . But it's Dickens all over in these series , situations in Haven seem like the 19th century without the heavy industry and poverty because of the drain of the population from countryside to city that caused it all . Here you have a country with everything in place for good rule and decent lives : a good king , Heralds , fertile lands that needs many hands to work that land . And yet teeming poverty in the city itself so the hero can chances the lives of children with a small amount of money . Why don't people rebel ? Why do the Companions allow this ? It makes no sense to me . Too much of these situations is a mirror of our own society , not of what it used to be in the former series , not typical for Valdemar . And the author repeats too often what was said a few pages back ; We get it : people are poor and desperate and the rich youngsters are pawns on a chessboard , it's bound to explode somehow . The twist on the Romeo and Juliet story was nice , I enjoyed it , specially the matter of fact comments on their behavior , but the rest was a bit too over the top . Dickens used to do it better . I'm really sorry , I love the older books .
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7 people found this helpful

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From the United States

S. Brotherhood
2.0 out of 5 stars I expected better
Reviewed in the United States ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ on October 7, 2014
Verified Purchase
I suspect that Mercedes Lackey may be getting tired of writing about Valdemar. This tale lacked her usual touch for mystery, mayhem and magic.
It initially starts off strong as we are shown the return of Mags, Amily, Jakr and Melita to Haven. Jakr and Melita we don't hear from again though. Quite quickly they are put to work, two feuding families have arrived for the winter season. Than in a move foreshadowed in the previous series, Amily takes on a new role but this doesn't add to plot. It just kind of hangs there as a reason to change a few characters. I wanted an epic tale of deceit and intrigue as families battled for position and power . Instead we are given a retelling of Romeo and Juliet with a slight twist, that is all. Answer are spoon fed at the right moment, including a new power for Amily, and instead of a tale empowering the Juliet character we get awkward responses that seem false and forced from Violetta.
I will say we got the token nod about LGBT characters existing in an offhand comment about dipping wicks, which is always appreciated considering the much loved character of Vanyel from the Herald Mage trilogy.
Mags rapidly forming spy network is interesting, but overall ruined by first being told how duplicitous the world is and than him sharing herald secrets in ways that would ruin it.
I can only hope this book was a set up for future of the series, but I doubt it. If you like mercedes lackey I am sure you will read it, it will probably not be one of your favourites and to those just getting to know her writing, try one of her other books. You'll enjoy it more
16 people found this helpful
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Kaledain
2.0 out of 5 stars Ay me!
Reviewed in the United States ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ on March 7, 2016
Verified Purchase
Warning to some, this review may contain spoilers. If I spoiled anything I am sorry but you have been warned.

This book could have had potential but it seemed lacking.

I speak:
O, I shall speak my part, bright angel! For thou art
A glorious series, bring joy to my head
As words like a winged messenger of heaven
Unto the beating wondering heart
Of my poor mortal body
When I read this book whilst lazing on the clouds
And slowly my laments rise into the air.

Oh Mags, Mags, wherefore art thou Mags?
Deny deep character developments and refuse an original storyline;
Of if thou will not, be but add a predictable twist
And Iโ€™ll never be a Companion.

Shall I speak more, of shall I remain at just this?

