Greybon

Naturally, after I finished reading the first book in “The Last Herald-Mage” trilogy, I had to dive into the next one. Had to see what Vanyel would be up to now that he’d become a Herald-Mage.

Turns out he’s the most powerful Herald-Mage and when we first see him again, he’s in desperate need of some good rest. All the magic he’s been doing on his mission has taken its toll. He decides to spend some time with his family, since they keep asking for him to visit, and hopes he can find some rest while he’s there.

Well, wouldn’t you know it? Rest is not what he gets at all. Yfandes receives a desperate call from across the border that a fellow companion is in danger. She and Vanyel take off to help. There they find an amnesiac Herald Prince, whose tale brings about an entire host of problems that ensure Vanyel will not be getting rest for some time to come.

What I love about this book is the relationship between Vanyel and his companion, Yfandes. She is a magnificent force and a fitting companion for him. Their conversations are highly entertaining, be it teasing, emotionally charged ones, or even just idle chit chat.

I also like that Vanyel starts to learn that people look at him funny because they are in awe (or fear) of his power, not because he is gay. Yeah, he can be a little dense. Powerful, but dense.

However, his power is what makes him so isolated from others. He is sent continually on missions because he is the only one who can do what needs to be done. I had to keep reminding myself that the trilogy is called “The Last Herald-Mage.” He has to because there are so few left, not to mention the simple fact that many of the people, Herald’s too, see Herald-Mages as the only solvers to every problem.

I found it fascinating to see Vanyel grown up and how he approaches each situation. I felt saddened too by all he’s gone through…very. I found myself only more attached to the character by the reading of this book. Simply put…he and his story are amazing!

I’ll admit that I initially didn’t care for this cover. It felt too flowery and the image of the horse just looked creepy. Even as I started the book I thought that the text felt too flowery as well. Vanyel’s vanity and melodrama annoyed me, but I kept reading and he grew on me. It was only then that I realized I was reading a coming of age story. Yeah, I’m dense, I know. :P

Vanyel though, what can I say? This kid goes through a lot. Love and loss and a whole bunch more. By the end of this book, I found myself loving this character. That’s a huge leap from finding him annoying, eh?

Vanyel finds himself being sent away from his home to live with his Aunt Savil at the High Court of Valdemar. His father has hopes that Savil will have a better chance at turning the boy into a “real” man, since everything he has tried doesn’t seem to be working. (“Real” man as per the father’s definition of that of course.)

What I loved about this story is watching him wake up and start to see the world around him. His relationships with his aunt Savil, Tylendel, and Yfandes were all endearing to see. The story itself hinted some at much more to come since Vanyel’s knowledge of what’s going on is limited. I found that this only intrigued me more since I wanted to know what exactly was keeping the Heralds so busy in the background. I also enjoyed that the characters made some tragic mistakes since it makes them more real that way.

Plus, the story is emotionally rich…a roller costar effect of love, joy, pain, heartache, and everything in between and that’s what made me become even more attached to these wonderful characters—indeed. All in all, I loved this book. It goes on the shelf of things to reread.

Oh, and on a side note, I think this one is good as a teen read.