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Available
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Series
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Collection
Publication
DAW (2009), Edition: Reprint, 432 pages
Description
In this chronicle of the early history of Valdemar, Mercedes Lackey's bestselling world, a thirteen-year-old orphan named Magpie escapes a life of slavery in the gem mines when he is chosen by one of the magical Companion horses of Valdemar to be trained as a Herald. Thrust into the center of a legend in the making, Magpie discovers talents he never knew he had--and witnesses the founding of the great Heralds' Collegium.
User reviews
LibraryThing member SunnySD
From literally working in a hole in the ground orphan Mags is Chosen and brought to the newly founded Collegium to learn to be a Herald. Although isolated from his peer group by his deprived childhood, Mags does make friends, among them some of the most powerful people in Valdemar.
An interesting
An interesting
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look at Valdemar's early days when Heralds weren't honored and revered by the citizens as they are (for the most part) later on. I hadn't bothered to pick this up after reading some lackluster reviews - I'm glad I did. If it isn't exactly Lackey's strongest work, it was interesting reading, and I'll look forward to reading more about Mags' adventures, as I'm sure he's bound to have some. Show Less
LibraryThing member stars_2z
Foundation: Book One of the Collegium Chronicles by Mercedes Lackey, the latest addition to the Heralds of Valdemar series, takes place during the first year of the newly created Heralds' Collegium. The newest Chosen, Mags, was an orphan forced to work in a mine finding "sparklies" along with other
Mags becomes unlikely friends with two Bard and Healer trainees, children of famous parents, who live under the pressure of high expectations. He even inadvertently befriends a powerful councilman who decides to take an interest in Mags. Meanwhile, foreign princes have visited the city and have their guardsmen looking into Valdemar's weapons training.
I have not read all of the Heralds of Valdemar series, but I know what to expect of a Valdemar book from the ones I have read. Foundation seemed incomplete to me. The climatic scene had little to do with the rest of the book, though I am sure it will be important in the books to come. Having said that, I did enjoy the novel. Mags is likable and sympathetic. His suffering and later loneliness due to the lack of family made me cry. It was also interesting to see the conflicts and issues related to the creation of the Heralds' Collegium. I am definitely looking forward to more of Mags and the continuation of his story. Maybe some of the questions left open at the end of Foundation will finally be answered.
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unwanted children when his Companion, Dallen, forces his way onto the mine owner's property, with the help another Herald and Companion, to claim him. From there, Mags begins his new life as a trainee, trying to find his place in an unfamiliar world. Unused to being shown kindness or having friends, he feels like an outsider among the many trainees (Herald, Bard, and Healer) crammed together in one building while two others are under construction.Mags becomes unlikely friends with two Bard and Healer trainees, children of famous parents, who live under the pressure of high expectations. He even inadvertently befriends a powerful councilman who decides to take an interest in Mags. Meanwhile, foreign princes have visited the city and have their guardsmen looking into Valdemar's weapons training.
I have not read all of the Heralds of Valdemar series, but I know what to expect of a Valdemar book from the ones I have read. Foundation seemed incomplete to me. The climatic scene had little to do with the rest of the book, though I am sure it will be important in the books to come. Having said that, I did enjoy the novel. Mags is likable and sympathetic. His suffering and later loneliness due to the lack of family made me cry. It was also interesting to see the conflicts and issues related to the creation of the Heralds' Collegium. I am definitely looking forward to more of Mags and the continuation of his story. Maybe some of the questions left open at the end of Foundation will finally be answered.
