Customer Reviews

Oathbreakers

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Remembering my thoughts on Oathbound, the previous novel in the Vows and Honor trilogy, I admit I had some trepidation about this one. Fortunately, I ended up pleasantly surprised. Where the first book of the trilogy was obviously originally a collection of short stories strung together by only a light touch of editing, this book was one long story, complete and full, and therefore much more entertaining and devoid of the problems that I found in Oathbound.

Tarma and Kethry became much more interesting to me in this novel than they were in the previous, and I suspect no small part of that was due to the first book's sloppy editing. More of their story was revealed and explained in a way that made me want to keep reading instead of frustrating me with tantalyzing hints about a previously-published short story that I didn't get a chance to see.

I was particularly amused by Tarma's frustration at Leslac, especially the section that detailed him stating that he would be the man to cure her of her celibacy. Speaking as someone who identifies as asexual (though, I'll grant you, my asexuality isn't because of any religious devotion or calling, as Tarma's is), the "you just need to find the right person" attitude is a very common and annoying reaction that a lot of people have, and I was thrilled to see Tarma be so incensed at Leslac's presumption.

On the down side, some of the plot elements were not particularly surprising when they were presented. Idra's fate, I think, is one that I saw coming a mile off.

It also seems that this book was written when Lackey didn't know where to place it on the Valdemar timeline, because there were another boatload of inconsistancies with the rest of the series. Kethry's use of magic within Valdemar's borders, and the matter of who's ruling Rethwellan clash with facts stated in later Valdemar novels. It's disappointing when my favourite author can't keep her own timeline straight, and when inconsistancies have become par for the course, even so early on in the series. I'm not holding those against this particular novel, though; merely against the series as a whole. On its own, or even within its own trilogy, I don't think I encountered any contradictions. In a wider context, however...

But that won't stop me from doing what I've been doing for years: reading the Valdemar novels and loving them anyway!

I have read Oath Bound, Oath Broken and By the Sword, I have one word to say for all three of these books FANTASTIC!! If you love Xena, Amazons, Warrior Women or just plain down right butt kicking you have got to own these books. I read my copies until the pages fell out.

"Oathbreakers" is my favorite Mercedes Lackey book.

Here's why: in "Oathbreakers," Ms. Lackey put together a very appealing plotline with believable, complex characters, just enough humor to balance the action and violence, and a tiny bit of romance to leaven the mix.

Other reviewers have explained the plot; I don't want to do that again. I will say, however, that to me, the best parts of the book are the Tarma-Kethry friendship, the Warrl-Tarma friendship, the Warrl-Jadrek friendship, and the strong, romantic marriage of Stefansen of Rethwellan and his wife Mertis. (I hope I'm remembering her name right; I can picture the page where she's introduced -- something about a "frank, soft gaze" and brown eyes and a crisp, competent manner. But I'm really bad at remembering character names.)

In fact, although this book definitely is feminist (and well it should be, considering it's featuring a woman warrior and her fighting mage partner), I think the best part about it is how it shows real-life partnerships.

Marriage and family are valued commodities, here; not only do we have the Stefansen-Mertis pairing, there's the eventual Jadrek-Kethry pairing (which resurrects Tale'sedrin, as another reviewer so pithily said), the Sewan-Tresti union (Sewan is Lady Idra's second in command of the Sunhawks; Tresti is a Healing Priest of Shayana, because Shayana's devoteés make no difference between priest and priest_ess_), and Tarma's rapport with the children only adds to the "family values" theme.

Most people have missed this, because, once again, we're talking about a woman warrior, a _neuter_, a sworn votary of her goddess, and a woman fighting mage.

However, just because they are fighters, that doesn't mean they've forgotten what's important. Love matters; friendship matters; honor matters.

Those three things are what drives the very real people who populate "Oathbreakers," and it helps add a great deal of realism and depth.

Btw, some of what is shown here is very, very graphic; not so much the killing, but some of the aftermath of killing, along with a few other things. I definitely wouldn't recommend this book for someone under the age of 12 or so; even then, it'd have to be an awfully mature 12 year old to understand some of what's going on, and not just be repulsed by it.

To conclude: this is my favorite book of all of Mercedes Lackey's output, mainly because it has everything. It has a great plot, wonderful, believable characters (yet flawed and very human -- even if Warrl the neuter kyree would disagree with me), and a satisfying conclusion.

Definitely one of my favorite books.

