In my opinion, this wasn't Lackey's best - I was completely addicted to the early Valdemar books. But it's her best in a long time - I enjoyed this much more than most of her other recent works. She surprised me - I had thought the concepts of Valdemar were played out, but by choosing a point where setting is in transition, and using all new characters, she's started to build a new set of tensions that have me eagerly awaiting the next in the series. ( )

FOUNDATION is set around a hundred years after Vanyel’s time. The Heralds have recently experienced an influx of Chosen, and the ratio of trainees to full Heralds is dangerously high. With their old system of mentorship in tatters, they found a Collegium to train all these newbies.

Mags is one such newbie. He’s your typical Lackey hero; that is to say, he’s a broken and unwanted child who makes good. The book follows his first few months at the new Collegium as he adjusts to trainee life and becomes involved in some political stuff.

In some ways, I did enjoy this. Mags isn’t as instantly loveable as Talia or Vanyel, but he does have his moments. I teared up a couple of times. (I’m not sure I’ve ever read a Mercedes Lackey where I didn’t tear up a couple of times. That woman wreaks havoc with my tear glands). I liked how Lackey used his entrance into Heraldic life to show us a few more things about Valdemar. I especially enjoyed the scenes at Midwinter, where we learn a little more about Valdemaran religion. Mags’s friendships aren’t developed as well as they could be, perhaps, but there are still a few pleasant exchanges that give me hope for the future.

I was willing to give the book a solid three stars, (enjoyable, but nothing spectacular), but the ending is such a disappointment that I’ve no choice but to bump the star rating down. It’s rushed, makes little sense, and doesn’t have the proper oomph. I understand that there's plenty of room for unanswered questions in the first book of any trilogy, but Lackey's approach here struck me as plain old sloppy writing. It wouldn’t have taken Lackey very long to set the ending up properly, but as it is we have a few very vague hints early on that resolve into something that comes out of left field. It’s disappointing.

I’ll still read the next book in the series, but I’m pretty glad I borrow my hardcovers from the library instead of buying them. I’d be upset if I’d paid full price for this.

(A slightly different version of this review originally appeared on my blog, Stella Matutina). ( )

Foundation: Book One of the Collegium Chronicles by Mercedes Lackey, the latest addition to the Heralds of Valdemar series, takes place during the first year of the newly created Heralds' Collegium. The newest Chosen, Mags, was an orphan forced to work in a mine finding "sparklies" along with other unwanted children when his Companion, Dallen, forces his way onto the mine owner's property, with the help another Herald and Companion, to claim him. From there, Mags begins his new life as a trainee, trying to find his place in an unfamiliar world. Unused to being shown kindness or having friends, he feels like an outsider among the many trainees (Herald, Bard, and Healer) crammed together in one building while two others are under construction.

Mags becomes unlikely friends with two Bard and Healer trainees, children of famous parents, who live under the pressure of high expectations. He even inadvertently befriends a powerful councilman who decides to take an interest in Mags. Meanwhile, foreign princes have visited the city and have their guardsmen looking into Valdemar's weapons training.

I have not read all of the Heralds of Valdemar series, but I know what to expect of a Valdemar book from the ones I have read. Foundation seemed incomplete to me. The climatic scene had little to do with the rest of the book, though I am sure it will be important in the books to come. Having said that, I did enjoy the novel. Mags is likable and sympathetic. His suffering and later loneliness due to the lack of family made me cry. It was also interesting to see the conflicts and issues related to the creation of the Heralds' Collegium. I am definitely looking forward to more of Mags and the continuation of his story. Maybe some of the questions left open at the end of Foundation will finally be answered. ( )

The writing style of this book is not even comparable to previous works of Lackey's such as Magic's Price series. The pace is choppy and the language is almost elementary in nature. Problems resolve unrealistically easily and the "hero" of the story is a teenager who goes from gem digger in a mine to star pupil in a matter of a week or two. It has some Harry Potter overshadowing going on that's almost laughable since it's not even close to setting up the relationships that abound in that HP series. ( )

From literally working in a hole in the ground orphan Mags is Chosen and brought to the newly founded Collegium to learn to be a Herald. Although isolated from his peer group by his deprived childhood, Mags does make friends, among them some of the most powerful people in Valdemar.

An interesting look at Valdemar's early days when Heralds weren't honored and revered by the citizens as they are (for the most part) later on. I hadn't bothered to pick this up after reading some lackluster reviews - I'm glad I did. If it isn't exactly Lackey's strongest work, it was interesting reading, and I'll look forward to reading more about Mags' adventures, as I'm sure he's bound to have some. ( )

If you like Lackey's other Valdemar books, you'll like this one. If not, not.

This is the first book in her new sequence, about the founding of the Herald's Collegium, about two generations after Vanyel. As usual, the hero is a mistreated youth who is Chosen and finds friends and a purpose in life. Mags is an orphan who was exploited by a mine-owner who wanted cheap labor. He turns out to have strong Mindspeech as well as the requisite good heart and more intelligence than most people give him credit for. In other words, a typical Lackey hero.