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LibraryThing member PhoebeReading
Let's get this out of the way: Mercedes Lackey is the comfort food of fantasy novels. I knew this even at thirteen, when the same relative that had turned me on to Anne McCaffrey's Pern suggested I pick up this similar series about magical horses. I inhaled the first two trilogies, reveling in the
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rags-to-riches stories about psychic steeds and their sometimes magically-homosexual riders; while I was pretty wrapped up the well-written characters (and the sex--Lackey writes sex quite well), I was pretty certain that this was trashy, fun reading along the lines of LJ Smith. After all, it didn't even have the thin veneer of soft sci-fi respectability that Anne McCaffrey's Pern novels had. I mean, come on, people: magic horses.I tried reading the later Valdemar trilogies--novels about Gryphons and giant talking owls--but they really lacked the luster of those first six books. It felt like the mythology of the series was collapsing on itself, burying the brightly rendered characters and feel-good psychic horse love. I wasn't really interested in the international politics of Velgarth. I was there for the white-clad heralds and their equally sparkly companions.I was pleased to find that in the unfortunately named Foundation (really, Misty, you should know that this title was used before!), Lackey returns to form. Sure, the plot of the novel feels a little recycled--poor kid is bonded to magic horse, poor kid goes to awesome magic school with said horse, poor kid faces some sort of political intrigue and overcomes humble beginnings. But I'd be damned if I said that I didn't read this sort of thing for exactly this sort of story, anyway.Our hero, Mags, is one of Lackey's better written scamps. His horrible upbringing is particularly horrible, but he's well-developed and has a very strong (and strongly accented) voice. The novel feels a bit over-populated--this is clearly meant to be the start of a new trilogy, and has enough characters to carry multiple volumes--but most of the supporting cast is likewise well-rendered. Lackey is pretty good at character development.I wish the same could be said for the prose and plotting. The style here is repetitious and, at times, overly simplistic. The conflict isn't really introduced until the last thirty pages and the novel ends in a particularly bad spot, with many questions left irritatingly unanswered. Granted, I sort-of-loved the rambling, pointless descriptions of Valdemarian holidays, but I really would have rather had, say, any of the conflicts of the first two hundred and fifty pages (like the fate of Mags' former masters, or his true identity) tied up instead.But still, this scratches the very same itch that Lackey's earlier books did, and I appreciate it for that. No new ground is broken, but at least the old ground offers a solid "foundation." Show Less
LibraryThing member anotterchaos
Falls neatly into the Lackey formula, with an exception: nothing (ok, little) is wrapped up at the end. This is a change from her prior works, which, even though they were part of a trilogy, were stories within themselves. I feel a bit manipulated.
LibraryThing member SnowSnake
Great book! The latest in the Heralds of Valdemar series. Follows a new Herald trainee when the Herald Collegium is first started. As usual, lots of intrigue as a new Herald learns what it means to be a Herald of Valdemar. If you've never read the series before, start with Arrows of the Queen.
LibraryThing member readinggeek451
If you like Lackey's other Valdemar books, you'll like this one. If not, not.
This is the first book in her new sequence, about the founding of the Herald's Collegium, about two generations after Vanyel. As usual, the hero is a mistreated youth who is Chosen and finds friends and a purpose in life.
Lackey is very good at setups and characterizations, especially of misunderstood and downtrodden youth. Being the first book in a sequence, this is all setup and thus quite good. Here's hoping she doesn't blow it in the execution as she so often does. Regardless, I'll be reading the next book when it comes out.
This is the first book in her new sequence, about the founding of the Herald's Collegium, about two generations after Vanyel. As usual, the hero is a mistreated youth who is Chosen and finds friends and a purpose in life.
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Mags is an orphan who was exploited by a mine-owner who wanted cheap labor. He turns out to have strong Mindspeech as well as the requisite good heart and more intelligence than most people give him credit for. In other words, a typical Lackey hero.Lackey is very good at setups and characterizations, especially of misunderstood and downtrodden youth. Being the first book in a sequence, this is all setup and thus quite good. Here's hoping she doesn't blow it in the execution as she so often does. Regardless, I'll be reading the next book when it comes out.
