The Oathbound (Vows and Honor Book 1)

I read a "dead tree" copy of this years ago (not long after it was first published), and rediscovered it recently when the Kindle edition went on sale. Rather episodic in nature (much like Ms. Lackey's Tarma and Kethry stories in the "Sword and Sorceress" anthologies), this covers the adventures of this female adventuring pair from shortly after they combine forces until shortly before they join Idra's Sunhawks. If you stick around for the sequel, Oathbreakers (Vows and Honor Book 2), you'll be rewarded with a more unified plot, plus a bit of romance, as Kethry finally finds a "man of good will" to become not only her husband, but the father of the children who will eventually form the core of Tarma's rebuilt Clan. An enthralling mini-series set in the world of Ms. Lackey's Valdemar novels, featuring fantasy heroines who get the job done without any "chicks in chainmail."

Tarma and Kethry are two of Lackey's more memorable characters, conceived in a time when sword and sorcery was one of the popular flavors within the fantasy genre. They were first given life in short stories that were published in Marion Zimmer Bradley's Sword and Sorceress anthologies, and a few of those stories have been incorporated into this novel. As such, this book tends to be slightly episodic in nature, particularly through the central portion of it, and it's fairly evident where a few of the short stories were pasted in, likely with only light edits to keep it consistent with the timeline of the rest of the novel. Still, these two women are interesting enough characters to be worth reading even in short snippets, and I enjoyed revisiting this tale of their early days together.Both women are presumably somewhere in their early to mid 20s when this book starts, though their exact ages are never given. While young, they both have already been through a lot in life and their experiences have made them somewhat older than their years. Mature, practical, and intelligent, they complement one another well and would at time seem to be a nearly unbeatable team. Still, they have their weaknesses and shortcomings just like everyone does, and one thing that makes this book more than just a series of short stories cobbled together into a novel is the fact that there is a continuing thread of narrative built around how they grow as individuals and as a team. While they seem to be a natural fit with one another, they find in time that they must still work on their relationship at times in order to ensure that they both remain equal partners and that neither one overly shelters or cossets the other.Besides seeing how Tarma and Kethry manage to gel together as a team, in reading this from the perspective of knowing how events play out in later years in the various regions of Velgarth, I was struck by how essential many of the things that happen with them are to enabling the things that are to come in the world. There are so many things that happen to them or because of them that if they hadn't happened, or had turned out differently, it would have had major ramifications for the story down the line. Several key pieces of the puzzle that is the Valdemar/Velgarth saga are introduced here, so pay attention, for things that don't seem important at the time can prove to be critical later on. But then, that's true of most all of these early books in the saga.Overall I feel this book has aged well and is still as enjoyable today as it was back when it first came out. I'd certainly recommend it to anyone who enjoys old school fantasy, particularly of the sword and sorcery variety, and also to those who like reading about strong female protagonists. I would recommend either picking up a copy of Oathblood which has the story of how Tarma and Kethry first met or finding that story in some other form to read before you start this book. It's certainly not necessary to do so, but it is nice to have that background if you can. I give this book somewhere between 3½ and 4 stars probably, rounding up to give it the benefit of the doubt, for it definitely isn't the best of the most exciting of the saga for all that it is quite good. Certainly you don't want to miss this one if you're reading the rest.

I like most of Mercedes Lackeys works, but really don’t like thus reader. Her reading is so slllllooowww. I actually set her at 125% speed and except for a few place where this makers her go very fast, that really helped. She still has long pauses at times, which must mean it was rrreeeaallly long and ponderous at 100% speed. Also, her very gravelly voice for Tamara is unpleasant to listen to. I think she got carried away with her voice.Also, is this abridged? Sure seems like some passages jump to the next part of story very rapidly.

I have read all of Mercedes Lackey's books in paper form, and wanted to have electronic copies to carry with me. Her stories are still good and fresh even when you re-read them. But the publisher has done much harm to the books, in that there are missing pages, misspellings everywhere, pages that freeze the kindle, so you have to restart, go back into the book, and before the system freezes, quickly use the slider to move to a good page.This has been reported constantly here, but the publisher has refused to fix any problems. The Penguin Group appears to be purposely sabotaging either these older series, or Mercedes Lackey herself.I have 693 Kindle books in my library currently, and the only two books I have ever had lock up the system is this one, and the companion book, Oathbreakers. This review will appear on the Oathbreaker's page also, just as it is here.I have requested refunds for these two books, because while I fully wish to support Mercedes Lackey, I will not support a publishing company that can't even listen to its customers in this fashion.

Tarma and Kethry are two of my favorite of all of Ms. Lackey's characters. Watching them grow into true partners and conquer both demons and nasty siblings is sure to capture your attention. Read the other books in the series, too, for a real thrill. These ladies are an exciting pair that make me want to grab a sword and a horse and set forth to make my own fortune.

I have loved these stories for years, and finally purchased my Kindle version AND audible. Not only is it great to re-read them, but the audible version is wonderful. The reader did a fantastic job with voices, personalities and emotions. Well done on its own, and even better with Audible.

This series is one of my absolute favorites. I have read it multiple times and will probably read it many more throughout my life. I have bought copies for my sister and some friends and they have loved the books as well. Tarma and Kethry are such incredible characters and strong women to look up to. The plot is always interesting and engaging. I have definitely found myself reading for hours without realizing it.

A really good book of the first adventures of this pair! They learn and grow and rescue others, and each other. The world they are in is internally consistent and their adventure are morally justified.A very satisfying read.