Outside of the fact that I will read any valdemar book ever written, this one was ok. Not my favorite but definitely not my least favorite.

I noticed a lot of repetition in Kordas’ inner monologue. He keeps thinking the same things over and over. I’m not sure if that’s intentional to show his over thinking or just lack of editing.
There was one interlude outside the forest that I am extremely perplexed by. I have a pretty good understanding of valdemar history and world building and I could not figure out what was going on. I don’t know again if it was me, if it’s going to come back into play in the last book, or if it was a byproduct of poor editing.

Outside these 2 issues I found the plot exciting and interesting. I found myself enjoying Delia’s perspective immensely. Especially with Sai, being he’s my favorite elder mage. The forest they go through was sufficiently spooky and exciting, and the finally big bad was extremely unexpected.

Pebble and Mother were an amazing addition. I want to give him a hug.

The vrondi have a special place in my heart even though the dolls sound utterly unnerving.

This is the next episode in The Founding of Valdemar, an exploration of how the world of the wildly popular series arose. In the first, Baron Valdemar flees with his people from the brutally oppressive empire through a magical Gate to a land that is not as empty as it first seems.

Now in a transitional period, not much happens in terms of plot for an awfully long time. In the first book, the Baron was a sympathetic character, a beleaguered hostage, desperately trying to survive being a hostage under constant suspicion while maintaining his personal ethics. Now he’s an unchallenged leader who borders on despotism, delivers boring, hectoring lectures on good behavior, and remains unwilling to address the looming crisis of his sister-in-law’s unrequited passion for him. Eventually, things get going. The plot movement and dramatic tension are, for most of the book, buried under slow, sedate progression.

Valdemar fans who want to hang out in their beloved world will love the leisurely pace, but this is not an ideal introduction to the series.

I was excited for this novel because it is a prequel to her Valdemar series. The story is very predictable. The characters are stereotypical. It was also slow moving. Nevertheless, I love the world-building. I loved learning about the details of the world. Mrs. Lackey is very creative and her world is immersive. I just wished it had a better story.

"Into the West" is the second in The Founding of Valdemar series. It picks up where "Beyond" left off. Kordas is moving his people through the gates searching for a place to settle that is not already occupied. Along the way there is trouble and danger but Kordas handles it as well as he can.
There are some surprises along the way, both good and bad, sometimes the pace is slow, but it still kept me reading.
Delia is not as annoying as she was in the first book. I loved the way Kordas handled her infatuation of him.
Pebble is absolutely adorable.
Looking forward to reading the next book and hoping that there will be more.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC to read and review.

"Into the West" by Mercedes Lackey is a remarkable addition to the fantasy genre, offering readers a journey into a world of magic and adventure. Known for her intricate world-building and dynamic characters, Lackey presents a narrative that is both captivating and thought-provoking. The book delves into themes of heroism, responsibility, and the moral complexities of power. Lackey skillfully introduces these concepts, making them accessible to a younger audience without oversimplifying. The narrative encourages readers to consider the consequences of their actions, a crucial lesson in today’s fast-paced world.

This book is a treasure trove for stimulating critical thinking. It raises questions about leadership, community, and the use of power, which are excellent discussion starters. Teachers can engage students in debates about the decisions made by characters and their implications.

Mercedes Lackey's "Into the West" is an educational gem that goes beyond mere entertainment. Its rich narrative, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes make it an excellent resource for educators looking to engage students in meaningful discussions.

Part of a series about the founding of Valdemar. After escaping the Empire Baron Valdemar and his people are on a quest to find a new home. This is a long and involved journey with many incidents and new dangers along the way. This is a well-paced journey with a lot of descriptive passages. You really feel the day-to-day life of relying on the little supplies brought with you and how the main characters cope with all the new challenges. You feel the need to read the first book in the series to bring you up to date on the relationships of the many characters.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, DAW and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this second book of a new series. It was new to me as I never read the books from the original series. I plan on reading the original . series to see if I would like them, I can't recommend books I do not like.

A story that captures the tale of the creation of Valdemar for people very nostalgic for that world.

Into the West, Mercedes Lackey's second installment into the origins of Valdemar takes us on a delightful journey through the wilds of Velgarth. Valdemar and his followers must find a proper home, make friends with, or at least avoid antagonizing the current inhabitants, and keep his promise to the newly freed former slaves of the Empire, the "Dolls."