Tis book thy creator wrote that is my world:
Thou art thyself, though not an Original.
Whatโ€™s Original? It is nor Romeo nor Juliet,
Nor name changes, not story ending change
Making it seem like another. O be there some good story!
What is the story? That which we see right here
By what other word would bring joy to the eyes.
So the characters in the book would, were they had much personality if they are called,
Retain a deeper background bringing forth the perfection they are owed
Even with that Shakespeare story, my dear Mags, it could have been developed further,
And for thy new comrades, which lack life in their hearts and soul.
Take away all my pleasure and joy.
8 people found this helpful
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Susan Fry
2.0 out of 5 stars Ultimately dull
Reviewed in the United States ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ on March 6, 2015
Verified Purchase
I think I'm now just reading this books out of a love for the past books, and a hope that they'll get better. For me, Mags just isn't that likable or interesting of a character, so having what's seemingly going to be 8 books devoted to him seems like overkill. He's just too perfect...the best at everything, the strongest in mind magic, and just everything he touches turns to gold. A character needs flaws or a more deep personality to be interesting. Amily gets a much bigger role this time around, which is good since she's a lot more likable. Problem is she gets a sudden promotion and then a Gift out of nowhere that left me scratching my head, as it just seemed to happen for reasons of "Plot change, don't ask questions." Her suddenly being thrust fully into the role seems to defy everything that's been said about training in the past books. Ah well. My biggest complaint really is that the writing style for the past several Valdemar books has just seemed so...basic. Basic and simplistic yet somehow managing to ramble on about nothing. I will say I liked Amily's questioning into the ways of how the high born treat their daughters as property and pawns, especially compared to the relatively liberal thinking and life style of the Heralds, Bards, and Healers. Looks like it might be the beginning of a women's right movement in Valdemar.
13 people found this helpful
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che
2.0 out of 5 stars Very Disappointing
Reviewed in the United States ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ on July 20, 2018
Verified Purchase
I was very disappointed in this book. I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised. The writing during the last several Valdemar novels has been lackluster and minimal. I wonder if the author has simply lost her love for the world and is simply going through the motions. The world is portrayed with its usual beauty and the characters are presented in a way that still allows for suspension of disbelief at times. However, the characters are not complex enough to hold my interest. In fact, a character they were trying to help was so annoyingly inept and predictable that I continually felt like I had returned to the sixties and was reading a Barbara Cartland Victorian romance novel by mistake. I am grateful that I only spent $1.99 on this one. I almost feel taken advantage of.
3 people found this helpful
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Michael Logue
2.0 out of 5 stars I've enjoyed most of this author's books
Reviewed in the United States ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ on December 22, 2015
Verified Purchase
I can't understand all of the five star ratings for this book. I've enjoyed most of this author's books, however, this one is nothing more than a fluff piece. Plot line is predictable and un-interesting. You don't really continue to care for any of the characters anymore, as this was such a grey, boringly written book. With this poor showing, and the insane pricing of the following book ($13 for an e-book is criminal), I'll not be buying any more Mercedes Lackey books.
4 people found this helpful
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JTG
2.0 out of 5 stars Tiresome half-hearted feminst re-tred of Romeo and Juliet
Reviewed in the United States ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ on April 19, 2016
Verified Purchase
Poor retelling of Romeo and Juliet where Romeo is suddenly a manipulative sociopath and Juliet is an overly romantic victim would can only be redeemed with good ol' BS feminism. Who needs believable consistent masculine men when you've got magic horses and a protagonist who just can't quite get beyond being a neutered drone too afraid of expressing an opinion that might be counter to his queen bee's.
2 people found this helpful
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Bruce Wilson
2.0 out of 5 stars Two Stars
Reviewed in the United States ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ on December 2, 2015
Verified Purchase
A thinly disguised re-telling of "Romeo & Juliet" in Valdemar. Not her strongest work.
2 people found this helpful
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Mary H. Stutz
2.0 out of 5 stars but felt it was not as good as her other ones
Reviewed in the United States ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ on March 6, 2015
Verified Purchase
Ienj0yed this book, but felt it was not as good as her other ones.
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Bernice Olivas
2.0 out of 5 stars Two Stars
Reviewed in the United States ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ on December 30, 2014
Verified Purchase
Pretty typical Mercedes Lackey. A decent read but nothing special.
2 people found this helpful
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Kylara Jensen
2.0 out of 5 stars It's like something hardwired into my brain from back when I ...
Reviewed in the United States ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ on March 8, 2016
I can't not read a new Mercedes Lackey book. It's like something hardwired into my brain from back when I actually enjoyed her books, because they were good. But yeah, it's been forever since I actually enjoyed a new book she's written.

Allow me to present this scathing review in two parts.

1- STOP WRITING BOOKS ABOUT MAGS.

Just stop it! No one cares about him any more. You stretched out his story which could have been told in 2-3 books into FIVE books and then, AND THEN, wrote another one. And for the love of all that is dear. STOP WRITING HIM SPEAKING IN THAT RIDICULOUS DIALECT.

Writers! It is annoying to read dialect, especially when it's not necessary.

Let me quote you from your website:
Hey, everybody needs a vacation, even from the best job. So, until I come up with a story set in Velgarth that is as compelling as the ones you've enjoyed in the past, I'm taking a break. The last thing I want is for my own favorite series to start limping along and go out with a whimper.
Misty - Tulsa, Oklahoma

I enjoyed the first few books about the founding of the collegium, but we're done with that now. None of these characters are compelling and THEIR STORIES ARE DONE. Stretching this out totally counts as going out with a whimper. Please, please. If you are going to write about Valdemar again choose a new story.

The plot was just so meh and not even noteworthy. There is no story to tell here anymore. And of course I kind of enjoyed it, because I like this world, but at some point ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

MOVE ON!

2, and more importantly.
RAPE IS NOT A VALID PLOT DEVICE. RAPE IS NOT A VALID PLOT DEVICE.
DO NOT USE RAPE AS A TOOL IN YOUR STORY.

AUTHORS, PLEASE STOP WRITING ABOUT RAPE SO CAVALIERLY.

So this book goes on and on (AND ON) about how few choices women have and how noblewomen and even poor women have little to do besides marriage. Which was kind of interesting to think about because the Valdemar books have always been very equal, with men and women as Heralds. So where is all this coming from? But I think this book is trying to make some kind of feminist point.

And then it does two things. It marriage shames. (It's like sex shaming, only instead bashing women who choose to stay at home and be moms.) It's like why would a woman choose marriage/love. She has so many other/better choices. So that was kind of annoying.

AND THEN- there is pretty much straight up statutory rape. Like she consents, but she is too young and naive to know what she's doing nd he manipulates and coerces her. So yeah. Rape.

WHICH IS NOT A VALID PLOT DEVICE!

There were less than 50 pages after that point, so I finished the book and it wasn't even addressed.

At some point, when you write a FANTASY world, you have to stop blaming what you're writing on historical context. And there was a whole weird 'Oh that poor lovesick silly little girl, she should have known better. She wrote him a love letter, so it's all her fault.'

Just No! Ugh. I'm getting so sick of unhealthy relationships etc. in fiction.

Just go ahead and skip this one.
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