Mercedes Lackey
Mercedes Lackey is a prolific American author known for her fantasy novels, particularly the Valdemar series. She has written over 100 books and has been a major influence in the fantasy genre.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Hills Have Spies
Family Spies
In this fantasy novel, readers are introduced to a young protagonist, Perry, who embarks on his first mission as a spy to gather intelligence for his kingdom, Valdemar. Accompanied by his magical Companion, a horse-like being with significant powers, Perry navigates through treacherous terrains and faces various challenges. His journey leads him to uncover a plot that threatens not just his mission but the very safety of his homeland. Through courage, wit, and the bonds of friendship, Perry must navigate the complexities of espionage and warfare to protect his kingdom from looming danger. This tale is a blend of adventure, magic, and the timeless struggle between good and evil, set in a richly imagined world.
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2. Born To Run
The book is a thrilling urban fantasy novel that follows the adventures of a human named Eric Banyon, who becomes entangled in the magical underworld of elves and other mystical creatures. Set in a modern city, Eric discovers his latent bardic powers, which allow him to influence people and events through music. As he navigates this hidden world, he must confront dangerous adversaries and unravel a sinister plot that threatens both the magical and human realms. With the help of a diverse group of allies, including a street-smart elf named Korendil, Eric learns to harness his abilities and embrace his destiny in a battle against dark forces.
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3. Burdens Of The Dead
A Novel of the Heirs of Alexandria
Set in a richly detailed alternate Renaissance Europe, this thrilling fantasy novel follows the adventures of Captain Benito Valdosta as he navigates the treacherous waters of politics, magic, and war. As the city of Venice faces threats from both the Ottoman Empire and supernatural forces, Benito must rely on his cunning, allies, and a mysterious magical artifact to protect his beloved city. With a blend of historical intrigue and fantastical elements, the story explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the burdens one must bear to safeguard the future.
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4. Winds Of Fate
Book One of the Mage Winds
In a world where magic and politics intertwine, a young sorceress named Elspeth embarks on a perilous journey to seek out the mysterious Hawkbrothers and their powerful allies. As she grapples with her burgeoning powers and the weight of her destiny, Elspeth must navigate treacherous alliances and confront dark forces threatening her homeland. Alongside her loyal companions, she discovers the true meaning of courage and sacrifice, setting the stage for an epic struggle that will determine the fate of her world.
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5. The Shadow Of The Lion
A Novel of the Heirs of Alexandria
Set in an alternate Renaissance Europe, this captivating tale weaves a rich tapestry of magic, politics, and intrigue. The story unfolds in a vibrant Venice, where the powerful Council of Ten rules with an iron grip, and the city is a melting pot of diverse cultures and hidden secrets. As tensions rise, a young musician named Benito finds himself entangled in a web of espionage and danger, discovering a world where sorcery and science coexist. With the fate of the city hanging in the balance, Benito must navigate treacherous alliances and uncover the truth behind a looming threat that could plunge Venice into chaos.
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6. This Rough Magic
Set in a world where magic and technology coexist, the story follows the journey of a young mage who must navigate the complexities of a society on the brink of war. As tensions rise between the magical and non-magical factions, the protagonist discovers a hidden power within themselves that could tip the balance of power. With the help of unlikely allies, they embark on a quest to uncover ancient secrets and prevent a catastrophic conflict, all while grappling with their own identity and the responsibilities that come with their newfound abilities.
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7. Much Fall Of Blood
A Novel of the Heirs of Alexandria
Set in an alternate medieval Europe, the story unfolds amidst a backdrop of political intrigue, magic, and warfare. The narrative follows a diverse cast of characters, including a young prince, a cunning sorceress, and a fierce warrior, as they navigate a world teetering on the brink of chaos. As alliances shift and ancient powers awaken, the protagonists must confront their own destinies while battling dark forces that threaten to engulf the continent. With themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the struggle for power, the tale weaves a rich tapestry of adventure and suspense.
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8. Crown Of Vengeance
The Dragon Prophecy
Set in a richly detailed fantasy world, this epic tale follows the journey of a young woman named Vieliessar as she rises from obscurity to claim her destiny as a powerful leader. Born into a land torn by war and political intrigue, Vieliessar discovers her unique magical abilities and embarks on a quest to unite the warring factions of her realm. As she navigates treacherous alliances and battles formidable foes, she must confront her own inner demons and embrace her true identity to fulfill an ancient prophecy that could bring peace to her people.
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9. Arrows Of The Queen
In a world where magical creatures known as Companions choose their human partners, a young girl named Talia escapes her oppressive life in a remote village to find her destiny at the Collegium, the training ground for Heralds. As she bonds with her Companion, Rolan, Talia discovers her unique abilities and the responsibilities that come with them. Navigating court politics, personal challenges, and the threat of a looming conspiracy, she learns the true meaning of courage, loyalty, and friendship, ultimately finding her place in a world that desperately needs her gifts.
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10. Magic's Price
In the gripping conclusion to the trilogy, the protagonist, Vanyel Ashkevron, faces his greatest challenges as both a Herald-Mage and a protector of Valdemar. As the kingdom teeters on the brink of destruction from dark forces, Vanyel must confront his own inner demons and the weight of his responsibilities. With the help of his Companion, Yfandes, and the love of his life, Stefen, Vanyel embarks on a perilous journey that tests his strength, courage, and the very essence of his magic. The story weaves themes of sacrifice, love, and destiny, culminating in a powerful and emotional finale that explores the true cost of wielding great power.
