Reading the Valdemar Novels: A Comprehensive Guide
The Valdemar series by Mercedes Lackey, one of the most beloved fantasy series of all time, consists of multiple trilogies and standalone novels. Deciding the ideal reading order for these books can be a tricky task. Here, we explore the most popular and recommended approaches, ensuring your experience delves into the rich world of Valdemar without missing any important plot points or character developments.
Chronological Reading Order
For those who prefer a straightforward journey through the evolving world of Valdemar, reading the books in chronological order based on the internal timeline of the series is highly recommended. This order ensures you experience the story as the characters and world evolve over time.
The Last Herald-Mage Trilogy
Magic's Pawn Magic's Promise Magic's PriceThe Arrows of the Queen Trilogy
Arrows of the Queen The Heralds of Valdemar Magic's PriceThe Valdemar: The Mage Wars Trilogy
The Black Gryphon The White Gryphon The Silver GryphonThe Valdemar: The Owl Trilogy
The Owl Mage The Oathbound The Last Herald-MageThe Valdemar: The Elemental Masters Series
The Serpent's Shadow The Gates of Sleep The Wizard of LondonThe Valdemar: The Vows and Honor Trilogy
Vows and Honor Oathbreakers OathboundThe Valdemar: The Mage Wars Trilogy (Revisited)
The Black Gryphon The White Gryphon The Silver GryphonVariious Standalone Novels and Short Story Collections
The Last Herald-Mage Trilogy revisited The Valdemar Companion for additional context and storiesPublication Order
If you prefer to read the books as they were published, you might choose to start with the first published book, Arrows of the Queen, and then proceed through the series in the order they were published:
Arrows of the Queen Magic's Pawn Magic's Promise Magic's Price The Black Gryphon The White Gryphon The Silver Gryphon The Last Herald-Mage TrilogyConclusion
Ultimately, the best reading order depends on your preferences for character development and story arcs. Reading in chronological order provides a clear progression of the world and its characters, while reading based on publication order offers insight into how the series evolved over time. No matter which way you choose to read, what's important is that you enjoy your journey through the fascinating world of Valdemar!