Exile's Honor

by Mercedes Lackey

Book Overview

The national best-selling novels of Valdemar are among the most beloved and acclaimed works of Mercedes Lackey's career. This brand-new, stand-alone book in the series tells the story of one of Valdemar's most popular continuing characters-the prickly weapons-master Alberich. He was once a Captain in the Army of Karse, a kingdom which has been at war with Valdemar for decades. But when Alberich took a stand for what he believes in-and defected-he...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0756400856
• ISBN13: 9780756400859
• Release Date: October 2002
• Publisher: Daw Books
• Length: 433 Pages
• Weight: 1.41 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

This is a must read!

I thought that this book was one of the best in the Valdemar series. I admit that I am biased; I love all the books that Mercedes Lackey writes about Valdemar(especially the Herald Mage series) and would buy just about anything she produces, but I believe that characterisation is her strength and was a little disappointed to miss some of that richness in a couple of her recent novels. However, in Exile's Honor she has come back to full strength! I thought that the characterisations in this book were as good as anything she has done. The story expands on a short story that I originally read in HorseFantastic which told how Alberich, then a loyal Captain in the Karse army, was rescued from Karse (and being burned alive), by a Companion who took him to Valdemar. Fans know Alberich from other stories of Queen Selanay's reign but the transformation of an intensely honorable man from being a loyal son of Karse to an equally loyal weaponsmaster in Valdemar without compromising his honor is a wonderful story. It is also a story which, to my mind manages to be upbeat, despite some pretty intense descriptions of battles, without ever becoming sentimental. The book describes Selanay when she was the heir apparent - thereby shedding light on her character - and explains how she ascended the throne. It also introduces the Grove born Companion, Rolan - so it is a 'must read' for those who want to know all about Valdemar.I strongly recommend this book. It could, I think be read alone, but I think that readers who are familiar with Valdemar will probably enjoy it even more . Buy it and enjoy!

Redeemed

When I heard that another Lackey book had come out I actually felt a little sad. I *always* buy them, and (lately) I *always* give up on them after about 100 pages, unless I'm thoroughly bored. Skif in _Take a Thief_ was not well thought out, the whole thing read rather like a very badly done copy of _Oliver Twist_. _Last Herald Mage_ was an eye-opening, life changing experience for me and a lot of other people, and it's heartbreaking to see such a talented writer wasting her energy.But I bought _Exile's Honor_ anyway. I loved Vanyel's story enough to spend the twenty-six dollars and give my favorite author the royalty, even though I knew the Alberich's story wouldn't be worth it.And I was wrong.The story begins as Alberich, a Captain in the Karsite army, saves a village from bandits. Because he used "witch powers", he is condemned to die for it.Alberich's "horse" (Kantor) rushes him from the flames and across the border to Valdemar. The rest of the story is a tragic, epic, and ultimately uplifting psychological examination into an impossible choice: to go back home, and die, or stay, and give the talents and knowledge honed by the land you loved to the land you have been raised to fear and hate.Talamir's story is included, and for this alone you could buy the book.Valdemar has come full circle with _Exile's Honor_. The early books are childish views of honor and idealism. This book is an adult's realization of the world, where there is still honor, but maybe the idealism is a little tarnished, bent, in favor of what must be._Exile's Honor_ isn't _The Last Herald Mage_, or _Arrows of the Queen_. But in many ways it's better.

Another wonderful story from the world of Valdemar

In the last year I have become a fan of Mercedes Lackey, I have read all of the Valdemar books except for the Owl Trilogy and Burning Brightly. She has created alot of wonderful and beloved characters in her Valdemar books, Vanyel, Talia, Skiff, Elspeth, Keorywn, Tarma and Kethry, and Alberich, who finally gets the spotlight in this great novel.It starts nicely with the short story that she wrote years ago showing how Alberich, Captain in the Army of Karse (the centuries old neighbor and enemy of Valdemar), was choosen as a Herald. Saved from being burned alive by the Vkandis Sunlord Priests for using "Witch Powers" by his Companion Kantor. From there she delves into Alberich's head as he comes to adjust to and love his new home in the land of the country he was raised to hate and fear. I loved how Alberich was torn in trying to remain true to his values of honor and loyality to both his homeland of Karse and his new home of Valdemar, trying to save Valdemar and at the same time not trying to hurt Karse too much is a balance he strives for throught the novel. I also enjoyed the portrayal of Vkandis Sunlord, the God of Karse, and how Alberich tries to understand what hand he played in bringing him to become a Herald of Valdemar. This is a nice companion piece to what we learned of the Sunlord in the Mage Storms TrilogyAlberich is not the only one featured in this one, a young Princess Selenay is shown, which was a nice touch as we see how she came to be the great Queen and ruler of Valdemar in the later books. Alot of other familiar characters pop up such as Talimar, Lord Orthellen, Myste and more. Plus we also get to see Selenays' father King Sendar, who I liked very much. It was nice to see them and get alot of backstory information only mentiond off hand in other books.If you love Lackey and Valdemar, you have to have this book. Its a keeper.

WOW

I have read all of the Valdemar books twice over, and this one was the only book that made me laugh out loud, and cry. It is amazing. If you have not read any of the other books in the series this is a wonderful book to start with. We get to meet Selenay as a princess, and get to know her better than we ever have before. Characters old and new appear, and many have made `cameos' in other books, so for those of you who have read all of the other books and short stories there are treats in here for you too.The writing in this book is amazing. Misty writes about honor in a way than cannot fail to inspire. Her characters are human, likable, and understandable, you cannot help but care for them and respect their passion. My only complaint, and I have difficulty calling it that, is I wanted more. I wanted to see Selenay wed, and Elspeth born, and the foiled assassination. Well perhaps there will be a sequel to Exile's Honor.

great Valdemar novel

He is the youngest captain in the Karse army, a man who made it up through the ranks due to a sixth sense. He had to keep his magical power secret because only the sun priests who rule the country are supposed to wield the power, a gift from their God. When a Sunpriest discovers Alberich's powers he orders him burned in the cleansing fire, but his horse rescues him and takes him into Valdemar, Karse's ancient enemy.The horse is no ordinary animal but a companion, a magical being who bonds with his Chosen, the Heralds of Valdemar. Alberich settles into exile comfortably, making himself useful to the king and heir. When the Karse invite the Tedrael, a people with no country, into their land to fight for the lands of Valdemar, Alberich does all in his power to make sure that his adopted nation will win the upcoming war without destroying the people who are the heart of Karse.A Valdemar novel is always a special treat and EXILE'S HONOR is no exception. Alberich is a memorable and honorable hero who stays true to his values and even impresses the rulers who by all rights should not trust him. The story line is exciting, fast-paced and very creative a mix of magic, sword & sorcery, and a country bound by love and honor. Mercedes Lackey is one of the genre's most creative fantasy writers today.Harriet Klausner