Anything With Nothing

Edited by Mercedes Lackey
This 17th anthology of short stories set in the beloved Valdemar high fantasy universe features tales by debut and established authors and a brand-new story from Mercedes Lackey.

The Heralds of Valdemar are the kingdom's ancient order of protectors. They are drawn from all across the land, from all walks of life, and at all ages—and all are Gifted with abilities beyond those of normal men and women. They are Mindspeakers, FarSeers, Empaths, ForeSeers, Firestarters, FarSpeakers, and more. These inborn talents—combined with training as emissaries, spies, judges, diplomats, scouts, counselors, warriors, and more—make them indispensable to their monarch and realm.

Sought and Chosen by mysterious horse-like Companions, they are bonded for life to these telepathic, enigmatic creatures. The Heralds of Valdemar and their Companions ride circuit throughout the kingdom, protecting the peace and, when necessary, defending their land and monarch.

Join a variety of authors as they ride with Mercedes Lackey to the beloved land of Valdemar and experience the many facets of this storied high fantasy realm.
Praise for Anything with Nothing

"This engaging anthology will appeal to long-time Valdemar fans and new readers, showcasing every person’s ability to become a hero when presented with an underlying need." —Booklist

"Every one of these anthology books has been a joy to read. While Lackey's own contribution to the collection is often a reason to read it, in and of itself, the collection as a whole typically expands on the depth of the Valdemar setting in unique ways. Any fan of this world shouldn't hesitate to pick up Anything with Nothing." —GameVortex

Praise for the Valdemar anthologies

"New readers will have no trouble understanding the world and its characters. The strength of the anthology comes in the unity and flow of the stories as each one builds subtly toward a gentle, thoughtful point with a perfect blend of emotion and intrigue." —Publishers Weekly (starred)

"Even occasional visitors to Valdemar or readers of Lackey’s recent foundation novel Beyond will enjoy the trip to this popular world." —Library Journal

“Fans of Lackey’s epic Valdemar series will devour this superb anthology. Of the thirteen stories included, there is no weak link—an attribute exceedingly rare in collections of this sort. Highly recommended.” —The Barnes & Noble Review 

Exceedingly well done, it helps keep readers unconfused while wandering the enormous fictional terrain the Valdemar oeuvre covers.” —Booklist

“Each story brings unique ideas that carry on the fantastical elements from the world created by Lackey. Fans new and old will step into a literary world that’s unlike any other and will be sucked into tales that will take them on wondrous journeys.” —RT Reviews

Shenanigans is filled with fun little adventures that are quick reads. The mix of continued character development in the various mini-series, along with the one-and-done stories, makes for a nice assortment of stories that just add depth to Lackey's world.” —Game Vortex

About

This 17th anthology of short stories set in the beloved Valdemar high fantasy universe features tales by debut and established authors and a brand-new story from Mercedes Lackey.

The Heralds of Valdemar are the kingdom's ancient order of protectors. They are drawn from all across the land, from all walks of life, and at all ages—and all are Gifted with abilities beyond those of normal men and women. They are Mindspeakers, FarSeers, Empaths, ForeSeers, Firestarters, FarSpeakers, and more. These inborn talents—combined with training as emissaries, spies, judges, diplomats, scouts, counselors, warriors, and more—make them indispensable to their monarch and realm.

Sought and Chosen by mysterious horse-like Companions, they are bonded for life to these telepathic, enigmatic creatures. The Heralds of Valdemar and their Companions ride circuit throughout the kingdom, protecting the peace and, when necessary, defending their land and monarch.

Join a variety of authors as they ride with Mercedes Lackey to the beloved land of Valdemar and experience the many facets of this storied high fantasy realm.

Reviews

Praise for Anything with Nothing

"This engaging anthology will appeal to long-time Valdemar fans and new readers, showcasing every person’s ability to become a hero when presented with an underlying need." —Booklist

"Every one of these anthology books has been a joy to read. While Lackey's own contribution to the collection is often a reason to read it, in and of itself, the collection as a whole typically expands on the depth of the Valdemar setting in unique ways. Any fan of this world shouldn't hesitate to pick up Anything with Nothing." —GameVortex

Praise for the Valdemar anthologies

"New readers will have no trouble understanding the world and its characters. The strength of the anthology comes in the unity and flow of the stories as each one builds subtly toward a gentle, thoughtful point with a perfect blend of emotion and intrigue." —Publishers Weekly (starred)

"Even occasional visitors to Valdemar or readers of Lackey’s recent foundation novel Beyond will enjoy the trip to this popular world." —Library Journal

“Fans of Lackey’s epic Valdemar series will devour this superb anthology. Of the thirteen stories included, there is no weak link—an attribute exceedingly rare in collections of this sort. Highly recommended.” —The Barnes & Noble Review 

Exceedingly well done, it helps keep readers unconfused while wandering the enormous fictional terrain the Valdemar oeuvre covers.” —Booklist

“Each story brings unique ideas that carry on the fantastical elements from the world created by Lackey. Fans new and old will step into a literary world that’s unlike any other and will be sucked into tales that will take them on wondrous journeys.” —RT Reviews

Shenanigans is filled with fun little adventures that are quick reads. The mix of continued character development in the various mini-series, along with the one-and-done stories, makes for a nice assortment of stories that just add depth to Lackey's world.” —Game Vortex