Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey

Title: Arrows of the Queen (Arrows Trilogy #1)

Author: Mercedes Lackey (American, 1950- )
Originally published: 1987
Page count: 316

Dates read: 4/4/22-4/10/22

2022 book goal progress: 9 out of 20

Back to the Classics category: x
Author Challenge: Mercedes Lackey

Mindful Readers' Family Bookclub 

genre/theme: April - Fantasy

Read my other Valdemar book reviews.

Read my other book reviews for my 2022 goals HERE.

Description on back of book:
Chosen by the Companion Rolan, a mystical horse-like being with powers beyond imagining. Talia, once a runaway, has not become a trainee Herald, destined to become the Queen's own elite guard. Talia has certain awakening talents of the mind that only a Companion like Rolan can truly sense.

As Talia struggles to master her unique abilities, time is running out. Conspiracy is brewing in Valdemar, a deadly treason that could destroy Queen and kingdom. Opposed by unknown enemies capable of both diabolical magic and treacherous assassination, the Queen must turn to Talia and the Heralds for aid in protecting the realm and insuring the future of the Queen's heir, a child already in danger of becoming bespelled by the Queen's own foes!

First sentences:
"A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the tree, but the young girl seated beneath it did not seem to notice. ... While she sat and carded the undyed wool she had earlier cleaned, she was reading."

Favorite quotes:
"We reckon a person's importance by what they are, not by what sex they are."

"I can teach you all the manners that smooth the way and the means of seeing the poison fangs hid by the velvet tongues. Make no mistake about it, if you retain the habit of speaking before thinking, the fangs will be felt!"

"If you want to change, you have to start by thinking about everything you say or do before you say or do it. Think about how you'd feel if someone acted like that to you."

CAWPILE Rating: Overall - 9.6/10 - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Characters      - 10
Atmosphere   - 10
Writing Style - 8
Plot                - 10
Intrigue          - 10
Logic             - 9
Enjoyment     - 10
What is a CAWPILE Rating?

Review:

This was one of my favorite books growing up! I've read it several times, but not in many years. After a reread, I still think it's a great book, but I might be biased by nostalgia. I've always strongly identified with Talia - her interests as well as her personality. Plus - what little girl doesn't want a magical horse to choose her specifically to be her friend? 

I love the world, characters, magic, and Companions. I would say Companions are more like a magical/mystical unicorn than a horse. They're big, fast, intelligent, and telepathic. The book has a strong female protagonist and many other great female characters. It talks about multiple types of religions and accepting differences. The most steady relationship represented is between 2 'lifebonded' females.' I think this book/series had a big impact on my worldview in real life.

The main character's magical Gift is Empathy - I've always enjoyed how sensing, sharing, and altering emotions can be viewed as a super-power. The story lasts 3-4 years, starting when Talia was 13. She grows and learns a lot in that brief amount of time. She goes through a lot, too. I literally cried - not once but twice. I love books that I can just get lost in and become a part of the story.

Now I'm off to read another book... but since a review should be more about the author of the book than about the writer of the blog, I will let Mercedes Lackey have the last words:

" 'Another lover of desolation? I thought I was the only person who found dead gardens attractive,' said the Queen.

'But the potential is here for more. You only have to look ahead to what will be in the spring,' Talia pointed out, falling into step beside her. 'It's not so much desolate and dead here as it is dormant. It's just a matter of seeing the possibilities.'

"Seeing the possibilities - long-term instead of immediacy,' Queen Selenay became very thoughtful, then began to brighten visibly. 'Yes! That's it exactly!' "