Magic's Price

By: Mercedes Lackey

Summary: Years have passed since Magic's Promise, and Vanyel is more alone than ever. The King is dying, so painfully that can barely function, and Vanyel finds himself near to overwhelmed by his responsibilities. Stefen is an amazing young apprentice Bard with the ability to sing away pain. And an enemy is massing on the borders of Valdemar, one that Vanyel has been dreaming about from nearly twenty years now. Can Valdemar survive, or will it fall to the evils of a Blood-Path sorceror?

Review: I consider this book the most heart-wrenching of the series, and for good reason. It does have humorous moments though, and fleeting instances of pure happiness. Too bad they don't last long. Van seems destined for unhappiness no matter what he does. It's amazing in itself that he doesn't become bitter, that he remains his same sweet self.

Happily for me, this book has a lot more romance, and like I said, Van does find some happiness. The action continues, as does the grief. But throughout it all, there's still that underlying hope for the future, and the perseverance of human beings like that Heralds who truly care about others. Magic's Price is a story of sacrifice, of love, and of triumph against all the odds. Mercedes Lackey has a wonderful way of reminding how fragile life really is, and that we should make the most of it no matter what.

The Characters - My Analysis:

Vanyel Ashkevron: He's had so much grief already, and he's in store for more. He's closed himself off from the world, afraid of hurting those he cares about, but his shields will be broken. And his courage and power will be once more needed to save Valdemar from despair.
Stefen: Stef's a doll. He's a former street kid, now a Bard, and he knows what he wants. Shay'a'chern, he's had a multitude of lovers. Van of course proves too great a temptation to resist. But will he be able to break through the protective walls Van's put up around himself, and if he does will he be able to handle the consequences?
Yfandes: 'Fandes remains the dependable, caring Companion. She's willing to sacrifice everything for Van and Valdemar, but will it come to that?
Savil Ashkevron: Savil's old now, but no less acidic. She often sees clearer than Van does, but will he listen to her?
Medren: Stef's best friend, Van's nephew, and no less manipulative. He's the reason Van and Stef meet, and he's constantly helping Stef with his plots. He does it for love though, and he's a great person.
Randale: He's the king of Valdemar, and he's desperately ill. It's common knowledge that he's dying. His constant bravery in the face of suffering is a source of inspiration though. Poor Randi!
Shavri: Shavri is Randi's lifebonded, though she refused to marry him for fear of being left to rule. She's a Healer, as well as the King's Own Herald, and her devotion to Randi is immense. It doesn't seem likely that she'll outlast Randi by much though...
Jisa: Van's daughter by Shavri. She's been Chosen, and has a lifebond with the heir to the throne of Valdemar. She has her own battles to fight in this sorrowful time with her heart father dying, and an abundance of opposition to her marrying the man she loves. She's her father's daughter though, and can handle anything the world throws her way.
Treven: He's the heir to the throne, and Jisa's lifebonded. His determination is one of his greatest virtues, although some might not agree. He'll make a good King.
Treesa Ashkevron: She's finally accepted her aging, as well as her son's preferences. Her approval of Stef is a major factor in the events that begin during Van's trip home.
Withen Ashkevron: He's become more decent, and he's more accepting. It's almost possible to really like the old man.
Moondance: He and Starwind make their reappearance. He hasn't changed, still the same old sweet Moondance. ^-^
Starwind: It must be a trait of the Tayledras to not change because he's still relatively the same as well. Older, but no less powerful, and no less wise.
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