Magic's Promise

By: Mercedes Lackey

Summary: It's twelve years after the tragic events of Magic's Pawn, and Vanyel is the most powerful Herald-Mage of Valdemar. Life hasn't been easy on him without 'Lendel around though, and he's still caught in the past. It's on a visit to his family with Savil that things start to heat up in the nearby country of Lineas, centering on a young boy, newly Chosen, named Tashir. Vanyel's vacation must then be interrupted by a series of events that will lead him to death...and back.

Review: I don't know why, but I thought this one wasn't quite as good as the others in the series. Probably the lack of too much romance (which I'm a sucker for). It's still a wonderful book though. It has the nonstop action that will keep your attention, plus the intrigue, and the element of surprise. Plus Van makes a kick-@$$ Herald-Mage. He totally rocks. You have not seen cool until you've heard him ratting people out using his supreme authority. ^-^

I still laughed, still cried, still loved. Mercedes Lackey is still a stupendous author, and the emotion she conveys is unbeatable. Like I said, this book is more action-centered than romance, but it's still a great read. New characters, new situations, and some major changes in the older characters. Read it!

The Characters - My Analysis:

Vanyel Ashkevron

Van's still himself, the same person we learned to love in the first book with some minor changes. You know, grief, loneliness, the usual. He's still a darling though, and I still love him. He does have some really bad moments throughout the book, plus a major decision at the end. You know he'll choose right though. After all, he's Van! ^-^

Yfandes

'Fandes is the same sensible, loving Companion as she's always been. What else is there to say?

Savil Ashkevron

Same belligerent old witch as always, but everyone knows she's bluffing. She's getting older, but no softer. One of the few Vanyel will let close to him.

Withen Ashkevron

Life has changed Withen's perspective in some areas, but not all. He still disapproves of Vanyel's preferences, even though he doesn't generally voice it. It remains a shadow hanging over what is almost a normal relationship between the two of them.

Treesa Ashkevron

Same as always, but this time showing a little more caring. Maybe she does care about someone beside herself

Mekeal Ashkevron

Van's younger brother. He's nice, but rather dull. He does try though, and if he makes mistakes, well, he meant well! Fathered Medren.

Melenna

One of Treesa's lady companions. She's had a thing for Van since he was 15, but maybe there are depths to her that she doesn't reveal. She's also the mother of Medren.

Jervis

Ah, Jervis. The unforgettable creature that broke Van's arm last time. He's got a story to tell too though, and maybe after hearing it you'll feel more sympathy. And if that doesn't sway you, maybe the supreme changing of his ways will.

Tashir

A young boy from Lineas. He's suspected of killing his entire family, whether intentionally or not. He is both in danger, and is himself a danger.

Medren

Melenna and Mekeal's son, illegitimate. He has a powerful Bardic gift, but his sometimes manipulativeness could get him in trouble...

Vedric

Tashir's uncle. He has plans of his own, and they don't involve anything pleasant.