I love the books in this world. This one was a "road trip" complete with scary monsters and unexpected friends. Kordas is such an interesting character, pinballing from confidence to despair and back. I also really enjoyed the way Delia is coming into her own. I recommend for all Valdemar fan but if you are new to this world, start with the previous story since this one begins in media res.

Thanks to NetGalley for my e-review copy.

Valdemar, by Mercedes Lackey, is one of the most intricately put-together fantasy worlds I have ever encountered, with a depth rivaling monstrosities like the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It is, without compare, my favorite world to explore. The various eras of the Kingdom of Valemdar each have their own protagonist, sure, but they work together to tell thousands of years worth of history in a world where Gods and Goddesses occasionally intervene, where magic and other supernatural powers are quite real, and where honestly-good people match up against genuinely evil foes.

“Into The West” is the second book of a group Lackey is writing centered on the founding of the Kingdom of Valdemar. In that sense, it is a prequel to most of the novels set in the Kingdom; but it does come after her Mage Wars trilogy, and it is entirely self-contained so a new reader can still enjoy the book. Valdemar is an intimidating world, to be sure, but the first book in this series “Beyond” is definitely accessible to the newly arrived, curious adventurer.

“Into The West” is centered around Former-Duke-Now-Baron Kordas Valdemar, formerly of the Eastern Empire, who fled the corrupt and deadly mega-nation in “Beyond.” We explore uncharted -and often deadly - landscapes with Kordas over the course of the novel. We also get deeply in touch with his feelings, which often power the magic he performs; he never loses control of them, commanding his convoy of exiles with a certain grace and patience that makes readers question their own inner beasts.

Our deuteragonist is Delia, Kordas’ younger sister-in-law. Blessed with the Fetching gift, she becomes a scout moving in advance of the party and discovers that she has a lot of growing to do as a formerly sheltered child of nobility. When it counts, she’s a sure shot with a bow and arrow.

So far as antagonists go, there doesn’t appear to be any one malevolent force governing the perils Kordas and his company encounter. Instead, this is a battle - sometimes literally - against nature, itself. Leading a pack of exiles fifteen-thousand strong is no easy task in modern days, but with only scant magical advantages over medieval technologies? The Valdemaran refugees are pushed to their limits in trying to survive the dangers of their world.

We do get a great deal of worldbuilding in this novel. There is determination not to spoil it, but one lesson I will try to convey is that of the “ten percent rule” Kordas learns of. It is a heartbreaking indictment of how real-world hate movements seeking political power operate: Target an ethnic, religious, or other minority; expose them to persecution; consolidate power over the mob; expand your sights to your neighbors’ demense.

Kordas adhere to the Valdemaran maxim of “There is no one true way” which has been present in the series since the first trilogy, the “Arrows Of The Queen” group. He stands in opposition to authoritarians like the now-deceased Emperor his expedition fled from. He treats all of his associates, Human or not, with compassion and honor. When difficult choices place that honor against what is convenient, he adheres to that maxim and upholds his oaths.

“Into The West” is definitely a worthy expenditure of your time. It certainly leaves many questions open for a third entry in this series, such as, “Under what circumstances are Companions first introduced to Valdemar?,” an event which is something we have heard of second-hand many times in the over-thirty-years of novel publication, but are yet unexplored in direct prose. It’s my personal hope that the story of the Windrider Cycle will also be explored in some depth, as it’s a foundational ballad of Valdemar’s history as far into the future as the era of the Last Herald-Mage, Vanyel Ashkevron, and it deserves its own segment of description. Alas, these hopes are impossible to anticipate.

It has my highest recommendations.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me access to this ARC. This is my honest review.

INTO THE WEST is a worthy successor to BEYOND; the first book in The Founding of Valdemar. I have been a Mercedes Lackey and Valdemar fan ever since I picked up ARROWS OF THE QUEEN <mumble> decades ago. I am thrilled to finally get the detail on the hardships Davan mentioned in ARROWS that the Valdemarans went though in their search for a safe "Haven".