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LibraryThing member david7466
The writing style of this book is not even comparable to previous works of Lackey's such as Magic's Price series. The pace is choppy and the language is almost elementary in nature. Problems resolve unrealistically easily and the "hero" of the story is a teenager who goes from gem digger in a mine
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to star pupil in a matter of a week or two. It has some Harry Potter overshadowing going on that's almost laughable since it's not even close to setting up the relationships that abound in that HP series. Show Less
LibraryThing member bethlakshmi
In my opinion, this wasn't Lackey's best - I was completely addicted to the early Valdemar books. But it's her best in a long time - I enjoyed this much more than most of her other recent works. She surprised me - I had thought the concepts of Valdemar were played out, but by choosing a point where
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setting is in transition, and using all new characters, she's started to build a new set of tensions that have me eagerly awaiting the next in the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
I am a Mercedes Lackey fan and this did hit a few of my sweet spots. The plot is somewhat recycled, kid brought from terrible start to new life with the heralds. This kid, Mags, starts as a miner under terrible conditions and his life changes completely when a herald with an extra companion turns
This is also a time of change in Valdemar, when the collegium that we see in Talia's time comes out of the seperate colleges for bardic, healing and heralds that you see in Vanyel's time. It's interesting to see changes and how things are for people. I like Mags, though the constant accent stuff does sometimes grate, particularly when he starts to deliberately improve his accent.
I liked it enough that shortly after reading book 1 I went out and bought, and read, book 2!
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up at the mine. Between him and his companion they have to come to terms with his past and try to make him a herald. He has to also deal with the issues of learning to trust and learning to live with people. He's got issues a plenty. This is also a time of change in Valdemar, when the collegium that we see in Talia's time comes out of the seperate colleges for bardic, healing and heralds that you see in Vanyel's time. It's interesting to see changes and how things are for people. I like Mags, though the constant accent stuff does sometimes grate, particularly when he starts to deliberately improve his accent.
I liked it enough that shortly after reading book 1 I went out and bought, and read, book 2!
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LibraryThing member LisaMaria_C
If you're already a fan of Lackey or her Valdemar books, this one will read like a dozen before it: a young person is abused and/or impoverished and escapes their desperate circumstances when they're chosen by a Companion (read, magical horse) and learns that as a result they will be trained to
This particular story is set after the Last Herald Mage novels with Vanyel and before the original set of stories with Talia. No character from either of those sets of novels overlaps here, so I think you could read this one without having read the other Valdemar books, but I just don't think this story is as strong as the others and thus wouldn't make a good introduction. It's set when the Collegium was first built and took over training for the Heralds and for those who are fans already that period is an interesting one to read about. But if you're unfamiliar with the Valdemar books, I'd start with Magic's Pawn or Arrows of the Queen.
Although I wouldn't call this a standout among the Valdemar books, Foundation is an entertaining enough story I'll certainly be trying the next book in this trilogy when it's published.
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become one of the celebrated Heralds admired and respected throughout the realm. (Although Lackey certainly describes the desperate circumstances of "Magpie," a child miner, vividly and in a way that certainly creates empathy and liking for him.)This particular story is set after the Last Herald Mage novels with Vanyel and before the original set of stories with Talia. No character from either of those sets of novels overlaps here, so I think you could read this one without having read the other Valdemar books, but I just don't think this story is as strong as the others and thus wouldn't make a good introduction. It's set when the Collegium was first built and took over training for the Heralds and for those who are fans already that period is an interesting one to read about. But if you're unfamiliar with the Valdemar books, I'd start with Magic's Pawn or Arrows of the Queen.
Although I wouldn't call this a standout among the Valdemar books, Foundation is an entertaining enough story I'll certainly be trying the next book in this trilogy when it's published.
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LibraryThing member jjmcgaffey
Me gusta. Getting back to the style of the first Valdemar series - Mags reminds me a lot of Talia, when he's not reminding me of Skif. It's really funny how the Weaponsmaster could just as well be Alberich - I don't think a name is ever given, but the (minimal) description and his behavior is so
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similar to Alberich...And a really odd thing - the King's Own's Companion is Rolan. But Sendar's King's Own lost his Companion when Sendar died and Rolan came out of the Grove then to Choose him (and then Talia). Do they switch off, then? Will Rolan die at some point between Mags' time and Sendar's? We never get a name for the King, either. It's kind of nice that Mags _doesn't_ end up dealing with the top people so much - even with the Councilor, he's mostly with the youths. And Lena and Bear are important (at least, Bear is and everyone expects Lena to be), but not ranking-important. A new view of the Heralds, from the middle layer (not a Trainee with no rank, not hob-nobbing with nobles, just a Herald...). Of course, in the next book or two Mags will doubtless get to save...some of the Heralds, at least, if not the world. But it still feels smaller and more comfortable than the grand sweep of Storms or Mage Winds. Looking forward to the next already! Show Less
LibraryThing member meghancochrane
Mercedes Lackey is terribly good at the upswing of a book - developing the protagonist, bringing in new characters, starting off with a great plot. But then she just lets everything fall apart and it's very anticlimactic. This is exactly how I felt with Foundation and Bardic Song. The characters
I've read two and I'm not all the interested in reading another one.
