Closer to Home

Valdemar: The Herald Spy, Book 1

By: Mercedes Lackey

Narrated by: Nick Podehl

Mags was once an enslaved orphan living a harsh life in the mines, until the King's Own Herald discovered his talent and trained him as a spy. Now a Herald in his own right, at the newly established Heralds' Collegium, Mags has found a supportive family, including his Companion Dallen.

Although normally a Herald in his first year of Whites would be sent off on circuit, Mags is needed close to home for his abilities as a spy and his powerful Mindspeech gift. There is a secret, treacherous plot within the royal court to destroy the Heralds. The situation becomes dire after the life of Mags' mentor, King's Own Nikolas, is imperiled. His daughter, Amily, is chosen as the new King's Own, a complicated and dangerous job that is made more so by this perilous time. Can Mags and Amily save the court, the Heralds, and the Collegium itself?

©2014 Mercedes Lackey (P)2014 Audible Inc.

only one thing wrong.

Rolan is described as having a deep sonorous mind voice. Not the catty nasal voice used.

Well written

although this book was well written it was indeed not my favorite of all the herald mags series. I believe it has more to do with the storyline and the content then they writing.

Romeo and Juliet meets Valdemar

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I put off reading this since I wasn't too impressed with all the flashbacks in the collegium chronicles / Mags' stories, but Lackey really aced it with this book. a slightly more realistic Romeo and Juliet meets Valdemar.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Closer to Home?

The prince tossing Amily onto Roland's back

Have you listened to any of Nick Podehl’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I really enjoy Nick Podehl's work. he's very talented.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Romeo and Juliet meets Valdemar

Fun and Fantastic

I loved the tale, as all the Herald and Haven stories. I have followed Mercedes Lackey for many years and this story did not disappoint. Very exciting and I love the strong female leads.😃

A lot of repetition

Nick Podehl hid the repetition very well, but it was there. Loving Nick's portrayal of Mags, but kind of wished some of his pronunciations were better.