I love Mercedes Lackey, which is why I decided to check this book out. Unfortunately, this was my first time reading one of her anthologies, and I did not like it at all. A majority of the stories were well-written and interesting and got me immediately invested. That was the problem, though. I got invested, and then it cut off for a new story without the satisfaction of a conclusion or even a climax in some cases. I wonder if previous ones had the same characters, but for a first-time reader of the anthologies, some felt like they just jumped in. Overall I think this type of book, with each chapter a different story, is not for me. As I love this world, I will keep reading the full books in the series and skip the anthologies for now.

Contains Lackey's usual flaws. Great ideas, subpar writing.
Most fans of Valdemar will enjoy these slices of life.

Riveting

This fifteenth anthology of short stories set in the beloved Valdemar universe features tales by debut and established authors and a brand-new story from Lackey herself.




The Heralds of Valdemar are the kingdom's ancient order of protectors. They are drawn from all across the land, from all walks of life, and at all ages--and all are Gifted with abilities beyond those of normal men and women. They are Mindspeakers, FarSeers, Empaths, ForeSeers, Firestarters, FarSpeakers, and more. These inborn talents--combined with training as emissaries, spies, judges, diplomats, scouts, counselors, warriors, and more--make them indispensable to their monarch and realm. Sought and Chosen by mysterious horse-like Companions, they are bonded for life to these telepathic, enigmatic creatures. The Heralds of Valdemar and their Companions ride circuit throughout the kingdom, protecting the peace and, when necessary, defending their land and monarch.

Every time that I read an anthology or book about Valdemar, I fall in love again just like I did with the first book in the series. “Boundaries” is no exception. I find myself immersed in a world unlike any other in fantasy full of interesting characters, dramatic stories, and diverse talents. Every character, no matter the author, brings you into the universe of Mercedes Lackey and makes you want to read more. 

I think one of the reasons I love this particular anthology is that it is paced in such a way to keep you reading. Every story makes you want to read more and every character makes me fall in love with them. Normally I would look at a few examples but this anthology is so strong and so riveting overall, that I just recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy. You don’t have to know the world to enjoy it, you will find yourself delving further in without wasting a breath. For fans of Mercedes Lackey, you couldn’t ask for a better anthology of stories.

Rating: 5 out of 5 characters.

A lovely collection of short stories that enrich the world of Valdemar created by Mercedes Lackey. A few of the stories don't really quite fit the understanding I have of the connection between Herald and Companion but overall these are nice short reads.

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I will read anything by Mercedes Lackey, although I certainly like some more than others. And the Valdemar books were my first Lackey books, and I will happily read anything about Valdemar, including the 15 anthologies of Valdemar stories by various authors.

Of course, there are some that I like more than others, either because of the writing style of the author, because sometimes the short story format leaves me a bit unsatisfied (wait, how did we get to this point, and what happens next?), or just because the topic that the author chose doesn't grab me. Regardless of this, however, I always find something to like in each story - if nothing else, a window on something in the Valdemar universe that I hadn't looked through before.

Needless to say, we all have our particular favorites among the stories. My personal favorites are A Time for Prayer, Final Consequences, Tides of War, and The Beating of the Bounds. One of the strengths of the short stories is that they frequently focus on some group of people or some place that don't need a complete book/series, but add insight to some part of Valdemar.

I try never to miss anything by Lackey, or this series of anthologies about Valdemar, and I'm delighted that I had the opportunity to read this one. Truly a good read!

I probably say this every time I go to review one of these books but I'm normally not that big of an anthology fan. I always feel like the stories end just as I'm really getting into them and it's always a little disappointing. But there's something about Mercedes Lackey's anthologies that makes me love every single one of them. It's honestly probably the fact that I've been a massive Mercedes Lackey fanboy ever since I stumbled across my first Valdemar book and it sparked in me a love of reading that almost feels like an insatiable hunger sometimes.

While some stories in Boundaries were a bit weaker than the rest, I thought the majority of them were fantastic and  I loved every minute I spent reading them. One of the main reasons I think I love reading these anthologies over others is because we get to see aspects of the Velgarth and Valdemar that we don't normally get. The majority of Lackey's Valdemar books focus on the Heralds and while I love the entire concept of the Heralds it's sometimes nice to be reminded that there are so many other stories to tell in the world. I love getting stories of Healer, Bards, Priests,  or just mundane people thrown into scenarios that the Heralds usually get thrown into and seeing how they handle them.

