Mercedes Lackey

Mercedes Lackey is widely recognized for her Valdemar series, a long-running high fantasy saga set in a world where gifted individuals bond with intelligent, empathic horse-like companions called Heralds. Her work often features themes of found family, overcoming trauma, and the importance of compassion.

A good starting point for new readers is the Arrows of the Queen trilogy, which introduces the world of Valdemar and its unique magic system through the story of Talia, a young Herald. Alternatively, the Mage Winds trilogy offers another entry point into the Valdemar universe with different characters and plotlines.

Mercedes Lackey has primarily published under her own name, but she has also collaborated with other authors on various series, including Larry Dixon and Andre Norton.

The Valdemar series is extensive and can be read in several ways. While there isn't one strict chronological order for all sub-series, many readers recommend starting with the original Heralds of Valdemar trilogy (Arrows of the Queen, Arrow's Flight, Arrow's Fall) before exploring other interconnected trilogies and standalones.

Yes. In 2021 the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association named Mercedes Lackey the 38th Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master, an award for lifetime contribution to science fiction and fantasy. She was formally inducted at the Nebula Awards weekend in May 2022, and is the seventh woman to receive it.