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are great, interesting complex, the world and the collegium system is interesting. But the book really didn't seem to go anywhere because she fractures the end of the book into little vignettes instead of pushing towards a finale. Maybe it's editing, maybe it's that she wants to do so many different plots all at once that she gets confused. That and the protagonist is an unprivileged youth that finds their way to glory/wealth/happiness. I've read two and I'm not all the interested in reading another one.
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LibraryThing member NightHawk
This book was fairly well written, as her books usually are, but never got to the point and was very anticlimactic.
LibraryThing member timothyl33
The first book of a new trilogy from the Valdemar series of books, this new 'Collegium Chronicles' series breaks new ground in the timeline of the history of Valdemar. Since it introduces a brand new period of time, prior reading of the other books in the series isn't necessary and makes a
Overall, 'Foundation' isn't really breaking any new grounds for either fantasy or the Valdemar series in that it follows the tried and true 'rags to riches (or Heralds)' formula. Also, the description on the book might lead the reader to believe that there's a major plot afoot. In actuality, the entirety of the book is solely focused on the main character's development as his world expands. But with Mags being such an interesting character, his story makes for an enjoyable read.
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convenient introduction to Valdemar for new readers.Overall, 'Foundation' isn't really breaking any new grounds for either fantasy or the Valdemar series in that it follows the tried and true 'rags to riches (or Heralds)' formula. Also, the description on the book might lead the reader to believe that there's a major plot afoot. In actuality, the entirety of the book is solely focused on the main character's development as his world expands. But with Mags being such an interesting character, his story makes for an enjoyable read.
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LibraryThing member dasuzuki
I was so excited when I saw that Lackey finally came out with a new book in her Valdemar series. I’ve been waiting years for a new full length Valdemar book and was disappointed when she wrote on her website she was taking a break writing her Valdemar books especially since I haven’t enjoyed
I am also interested to see if Cole Pieters will be back in a later book. You never really hear what happens to him and Mags keeps worrying that Cole will be back to get his revenge. It’s hard to say if that thought was just a part of his character and his fear is supposed to go away as he becomes more comfortable as a Herald or if it is a sign of things to come. So while I give this book only a 3 I will definitely be waiting for the next book to find out what happens.
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any of her other new books. While I thought Foundation wasn’t bad it’s definitely not going to be one of my favorites that I read and reread again and again. Lackey seems to be setting it up for a series, maybe a trilogy, like her other books. So hopefully book 2 will be better. I definitely like Mags’ character and will be interested to find out his history and why he was labeled as “bad blood”.I am also interested to see if Cole Pieters will be back in a later book. You never really hear what happens to him and Mags keeps worrying that Cole will be back to get his revenge. It’s hard to say if that thought was just a part of his character and his fear is supposed to go away as he becomes more comfortable as a Herald or if it is a sign of things to come. So while I give this book only a 3 I will definitely be waiting for the next book to find out what happens.
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LibraryThing member laranth
About 1/2 the book should have been edited out as repetitive. And what's up with the random bad guys at the end?
LibraryThing member LJT
Lackey's earlier Valemar books are so much richer and better written. It was a disappointment. I think my third star is just for nostalgia's sake.
LibraryThing member DHBarry
I've recently finished Foundation, by Mercedes Lackey. This is the first book in her latest series on the fictional kingdom of Valdemar. I've read all of her other books on Valdemar, and I have to say that, while this one wasn't bad, I found that it lacked something. It felt...rushed, somehow. It
Perhaps the second book in the series, Intrigues, will be better, although I have a feeling it will be a while before I find out for myself; I'm in no hurry to find out what happens next. Which is unusual, in my experience, with this particular author. All of her previous works have held my attention and more.
