archiesfrog

I've been re reading and Mercedes Lackey has fallen under my eye again. Specifically the Herald's of Valdemar, more specifically the three books in the arrows series. Also known, in my mind, as "those horse girl books". I went into this re read with very low expectations. I have been assuming that these are books you read as a teenager, remember fondly, and should perhaps never revisit, the better to keep the memories fond! I was also well aware that I had read quite a few of the more recent Mags chronicles as they were released, only to give up on them after a while. They came to feel very samey, and a little like wading through mud.

So with all that (especially my low expectations) in mind, I was pleasantly surprised. Where they dated? Yes, absolutely. A little simplistic? Very much, in the way where, if published today, they would be immediately slotted into the young adult section and belong there (keeping in mind that what does and doesn't get placed in the young adult section is very questionable, and young adult books do not need to be simplistic... which is a whole nother post). Did I have a fun reading these again? Yes!

I wouldn't recommend them. I wouldn't give them to my nieces, because there are a lot more recent books published that, for example, treat queer relationships in a more positive light (yes, at least this book has queer relationships at all, and some even get a happily ever after, but the level of homophobia and stereotyping is still... not great). I will, however, probably re read them again one day when I feel like a bit of light entertainment.

So, all up, three out of five stars aka happy trash, not throw in a bin trash.