The Llamda Literary Award-winning trilogy that established Mercedes Lackey as a master of the fantasy genre is now available in a first-of-its-kind deluxe omnibus edition.

Welcome to Valdemar. This is a land where magic thrives, where kings and queens are just and Heralds are true. It is a land at peace—for now.

Young Vanyel is proving to be quite the disappointment. Born with rare magical abilities, his future stretches out before him, glittering with potential; he has all the hallmarks of a legend in the making. Or he should, if only he would train his powers, harness his talents, apply himself in service to the King or seek the warrior’s path. Much to his father’s dismay, however, Vanyel wants no part in such things. No, what he wants more than anything else is to become… a bard.

But wishing away destiny is futile, and, as everyone will learn, there is danger in leaving magic like Vanyel’s untrained. By the time his powers, raw and unmastered, are released on the world, it may already be too late to avoid tragedy on a truly devastating scale. 

This is Vanyel’s story: a boy who dreams of making music, he will grow into Valdemar’s greatest-ever Herald-Mage. Along the way Vanyel will confront war and grief, dark magic and the heaviest loss of all–the loss of his one true love. He must learn to reconcile with his destiny, with his heart, and with his very soul. For the fate of the world lies on Vanyel’s shoulders, and if he falters, both he and Valdemar will pay the ultimate price.

Featuring one of the genre’s first gay male protagonist, this deluxe edition of a classic tale is the perfect gift for returning fans and new readers eager to delve into a foundational piece of fantasy history.