Granddaughter of the sorceress Kethry, daughter of a noble house, Kerowyn had been forced to run the family keep since her mother’s untimely death. Yet now at last her brother was preparing to wed, and when his bride became the lady of the keep, Kerowyn could return to her true enjoyments – training horses and hunting. But all Kerowyn’s hopes and plans were shattered when her anscestral home was … home was attacked, her father slain, her brother wounded, and his fiancee kidnapped. Drive by desperation and the knowledge that a scorcerer had led the journey which would prove but he first step on the road to the fulfillment of her destiny.
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By the Sword is one of my favorite books in the Valdemar saga, mainly because of the main character, Kerowyn. She is everything I love my fantasy heroines to be. She’s flawed but tough. She’s logical and practical-minded, more than capable of taking care of herself and others, and she has strong principles.
I also love that it is a bit of a departure from most of the Valdemar books. Kero is a character born and raised in a country other than Valdemar, with different values and perspectives. There is also a lot more magic than there is in most of the books set in Valdemar, as at this point in the world’s chronology, there are no longer any mages in Valdemar. The perspective is so different, since those outside of Valdemar are a bit leery of the Gifts of Heralds, and of the Heralds themselves.
Nor can it be denied that this is a bit of a feminist novel. After saving her sister-in-law, Kero thinks about how women are “supposed” to be… dainty and delicate and womanly. And she bucks against those ideals. Later, after losing her virginity, she reflects on how unsatisfactory it was, feeling as if she deserved more. With the long history of women and the idea of sexual pleasure, this was refreshing. The novel is also a commentary on women’s equality in all aspects of life… respect, jobs, pay, etc.
Magic horses, magic swords and a girl who kicks butt! Plus grit, blood and death! I LOVE this book!
It’s a more grown-up version of Tamora Pierce’s Alanna (but still safe for kids), and I recommend you read it now. Go on, shoo. What are you waiting around here for?
I’ve enjoyed all her valdermire books and seeing wemon sometimes better or equal to men is great it has been 3 years since I’ve read that book
Mercedes Lackey is one of my favorite fantasy authors.
Her characters are amazing and thankfully this book is part of a series – although not the first.
You CAN read this book alone without too much trouble, but it’s a much richer read if you read the books that come before and you’ll certainly want to read the books that come after.
As Kero has grown up and become the Captain of a group of elite mercenaries, she ends up helping a man and in the process becoming a Herald of Valdemar.
You can’t just say, “I want to become a Herald.”
You have to be Chosen by a Companion – which looks like a fabulous horse, but isn’t.
Quite.
Kero never in her life wanted to wear an “oh shoot me” set of Heraldic whites – all Herald’s wear white so that they’re easily recognizable – and unless going to Court, she finds every reason not to wear them.
This is only part of the story and I sincerely tell you to pick up every book in the Valdemar series.
Sorry for any misspelling.
This book is great but it is part of a larger series.
One of my absolutely favorite Lackey books. Very strong lead female character, doing what she has to do to get through life.