While the protagonist of this series, Mags, is engaging and likeable, much of his development is rushed and glossed over. And almost every other character in the book is simply there. I felt no connection with any of them, no interest in finding out who they were or why they did the things they did.
I suppose every author has an "off" book. This certainly isn't a bad novel. It just isn't what I've come to expect from this author, and I wouldn't be surprised if I don't finish the series. It certainly doesn't add anything of importance to my mental image of Valdemar and its denizens; quite the opposite, in fact. It actually detracted from my enjoyment of it, and will probably give me pause when considering purchasing her next new series.
Perhaps this is intended as a series for young adults; Mags' age could indicate such a premise. However, I have a young adult, and this book would not hold her interest. A youngster of ten or eleven, perhaps, but certainly not much older.
Despite my lack of enthusiasm about this book, Mercedes Lackey continues to be one of my favorite fantasy authors. While this one was, perhaps, a bit of a disappointment, as a whole I do very much enjoy her books, and I'll certainly revisit her world of Valdemar.
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seemed almost as though this book existed entirely to introduce us to the protagonist of this particular series, but that until we got to a certain point in his story all of the rest was just fluff, so we had to hurry up and get there.Perhaps the second book in the series, Intrigues, will be better, although I have a feeling it will be a while before I find out for myself; I'm in no hurry to find out what happens next. Which is unusual, in my experience, with this particular author. All of her previous works have held my attention and more.
While the protagonist of this series, Mags, is engaging and likeable, much of his development is rushed and glossed over. And almost every other character in the book is simply there. I felt no connection with any of them, no interest in finding out who they were or why they did the things they did.
I suppose every author has an "off" book. This certainly isn't a bad novel. It just isn't what I've come to expect from this author, and I wouldn't be surprised if I don't finish the series. It certainly doesn't add anything of importance to my mental image of Valdemar and its denizens; quite the opposite, in fact. It actually detracted from my enjoyment of it, and will probably give me pause when considering purchasing her next new series.
Perhaps this is intended as a series for young adults; Mags' age could indicate such a premise. However, I have a young adult, and this book would not hold her interest. A youngster of ten or eleven, perhaps, but certainly not much older.
Despite my lack of enthusiasm about this book, Mercedes Lackey continues to be one of my favorite fantasy authors. While this one was, perhaps, a bit of a disappointment, as a whole I do very much enjoy her books, and I'll certainly revisit her world of Valdemar.
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LibraryThing member lquilter
Nice combination of adolescent angst, recovery from abuse, heartwarming tales of friendship found at a boarding school, etc. Among the Valdemar books, I probably like these as well as any -- up there with the Vanyel books and the Tarma/Kethry books.
LibraryThing member lyrrael
I've been disappointed for a while with Lackey's books. It seems like, when she decided to team up with her husband, the general quality level of her Valdemar books dropped significantly, and they began to read like YA titles. Very YA titles. And so I drifted away. I'd read the new ones, be a bit
I really feel like the first two books of the Foundation trilogy are a return to the writing style of the Arrows and Last Herald-Mage titles. They're not quite as grand -- the first books of a series tend to be the best, in my experience, and Lackey has done some significant exploration of the history and world of Velgarth. That she's able to return to some of the simplicity and grandiosity of the first few books really was a very pleasant surprise.
I just want to say, on the off chance that she checks the reviews for these books, that Lackey was really my introduction to epic fantasy as a genre, and it's really been something I've enjoyed for my whole life as a consequence. I was 13 when I started with the Last Herald-Mage, and it's been fifteen years of absolutely amazing adventures, and through her, I've had my eyes gently opened to some of the more pressing issues of our times. I would not feel guilty giving these books to a young adult in the early teenage years, depending on maturity levels, but also feel as though they're written for an adult.
Either way, definitely worth a read. Writing style and story are on the same level as Brightly Burning, though Mags is not as legendary or as outstanding as Lavan Firestorm -- which is not necessarily a bad thing. I hope I don't have to wait two more years to find out where Mags ends up. :)
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ho-hum about them, and wander off to something else. I really feel like the first two books of the Foundation trilogy are a return to the writing style of the Arrows and Last Herald-Mage titles. They're not quite as grand -- the first books of a series tend to be the best, in my experience, and Lackey has done some significant exploration of the history and world of Velgarth. That she's able to return to some of the simplicity and grandiosity of the first few books really was a very pleasant surprise.
