The Hills Have Spies

Valdemar: Family Spies, Book 1

By: Mercedes Lackey

Narrated by: Nick Podehl

Length: 10 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

In this new series, set in the bestselling world of Valdemar, Heralds Mags and Amily must continue to protect the realm of Valdemar while raising their children and preparing them to follow in their footsteps.

Mags, Herald Spy of Valdemar, and his wife, Amily, the King’s Own Herald, are happily married with three kids. The oldest, Peregrine, has the Gift of Animal Mindspeech—he can talk to animals and persuade them to act as he wishes. Perry's dream is to follow in his father's footsteps as a Herald Spy, but he has yet to be Chosen by a Companion.

Mags is more than happy to teach Perry all he knows. He regularly trains his children, including Perry, with tests and exercises, preparing them for the complicated and dangerous lives they will likely lead. Perry has already held positions in the Royal Palace as a runner and in the kitchen, useful places where he can learn to listen and collect information.

But there is growing rural unrest in a community on the border of Valdemar. A report filled with tales of strange disappearances and missing peddlers is sent to Haven by a Herald from the Pelagirs. To let Perry experience life away from home and out in the world, Mags proposes that his son accompany him on an expedition to discover what is really going on.

During their travels, Perry’s Animal Mindspeech allows him to communicate with the local wildlife of the Pelagirs, whose connection to the land aids in their investigation. But the details he gleans from the creatures only deepen the mystery. As Perry, Mags, and their animal companions draw closer to the heart of the danger, they must discover the truth behind the disappearances at the border—before those disappearances turn deadly.

©2018 Mercedes Lackey (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

I love Mercedes Lackey books. I just wish she'd

write faster. Of course I want the quality to stay the same. I, also, enjoy the people she gets to read/perform her books. They are perfect for each story.

Another must by Mercedes

Another great story of Valdemar- i only wish there had been a better reference toward to beginning of the timeframe for this adventure, And an adventure it was, especially with the reading by Nick Podehl- He was phenominal

wonderful continuation of a series.

excellent to have a series continue with another generation. as well written as all her stories. looking forward to the next one.

Another great book of Valdemar!

I love her writing and especially love the world of Valdemar that she has created. She keeps you guessing.

Loved this book, great addition to the series

I strongly recommend you do not read this book unless you first read the Collegium quintet and the Herald Spy trilogy first. They really are more of a longer series, even though they can be read alone, it takes much enjoyment out of it if you then want to go backwards and read the others.

Ms. Lackey again does not disappoint!

I loved this book from start to finish! The story line is stand alone or takes me back years ago when I read Mercedes Lackey's about mage Van!

Great new series - good reader

Clean, coming of age novel. Family Spies follows the Harold Spy series from the Valdemar Universe by Mercedes Lackey. I am a long-time follower of Mercedes Lackey’s books. My first books by this author was The Last Harold Mage series in paperback. Since then, I have purchased her works on audio cassettes, then CDs and finally, Audible, I have most of the Valdamar Universe offered on Audible. I always look for Lackey’s work because she writes about characters that make me care what happens to them but does not leave frustrating cliffhangers.

another great one

this is another great novel in the valdemar series I recommend these books to anyone regardless of age they're good for everybody

great book, lovely addition to the Valdemar series

great book, couldn't wait to listen to it each time I had to stop for something else

Kept my interest

This book felt a bit like a YA novel but it kept my interest all the way to the end.