A lovely addition to a fabulous series, I have loved going back to the beginning of Valdemar a see it start to become!

Mercedes "Misty" Lackey's latest is everything fans of her cherished Valdemar could dream of- witty, detailed, and down-to-earth. There's more than one origin story interlaced in the ending novel of the prequel series, but Spoilers!

Writing as someone who has read every novel by Lackey (and re-read them over and over again for more than 25 years), this is a satisfying, nostalgic, joyful telling of the tale only hinted at in Arrows of the Queen (1987). As a librarian, I know it is a niche fantasy that is written from a comfortable place high atop the laurels of many past novels. However, the addition of Sydney-You-Asshole the cat as a main character, the coming of age stories for each of Baron Valdemar's children, the joyous normality of every faith, gender, origin, etc. (if you've read Misty- you get it) lands this book as one of her top five ever written.

Crisp, clear writing with connections to every level of the Valdemar galaxy. Long time fans will laugh, weep, and feel at peace at its conclusion. New arrivals to Haven will find themselves aching to read the past archive of novels.

Another solid entry to the Valdemar series. It is so much fun being able to see the beginning of the story as a longtime reader there are so many rewarding moments where things are being fleshed out that we’ve only seen in myths, songs and stories other places in the series. I’m really enjoying this founding series it has engaging characters, tightly crafted writing and some fun plot twists and turns.

It's hard to write a review without spoilers, and this third book in the Foundation trilogy has spoilers that will have a lot of fans jumping for joy. This is a great ending to the trilogy, but, Misty will need to write at least a stand alone book to continue with one plot line, which long time fans will recognize if they were reading her in the 80s and 90s. So, hopefully, she'll fit in at least one more book in this time frame.

As well, long time fans will be able to pick up on another plot line in the book - another ah-ha moment, which means that I would recommend new readers of the series to wait and read this until after the Storm trilogy; although it's not absolutely necessary, and definitely will not take away from the enjoyment of the book.

The book takes place 10 years after the Valdemarans have settled in Haven and are busy building and establishing themselves. Baron Valdemar is crowned King, and he starts to contemplate on what will happen with future kings and whether they will be like the Emperor. So, he starts praying to whoever would listen and is answered.

The new Heralds are soon put to the test, as Haven battles enemies.

I think fans will be happy with this book, and this trilogy; and I hope Misty will write that stand alone.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for free access to this e-ARC.

A wonderful addition to the Valemar tale!! This book is absolutely worth the wait and hopefully will lead to even books in this particular series. Lackey has done her normal expert job in crafting this world and pulling us in to enjoy the ride. Highly recommend this series!