I just want to say, on the off chance that she checks the reviews for these books, that Lackey was really my introduction to epic fantasy as a genre, and it's really been something I've enjoyed for my whole life as a consequence. I was 13 when I started with the Last Herald-Mage, and it's been fifteen years of absolutely amazing adventures, and through her, I've had my eyes gently opened to some of the more pressing issues of our times. I would not feel guilty giving these books to a young adult in the early teenage years, depending on maturity levels, but also feel as though they're written for an adult.
Either way, definitely worth a read. Writing style and story are on the same level as Brightly Burning, though Mags is not as legendary or as outstanding as Lavan Firestorm -- which is not necessarily a bad thing. I hope I don't have to wait two more years to find out where Mags ends up. :)
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LibraryThing member rivkat
This trilogy is set two generations after Vanyel’s life as the Collegium is being built to deal with the influx of new Heralds and the expansion of Valdemar’s size. Mags is a former slave, rescued from a terrible life in jewel mining, and has to learn to navigate his new status. It’s a lot
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about him getting cuddles and dealing with making friends; did not feel very high stakes. Show Less
LibraryThing member jamespurcell
A nice new adjunct to an excellent series. Megs is Chosen and oft to a very different life than that of a pauper in the sparklies mine. Great friends an adventurous life and even to be fed and warm and even a little revenge are ahead.
LibraryThing member xicanti
FOUNDATION is set around a hundred years after Vanyel’s time. The Heralds have recently experienced an influx of Chosen, and the ratio of trainees to full Heralds is dangerously high. With their old system of mentorship in tatters, they found a Collegium to train all these newbies.
Mags is one
In some ways, I did enjoy this. Mags isn’t as instantly loveable as Talia or Vanyel, but he does have his moments. I teared up a couple of times. (I’m not sure I’ve ever read a Mercedes Lackey where I didn’t tear up a couple of times. That woman wreaks havoc with my tear glands). I liked how Lackey used his entrance into Heraldic life to show us a few more things about Valdemar. I especially enjoyed the scenes at Midwinter, where we learn a little more about Valdemaran religion. Mags’s friendships aren’t developed as well as they could be, perhaps, but there are still a few pleasant exchanges that give me hope for the future.
I was willing to give the book a solid three stars, (enjoyable, but nothing spectacular), but the ending is such a disappointment that I’ve no choice but to bump the star rating down. It’s rushed, makes little sense, and doesn’t have the proper oomph. I understand that there's plenty of room for unanswered questions in the first book of any trilogy, but Lackey's approach here struck me as plain old sloppy writing. It wouldn’t have taken Lackey very long to set the ending up properly, but as it is we have a few very vague hints early on that resolve into something that comes out of left field. It’s disappointing.
I’ll still read the next book in the series, but I’m pretty glad I borrow my hardcovers from the library instead of buying them. I’d be upset if I’d paid full price for this.
(A slightly different version of this review originally appeared on my blog, Stella Matutina).
Mags is one
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such newbie. He’s your typical Lackey hero; that is to say, he’s a broken and unwanted child who makes good. The book follows his first few months at the new Collegium as he adjusts to trainee life and becomes involved in some political stuff.In some ways, I did enjoy this. Mags isn’t as instantly loveable as Talia or Vanyel, but he does have his moments. I teared up a couple of times. (I’m not sure I’ve ever read a Mercedes Lackey where I didn’t tear up a couple of times. That woman wreaks havoc with my tear glands). I liked how Lackey used his entrance into Heraldic life to show us a few more things about Valdemar. I especially enjoyed the scenes at Midwinter, where we learn a little more about Valdemaran religion. Mags’s friendships aren’t developed as well as they could be, perhaps, but there are still a few pleasant exchanges that give me hope for the future.
