Magic's Pawn: The Last Herald Mage, Book 1

I must admit - I probably have worn out 2 or three paperback versions of this series, as well as the Arrows of the Queen series (of which only book one is currently available for audio.) I remember my introduction to Misty Lackey, at the last convention she attended (Dragoncon 2000 - and therein hangs SEVERAL tales, but) - this is the first series I read where there was a protagonist who makes you cry and makes you laugh, and makes you feel the plight of the outcast so comprehensively that you CAN"T read only the one book - start one and before the week is out - you will be hunting down book 2 and 3 to finish the story off.

Fair warning - Vanyel is gay. Now, having MET Misty and Mark Shepherd (who sometimes co-writes with her) - I've sometimes wondered just how much of Mark is IN Vanyel - but she doesn't make it into a big deal. (She never really does much in the way of romance in her early works, and while the series DOES skew PG - I don't think Misty's ever written an "R" rated sex scene - and if you want X - look elsewhere.)

This is a great book that I have come back to re-read in audio and I must say that its much better than what I remember. Perhaps that I am more mature now or that the reader did such a great job, but I find myself loving it.

BUT, audible, where is the rest of the series. You are killing me!

Great listen!

When Van stood up to his father.

Vanyel

The end but I don't want to spoil it.

A well done production spot on. Homosextual main charactor done with such care that you could even let a young adult listen to it.

This was a great fantasy and by an author with real knowledge of psychic and magical abilities!

Vanyel. He was the main character and it is his story.

When Vanyel is healed by the Tayledres.

Yes.

Just beautifully written.

Mediocre reading with poor production. The narrator missed punctuation and read right through commas, periods, new paragraphs and scene changes. Poor reader or poor production?

Vanyel Ashkevron because we get to see him grow from an abused and difficult teen into a selfless hero.

This needed better attention to details like correct pronunciation of character names and places. I wish St. John had been mindful of scene changes by taking a breath and leaving a little empty air space as a clue. I know the book has spaces between scenes for this purpose.I would have liked it better if he hadn't given every woman and teen character a whine.

I have waited a long time for an audio production of this series and am disappointed that it wasn't given the attention it deserved. I suggest you read the book first and let the characters become real to you. Mercades Lackey's writing is better than production makes it sound.

This is an old favorite, one of the first in the genre that I read.

I was incredibly disappointed that the performer didn't bother to learn how to pronounce the names correctly, particularly since there is a published glossary. It all but ruined it for me.

I would read it again before the next part.

The female teacher (aunt of the protagonist) is may favorite, because she was very likable. Almost like the aunt you wish you had.

Just goes on about how he fell in love with a long hair guy that was prettier than a girl. Has all the cliches of homosexuality.