Lackey is very good at setups and characterizations, especially of misunderstood and downtrodden youth. Being the first book in a sequence, this is all setup and thus quite good. Here's hoping she doesn't blow it in the execution as she so often does. Regardless, I'll be reading the next book when it comes out. ( )

Great book! The latest in the Heralds of Valdemar series. Follows a new Herald trainee when the Herald Collegium is first started. As usual, lots of intrigue as a new Herald learns what it means to be a Herald of Valdemar. If you've never read the series before, start with Arrows of the Queen. ( )

This is the first book I've read by this author, so I can't tell if it is typical, but this seemed more likely to satisfy a young adult audience. The world setting has some nice touches, and the story moves along quickly enough, but there's virtually no tension to drive the narrative. The main character - an abused orphan rescued from a sweatshop mine and sent to be raised as a hero - is thoroughly sympathetic, and consistently kind, humble, and successful. But there's never a sense that he has a dark side resulting from the abuse he's suffered, just fears repeatedly eased by his mind-reading horse-friend. There's no conflict with external forces - other characters, society generally, or nature - that isn't solved within a paragraph by the operation of one deus ex machina or another. It's a fast read, and enjoyable as wish fulfillment; but it's also bland.

The book doesn't stand on its own; while a couple plot threads are resolved just before the end of the book, the resolutions are abrupt and poorly explained. Several other threads aren't tied up at all; perhaps they are supposed to provide rising action into the rest of the series. Given how prolific this author has been, she may be right in assuming anyone who picks up this book is already a fan and plans to follow the series. I probably will, just to see if the protagonist develops some depth. ( )

Falls neatly into the Lackey formula, with an exception: nothing (ok, little) is wrapped up at the end. This is a change from her prior works, which, even though they were part of a trilogy, were stories within themselves. I feel a bit manipulated. ( )

I was so excited when I saw that Lackey finally came out with a new book in her Valdemar series. I’ve been waiting years for a new full length Valdemar book and was disappointed when she wrote on her website she was taking a break writing her Valdemar books especially since I haven’t enjoyed any of her other new books. While I thought Foundation wasn’t bad it’s definitely not going to be one of my favorites that I read and reread again and again. Lackey seems to be setting it up for a series, maybe a trilogy, like her other books. So hopefully book 2 will be better. I definitely like Mags’ character and will be interested to find out his history and why he was labeled as “bad blood”.

I am also interested to see if Cole Pieters will be back in a later book. You never really hear what happens to him and Mags keeps worrying that Cole will be back to get his revenge. It’s hard to say if that thought was just a part of his character and his fear is supposed to go away as he becomes more comfortable as a Herald or if it is a sign of things to come. So while I give this book only a 3 I will definitely be waiting for the next book to find out what happens. ( )

An obvious beginning to a trilogy, slightly on the unbeleivable side, poor ending with a slap-dash feel. Barely stands on its own. A BIG disappoinment. ( )

Foundation is the newest novel by Mercedes Lackey in the Valdemar Series.

Amazon: A thirteen year- old orphan named Magpie escapes a life of slavery in the gem mines when he is chosen by one of the magical Companion horses of Valdemar to be trained as a Herald. Thrust into the center of a legend in the making, Magpie discovers talents he never knew he had—and witnesses the founding of the great Heralds’ Collegium.

Back Flap: Mags knew nothing of the world beyond the mine, and was unaware of how unusual his paltry existence was. Then some strangers on huge white horses forced their way past the Pieters family and carried him away to Haven to become a Herald Trainee. Suddenly the whole world opened up for Mags. He was warm and well fed for the first time in his life, and he had Dallen, his companion, who seemed more miraculous than an angel. But the world of the Collegium was not all heavenly. There was political upheavel in Valdemar's capital, for the ancient way of trianing Heralds - the system of one-on-one mentoring that had been successful for centuries--was failing. Many veteran Heralds had died in the wars, and there were too many Trainees to go around. A Herald's Collegium was being built, and many thought it was wrong to train Heralds, in classrooms the same way the Bardic and Healer Trainees were schooled. But dissent among the Heralds was not the only discord in Haven, for the court had been infiltrated by foreign 'diplomats,' who seemed to be more interested in seeding disontent than in actual diplomacy...and Mags seemed to be the only one who'd noticed...."

The first book I ever read of Mercedes Lackey was Arrow of the Queen published in 1987. I fell in love with the characters, the writing and the fictional world of the heralds of Valdemar. In Lackey's latest novel, Mag has been slaving in the gem mines for as long as he can remember. It is a life of toil, drudgery and misery. Dallen decides to choose him and rescues him. For the first time in his life, someone cares about him. Dallen teaches him all about Valdemar and what it means to be a herald. The story is well done and enjoyable.

Very very good book, I've always wondered what happened between Vanyel and Talia. How the collegium was created and how the teaching switched from individual mentoring to group classes.