The main plot of the book is the struggle the group experiences as they travel through lands that are still experiencing the effects of the Mage Wars. The detail of their travels did get a bit mind-numbing at times but I feel that just drives home how much of an ordeal relocating an entire barony (former dukedom) actually is. The book focuses mostly on Kordas and Delia and their character growth. I really enjoyed seeing how Kordas dealt with all the challenges of keeping the caravan safe while not antagonizing any locals they came across and how his beliefs and concerns will eventually shape the laws of their new land. I liked seeing Delia come into her own as a vital member of the group and finally outgrow her crush on Kordas.

I also enjoyed the surprise meeting towards the end. It really tied together certain encounters in previous books. I can hardly wait for the next book now that they have reached their destination and have to create their kingdom.

The only reason I am giving this book 4 (really 4.5) instead of a full 5 stars is I felt there should have been more development with some of the other characters. From reading ARROWS, we know the names of the first Heralds. I would have liked to have seen more of those characters (at least the adult one) in this book. At least some glimpses of what that person may have that would make them an ideal Herald candidate. Also, the dolls were relegated to more of a support/communication system. It would have been nice to learn more about the individual dolls as their personalities and free-will grew now that they aren't the mere automatons the Empire created.

Returning to the early founding of Valdemar, this book picks up where the first one left off. Baron Valdemar has led his people, and assorted others, into the wilderness to a temporary haven. But there are already people there, and the land can't absorb all of them, so they will need to move on. We get lots of info on the new lands they are moving to, and also get to watch Delia start to grow up. Great addition to the series.

Into the West is an absolutely beautiful book by Mercedes Lackey. The sequel to Beyond tells the story of Baron Valedmar and his peoples journey into the west after escaping the empire. It is paced perfectly, and the different view points from Kordas (Baron Valdemar) and his sister-in-law are fabulous. The twist in the end was shocking, in a good way. and one that I hadn't been expecting. This book is a great addition to the Valdemar line.

With thanks to the publisher DAW Books and Netgalley for my ARC.

I’m loving this new storyline within the Valdemar series; reading about how Baron Kordas Valdemar led an expedition of his people and began searching for a new home for them all and the foundation of what will eventually become the country Valdemar.

In this story Kordas is delightfully human, with all of the flaws therein, he is seen in all aspects; Father and husband, Leader and as an individual who has fears, gets angry, and yet delights in life and in living by the maxims of his Father. In doing so, and in attempting to rule by example, the Baron, and his people attempt to do no harm while on their journey and to be kind… which ultimately pays off in unexpected ways.
Some strong women are included in the story which is great, although Delia’s mooning over her sister’s husband does get somewhat tiresome, thankfully her attention is diverted partway through the book.

Another fantastic entry into the Valdemar series, which will become just as cherished as other titles.

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Another excellent story in the history of Valdemar.

The Baron and his expedition fight the ways of the empire as they try to establish a better future for all. At least all that are willing to give up the very traditions that lead to the flight from the empire in the first place.

Foes, both physical and philosophical, are confronted as the expedition makes its way through unfamiliar and dangerous territory.

In the end, good behavior proves the best policy as we re-meet familiar places and peoples from stories already told.

A fun ride with enough oomph to carry through the travel and enough tension to make the ending stick. Despite that it leaves me eager for the next part of the series

I received an ARC copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review, and I am glad to have gotten it.

I love reading every one of the books that Mercedes Lackey has either written or co-written, and this book is no exception. The next installment in the story of Baron Valdemar and the Founding of Valdemar lived up to my expectations and also surprised me with developments that I enjoyed.

As expected, everything wasn't all peace and harmony after the escape from the Empire. That's to be expected, what with human nature and all the dangers present in a new land, especially one that is still dealing with the aftereffects of the Mage Wars. Baron Valdemar's handling of it all was wonderful, however, though I expect there will be further trouble from one character.

I'm glad Delia got sent away to be part of a scouting team, so her crush on her brother-in-law could fade, and she was able to grow and develop on the journey.

