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.

Love it!

I love Mercedes Lackey and I love this book! All of her stories about Valdemar are fabulous and I highly, highly recommend this book!

Wow that was great!

Wow this is awesome! For someone who has enjoyed reading most of the Herldic books by Mercedes Lackey, I am now delighted to listen to them also. The narrator has good expression and range of voices for the characters.

Great for all ages

Where does Foundation rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I love the Valdemar series by Mercedes Lackey, and Nick Podehl is one of my favorite performers. This is a book I will listen to over and over.

What other book might you compare Foundation to and why?

Not sure what I would compare this series to because it is its own unique world. However I would put with greats like Chronicles of Narnia, David Eddings books, and Harry Potter because both young and older readers will enjoy I started the series in my 30's.

Which character – as performed by Nick Podehl – was your favorite?

Mags of course and his Companion Dallon I also like Harold Nicholas and his daughter.

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

Mags coming to terms with his freedom after spending his childhood in slavery and retched conditions.

Any additional comments?

Even though most of the Valdemar series is for YA and adult readers the Foundation grouping is appropriate for readers as young as 8, though you may need at the beginning to explain why people are so mean or questions on words that may not be known yet. The Foundation grouping has a good lessons in empathy, ethics, and cultural understanding of people different then oneself.

As a person with LD(ADHD and dyslexia) I find the performer Nick Podehl very easy and enjoyable to listen to. This is not true of all performers but his cadence and speed of speech make him not only enjoyable but help with reading retention. If you have a child who is LD or not a great reader he is one of the best to listen to, and be able use the book in school work like a book report or just for fun.

A great peak into early Valdemar

I have loved Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar series for years, this is just as good as any of them! Highly recommend.

Fondation a Valdamare Novel Book one

This is a great start to Magpies history I'm so intrigued with his background can't wait to find out more .

A good tale

There is a minor contradiction with Rolan but other than that a good story. Rolan origanaly did not show up until Selenay became queen, when Talamir's companion died in battle.
I like Mags and the story is well told. It's a good series. I like the rest of the books as well.

Well worth the performance!

I wish that I could give more than 5 stars. This reader knows the work and does not distract from the story at all.

Love the storyline & narrator is exceptional

Mercedes Lackey never fails to Delight.
Narrator was exceptional with the voices.
Well done all!

Good

The narrator is consistent in his characters so you can follow them clearly. He's not the best but he's improving. The story was fun & engaging. The style reminded me of Little Women & Jo's Boys

Valdamar

I absolutely love Mercedes Lackey and all of her Valdamar books. Always hope for more.