Missy delves into the everyday life of the refugees, spending chapters in vivid descriptions of how magic and fantasy meet the needs of the caravan members. From keeping themselves clean with magical moss towels to bartering goodwill from the natives with magically dried horse droppings she takes into account details most writers ignore entirely and does so in a way that turns minutia into interesting and exciting elements reminicent Bill Brysen's Walk in the Woods.

She juggles intricate personalities, taking into account those who want to wait for the perfect home, those who want to go home, and those who will peel off and settle along the way with such finesse that they all seem real. Simultaneously, she shows Valdemar struggle with how he feels about himself and his ideal of himself. This theme of "it's not the destination but the journey" parallels her refrain that there is "no one true path" in the future Kingdom of Valdemar as well as in the man himself.

The book is thoroughly enjoyable with adventure, intrigue, magic and romance delivered in proportion. For long time fans of Valdemar, she doles out secrets that underlie the fundamental structure of the magic in her other novels. For new readers, she includes empathetic new characters filled with ample opportunities for development and growth.

Fabulous to see Mercedes Lackey return to her world with the start to the back story fans have longed for. We can now see the ideas Mercedes built her world upon.

I thought it was wonderful to return to Valdemar once again. I don’t think I will ever get tired of this wonderful world that Lackey has created.

If you haven’t read the first installment in this series – Beyond – I recommend reading that one first. Also this series goes back in time and explores how Lackey’s now famous world – Valdemar – was founded. The nice thing about the series though, is that it can be enjoyed by long-time fans of Lackey’s books, and new readers, alike. There is something in it for everyone. It’s also up to you, if you’d like to read the books in publication order, or start with this series, since it is first chronologically. I think there are benefits to both read throughs.

The book picks up where Beyond left off, and Kordas definitely has a lot on his plate. He is charge of a large group of refugees, and has to guide them through a lot of dangerous situations. Having read many of the other Valdemar books, before reading this series, I knew Kordas as the legendary first king of Valdemar, and one of the things that I enjoy most about the books in this series is that you get to see the man behind the myth.

I did notice some issues with the pacing. The majority of the action happens near the end, so the first three quarters of the book did seem a bit too slow at times. However, if you enjoy stories that focus on character development, rather than packing in a bunch of action, then the slower pace will be right up your alley.

The book is largely character driven. In addition to Kordas, we also get to see the POV of Delia – his sister-in-law. It was nice to watch her come into her own throughout the book. She makes some questionable choices, but I like when characters do that in books because to me, it makes them seem more human.

All in all, I enjoyed this second installment, which felt like a bridge towards the next instalment and I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what the characters will do next.

Thank you to DAW, Astra Publishing House and NetGalley for the e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the next part of the "Founding of Valdemar" saga, and it was a good read, just not as compelling as the first book. A lot of the story is about Kordas' good faith efforts to be a just leader, and his learning to become a good leader as the Valdemarian expedition searches for a permanent place to live without displacing any of the people already there. The mage storms have left their mark, and they are attacked by deadly, unusual creatures who were melded together by weird magic, and come upon a sinister forest that projects malevolence.

While the statecraft bits can make the book drag a little, Delia, Kordas' sister-in-law, undergoes a transformation in this book, from little sister with a serious crush on Kordas to an explorer and needed member of the scouting team, her own person.

With a little help from the Hawkbrothers and the hertasi, Kordas and his people find a place to spend the winter. Could this be the place to settle?

Looking forward to the next volume! Have come to love Kordas and his people.

I have to say it was better than book 1 in terms of action. (I was so tired of seeing the phrase "The Plan" and STILL AM.) I just feel like, again the language and some ideas are just too modern for the time period this book is set in (pre-Valdemar) so just the strange modern references makes it weird and less enjoyable for me. Will keep reading Lackey books like I'm drinking water tho.

I am absolutely loving this series and cannot wait to read the next book. This book should be read in the order it was written. In this second book of the latest Valdemar series, we encounter the Hawkbrothers! For those who have not read any of the related Valdemar series, this is a great intro to these amazing people. They are a wicked blend of fae in human form living in peace with the world and all its many creatures. I have always admired these people and I am so thrilled to see them again.

