Changing The World [Mass Market Paperback]

Lackey is too busy with her may projects to write more than the occasional Valdemar novel these days, but she is loyal enough to her loyal fan base to edit the almost-annual anthology of Valdemaran tales, written by friends, fen, and some surprises. Mercedes Lackey got her breakthrough in Marion Zimmer Bradley's Sword and Sorceress volume II, she in turn has introduced new writers in these anthologies and - I hope - changed lives in the process. Surely seeing your first story in print is bit like being Chosen. And often these first stories are some of the best in the collection.
For Changing the World, Lackey wrote a story called "The One Left Behind" introducing a theme that is explored by several of the stories that follow: what if being Chosen is problematic? What if it causes a mess for those left behind? Or what if you don't want to leave your familiar world, in which you might be very happy, thank-you very much Mr. Blue-Eyed Horse? This is a novel approach to the life-changing moment of recognition that characterizes being Chosen by a Companion of Valdemar, the magical guardians of a country that many of us wish we could find. In Lackey's story, Marya is a master weaver with a serious grudge against Heralds and Companions. Her father was Chosen before his wedding to Marya's mother, and he just ... disappeared from their lives. Then the horrible pattern repeats itself, as her wonderful fiancé is Chosen too. So when a couple of Heralds come asking her for help, she derives great satisfaction in telling them, "NO!" Or does she? It turns out that Marya has some talents that have been, not exactly buried, but certainly under a bushel, and we all know how bad for the soul that is, don't we? Oddly enough, these despised Heralds and Companions are the first to see and appreciate how much more Marya is than just a master-weaver.
15 stories follow, including "The Reluctant Herald" by Mickey Zucker Reichert, which is the thematic dilemma from the groom's point of view; and "For Want of a Nail" by Rosemary Edghill and Denise McCune, which describes the initial formation of the Kingdom by Baron Kordas Valdemar - a story many readers have requested.
"Softly Falling Snow" gives us a quiet interval in the life of Elspeth the Peacemaker, written, appropriately enough, by Elizabeth A. Vaughan. It contains sorrow, humor, and romance, and is a pleasure to read.
Elizabeth Waters contributes "A Storytelling of Crows," a shining jewel in this collection in which animals play a prominent part.
"Waiting to Belong" takes on the challenge of addressing, What if your being Chosen is actually bad for your home? What if you are needed at home as much as by Haven? Kristin Schwengel captures the tension of this dilemma. This story needs a sequel, I think. Perhaps we'll hear more of Shia's story next year. Of all the contributions, this one seems most in need of follow through.
"The Last Part of the Way" gives some attention to the Bards and Healers of Valdemar, as two older circuit riders make their rounds, because "even usually peaceful towns need healing and song." You got that right, Brenda Cooper. In this instance, a young Herald is desperately in need of both after his home village was buried under a mudslide, no survivors.
Stephanie Shaver and Tanya Huff have too much fun with "Midwinter Gifts" and "Nothing Better to Do" respectively. In "Gifts," a herald with precog and a bard team up to prevent a murder at a Countess' party. I liked how this story was written, except that, unfortunately, the bait-and-switch twist at the end unravels the logic of the set-up. Still, there are some nifty exchanges in the story, and an ending that feels very right, even if it disappoints the romantics. Besides, it's got Rolan and Talamir making a guest appearance. As for Huff's story, it is a laugh-out-loud account of a bemused Herald transporting an orphaned toddler to distant family.
"Wounded Bird" by Michael Z. Williamson is a reminder that for many women, equality isn't even a concept; and "Defending the Heart," by Kate Paulk, exemplifies that Valdemar is a haven for those whose appearance or orientation would be condemned elsewhere. Lackey has ever been sensitive to these issues, and has done more to alleviate prejudice than any fiction writer I know.
"The Thief of Anvil's Close, by Fiona Patton, continues the lives of the Dann family in Haven. I think this is a trend to be encouraged; there are many other characters introduced in these anthologies I want to meet again.
Judith Tarr wrote "Twice Blessed," in which two girls who everyone expects to be best friends hate each other. Their non-sibling rivalry is intense and utterly realistic. Too bad for them; to get their hearts' desire they'll have to get over it.
"Be Careful What You Wish For" by Nancy Asire takes us back to the troubled Karse border, where a Karse-born Herald is looking for family that may have survived the religious-political purges.
Good as the preceding stories are, the prize goes to Benjamin Ohlander for "Interview with a Companion." In this wonderful story, a reporter meets up with a Companion ... in Kentucky? The Companion proceeds to give the low down on many aspects of life and rule in Valdemar, with spot-on analysis of hallowed characters and traditions. He also explains that our world has known a few Companions, too. Mercedes Lackey clearly loved this one and gave it the end piece position of honor.
Changing the World is perfect for the winter months when you want to snuggle down with a good set of stories. But you know what? It will be just as good in summertime. It is the best Valdemar collection to date.

The Valdemar anthologies have always been a little hit-or-miss. This is bound to happen when you have other writers playing in beloved lands; Mercedes Lackey's deft hand with the fantasy world she has created is difficult to emulate. However, almost all the aspirants to her perfection manage at least a modicum of success in "Changing the World"... with two notable exceptions.

The first is Judith Tarr, with the positively infuriating "Twice Blessed." And the second, and even more infuriating, is Benjamin Ohlander's thoroughly ridiculous "Interview with a Companion." The former is well-written, but maddening, spoiling as it does the usually heart-warming thought of being Chosen. The latter is both badly-written and cringe-inducing, a kind of attempt at parody that is neither entertaining or witty (as parody can be), but is merely mean-spirited and completely idiotic. Parody can be self-aware and self-mocking, and yet can have the power to make one chuckle at the vagaries of fandom; this is not that kind. This is the kind of parody that tarnishes. It has tarnished my feeling for the Valdemar series. It is evil and wrong and bad, bad, bad.

If you are a Valdemar fan, then by all means read this book. There are some excellent stories in here -- Elisabeth's Waters's "A Storytelling of Crows", Kristin Schwengel's "Waiting to Belong" and Michael Z Williamson's "Wounded Bird" are three such -- but please do yourself the favour of NOT reading the twice-damned final story, "Interview with a Companion." I certainly wish I hadn't!

Anyone who is a fan of Valdemar should read this one. The stories are fun and some deal with time periods (like the Founding of Valdemar) that we haven't seen a lot of detail on yet. If you have read the previous anthologies, the quality is still here with this latest one. Some of the characters reappear. Ree and Jem (the hobgoblin and his friend) have 2 stories. The twins, the Bard and the Healer Rhiannon and Dionne, are here but have gotten much older. Lelia, the Bard obsessed with Herald Wil is back too. The Iron Street Watch is back again and Sergeant Hektor is still having trouble with his brothers. This book will tide you over until Lackey releases the next full length Valedmar novel.

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