I won't post spoilers, but the last quarter of the book was the surprising development part. And yet, I felt that it fit perfectly with the Founding, especially considering events that happen in later books.

Anyway, I end this review to say that I enjoyed reading the book immensely and henceforth I will be using "Not my millpond, not my otters" and "Not my henhouse, not my chickens".

This is the long-awaited book two of the Founding trilogy (presumably) that fans pf Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar world have been waiting for. 

The stage is being set for what will become the nation of Valdemar, with the idea that there is 'no true way'. 

Kordas has successfully brought his people out of the clutches of the Empire and left it in ruins. Now he must move further west to find unoccupied land to settle. When the people had rested long enough and scouting parties have figured out the next path of the journey, Kordas invites people to stay or go back, because there are some who don't think they are up to the task of exploration. Some are also allowed to stay where they camped. The rest move out.

The reader gets to see the process behind which Valdemar is created - to be the opposite of the Empire, to allow people their own beliefs, to respect each others beliefs. We also see the thought process which really eventually sets Valdemar apart.

This is Lackey building the world her fans know. It's a slower pace than some of her other books, but what wagon train to new worlds isn't a slow pace and this is exactly what this trilogy is - the barge train to the founding of Valdemar.

It's also Lackey at her best with comments - I like the variations on not my circus, not my monkeys saying we have these days, but I also like Kordas' internal comments - "Of course we have talking cats. We're lucky we don't have talking horses, with what we've put them all through. I should just be grateful that they aren't dictating orders." Be careful what you think!! 

One thing that I dislike about the book is the plot line of Delia being in love with Kordas. It's not this plot line that I object to, but that Delia can't seem to resign herself to that fact that he's married to her sister and not in love with her. As she helps out on the scouting expedition she changes her thoughts - she grows as a person into a more competent invidividual; you would think that she would at least cease to think about Kordas in terms of 'her Kordas'. I"m not saying the feelings she has for him would go away, but that she would start trying to turn her thoughts in a different direction to make things easier on herself and Kordas.

After several mishaps and fighting, the colonists find a place to settle and build. There's excitement and worry and answers about a few things in this book. Definitely interesting and well worth the wait!!!

Into The West continues the story of Kordas (Baron Valdemar), Isla (his wife) Delia(his sister-in-law), all of those who came with them and the beloved dolls, as they travel on to find their new home. They had escaped the Empire for now and were tasked with the duty of starting over. With 15,000 people in their group that task was daunting.

One of the best speeches I’ve ever read in a fictional book was given by Kordas towards the beginning of this book. It was a speech that demanded they treat everyone who was with them with respect. A speech that recognized the vast differences between this group. Differences in religion, belief, practice, gender, ways of law and ways of love. In doing such Kordas echoed what is going on in our world. As a people we must respect differences and work together towards a common goal. Retreating to our various groups only to complain and plot against other groups within our own people will surely continue to cause chaos and destruction. If you read nothing else in this book read the speech by Kordas in the third chapter. Then read it again. As is stated in the book, do so not to build a rebuttal but let it sink in. Listen for understanding.

Into the West is a story about pioneers who have left a tyrant and a life of death and abuse, to find a better way. A safer way. A place that they can live and love and simply be. A pioneer story that also contains powerful mages, magic, mythical beings, and all that you would expect in a fantasy novel, while intertwining the human element of change.

Mercedes Lackey is my most favorite and treasured author. In her books a common theme is acceptance. Acceptance for differences in your fellow man. Acceptance for difference of religion and politics. A common thread of working together towards a common goal. This writer realizes that is one of the most difficult take for humanity. We naturally shelter ourselves within a cocoon of our own. Venturing out of that and accepting a different way of life is something we all struggle with.

Baron Valdemar and his people know that all 15,000 of them cannot remain at crescent lake. They will quickly use up the resources and it was already populated prior to their arrival. They must now move west. Behind them they know that the Empire may regroup and come after them. In front of them is unknown territory filled with what beings, they do not know. It is truly a pioneer’s journey, mixed with many fantasy elements.

