Closer to the Heart

Valdemar: The Herald Spy, Book 2

By: Mercedes Lackey

Narrated by: Nick Podehl

Length: 10 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

Mags was a Herald of Valdemar. But he had once lived the brutal life of a child slave. When he was Chosen by his Companion Dallen, his young life was saved, and he slowly adjusted to being well fed, educated, and treasured as a trainee in the Herald's Collegium at Haven. Singled out by the King's Own Herald, Mags would thrive in his secret training as a spy. His unusually strong Gift - an ability to Mindspeak and Mindhear anyone, not just others who were Gifted - made him a perfect undercover agent for the king.

A sequel to Mercedes Lackey's Closer to Home, this adventure continues Mags' journey as Valdemar's herald spy. Cover art by Jody A. Lee.

©2015 Mercedes Lackey (P)2015 Audible, Inc.

A good continuation of the series

If you enjoyed the last book you should fine this one to be satisfactory. This isn't action packed, but rather a continuation of Mag's life and explores his role life as a spy master. Amily has an equal and separate part in this story where she deals with politics at home while Mags will go off undercover on an investigation for the crown. I am happy at the pace this series is going and I would like to see a few more of them.

Hard to put Down

The author has woven many disparate threads, each representing it's own story line - and then merges them all masterly together by the conclusion. I marvel at her imagination.

The narrator is fantastic! I have started other books that I subsequently put down because of the of the narration. He uses inflections of voice and accentuation to deftly portray each character's individuality. I don't think anyone could do a better job.

Good but but the same

It was good but it's a very similar story to the rest. overall it was okay

Love Mags and Amily

Loved hearing the continuing story about these two! Have always loved the Herald books and really loved the Companions!!

It is really nice to have one narrator for all the books as well.

Non-story

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

While the book is well written the story didn't have much to it, what transpired is part of a story not exactly a story I would put on its own. Also Mercedes' books always tend to have a slow start and get better - this book was mainly slow start and got better in the last hour of the book.

I read it

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

you sold I book I already have how nice of you ?

What do you think your next listen will be?

just great buying it twice I must like it

Would you be willing to try another one of Nick Podehl’s performances?

he is a great reader yes I would if it a new one

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Closer to the Heart?

nothing

Any additional comments?

I don't like buying books twice

Another gripping tale

Mags and Amalie are in it again and come out just fine against nasty manipulative men.

It's a Valdemar book.

I enjoy a good Valdemar book. Someday I'd love to see a return of the Herald-Mages...

Vanyel is missed.

Closer to Magnificent

This is one of my favorite storylines from Valdemar with Mags and Amely doing what must be done to keep the kingdom safe while the world seems bent in destroying them.
I love the way The narrator engages with the text and makes it come alive.

Great rendition of a great book

Love the narrator. A great listen of a great continuation of the Valdemar stories. I have listened to this book many times.

Good as ever.

Loved the characters both two legged and four legged. Will definitely buy the next book.