Foundation

Valdemar: Collegium Chronicles, Book 1

By: Mercedes Lackey

Narrated by: Nick Podehl

Length: 10 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

The long-awaited brand new novel in the best-selling Valdemar series.

In this chronicle of the early history of Valdemar, Mercedes Lackey's best-selling world, a 13-year-old orphan named Magpie escapes a life of slavery in the gem mines when he is chosen by one of the magical Companion horses of Valdemar to be trained as a Herald. Thrust into the center of a legend in the making, Magpie discovers talents he never knew he had - and witnesses the founding of the great Heralds' Collegium.

©2008 Mercedes Lackey (P)2008 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Great Story

Loved this story. As always Mercedes Lackey spins a great yarn. Recommend this to any fantasy fans.

I enjoy the early Valdemar stories

I've been reading the Valdemar books since Arrows of the Queen first came out. I enjoy the Collegium chronicles because I like how the world is getting fleshed out. Mr. Podehl's narration is entertaining, and while there are a few words here and there that I grew up hearing differently, it doesn't detract from the performance. I especially like how the mental communications are conveyed in the audio format.

Herald Mags

This is a very good series that further explores the humanity of the Heralds. It explores how the Companions and the Collegeum works together.

Great tale, mediocre narrator

I enjoyed the story a great deal. However, the narrator was a bit flat, and could have been much better. He didn't destroy the story, but had little inflection and kept me from getting more involved in the story.

easy listen

i enjoyed the voices actor's performance. this was a simple and fun book. an easy listen while i did chores around the house.

An orphan and his new Companion find each other

Would you listen to Foundation again? Why?

yes. I like the story and the narration is nicely done with no bothersome quirks.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Foundation?

There are several but the moment Mags finds Dalen, the moment he meets Lena and then Bear, All are written well and not overdone.

Have you listened to any of Nick Podehl’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No. This narrator did a nice job.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The sequence of word images moving Mags forward toward finding his place within the Collegium and within himself are too many to just isolate one. The best is probably comes with the Winter celebration.

Any additional comments?

Good book which I would think most people would enjoy. No sex, and limited violence. The supernatural nature of the Companions is not so overt as to offend.

Valdemar in a new set of eyes

Nick Podehl brings Mags and his world alive for readers. Mercedes Lackey has begun a new Valdemar story where fans new and old learn more about the population of the Kingdom of Valdemar from the point of view of a young slave turned Chosen of the Companion Dallen. Mags is thrust into the bare beginnings of the three Collegia that is explored in other books of the series. We see the workings and the conflict involved as the transition between Herald Mentor to Heralds Collegium occurs.

Good Start

Well its Lackey but I came from Hunter series so different world. I thought it was prequel. But have already downloaded next book.

Favorite World!

I love the Valdemar universe and have re-listened to every book written about this place. This is a great starting place #longseries #sentimental #tagsgiving #sweepstakes

major performance issues

this could be a very good book, but listening to it is frustrating. the robotic tinny voice for the mind speech ruins every single interaction. not sure if I will be able to finish. might try reading it instead.