I was willing to give the book a solid three stars, (enjoyable, but nothing spectacular), but the ending is such a disappointment that I’ve no choice but to bump the star rating down. It’s rushed, makes little sense, and doesn’t have the proper oomph. I understand that there's plenty of room for unanswered questions in the first book of any trilogy, but Lackey's approach here struck me as plain old sloppy writing. It wouldn’t have taken Lackey very long to set the ending up properly, but as it is we have a few very vague hints early on that resolve into something that comes out of left field. It’s disappointing.
I’ll still read the next book in the series, but I’m pretty glad I borrow my hardcovers from the library instead of buying them. I’d be upset if I’d paid full price for this.
(A slightly different version of this review originally appeared on my blog, Stella Matutina).
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LibraryThing member cfk
Foundation is the first in the trilogy by one of my favorite authors. Mags, an orphan slave in a mine, is rescued, Chosen and transported into a whole new life in Haven. Beneath the grime and starved body resides a vital and well hidden mind. His 'difference' makes him a unique asset for Valdemar.
LibraryThing member Rosemarie.Herbert
This review has been crossposted from my blog Review from Rose's Book Reviews Please head there for more in-depth reviews by me.
Mags is a miner - a horribly mistreated, hungry teenager forgotten by the rest of the world. Imagine his horror when he is Chosen by a Companion. He is whisked away into a
If you've read others of the Lackey books, and aren't reading them in chronological order, the start of 'Foundation' may seem very similar to others, such as 'Take a Thief'. Mags is the downtrodden, mistreated main character who is of course elevated to Herald-trainee status. It's not a complaint from me, just an observation. I enjoyed the new settings, and I love a character who doesn't give up, even when it seems like the situation will never end.
It's great that there is more than one person saved, and that Mags is able to make a difference. It's not just 'pluck one person out and make him a Herald', the other kiddies in the mine get a chance too. Not that they will become Heralds, but they get a second chance at life, not like the rest of the people in downtown near the Collegium.
Bear seems to collect with him the underdogs from the other Collegia. Although he stays reclusive, he still manages to make friend by mistake. The first half of the book seems to just be Mags settling in, with very little 'action'. It's nice to get to know the character intimately in this way.
I'd recommend this novel for adults, although teens would also probably enjoy it. It's not overly sexual or violent, it's quite subtle once you are past the pages on the mine. A great book, which I think on its own is equal to many of the other Lackey novels.
To be honest with you all, I didn't actually finish rereading this book. I had reread it quite recently as it was, and the story was still fresh in my mind. I did go back over it to look at the specific content and character development though. I really wanted to get onto the new book in the trilogy 'Changes', because I'd just borrowed it from the library.
Mags is a miner - a horribly mistreated, hungry teenager forgotten by the rest of the world. Imagine his horror when he is Chosen by a Companion. He is whisked away into a
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world he thought only existed in holy books, and naturally he feels distrustful. It seems the Mags is always going to be a source of contention. If you've read others of the Lackey books, and aren't reading them in chronological order, the start of 'Foundation' may seem very similar to others, such as 'Take a Thief'. Mags is the downtrodden, mistreated main character who is of course elevated to Herald-trainee status. It's not a complaint from me, just an observation. I enjoyed the new settings, and I love a character who doesn't give up, even when it seems like the situation will never end.
It's great that there is more than one person saved, and that Mags is able to make a difference. It's not just 'pluck one person out and make him a Herald', the other kiddies in the mine get a chance too. Not that they will become Heralds, but they get a second chance at life, not like the rest of the people in downtown near the Collegium.
Bear seems to collect with him the underdogs from the other Collegia. Although he stays reclusive, he still manages to make friend by mistake. The first half of the book seems to just be Mags settling in, with very little 'action'. It's nice to get to know the character intimately in this way.
I'd recommend this novel for adults, although teens would also probably enjoy it. It's not overly sexual or violent, it's quite subtle once you are past the pages on the mine. A great book, which I think on its own is equal to many of the other Lackey novels.
To be honest with you all, I didn't actually finish rereading this book. I had reread it quite recently as it was, and the story was still fresh in my mind. I did go back over it to look at the specific content and character development though. I really wanted to get onto the new book in the trilogy 'Changes', because I'd just borrowed it from the library.
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Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2008-10-06
Physical description
432 p.; 6.81 inches
ISBN
0756405769 / 9780756405762