We get to experience the exciting journey of finding a new home. The big planning to disappear into a different location far away from the crazy emperor is now all done. The original adrenaline rush of fight or flight is over. The grueling part of building a totally new home from scratch once found is hard work. I love how Ms. Lackey takes us with the refugees as they meet new people and find the right fit for there people. The ability to have choices and to choose your own destiny is strong and present. Being a good neighbor is also a great thing demonstrated in this book. If only more people where like this when they have to welcome a new group of people or if they are a new group of people trying to find their forever home.

There are so many nuances to building a strong community. This book contains many of them, even down to when things go wrong, how do they recover. I was a bit surprised by the little elemental that was trapped in the first book to show up in this new book. It ties in so well. This is a plot driven book filled with heartwarming world building. It contains everything I love about the Valdemar world. This book is recommended to fantasy readers who enjoy visiting old friends and meeting new ones.

For the second novel of the founding of Valdemar, Mercedes Lackey has created a novel that is fun for fans, especially those who’ve read others in the series. I loved the characters, especially the intersecting insights of Kordas and Delia, their challenges and their points of view. Neither character is perfect and the secondary characters resonate with the details that I’ve come to adore in Mercedes Lackey books. I will advise that since this is the second in the series it helps if you have read the first. While Lackey does a fantastic job of explaining the events of the previous book, it will help the reader understand the motivations and events if they’ve read the first book. 

If you’re a previous fan, this book will be like revisiting a familiar family. You will be grabbed by the protagonists and the writing. I also think if you haven’t read the previous books, it’s a great way to immerse yourself in the series. The world building is fantastic and there are details that are fascinating, especially if you like to know how things work in a fantasy world. 

One of the aspects that could have worked better was more escalation of action, more dynamic scenes. A lot of the story is absorbed with the journey of the travelers in reaching a safe place to settle, which is prefaced by the notion that they are founding Valdemar but the end does help ramp up the action. That said, even at that point, it feels like the solution is made fairly simple for the adventurers. I would have liked to have seen a bit more complexity despite how much I love the characters and the world. 

If you love the other books or like magical fantasy, I think you will find this fun for fans. The characters are engaging, the dangers interesting, and the ending satisfying. While the ending could have had more complexity or more consequences, it still was a fun read.

Oh, I deeply, truly enjoyed this. It is a low-conflict book -- not a no-conflict book, but it's a man-vs-nature story, where nature might also be possessed by evil magics, so the conflict is less focused and human than the first book.

A lot of this book is a sort of survival slice of life. It's often gentle about it, though it doesn't shy away from the nitty gritty, and the moments of horror that do come are extremely horrific.

More to the point, though -- the first book was about justified anger at the spoiled 1% who are harming those around them because they 'got theirs', and was very much an early pandemic book. This book is a natural follow-up: it is a kind book about the fact that even if the compassionate choices one makes in the moment don't have immediate obvious outcomes, they MATTER, both to those who are treated compassionately and those who value compassion as a whole, and that kindness has rewards no matter how hard it can be. It seems at places like a lot of things (though certainly not all) are handed to the characters -- but they are only handed as a direct result of hard work and a deliberate choice to repeatedly be kind and empathetic, and thus ultimately ARE based on the characters' actions.

It has -- barring a few sections, which have some intense and really great action-horror (I stan an evil monster forest, you know I do) -- a generally soft cozy feeling, where it is a bit more about the close-up choices in the moment about how to farm and what to do to care for animals and our people, the necessities around hunting, etc. Go in embracing that and you'll love it. And -- the ending is a culmination of many things with great action and powerful emotions and I'm not embarrassed to admit I cried.

4.5 stars, rounded up.

Mercedes Lackey has always been a master at worldbuilding, and this addition to the prequel series of her bestselling Valdemar books is no exception. I am immediately brought back into Valdemar from the first page, and it was just as enchanting and riveting as ever. Baron Kordas Valdemar is a legendary historical figure who founded a nation, and getting to read the story of how Valdemar came into being as a nation is like getting taken back in time and learning about how the world started.