A lot has changed since Oathbound. Tarma, the shin'a'nin swordsworn, and Kethry, the sorceress, are members of the Sunhawks, a famous mercenary clan leaded by Captain Idra. After fighting and finishing up one civil war they find that they may need to get involved in another one. Although she doesn't act like it, Idra is actually royalty and her two brothers are fighting over who deserves to win the throne in the country of Rethwellen. Because of this, Idra leaves the Sunhawks for a little while, and then never comes back. Tarma and Kethry are very concerned and volunteer to go Rethwellen in disguise to find out what happened to Idra. When they get their they realize that in many ways it's almost like she had never been there. Her horse is gone. All of her belongings aren't there. Where is Idra? They find out from friends that she had claimed to go off in search for some mysterious sword that would decide once and for all who was really king. What happened after that will shock Tarma and Kethry more then they ever imagine.

I really enjoyed the first book in the series, Oathbound, but this one really blew me a way. Not only is it better plotted but the new characters, including Jadrek and Lodesh, are fascinating. Tamra and Kethry prove once again to be strong heroines that don't let others push them around. This book also has one thing that the last in the series didn't, romance, and very good romance at that. Mercedes's Valdemar novels are always a treat and this one is no exception. The glossary of Shin'a'nin terms in the back are very informative and the songs Mercedes Lackey had added in the end are quite entertaining. I can't wait to read Oathblood, a short story collection staring Tarma and Kethry. I recommend this to any Valdemar fan who hasn't picked this up yet. It's really good!

I loved the world I was transformed into. I wish I could Buy all the books she writes. She is an amazing writer!!!!!

Tarma is a Shin'a'in warrior of the Dhorisha Plains, sworn to serve her Goddess. Kethry, a former noble, is a White Winds sorceress working toward Adept status. The two are paired together by the oath that they have sworn.

Tarma and Kethry seek to make a reputation for themselves and decide to join the mercenary group Idra's Sunhawks. As Sunhawks, they make names for themselves, as well as earning money.

After an intense battle, Idra returns to her native Rethwellan to determine which of her two brothers is worthy of the throne. Months pass, and Idra stops sending updates to her mercenary team. Tarma and Kethry are very upset by this and take matters into their own hands. Will they be able to save Idra and Rethwellan from a possible civil war?

"Oathbreakers" is the second book in Mercedes Lackey's Vow and Honor Series. I found it to be a wonderful book, even better than the first book in the series. It was on a more epic scale, with intense action and even a little romance (which turned out to be very rewarding!).

As in "The Oathbound," Tarma and Kethry were appealing characters with very human sides. Their interactions with each other were genuine, and Lackey peppered the dialogue with sprinklings of humor to lighten the dark nature of their quest.

Bottom Line: A very entertaining read with plenty of action (if not a bit violent) and great characters!

Way to ruin a good set of characters. Oathbound was a fine book. This sequel would have been a lot better if Lacking hadn't thrown in her two favourite cliches. First cliche- two characters fall in love with each other, but spend eight angst-filled chapters weeping because they are sure the other character won't like them. Second cliche- the characters discuss what they would do if a terribly unlikely thing were to occur, and amazingly enough- it happens in the next chapter! And the world is saved because they remembered what they decided they would do! Give me a break.

This is a continuation of the Tarma and Kethry story. The two women have become mercenaries with Idra's Sunhawks, a well-disciplined mercenary company. When Captain Idra suddenly disappears, it is up to Tarma and Kethry to unravel the mystery.
This is truly a wonderful novel. I liked both Tarma and Kethry, but my favourite is still Warrl. His sarcastic humour is extremely funny.
And, for those of you who savour revenge stories, this is just what the doctor ordered. The revenge served up to the villain (I won't say who) at the end left me smiling, because he deserved it so very much!!!
This novel left me hungry for more Tarma and Kethry stories. Oathblood is a book which contains all of the stories in the Sword & Sorceress series, in which Tarma and Kethry were born. And of course, By the Sword is the story of Kethry's granddaughter Kerowyn.
These are wonderful novels which I have reread so much, my copies are starting to fall apart! I highly recommend these, as well as Ms. Lackey's other Valdemar novels.

i'm 15 now, but i started reading mercedes lackey novels when i was 13. this was the first one i read, and it intrigued me so much that i went on to read most of her other novels. tarma and kethry certainly are well-written characters. i have yet to read about another more compatible or likeable duo. this really started my addiction to fantasy. any young reader who liked this will love tamora pierce's "allana" series. "harry potter" is so-so; it is sweet as candy and nicely written, but lackey's vows and honor series is what fantasy is REALLY about.

This a good book. I enjoyed reading the story because it has so many sub plots and interesting characters. The main characters are well rounded, sometimes a little static, but they have great interaction and compliment each other. Nice book!