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11. Magic's Promise
In this captivating fantasy tale, the protagonist, Vanyel Ashkevron, returns to his family estate after years of serving as a Herald-Mage for the kingdom of Valdemar. As he grapples with the challenges of reconnecting with his family, who struggle to understand his magical abilities and the weight of his responsibilities, Vanyel is drawn into a mysterious and dangerous plot threatening the kingdom. With his loyal Companion, Yfandes, by his side, Vanyel must navigate political intrigue, personal conflicts, and the ever-present threat of dark magic to protect those he loves and fulfill his duty as a Herald-Mage.
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12. Magic's Pawn
In a world where magic and telepathic bonds with mystical Companions shape the fate of kingdoms, a young noble named Vanyel struggles to find his place amidst familial expectations and personal desires. As he grapples with his burgeoning magical abilities and his identity, Vanyel is sent to live with his aunt, a powerful Herald-Mage, where he discovers his true potential and the depth of his heart's longing. Through trials of love, loss, and self-discovery, he learns to harness his powers and embrace his destiny, ultimately becoming a pivotal figure in the realm's defense against dark forces.
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13. The Oathbound
In a world where magic and swordplay intertwine, two formidable women forge an unbreakable bond as they navigate a realm fraught with danger and intrigue. Kethry, a sorceress bound by a magical oath, and Tarma, a skilled warrior seeking vengeance for her slain clan, join forces to confront the dark forces threatening their land. Their journey is one of friendship, loyalty, and empowerment, as they face mythical creatures, treacherous foes, and their own haunted pasts. Together, they must harness their unique strengths to uphold justice and honor, while discovering the true power of unity and resilience.
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14. Gwenhwyfar
The White Spirit
Set in a richly detailed Arthurian world, this tale follows the life of a young woman destined for greatness. Born with the gift of sight and a warrior's spirit, she navigates the complexities of court politics, magic, and prophecy. As she grapples with her identity and the expectations placed upon her, she must choose between her duty to her people and her own desires. Her journey is one of self-discovery, love, and the struggle to forge her own path in a world where destiny seems predetermined.
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18. Take A Thief
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19. Oathbreakers
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20. Aerie
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21. Sanctuary
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23. Alta
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24. Joust
A spirited noblewoman who refuses a conventional fate takes up arms and carves out a place for herself as the leader of a mercenary company; amid battlefield danger, shifting loyalties and courtly intrigue she grows into a formidable commander, wrestling with personal loss, unexpected alliances and the search for belonging as she fights to protect her home and define her own destiny.
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28. The Serpent's Shadow
Two teenage siblings trained in ancient Egyptian magic race against time to stop a world-devouring serpent from rising; they must stitch together uneasy alliances with gods, magicians, and everyday allies, confront betrayals and losses, and learn to blend modern ingenuity with old rituals. Facing desperate battles and painful sacrifices, they lead a final, risky effort to contain the chaos and protect both the mortal and divine realms while coming to terms with their family legacy and responsibilities.
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29. The Fire Rose
In Edwardian London, an orphaned young woman with a rare gift rises from poverty to fame as a singer, only to discover that her growing power and notoriety have drawn the attention of a dark supernatural predator preying on women. Pulled into a hidden world of elemental magic and rival practitioners, she must unravel dangerous secrets about her past, learn to wield her own magic, and rely on unexpected allies to confront a murderous force that threatens the city and the people she loves.
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31. The Wizard Of Karres
A down-on-his-luck trader suddenly finds himself responsible for three young girls from a mysterious world whose uncanny psychic abilities mark them as witches; as they flee across a crowded, politically tangled interstellar civilization they confront ruthless pursuers, ancient and dangerous powers, and hidden conspiracies, forcing him to grow into a reluctant protector and to harness unexpected talents in a blend of swashbuckling space adventure, witty camaraderie, and magical intrigue.
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33. Sacred Ground
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36. Jinx High
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37. Queen's Own
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40. Firebird
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42. Burning Water
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44. By The Sword
A headstrong young noblewoman sees her comfortable life upended by violence and betrayal and is forced to flee; she reinvents herself as a mercenary, rises to prominence as a master swordswoman and commander, and must navigate battlefield dangers, political intrigues, and personal losses while building a loyal company, forging unexpected bonds and love, and confronting larger magical and social forces that shape her destiny.
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45. Arrow's Flight
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46. Arrow's Fall
Mercedes Ritchie Lackey (born June 24, 1950) is an American writer of fantasy novels. Many of her novels and trilogies are interlinked and set in the world of Velgarth, mostly in and around the country of Valdemar. Her Valdemar novels include interaction between human and non-human protagonists with many different cultures and social mores. Her other main world is similar to Earth, but it includes clandestine populations of elves, mages, vampires, and other mythical beings. The Bedlam's Bard books describe a young man with the power to work magic through music; the SERRAted Edge books are about racecar driving elves; and the Diana Tregarde thrillers center on a Wiccan who combats evil. She has also published several novels re-working well-known fairy tales set in a mid-19th to early 20th century setting in which magic is real, although hidden from the mundane world. These novels explore issues of ecology, social class, and gender roles. Lackey has published over 140 books and writes novels at a rate of 5.5 per year on average. She has been called one of the "most prolific science fiction and fantasy writers of all time." In 2021, Lackey was named the 38th Damon Knight Grand Master.
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