In the previous book, we see Kordas as a shrewd, calculating man who has made it possible to escape a tyrannical empire with his entire barony intact for the most part. In Into the West, we see the different struggles he encounters upon realizing that finding a new home in the unknown is difficult, if not impossible to plan. We see more into Korda's thoughts, and see how the values of Valdemar begin to take shape. “There is no one true way.” Throughout this book, magic is used much more frequently, which was a stark contrast to the previous Valdemar series, where magic was much more scarce. It shows how much changed after Valdemar was established, especially since Kordas managed to take many mages with him when he escaped. I am excited to read the next installment in the series, I am very invested in learning more about the beginning of the country we know and love!

The second book in the Founding of Valdemar series is a must-read for Lackey fans.

Continuing the escape of the Valdemar Expedition, this volume focuses on the search for a permanent settlement for their group of 15,000. Travelling with that many people, their possessions, and livestock isn't easy, especially in this new land still dealing with the ravages of the Mage Wars. The group encounters twisted magical creatures created in the Change Circles and dangers at every turn. There are also threats from within as the Empire's way of thinking is still prevalent in some of the nobility. Kordas must guide is people to their new home as best he can, knowing that he will soon need to follow through on his promise to free the Dolls despite how much the expedition relies on them.

A large portion of the book is spent on the logistics of the expedition, grounding it in reality. This may be a bit much for some readers, but I found it interesting. The creative ways magic was used to improve the travelling experience was engaging. The characters all felt three-dimensional, Kordas and Delia especially as POV characters. They both have doubts and flaws and sometimes irrational ways of thinking that felt genuine and relatable. The Hawkbrothers and hertasi were a delight, as was Pebble the baby Earth Elemental. I'm very much looking forward to the next book and discovering what becomes of the vrondi and the infant kingdom of Valdemar.

I received an advanced reading digital copy via Netgalley though all thoughts are my own.

I've been highly anticipating reading this book since learning about when it would be published and was so excited to get an early copy into my hands. It was well worth the wait and while the first book has a special place in my heart, this one even more so as it feels like a warm hug of a book and is for sure one of my favorite books of the year.

This continues on with Baron Valdemar, his family, the vrondi that were once prisoners of the Empire and those who chose to follow him out of the Empire and find a hopefully new safe haven to live a life that's free of a tyrant and to explore new part of the world. It's not without its fair share of dangers including strange creatures, a man eating raging forest and the elements as this mix of people journey down a river into unexplored territory.

Eventually they do find a place to settle in with the help of a group of powerful people known as the Tayledras or Hawkbrothers and their fellow help mates known as the Hertasi. They proceed to teach Baron and many others some of their ways, offer caution as to what not to do and are generally very helpful in a number of different ways. After spending some time with the Baron and his Valdemarans, they decide to head on to their next destination and are certainly a very mysterious group of people who I am looking forward to learning more about.

I really enjoyed the friendship that developed between Delia and Jelevan who is one of the Hertasi and who seemed to have known each other for years instead of a much shorter time. I loved their banter and how Delia is able to be completely herself with someone who isn't a part of her immediate family.

I also really enjoyed meeting Pebble who is such a sweet baby Elemental and I loved that the cats who were owned by the Valdemarans seemed to bond with Pebble by sunning themselves on its back who called the cats rumble friends.

The last one hundred pages of the books was very intense and full of surprises, some of which I didn't see coming. I was touched by a certain farewell of a member of Elementals which I won't say who because I don't want to spoil the ending.

Looking forward to reading the next book and loved being caught up in this world again. Full of adventure, surprises, a touch of heartbreak, humor and so much more, I highly recommend checking out this series whether you have read any other books in this world or not.

Trigger warnings: death, mentions of slavery as well as oppression, some violence

Into the West by Mercedes Lackey (The Founding of Valdemar #2) 3.5 stars

This is the second book that chronicles the origin of Valdemar. The first book, Beyond was a very entertaining book; filled with intrigue and action. This book which shows the very beginning of their escape from the Empire and their subsequent journey into what will eventually be the kingdom of Valdemar. I will say the it was slow at times and the subplot with the sister-in-law a bit tedious. The action picked up towards the end. I don’t know if this series will be a trilogy or a quartet, but I look forward to seeing the core elements of the Heralds being created.

Thank you Netgalley and DAW Books for this ARC.