So often when I read the Valdemar books I'm always imagining what it is like to be a Herald and I think these anthologies do a great job reminding me that you don't have to have a magical horse and magic powers to make a difference. Boundaries also continue some of my favorite stories from previous anthologies and I can't wait till we get a new one next year to get even more of those stories and characters.

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to anyone looking for something good to read,  whether they've read anything else by Mercedes Lackey or not. I think these anthologies are a great way to introduce new readers to the Heralds of Valdemar series.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.er sometimes.

Boundaries is the latest Valdemar series, and once again, readers are regaled with a short story anthology written by those who love the series very much. Honestly, I love that Mercedes Lackey (and the publisher, DAW) allow for this to happen. Not only must it be a delight to fellow authors and fans, but it lets the world become a little bit bigger each and every time. For those that are curious, this makes the fifteenth anthology in the series.

In this anthology, you'll find the following short stories: Tides of War by Dylan Birtolo, A Time for Prayer by Kristin Schwengel, The Ghost of the High Hill by Stephanie Shaver, Unsavory by Jennifer Brozek, Final Consequences by Elizabeth Vaughan, Hearts of Made for Mending by Dayle Dermatis, A Gift of Courage by Anthea Sharp, Sacrifices of the Heart by Michele Lang, They Don't Burn Children by Louisa Swann, Out of Bounds by Charlotte E English, A Clutter of Cats by Elisabeth Waters, Ghost Cider by Brigid Collins, The Beating The Bounds by Fionna Patton, Stepping Up by Angela Penrose, The Measure of Imagination by Paige Christie, Puppies and Ponies by Phaedra Weldon, The Gift of Twins by Brenda Cooper, No Simple Kyree by Ron Collins, The Upper Air by Terry O'Brien, and Boundaries by Mercedes Lackey.

For the first time in a long time, I forgot to take notes while reading this anthology. So you'll have to forgive me, but my review will be on the overall tone and theme of the collection (there are too many for me to remember the fine details without assistance).

Boundaries is yet another delightful collection of so many different stories from the world of Valdemar. The anthologies are something I always delight in reading if I'm being completely honest. They are just so well-suited to the world. Or is it the other way around?

My favorite stories included A Time for Prayer, A Clutter of Cats (no surprise there), and Boundaries. I enjoyed many others, but those are the three that keep coming to mind every time I stop to think about this anthology.

Mercedes Lackey edits another in the series of original short stories about the Valdemaran healers, bards and heralds. Warmhearted stories of discovery of talents, love and duties. Great cover featuring a companion. Read and enjoy quality stories.

I like the fact that often times the short stories are a continuation of short stories in previous books. Overall, a good addition to the books.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

So, I planned on reading the stories in this ARC one or two at a time for relaxing before sleep. That didn’t last too many nights… I plowed through the remaining stories on night three. There’s a nice mix of continuing stories and new stories, My particular favorite is the continuing story of Lady Cera and her village, I just find that set of stories really enjoyable and she’s very likable. Seriously if life is stressing you out relax with Valdemar books where the good, brave and true will win the day and things are ok. These books are my happy safe place!

The imagination of Mercedes Lackey is just breath-taking. Her world of Valdemar is full of characters who are brave, strong, smart and good-hearted. I really like the whole premise of this world. This is a great addition to Ms. Lackey's anthology series. The guest authors tell some wonderful tales.

When I was younger I became completely obsessed with Mercedes Lackey - and Valdemar was one of my favourite series/worlds to read. It was honestly really lovely to revisit Valdemar through the lens of other authors writing about it - the writing itself was excellent, and I really liked the new characters. It made me really nostalgic for the earlier books, and I didn't realize how much I've forgotten, so absolutely time for a general re-read. Very much recommend this anthology!

ARC recieved from NetGalley.

I do not have enough superlatives to describe how much I enjoyed the stories in this book; each story a jewel in the crown that is the world of Valdemar. This anthology offers superb writing, new stories and characters, and subsequently, new ways to enjoy Valdemar.

Dip into the latest anthology and enjoy a few stories at a time or gorge on the entire book in one sitting, either way your enjoyment is assured.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC.