Scan barcode
kathydavie's review against another edition
4.0
First read Sept 10, 2009.
Twenty-fifth in the primary Valdemar fantasy series, 1380-ish AF within the Valdemaran timeline, and third in Darian's Tale as well as third in The Owl Mage Trilogy, both are subseries within Valdemar.
If you're interested, there is a chronological listing of the Valdemar books on my website.
My Take
Owlknight is mostly a peek in at the people of Errold's Grove and the k'Valdemar Vale granting us the opportunity to see how well everyone is settling in and working together. The development of the Vale into a more mature living center just as the entire area continues to progress is exemplified by Haven recognizing the area's need for a permanent Herald.
Now we just have a few more bits to settle and some protections to take.
The Story
Errold's Grove is finally getting a Herald — a Herald-Mage no less. And, he's bringing an assistant Herald — Shandi is coming home!
The Council decides that Darian must be on an equal level with the Herald-Mage and everyone pulls out all the stops. Lord Breon makes Darian a knight; the Ghost Cat Clan adopt him; and, Firesong puts Darian through a most unexpected Test.
It's not long after Herald-Mage Anda's arrival that the clues that have been dropping on Darian make sense — the dreams, the raven's feather from the Ghost Cat ceremony, and the fur-embroidered vest Keisha presents to him. His parents are alive!
A rescue that will be fraught with peril as well as many opportunities to teach, heal, and help others as information is gathered on possible enemies.
A journey that will force each to face their fears. Acknowledge those they love.
The Characters
Darian Firkin k'Vala k'Valdemar is a Journeyman-level Mage of Valdemar and a Hawkbrother of the Tayledras in the clan of k'Vala in the new k'Valdemar Vale outside his home village. Kuari, an owl, is his bond-bird.
Keisha is a full-fledged Healer now dividing her time between the village and the Vale where she lives with Darian.
The search party will include Steelmind, a Tayledras herb- and plantmaster; Wintersky, one of Darian's oldest friends; Shandi and Karles, her Companion; Hywel, now a young Warrior of the Ghost Clan with a debt still to pay to Darian and Keisha; Kel, the leader of the Silver Gryphons; Hashi, a kyree; and, Tyrsell, the king stag of the dyheli, who sends Neta and a number of dyheli to help them on their journey.
Chief Vordon, Starfall, Firesong k'Treva, Silverfox, Lord Breon, and, Ayshen, the head hertasi, make brief appearances.
The Cover and Title
Oranges and lavender are my first impression of the cover with the lavender flashing as Kuari's feathers. Almost a minor detail are the very serious couple in very festive dress in the lower left corner. The title, Owlknight, is certainly appropriate as Darian Firkin k'Vala k'Valdemar has certainly earned his spurs as a knight, and what could be more appropriate than to acknowledge Kuari.
Twenty-fifth in the primary Valdemar fantasy series, 1380-ish AF within the Valdemaran timeline, and third in Darian's Tale as well as third in The Owl Mage Trilogy, both are subseries within Valdemar.
If you're interested, there is a chronological listing of the Valdemar books on my website.
My Take
Owlknight is mostly a peek in at the people of Errold's Grove and the k'Valdemar Vale granting us the opportunity to see how well everyone is settling in and working together. The development of the Vale into a more mature living center just as the entire area continues to progress is exemplified by Haven recognizing the area's need for a permanent Herald.
Now we just have a few more bits to settle and some protections to take.
The Story
Errold's Grove is finally getting a Herald — a Herald-Mage no less. And, he's bringing an assistant Herald — Shandi is coming home!
The Council decides that Darian must be on an equal level with the Herald-Mage and everyone pulls out all the stops. Lord Breon makes Darian a knight; the Ghost Cat Clan adopt him; and, Firesong puts Darian through a most unexpected Test.
It's not long after Herald-Mage Anda's arrival that the clues that have been dropping on Darian make sense — the dreams, the raven's feather from the Ghost Cat ceremony, and the fur-embroidered vest Keisha presents to him. His parents are alive!
A rescue that will be fraught with peril as well as many opportunities to teach, heal, and help others as information is gathered on possible enemies.
A journey that will force each to face their fears. Acknowledge those they love.
The Characters
Darian Firkin k'Vala k'Valdemar is a Journeyman-level Mage of Valdemar and a Hawkbrother of the Tayledras in the clan of k'Vala in the new k'Valdemar Vale outside his home village. Kuari, an owl, is his bond-bird.
Keisha is a full-fledged Healer now dividing her time between the village and the Vale where she lives with Darian.
The search party will include Steelmind, a Tayledras herb- and plantmaster; Wintersky, one of Darian's oldest friends; Shandi and Karles, her Companion; Hywel, now a young Warrior of the Ghost Clan with a debt still to pay to Darian and Keisha; Kel, the leader of the Silver Gryphons; Hashi, a kyree; and, Tyrsell, the king stag of the dyheli, who sends Neta and a number of dyheli to help them on their journey.
Chief Vordon, Starfall, Firesong k'Treva, Silverfox, Lord Breon, and, Ayshen, the head hertasi, make brief appearances.
The Cover and Title
Oranges and lavender are my first impression of the cover with the lavender flashing as Kuari's feathers. Almost a minor detail are the very serious couple in very festive dress in the lower left corner. The title, Owlknight, is certainly appropriate as Darian Firkin k'Vala k'Valdemar has certainly earned his spurs as a knight, and what could be more appropriate than to acknowledge Kuari.
grace_b_3's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Animal death, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Slavery, War, and Sexual assault
bibliophilicwitch's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
While Owlknight doesn't feel as strong as the first two books of the Owl Mage trilogy, it is still enjoyable and gives readers closure we didn't even really know we wanted or needed regarding the fate of Darion's parents. Darion's character development feels like it stagnates a bit while Keisha's feels as though it goes backwards. Overall not my least favorite Valdemar book, but not a favorite either.
gmancam's review against another edition
3.0
First few chapters are a bit slow though not lacking the cozy and warm charm I love for this series. Things really take off about 1/3 in with the main plot and it's fantastic from there on out. Really enjoyed seeing more of the world and magic in this installment. I only wish more time was spent on the epilogue. Wanted more closure for these lovely characters ❤
mbs1236's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
stephs_bookshelf's review against another edition
5.0
LOVED IT. I love all of Lackey's books, all of her characters are so amazing and you just get pulled in every time; I hope she makes more Valdemar books, they're so fun because of all the recurring characters we all love.
skyclad's review against another edition
3.0
Reading for Plotting did not go well with this. it read like 2 small books with a bit in the middle to bridge them.