A review by saphirablue
Sword of Ice and Other Tales of Valdemar by Ben Ohlander, Kristin Schwengel, Richard Lee Byers, Stephanie D. Shaver, Tanya Huff, Gary A. Braunbeck, Mercedes Lackey, Janni Lee Simner, Elisabeth Waters, Mickey Zucker Reichert, Josepha Sherman, Lawrence Schimel, Mark Shepherd, Mel White, John Yezeguielian, Michelle Sagara West, John Helfers, Larry Dixon, Philip M. Austin

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Spoiler

As always with anthologies/short story collections - there are stories that I love and some that I like more of less. However, this time there hasn't been one that I didn't like. :)

I love the different POVs, themes and focuses that are brought in by all these authors.

One story I've already known - the one of Herald Jors and it's been a delight to re-read his story in the Demons Den. ;)

My very favourite story however is the one of Kelsey. It just resonated with me and I cheered her on the whole time while she kept Herald Carris save so that he could bring the message to the King. Which didn't happen in the end because Kelsey took care of the problem. <3

I also loved the stories of Vanyel in the Forrest of Sorrows (I've been hoping for just such a story <3) and Savil meeting the Tayledras. <3

I had a wonderful time reading all these stories and I'm looking forward to the next anthology with new tales of Valdemar. :)