Closer to Home: Book One of Herald Spy (The Herald Spy)

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Closer to Home: Book One of Herald Spy (The Herald Spy) Book Feature

Series: The Herald Spy
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: DAW Hardcover (October 7, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0756408997
ISBN-13: 978-0756408992
Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches

Closer to Home: Book One of Herald Spy (The Herald Spy) Book Synopsis

Mags was once an enslaved orphan living a harsh life in the mines, until the King's Own Herald discovered his talent and trained him as a spy. Now a Herald in his own right, at the newly established Heralds' Collegium, Mags has found a supportive family, including his Companion Dallen.

Although normally a Herald in his first year of Whites would be sent off on circuit, Mags is needed close to home for his abilities as a spy and his powerful Mindspeech gift. There is a secret, treacherous plot within the royal court to destroy the Heralds. The situation becomes dire after the life of Mags' mentor, King's Own Nikolas, is imperiled. His daughter Amily is chosen as the new King's Own, a complicated and dangerous job that is made more so by this perilous time. Can Mags and Amily save the court, the Heralds, and the Collegium itself? Get online Closer to Home: Book One of Herald Spy today.

Closer to Home: Book One of Herald Spy (The Herald Spy) Book Review

This was a great story that hearkens back to classic earlier Valdemar stories. The stories and characters were engaging and there were several “surprises” that gave new insights. There were several things I really liked reading in this story, including the reintroduction of female role opportunities, a closer look at the world of the highborn at court, the maturation of several of the characters, and how the author wrapped up loose ends and transitioned from the Collegium Chronicles. Even though characters carried over, this felt like a new more-dimensioned work. I also appreciated the way the story wrapped up and not being left hanging or with unresolved questions at the end.

With regards to the reviews that wanted more big battles, country level conflicts, etc… this book style is consistent with the first books in earlier series like Magic’s Pawn and Arrows of the Queen where the big conflicts usually came later in the series and the first books were almost always building the framework and setting. Another reason, I’ve used the term “classic” in this review.

In closing, it is great to see the author back to her earlier form. I’m not sure what was going on over the last few years with the prior Collegium Chronicles but upon reflection, an author cannot work for as many years as the Valdemar series has been going without having “real life” disruptions intrude and getting derailed for a time. Unfortunately, I know from my background in academic libraries that publishing is a major business with deadlines and contracts that must be met. Whatever the situation was, I’m just really glad it appears to be resolved and that I went ahead ordered this book. I will be waiting impatiently for the next book to come out in a year or so.