This is the story of the Herald with the thieves past, Skif. An orphan in the care of his uncle, who treats him as nothing more than a servant, Skif escapes into the city and meets up with a small band of thieves. He becomes quite the pickpocket and cat burglar until Chosen. Then his adventures really begin.
Impressions: I think I actually enjoyed this Valdemar novel even more than Brightly Burning. Skif is a wonderful scoundrel and getting the peek into his past is a much enjoyed journey. As always, I enjoyed Lackey's writing.
The story of Lavan Firestorm, a Herald Firestarter, a merchant's son who was originally enrolled in the same school that trains the Heralds by his parents. Bullied near daily by the older students, it isn't until he releases his gift in self-defense that anyone is aware he even has a gift. He becomes chosen and trained to be a Herald, it is only during a conflict with Karse that everyone learns how truly devastating his gift can be.
Impressions: Personally I love Lackey's Valdemar books, even though they are more aimed at a y.a. audience, and Brightly Burning is no exception. It's nice to see her filling out some of the back history and charcater histories now days. I even cried at the end of this one. Course, my husband would just say I'm a sucker. ;)
