"Creative mix of magic, sword & sorcery, and country honor"

He is the youngest captain in the Karse army, a man who made it up through the ranks due to a sixth sense. He had to keep his magical power secret because only the sun priests who rule the country are supposed to wield the power, a gift from their God. When a Sunpriest discovers Alberich's powers he orders him burned in the cleansing fire, but his horse rescues him and takes him into Valdemar, Karse's ancient enemy.

The horse is no ordinary animal but a companion, a magical being who bonds with his Chosen, the Heralds of Valdemar. Alberich settles into exile comfortably, making himself useful to the king and heir. When the Karse invite the Tedrael, a people with no country, into their land to fight for the lands of Valdemar, Alberich does all in his power to make sure that his adopted nation will win the upcoming war without destroying the people who are the heart of Karse.

A Valdemar novel is always a special treat and EXILE'S HONOR is no exception. Alberich is a memorable and honorable hero who stays true to his values and even impresses the rulers who by all rights should not trust him. The story line is exciting, fast-paced and very creative a mix of magic, sword & sorcery, and a country bound by love and honor. Mercedes Lackey is one of the genre's most creative fantasy writers today.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted September 10, 2002

Summary

The national best-selling novels of Valdemar are among the most beloved and acclaimed works of Mercedes Lackey's career. This brand-new, stand-alone book in the series tells the story of one of Valdemar's most popular continuing characters-the prickly weapons-master Alberich. He was once a Captain in the Army of Karse, a kingdom which has been at war with Valdemar for decades. But when Alberich took a stand for what he believes in-and defected- he was chosen by one of the magical Companion horses...to serve the queen of Valdemar.