Are Mercedes Lackey Standalone Books Connected And How Should I Order Them?
As a new reader to the Heralds of Valdemar series, I've heard some novels have shared characters or settings. How do these connect without being direct sequels?
2026-08-02 23:13:34
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8 Answers
CatoBee
Twist Chaser
Cashier
Her collaborations are a whole other can of worms. Books co-written with James Mallory (Obsidian) or Roberta Gellis (the Heirs of Alexandria series) exist in entirely separate worlds. So if you pick up a co-written book, assume it's not connected to Valdemar/Elemental Masters/Five Hundred Kingdoms unless explicitly stated.
2026-08-03 04:37:37
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NoelKent
Plot Explainer
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I'm just waiting for someone to post a definitive flowchart. I'd print it and stick it on my wall. Until then, I'll rely on the collective wisdom of this thread.
2026-08-03 07:14:40
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NoraHart
Longtime Reader
Receptionist
Confusing, right? I think the best approach is to sort by universe first. Valdemar has a huge internal chronology, but outside of that, things like the Bardic Voices books or the Diana Tregarde novels are their own closed sets. For actual standalones, 'The Firebird' or 'The Black Swan' are truly single-volume stories, but even they sometimes share a world. I'd say pick a book that sounds fun and check the copyright page or online—Lackey's website used to have reading guides for each universe.
2026-08-05 05:01:24
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WadeOlson
Twist Chaser
Receptionist
Here's a hot take: the 'Heralds of Valdemar' trilogy ('Arrows of the Queen' etc.) is the only essential starting point for that universe. Everything else, even if it's chronologically earlier or later, can be read on its own once you grasp the basic concepts of Heralds, Companions, and Mind-magic. So read that trilogy first, then wander wherever you like.
2026-08-05 11:26:20
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RubyBurns
Plot Explainer
Photographer
I disagree with the idea that all her books are connected. She's written sci-fi ('The Ship Who Searched' with Anne McCaffrey) and fantasy romance ('Sacred Ground') that are completely unrelated to any of her big series. So the answer to 'are they connected?' is a firm 'it depends on the book.' Always check.
2026-08-05 13:30:21
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