The second book in Mercedes Lackey's classic Mage Wars trilogy featuring the gryphons, set in the beloved fantasy world of Valdemar
It has been ten years since the magical Cataclysm, which destroyed the twin strongholds of the two world's most powerful Mages and killed Urtho, creator of the gryphons, sending his forces into exile. Now Urtho's peoples—human and non-human alike—live in a terraced city carved into the face of a gleaming white cliff on the edge of the Western Ocean.
Secure, at least, until the fleet of the mysterious Black Kings appears in their harbor, bringing envoys who inform the residents of White Gryphon that their newfound home lies on the northern perimeter of lands claimed by this powerful kingdom. Desperate not to lose their hard-won home, Skandranon, along with his longtime friend Amberdrake—agrees to accompany the envoys back to the Court of the Black Kings, hoping to negotiate an alliance.
When a high ranking noble who opposes this alliance is found murdered, Skandranon and Amberdrake realize that they are up against unknown enemies who will stop at nothing, even the use of diabolical Blood Magic, to destroy White Gryphon.
Praise for Valdemar
"The high stakes and the dangerous journey keep the story moving at a brisk pace. Lackey’s characters, meanwhile, are admirable as ever as they learn to work together. Series fans will not be disappointed.” —Publishers Weekly
"Eye Spy feels like a present written especially for me. You're gonna want to read it. This one's a firecracker.” —Tor.com
"Whether it's the spellbinding world, the intrigue of the plot, or the simple yet remarkable narrative style—it is impossible to say which of these makes the story so good, but one thing is for sure: Closer to Home marks the beginning of another fantastic Lackey series.” —RT Reviews
"Mags remains an engaging character, and makes a very capable spy/investigator.... His adventures still make engrossing reading.” —Locus
"Returning to her beloved Valdemar universe, Lackey opens her new series at a pivotal time in the history of Valdemar.... Series fans will enjoy the variations on a familiar theme, while enough information is presented for first-timers to discover a world of high adventure and individual courage. Highly recommended.” —Library Journal
"Closer to the Heart has the two things that have always made me love these books: a richly detailed history of the world, and beautiful writing.” —The Arched Doorway
"Lackey is a master at characterization.” —The Ranting Dragon
Mercedes Lackey is a full-time writer and has published numerous novels and works of short fiction, including the bestselling Heralds of Valdemar series. She is also a professional lyricist and a licensed wild bird rehabilitator.
View titles by Mercedes Lackey
The second book in Mercedes Lackey's classic Mage Wars trilogy featuring the gryphons, set in the beloved fantasy world of Valdemar
It has been ten years since the magical Cataclysm, which destroyed the twin strongholds of the two world's most powerful Mages and killed Urtho, creator of the gryphons, sending his forces into exile. Now Urtho's peoples—human and non-human alike—live in a terraced city carved into the face of a gleaming white cliff on the edge of the Western Ocean.
Secure, at least, until the fleet of the mysterious Black Kings appears in their harbor, bringing envoys who inform the residents of White Gryphon that their newfound home lies on the northern perimeter of lands claimed by this powerful kingdom. Desperate not to lose their hard-won home, Skandranon, along with his longtime friend Amberdrake—agrees to accompany the envoys back to the Court of the Black Kings, hoping to negotiate an alliance.
When a high ranking noble who opposes this alliance is found murdered, Skandranon and Amberdrake realize that they are up against unknown enemies who will stop at nothing, even the use of diabolical Blood Magic, to destroy White Gryphon.
Reviews
Praise for Valdemar
"The high stakes and the dangerous journey keep the story moving at a brisk pace. Lackey’s characters, meanwhile, are admirable as ever as they learn to work together. Series fans will not be disappointed.” —Publishers Weekly
"Eye Spy feels like a present written especially for me. You're gonna want to read it. This one's a firecracker.” —Tor.com
"Whether it's the spellbinding world, the intrigue of the plot, or the simple yet remarkable narrative style—it is impossible to say which of these makes the story so good, but one thing is for sure: Closer to Home marks the beginning of another fantastic Lackey series.” —RT Reviews
"Mags remains an engaging character, and makes a very capable spy/investigator.... His adventures still make engrossing reading.” —Locus
"Returning to her beloved Valdemar universe, Lackey opens her new series at a pivotal time in the history of Valdemar.... Series fans will enjoy the variations on a familiar theme, while enough information is presented for first-timers to discover a world of high adventure and individual courage. Highly recommended.” —Library Journal
"Closer to the Heart has the two things that have always made me love these books: a richly detailed history of the world, and beautiful writing.” —The Arched Doorway
"Lackey is a master at characterization.” —The Ranting Dragon
Mercedes Lackey is a full-time writer and has published numerous novels and works of short fiction, including the bestselling Heralds of Valdemar series. She is also a professional lyricist and a licensed wild bird rehabilitator.
View titles by Mercedes Lackey
