Rent Arrows of the Queen ( The Heralds of Valdemar, Book 1)

Perhaps my disappointment in the writing quality, story composition and characterization has to do with the fact that I am more familiar with Mercedes Lackey's later books, which are obviously benefit from the maturation of her writing skill. I am surprised by the fact that this was the novel that started it all and launched an apparently much beloved series as the heroine is what can only be termed a Mary Sue, an absolute paragon who is wise beyond her years, with everyone in love with her and if anyone didn't, they were evil. The plot is absolutely predictable with much hinting of future greatness that are like anvils of doom. Although I know for a fact that Lackey's writing improves a great deal, the writing in this book was awkward enough for me to avoid the painful adolescence of Lackey's career as a writer and I profess to returning to her later books with much greater relish that I previously imagined possible. Lackey's writing, even her later books, are good light fantasy reads but don't necessarily possess the substance to rise above the stereotypes of the fantasy genre. Accordingly, this book is even flimsier and is simply a way to pass the time. For me, it was an hour of groans of agony. I did appreciate that it could have been worse and my pain was only because the beginning is so bad in comparison to the present fruits of Lackey's labors. There are certainly worse books out there. It was just unexpected to find a book such as this in Lackey's repertoire.