I enjoyed this much more than I expected to. I guess it has been long enough since the last Lackey I read that I could enjoy it fairly innocently. This plot is one of her usuals: The coming of age of a rag-tag, impoverished and abused child who is selected by a Companion to serve as a Herald and Triumph Over Evil. These tales offer the ultimate in comfort reading: You have a powerful and good friend and all will be well. Lackey's writing is merely adequate. She has a nasty tendency to repeat key phrases too closely to one another and there are some poorly constructed run-on sentences. That said, this was a happy read. ( )

Me gusta. Getting back to the style of the first Valdemar series - Mags reminds me a lot of Talia, when he's not reminding me of Skif. It's really funny how the Weaponsmaster could just as well be Alberich - I don't think a name is ever given, but the (minimal) description and his behavior is so similar to Alberich...And a really funny thing - the King's Own's Companion is Rolan. But Sendar's King's Own lost his Companion when Sendar died and Rolan came out of the Grove then to Choose him (and then Talia). Do they switch off, then? Will Rolan die at some point between Mags' time and Sendar's? We never get a name for the King, either. It's kind of nice that Mags _doesn't_ end up dealing with the top people so much - even with the Councilor, he's mostly with the youths. And Lena and Bear are important (at least, Bear is and everyone expects Lena to be), but not ranking-important. A new view of the Heralds, from the middle layer (not a Trainee with no rank, not hob-nobbing with nobles, just a Herald...). Of course, in the next book or two Mags will doubtless get to save...some of the Heralds, at least, if not the world. But it still feels smaller and more comfortable than the grand sweep of Storms or Mage Winds. Looking forward to the next already! ( )

I'm a Mercedes Lackey fan from way back. I devoured her 'Magic' trilogy and haven't looked back since. This is one fantasy author I continue to buy as soon as her books hit the shelf because I know the story will pull me in and have me cheering for the hero or heroine. Her newest "Foundation" is no exception and as a bonus, it's set in Valdemar!

Mags is an orphan who ended up in the hands of a greedy cruel mine owner as a baby. His work in those mines began as soon as he was old enough to stand and hasn't stopped since. The conditions are harsh and survival is the only thing Mags has ever known. Until the day a beautiful white horse arrives and 'claims' him.

Now, Mags is learning that the world is actually much bigger and much different than he could ever have dreamed. But his fears and lack of knowledge cause him to become a quiet observer of his new life. With the help of his Companion and a few new friends, Mags will needs all his old skills and the new ones he's learning to help foil a plot against Valdemar.

If you love animals, magic, and fantasy, you really owe it to yourself to read some Lackey's work. Her realm of Valdemar stories pull on all your emotions, and although the good guys win, it's not always without loss...just like real life. And some of her stories do include some topics that I wouldn't recommend for young children (in her first series, the hero is gay which is part and parcel of the plot), but older teens could certainly deal with her books. Wile her stories are fantasy, they also deal with many of the same things we all face in life (hopefully on a much smaller scale). Things like: fear, triumph, love, loss, death, war, peace, being different, cruelty, sacrifice, bravery, and courage in the face of impossible odds. I enjoyed her stories in my 20s, my 30s, and still now in my 40s. They are timeless and whichever world she uses, they still speak to living today. ( )

http://allbookedup-elena.blogspot.com... ( )

Long awaited by Valdemar-Lackey fans, this newest book takes place during 850AF of the Valdemar time-line. It is the first book to "chronicle" the foundation of the Collegium (School for Herald, Bard, and Healer Trainees), located in Haven. .

**Meet Mags, orphaned at a very young age. Abused by his caretaker, he is set to earn his keep; working for the sparse food and clothes provided - believing that the life he has been dealt is due to his "bad blood." Taught that he should be grateful that his Master has given him a place to live, Mags goes about his chores without a spoken word of protest. Mags understands that the only way to survive is to be invisible, never challenging, never expecting more than was given. Just do as you're told, don't make trouble and you'll continue to have a place to sleep, food to eat, and a work to complete.

That is until the day he heard about the “Demons”. There was talk that they had come for someone, but no one knew who. His Master did his best to keep them away. He protected his own, he protected what was his. No one could come here and just take what he paid for – not even if it was by law.

He overheard the Master’s sons. They called one a Herald, the other two were Companions. Mags got a glimpse, he saw the demons – all in white. They were looking at him.**

“Foundation” is light enjoyable reading – written more for the young adult reader. A book that can be read without previous knowledge of Valdemar; Lackey has a knack at explaining what is needed while the story progresses. This book is a good addition to the Valdemar time-line, filling in some of the missing pieces. I am a fan of both Lackey and the Valdemar collection, so I will be waiting for the next one to read and enjoy. ( )

If you like Lackey's other Valdemar books, you'll like this one. If not, not.

This is the first book in her new sequence, about the founding of the Herald's Collegium, about two generations after Vanyel. As usual, the hero is a mistreated youth who is Chosen and finds friends and a purpose in life. Mags is an orphan who was exploited by a mine-owner who wanted cheap labor. He turns out to have strong Mindspeech as well as the requisite good heart and more intelligence than most people give him credit for. In other words, a typical Lackey hero.

Lackey is very good at setups and characterizations, especially of misunderstood and downtrodden youth. Being the first book in a sequence, this is all setup and thus quite good. Here's hoping she doesn't blow it in the execution as she so often does. Regardless, I'll be reading the next book when it comes out. ( )