| $@%&! level: Low “Bedroom” level: Medium-Low (Nothing actually happens, but not for lack of trying) Violence level: Medium-Low Back Cover: “Chosen by the Companion Rolan, a mystical horse-like being with powers beyond imagining, Talia, once a runaway, has now become a trainee Herald, destined to become one of the Queen's own elite guard. For Talia has certain awakening talents of the mind that only a Companion like Rolan can truly sense. But as Talia struggles to master her unique abilities, time is running out. For conspiracy is brewing in Valdemar, a deadly treason which could destroy Queen and kingdom. Opposed by unknown enemies capable of both diabolical magic and treacherous assassination, the Queen must turn to Talia and the Heralds for aid in protecting the realm and insuring the future of the Queen's heir, a child already in danger of becoming bespelled by the Queen's own foes!” |
As a young teenager, I felt a lot of sympathy with Talia, which is possibly why I got so very into the stories of Valdemar. She's a shy thirteen-year-old girl who loves to read; I'm guessing that's something that will appeal to many teenage girls who actually pick up the book. For me, seeing her so utterly terrified of so many social situations let me know that—first, at least I didn't have it as badly as she did, and second, that it was okay to be shy and it didn't have to stop me from doing important things with my life.
Talia has three things she has to overcome in the course of this book. One of them is that terror of people in general (and handsome men in particular). And she does get better as she becomes more sure of her ability to handle most situations, make friends, and protect herself when she needs to. The second one is to figure out what happened to her predecessor and how he died—and incidentally keep the same people from killing her in turn. And the third thing is to correct the behavior and self-centered attitudes of a truly spoiled little girl who just happens to be the Queen's daughter. All this while learning the skills and information she'll need to eventually graduate and be a full grown Herald. While I identify strongly with the overcoming shyness bit, and appreciate the excitement of the dangerous parts, oddly enough it's the parts about reforming the Brat that have always fascinated me the most. I don't know why, but the image of that poor little girl covered in glue after trying to fix her toys is one that will remain stuck in my head for a long time.