I highly recommend this book series. The previous book is called Beyond and it sets the stage for all that is to come. This book continues that story and the founding of Valdemar. All fans of Valdemar and Mercedes Lackey should not miss this book!

Okay, let's go.

I'm going to start off by saying that fans of Valdemar are going to ve very pleased. There is new information in this book that helps fill in some missing gaps, including phrase and name origins. One lovely little tidbit even reconciles something we learned in the first book with seemingly incongruous information in an anthology story. So that is awesome.

We also see some fantastic character development, and see some formerly flat or barely rounded characters get a lot more definition.

There are some bits that feel a bit slow and tedious, but don't skip them! They're important! They are absolutely written that way for a reason.

Oh, and there is what appears to be a reference to one of my favorite tv shows. It and many other parts made me giggle.

Oh, amd the implication that two Gifts may actually be closely related? Oh, that's making me speculate. I can't wait until this is released and I can discuss this with my Valdemar Discord, properly.

Now, that being said, there is one major continuity error regarding the reason one character has the top bunk in her barge. Two completely different reasons are given.

The other thing that bothers me is that one character says some things that sound scarily eugenicist. I may be reading more into it than is meant, but it echoes eugenicist thinking, and not only did it make me uncomfortable, it feels completely out of character, both for the group that the character who says it represents and for the world of Valdemar in general, and feels more like something the Emperor would say.

Those two things aside, overall, this is an amazing novel, and I would 100% recommend it.

Into the West, The Founding of Valdemar: Book Two is (obviously) the next book in Mercedes Lackey's Founding of Valdemar series. She frequently writes in trilogies about Valdemar, so there should be at least a book three this series, but I hope this is one of the times that she will write more than a trilogy.

OMG this book is a delight to read! Mercedes Lackey writes the best stories with artistry and skill. She elevates every-day interactions and events to an absolutely engrossing story. The overarching plot is supported by amazing sub-plots that truly weave around the main plot, creating an engaging, complex story that it is impossible to put down.

Because I don't do spoilers, it is killing me not to talk about who is watching (from the publisher's description). But if you have read any of the books that center on Valdemar, you will be excited with every reveal.

Don't read this one as a stand-alone. If you have never read one of the books about the world of Velgarth, which primarily focuses on Valdemar, don't start with this book. Start with Arrows of the Queen. If you start with Into the West, there is so much that you will miss. The story will still be enjoyable, but oh, the nuances and history you will miss. Without an understanding of this amazing epic fantasy world, you will never know why most events in this book are important to the overarching story.

I could not stop reading this amazing book! It
was everything and more that I wanted out of
the second book! The story explains much of the beginnings of this beautiful world she has built! Absolutely fabulous! From the humor to the anguish and the beauty all between two covers! Mercedes Lackey is an amazing Wordsmith!

I have been reading the Valdemar series from Mercedes Lackey since middle school! I haven’t missed one and was super excited to read this newest installation. It was great seeing the story progress from the first book with a dual point of view of Baron Valdemar and his sister in law . This book was really good with all the drama that pulls you in. There are some great plot twists and an exciting ending. I can’t wait for the next book! I would recommend her books in this series and her other series as well.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. (My thanks to the publisher for that!) If I could have given a half star, this would have been 4.5. But I couldn't quite round it up to 5 because of a couple issues. Before I get to those, I must say, I am so happy that Mercedes Lackey wrote these books about the founding of Valdemar. It was a story I had been waiting YEARS for. Overall, I loved this second book in the trilogy. It continues the exodus of Baron Valdemar and his entourage as they look for a place to call home. The storyline moves along, with peaks and lows in the action.

Now, the parts that kept it from being a full on 5-star book. At times, it felt like Lackey was trying to bring in too many of the creatures we know from previous books. (I won't mention WHICH ones, for fear of spoiling it for anyone.) But as I came to parts, I was able to say "Oh, that's a ___" or "Those creatures are ____." The climatic end gave me Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers vibes. (Looking at you Helms Deep.) And some of the self-dialogue of the characters may or may not have had me wanting the story to hurry along. But overall, these issues were quite minor in my overall experience with this book. I even delayed going in to visit the matriarch (96-year-old grandmother) and other members of my husband's family so I could finish the last few pages.

