Crossroads and Other Tales of Valdemar

(Transmutation by Larry Dixon, All Ages of man by Tanya Huff, Landscape of the Imagination by Lackey) I chose to read 3 of the stories in this anthology - by authors I know I like. The idea behind this anthology was for other writers (mostly fantasy) to pen stories of Lackey's world of Valdemar. I read Dixon's TRANSMUTATION, Huff's ALL AGES OF MAN, and Lackey's own LANDSCAPE OF THE IMAGINATION. All were wonderful fits for Valdemar - bringing back pleasant memories of stories read long ago.

I've been reading Mercedes Lackey for over 20years now. She never fails to disapoint. The Valdemar series has proven to be my favorite (even though it's so hard to choose, they are all great). This is the third book of short stories in the Valdemar Universe. It's great to see another perspective into a well-written world. I highly recommend this to any fan of Misty's.

Misty--if I may so call her--has said that she does not foresee writing any more Valdemar stories. I am sorry, for I have enjoyed them greatly. However, the last few have not been up to her usual high standards, so perhaps it is for the best. Thanks, Misty. All the stories were good-although, of course, some better than others. There were a few which really didn't seem to be Valdemar stories at all; they were good stories, but the bits that were distinctly Valdemar seemed to have just been stuck on, as though the author was anticipating later scraping the serial numbers off. Still, all-in-all, well worth it.

I've been a fan of Mercedes Lackey since the mid 80s. I've either read or plan to read everything I've come across from her, either as sole author or co-written. This passion extends to the Valdemar anthology short stories that have also been published. Given this its hard to be objective with any review. In a series of stories set in an author's universe, I look to see if the stories contribute to the realm that has been created. Certainly in this case the answer is 'Yes!" as Lackey's Valdemar is a rich world to explore. The high points of this anthology include the excellent "Transmutation" by Larry Dixon (One would expect the author's husband and often co-author to be included here -- this story in itself justified the purchase for me) and Lackey's own "Landscape of The Imagination" -- a short Tarma and Kethry story. I also particularly liked Judith Tarr's "Darkwall's Lady" and Sarah Hoyt & Kate Paulk's "A Change Of Heart." With any anthology there were a few others that were less memorable, but any Lackey/Valdemar fan should enjoy this work. All stories are original. Familiarity with the world of Valdemar is not required, though as with any intricate universe, the more one reads set in it, the better one appreciates it. As a first introduction though, I would suggest going directly to Lackey's works.

It was with some sadness I awaited the arrival of Crossroads and other Tales of Valdemar. Mercedes Lackey's vibrant world introduced me to the world of fantasy, and I knew it was going to be the last of Valdemar for a while. I found this anthology to be a collection of moving stories exploring all aspects of living in Valdemar. Not just tales of Heralds, this collection spans the variety that can be found. I regret no stories of Tayledras, though Larry Dixon's gryphon story that opened the anthology moved me to tears. Most of the stories dealt with war and its harsh realities. Perhaps it's a reflection of the era in which we live, perhaps it's because a good battle makes a good story. Either way, these tales go beyond just a story. They evoke a life, and a world, in which we all would want to live. Mercedes Lackey brings us another tale of Tarma and Kethry, and I am glad, for to me, no Valdemar collection would be complete without these legendary figures. It was their books that got me to thinking about paganism, and their stories broadened an already wide world. With works by such diverse authors as Michael Z. Williamson, Mickey Zucker Riechert, Tanya Huff, Fiona Patton, Judith Tarr, Brenda Cooper, and others, the authors' unique voices shine through united in a love of the world that Mercedes Lackey created. Like many others, I hope this isn't her last Valdemar book, but if it is, then it is a worthy grand finale. Adept Starfeather k'Valdemar