Closer to Home

Valdemar: The Herald Spy, Book 1

By: Mercedes Lackey

Narrated by: Nick Podehl

Length: 11 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Mags was once an enslaved orphan living a harsh life in the mines, until the King's Own Herald discovered his talent and trained him as a spy. Now a Herald in his own right, at the newly established Heralds' Collegium, Mags has found a supportive family, including his Companion Dallen.

Although normally a Herald in his first year of Whites would be sent off on circuit, Mags is needed close to home for his abilities as a spy and his powerful Mindspeech gift. There is a secret, treacherous plot within the royal court to destroy the Heralds. The situation becomes dire after the life of Mags' mentor, King's Own Nikolas, is imperiled. His daughter, Amily, is chosen as the new King's Own, a complicated and dangerous job that is made more so by this perilous time. Can Mags and Amily save the court, the Heralds, and the Collegium itself?

©2014 Mercedes Lackey (P)2014 Audible Inc.

only one thing wrong.

Rolan is described as having a deep sonorous mind voice. Not the catty nasal voice used.

A lot of repetition

Nick Podehl hid the repetition very well, but it was there. Loving Nick's portrayal of Mags, but kind of wished some of his pronunciations were better.

Dropped into the middle of a bigger series?

This was my first Mercedes Lackey book and I had high expectations because of so many reviews! CLOSER TO HOME was actually nothing like I expected. It was lighter than I thought it would be and I actually was really surprised with the plot... And that there wasn't one...?

I really didn't know what the point of this book was, to be perfectly honest. It wasn't until halfway through that the focus really started to shift to Brand and Violetta, but Mags and Amily are the main characters so it was confusing for a while what was really happening. I really did love Mags and Amily -- Mags even more so -- so it was kind of disappointing that they were more helpers of the plot and that the book wasn't even really about them.

I have been told that this book starts a new series BUT it is also part of a kind of series of series about the world of Valdemar... But while a series of series is fine, it really did feel like it picked up in the middle of story instead starting its own series. There was a mention of how Amily and Mags ended up coming back home but it was never elaborated on and so it felt really unfinished. There was so much more to discover as far as world-building, especially on the magical abilities, but I suppose that could be something I'm missing from a previous series of series.

I most just felt like I didn't know what the plot of this book was. Even though things happened, it just didn't seem like a large conflict and then at the end, all of a sudden it was this huge deal. It was a weirdly constructed book and I just didn't quite connect with it, which was a shame because I really did like the characters and the world! As much as I'd like to spend more time with them, I don't know what the rest of the series would be life and if it would be worth continuing.

Well written

although this book was well written it was indeed not my favorite of all the herald mags series. I believe it has more to do with the storyline and the content then they writing.

Romeo and Juliet meets Valdemar

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I put off reading this since I wasn't too impressed with all the flashbacks in the collegium chronicles / Mags' stories, but Lackey really aced it with this book. a slightly more realistic Romeo and Juliet meets Valdemar.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Closer to Home?

The prince tossing Amily onto Roland's back

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

I really enjoy Nick Podehl's work. he's very talented.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Romeo and Juliet meets Valdemar

Fun and Fantastic

I loved the tale, as all the Herald and Haven stories. I have followed Mercedes Lackey for many years and this story did not disappoint. Very exciting and I love the strong female leads.😃

Closer to Home

This series is very enjoyable. Nick Podehl narrates the story just as I heard it in my head when I read it years ago. My favorite parts are the character interactions as they build on their herald training and grow with each experience. The action parts are just the right length and the romance sweetens the story as well. Read the series in order as it greatly adds to your insight to the characters. Thank you Mercedes Lackey for another fine experience.

Nick Podehl is an excellent narrator,

I wish the rest of her books were done by him. His range and inflection is well done.

Romeo and Juliet - NOT

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

yes, I allways enjoyed Mercedes Lackey but this was the first time it pleasantly surprised

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

Most interesting - Mags and Emily
Least - Brand and Viola (sp?)

Which scene was your favorite?

the ending pursuit

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Romeo & Juliet = NOT

Any additional comments?

no

Loved it!

Nick did an excellent job. His reading made me enjoy this so much more, and a tale of love in the court was a very pleasant after the collegium series. I hope Violetta will appear in the next books!