I will be purchasing a hardcover copy of this book once it is published. (I already have it on backorder.) And I will anxiously read it again, to see what I may have missed in my first reading. And I will also eagerly await the next installment.

This book is the second installation of “The Founding of Valdemar” series and it is definitely a wonderful continuation of the story. It picks up right where the last book leaves off and presents a new set of challenges that start to feel more and more like the Valdemar we know and love. That being said, this book follows the same pattern as the first in that it can feel rather slow at the beginning but has a dramatic and fast-paced ending.

After decades of plotting and secret, Kordas and his people have finally made their escape from the Empire. However, they now face a whole new set of challenges. Crescent Lake cannot support the number of people that have suddenly showed up on its banks and the clock is ticking. The search for a new home where they can all truly be free of their past has begun and it will bring them closer and closer to the lands ruined by the Mage War. New mysteries and challenges await as the legend of Kordas Valdemar continues to grow.

Though very similar in feel, this sequel is much closer to what I was expecting from this prequal series. The Kingdom of Valdemar and the history of its founding are well established in previous series though it is clear that these accounts have become more like legend over time. Since we know how things end up in the future, Lackey had the challenge of providing a story that feels unique to these characters while also introducing things that are familiar and really stepped up to the plate. There are so many moments, both big and small, that start to introduce things that long time readers of Valdemar books will recognize and appreciate. These don’t feel unnatural in the story, so readers who are new to this will never lose that sense of immersion for the sake of having these callbacks. Callbacks like these were mostly missing in the first book, so I was particularly excited to see them in this one.

Overall, I personally feel that this newest installation in the series is stronger than the first. That being said, it struggles with mostly the same issues including repetitiveness and a generally slower pace. However, as we enter the heart of the story, a lot of these go away and it is just a fun, intense ride the rest of the way.

This year I decided to re-read all of my childhood Valdemar favourites and the new(ish) books in the series, so I was ecstatic when I saw I was approved for an ARC of INTO THE WEST. One of the great things about reading an entire series spanning multiple decades of work is that you can see how the author's style has grown over time, the evolution of their storytelling and the growth of the world they've built.

INTO THE WEST answers questions I've had since I first picked up ARROWS OF THE QUEEN as a preteen, in a more sophisticated and less problematic way than the earliest novels in the series. In BEYOND we learned how Baron Valdemar left the Empire and in INTO THE WEST we learn about the treacherous and fraught journey to the future site of Haven. I can't wait to learn about the creation of the Companions and the founding of Valdemar as a kingdom as the series continues, to explore all of the ifs, ands, or buts that I entertained as the original books fed my childhood imagination.

I've been in love with Valdemar and its denizens for over 20 years and am so happy to see it continue to flourish.

This is a very good addition to the Valdemar series, although as usual there are many things that show a lack of continuity with past books in the Valdemar books.

At times the book feels a little slow because it focuses on the journey being undertaken. It delves into motivations and reasoning for the major characters. The book ends with a bang, and when I hit the last page I really wanted to continue the story because I came to care more about the characters than I had in the first book in the trilogy.

Another great addition to the Valdemar series, Into The West chronicles the journey of Baron Valdemar and his people after they escape from the Eastern Empire.

As always, the author does a great job developing the characters, and creating high stakes scenarios. I often skim over fight scenes in books but Lackey’s are always easy to visualize and a pleasure to read.

As a fan of the series, there’s a scene I am eagerly anticipating and I can’t wait for the next book to see if it plays out the way history says, or if future generations got it all wrong.

I’ve been reading this series for over 30 years. I never miss one. This particular book is so much fun because you only need to have read the previous book to be in the story. The founding of Valdemar is chronologically second in the many trilogies so far written. While you could pick them up anywhere, I think this series would be a good starting point into the world. There is so much history and world building in this book, it must have taken so much effort to make sure nothing was off from the histories told through the rest of the series, but it is still a wonderful, easy read.