Crucible (Valdemar Anthologies Book 9)

Crucible is the 9th book of short stories within the Tales of Valdemar series. The stories are all set within the Valdemar world, created by author Mercedes Lackey, written by a variety of authors. They combine Lackey’s world and characters with new characters in new stories. Several of the short stories are part of mini-series written by some of the authors, the stories scattered throughout the Tales of Valdemar volumes. The stories are not necessary for continuity within the greater Valdemar series, but they are fun and interesting episodic sides.

We are graced with 18 tales of the land of Valdemar and its world. This ninth book of anthologies has fun, interesting and well written stories. The stories adhere to the laws of the realm yet have each author's personal stamp on them. For a realm that uses mind-magic as often as magic, it is a book full of stories that are magical in their impact. This book can stand alone and does not require a previous knowledge of Valdemar.

Favorite story: "The Note" by Phaedra Weldon. While many of the stories in this story rated between 3 and 4 stars for me and were cute and enjoyable but not amazing, this penultimate tale punched me right in the feels. There are so many things about the life of a Herald that are explored in this tale, even though the story's point of view is the mother of a (deceased) Herald. Reading this story is worth the cost of the anthology alone.Story that I wish would be expanded into a novel: "Never Alone" Dayle A. Dermatis. Valdemar has been my go-to escape world since I was 12 years old, which is over half my life at this point. Though the books are marketed as adult fantasy, there was so much that spoke to my teenage and young adult self that definitely shaped who I am as a grown-up. But as an adult today, it was lovely to see the tale of a very nontraditional Herald in the form of Herald trainee Syrriah. The story itself is sweet and delivers a strong message in itself, but the underlying implication that it's never too late for any of us to be Chosen is what stayed with me.

With more writers new to the Valdemar anthologies than almost any previous, we are left with a mixed result.And unfortunately, the bad outweigh the good.At least the returning authors excel, as usual.After reading the new collection, Choices, I decided tore-read the whole series and appreciated them even more!Would highly recommend this to anyone who wants to experience Valdemar again!

All of the stories in this anthology were great. It brought me back to the days when I first discovered stories about Valdemar and that world. I have really missed those stories but these were a welcome read.My favorite and the one that moved me the most was “The Note” by Phaedra Weldon. I had tears in my eyes entire time I read it because it was such a moving story and the end was awesome.If you miss Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar series, this is defiantly a book you need to pick up.

i loved the wide variety and was very depressed that some were not full stories. i might be wrong but a few of the stories felt like they had continued from the earlier short stories. the story of the widowed mother who had been chosen late in life is the one i most wished was longer. as always, i enjoy hearing more about the heralds and wish for more. every author did a awesome job and quite deserved their place in the book.

I really enjoyed the stories in this one, and the fact that they extended some of the stories/characters from the previous anthology. I wish a few of the stories had been longer. These 'cliffhangered' where I would have expected a new chapter start and I really wanted to know what was coming next. Perhaps in the next anthology?

More great stories of Valdemar. These collections are always mixed, with some stories that fit better than others into the Valdemar environment. Almost all of these tales are a good fit, and many are excellent. I was particularly pleased to find a number of stories that continue tales from previous collections, bringing us more news of old friends. There are also good stories introducing us to new characters, whom we will want to hear more about as soon as possible.

Loved all the short stories by the various authors. just nice for relaxing read , I would read one short story a day.

Good collection as always

I collect the Valdemar books and always enjoy the stories in them, this anthology is a keeper

Very poor - only bought this because of the 'valdemar' stories by Mercedes Lackey .I have all her 'valdemar' books which enjoy re-reading again and again .Most of the stories are too short and are barely recognisable as 'valdemar' stories , except for the occasional'name, place' from previous books .Only 1 story from Ms Lackey in this book which was ok.This book would only be sold based on Mercesdes Lackey's reputation and not on the othercontributors , most of whom I have never heard of .Will not be buying these compilations in the future

This was an interesting book and it shows a lot of different stories that are very good. There are issues I find that these books have both Good and Bad. I do find that some of the stories have a lot of good.and could be made easily into a longer novella or full book. While other stories in here just aren't really quality that I hope for in Valdemar stories.