Magics Pawn by Mercedes Lackey

This book is the start of a very emotional trilogy all about the character Vanyel. What is really interesting is that the main character is gay which is one of the first in fantasy I have seen. It is very progressive book.

Vanyel is the character that you hate and love all at the same time. He is a rich entitled spoiled brat who doesn’t understand his own worth. He grows throughout this book becoming a top character.

The Valdemar series is a top of the line series and this one is no different and is one of the earliest of the series. One of the most iconic characters in the series as well and probably one of the only ones who you see as a jerk and then a saviour.

The story is a coming of age story that deals with the heralds. A group of magical individuals either real magic or mind magic. They are the be all and end all of the kingdom and are the most trusted of people that could ever be.

This story rocks your faith in it a little as it shows the not so good side and what can happen when someone with close family ties and a dependant personality gets corrupted.

It has some great characters that you fall for easily. My favourites are a good part of the story are the lifebonded pair Mardic and Donni. These are minor characters overall but was such a great character.

The fun of this is that these characters all make guest appearances in future books and are part of the main reason this series has been successful.