Boundaries

tl.lane

Sep 09, 2025

Fun anthology, as always some good or great stories and some can be skippedThere are always a good mix of stories in the anthologies, some good, some great, and a few bad. I still always look forward to reading them as it interesting too see how other authors play in Ms Lackey’s Valdemar.Tides of War (4/5)Initially I was concerned with all the puffed up language about the glory to be had in war. The author turned this about, making the main character see in himself the hard side of war. It still may be needed at times in defense of others, but there are other ways to support such things. Using the warrior turned healer’s assistant was a great way to handle this. I was especially pleased at how well his warrior companion didn’t snub or belittle him for his choices either.A Time for Prayer (5/5)The Karse stories usually tend to be about the escape of children or others from the red-robed sunpriests before they are fed to fired of Vkandis. I liked that this story was different. An entire village has accepted this acolyte due to the local priest, even after his death was a great concept. That Vkandis would come to her within the ceremonial rites and light the fire was even better.The Ghost of the High Hills (4/5)General feel good story and handled well. The only thing I found a little unrealistic, wouldn’t the Companions have suggested looking elsewhere to try and find someone to help Chellan in shielding herself? Even more so, since her own partner came from another community, before sealing themselves off in the middle of nowhere.Unsavory (4/5)Another fun story. Shows that even a baker in the Royal Kitchens can have the wherewithal to protect her charges. It doesn’t always require a Herald to root out a plot against the crown. Final Consequences (5/5)I have always enjoyed each chapter in the Sandbriar story. It’s a light hearted and fun story explaining the various conditions of life in the realm and does so in a meaningful way.Hearts Are Made for Mending (3/5)This was an ok story and I liked that it touched on the hazards a Herald may be exposed to with stress & potential PTSD struggles. The romance between Zan and Maglia was a little too precious for my tastes and somewhat unrealistic, but the rest of the story was quite well done.A Gift of Courage (1/5)I have enjoyed chapters of this story in earlier anthologies, but this one was too drawn out. The majority of it could have been handled within two or three pages. There was nothing new to the story or characters that wasn’t already done before. Hopefully this will be he last boring entry for Tarek and Shan.Sacrifices of the Heart (0/5)I have never cared for any of the Cloudbrother stories. They aren’t written as if they are part of Valdemar. I have always had the impression that the characters were written for something else, and then forced to fit within the confines of this anthology. Hopefully the author will write about new characters in the future instead of these extremely poor designed knockoffs.They Don’t Burn Children (1/5)The obligatory story of a Karse child escaping to Valdemar so they won’t die in the Fires of the Sunpriests. Honestly, a bad story and written so poorly, I thought I was reading the same paragraph over and over, as each sounded similar.Out of Bounds (4/5)Though similar types of stories have been written about being Chosen or not Chosen, I enjoyed how this one handled it. I’d be interested to read future chapters about the main character.A Clutter of Cats (5/5)The Temple of Thenoth stories are always unique. Always a good time.Ghost Cider (3/5)Didn’t care for this one and seemed too drawn out for what it was. The lifebonding premise was poorly handled.The Beating the Bounds (5/5)Another fun entry. I always enjoy a new tale about the Dann family and about life in Haven.Stepping Up (4/5)A good Bardic story. Bruny was an interesting and multifaceted character.The Measure of Imagination (3/5)Ok of a story, but I think the female lead didn’t hold your attention. Character development could have been much better.Puppies & Ponies (2/5)A second must escape Karse story. Better then the first from this anthology, but still not a great story. It was predictable and formulaic.The Gift of Twins (2/5)I usually like this author’s entry, but this time I didn’t feel like the story did anything to further the development of the characters. They didn’t even handle to ‘Bad’ Bard themselves, just escaped and sent for others to handle it.No Simple Kyree (3/5)This was OK story but nothing special either. I could not find myself invested in the characters, maybe because it was too short, or the concept of fighting the Blood Mages was redundant. The Upper Air (2/5)Boring. I don’t mind discussions of esoteric concepts, but to suddenly throw a story in about higher realms, without any preface to it didn’t help. The characters were flat and the dialogue weak.Boundaries (3/5)A good story, but I feel like it has been told before with similar but different characters.