November 15, 2003
A priest of Vkandis Sunlord takes in a stray cat and finds his life forever changed in Nancy Asire's "The Cat Who Came to Dinner," one of 13 tales set in the magical realm of Valdemar, created by editor Lackey. This collection of tales of Heralds and their intelligent, horselike Companions includes contributions by veteran fantasy authors Tanya Huff, Judith Tarr, Rosemary Edghill, and others and belongs in most fantasy collections.
Copyright 2003 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
December 1, 2003
\deflang1033\pard\plain\f3\fs24 This high-quality anthology mixes pieces by experienced authors and enthusiastic fans of editor Lackey's Valdemar. The stories range throughout the entire history of Valdemar, from the Mage Wars on, and display charm, imagination, and honest sentiment. The title story, by Lackey, is an interesting epilogue to two of her recent novels, \plain\f3\fs24" Exile's Honor\plain\f3\fs24 [BKL S 15 02] and \plain\f3\fs24" Exile's Valor\plain\f3\fs24 [BKL O 15 03]. Other notable efforts by professionals are Nancy Asire's "The Cat Who Came to Dinner" (Valdemar fandom is definitely biased toward feline fanciers); "In the Eye of the Beholder," by Josepha Sherman; and "Icebreaker," by Rosemary Edghill. Fans' work includes Michael Longcor's "True Colors," in which one may detect the influence of his background in the famed fantasy-world realization affiliation, the Society for Creative Anachronism, and "Errold's Journey" by Catherine S. McMullen, a 12-year-old who well may have a long career ahead of her. Valdemar fandom, especially, will revel in this sterling example of what such a mixture of fans' and pros' work can be. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2003, American Library Association.)