Foundation by Mercedes Lackey

Return to Lackey’s vivid world of Valdemar and a new Herald trainee.  Mags was taken as a child to work in gem mines.  He was routinely starved and abused, not realizing that his existence differed from that of other people.  Told that his parents were criminals and he had Bad Blood, Mags never questioned that this life was his due.  All of that changed when Dallen, his Companion, comes for him and carries him away on his broad white back.  The Companions in Valdemar are sentient horses who have certain powers.  Mags’ Gift is Mind Speech, which helps Dallen teach him the niceties of the real world and aid him in slowly adapting to a new life where he is fed, clothed, and taught to be a Herald.  From his life in the mines, Mags brings certain talents and perspectives that will find a unique niche in the emerging world of the Herald’s Collegium.

Lackey’s first Valdemar book in about five years is very teen friendly, despite being published as an adult fantasy novel.  Mags is an intriguing protagonist whose uneducated perspective on the Heralds and his role with them allows readers new to the series a great entry point.  Lackey excels at writing accessible books filled with enough action and intrigue to keep them moving briskly.  Her detailed touches fill her world with life and depth.

This book makes a perfect entry point to the lengthy Valdemar series.  It is the first in a new trilogy within the series and the ending will have readers gasping for more.  Expect demand for the next in the series where this one is enjoyed.  This novel is appropriate for middle school and high school aged students.