Beyond cover art

Beyond

Founding of Valdemar Series, Book 1

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Beyond

By: Mercedes Lackey
Narrated by: Paul Woodson
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About this listen

Within the Eastern Empire, Duke Kordas Valdemar rules a tiny, bucolic Duchy that focuses mostly on horse breeding. Anticipating the day when the Empire's exploitative and militant leaders would not be content to leave them alone, Korda's father set out to gather magicians in the hopes of one day finding a way to escape and protect the people of the Duchy from tyranny.

The signs in the Empire are increasingly dire. Under the direction of the Emperor, mages have begun to harness the power of dark magics, including blood magic, the powers of the Abyssal Planes, and the binding and "milking" of Elemental creatures.

But then one of the Duchy's mages has a breakthrough. There is a way to place a Gate at a distance so far from the Empire that it is unlikely the Emperor can find or follow them as they evacuate everyone that is willing to leave.

But time is running out, and Kordas has been summoned to the Emperor's Court.

Can his reputation as a country bumpkin and his acting skills buy him and his people the time they need to flee? Or will the Emperor lose patience, invade to strip Valdemar of everything of worth, and send its conscripted people into the front lines of the Imperial wars?

©2021 Mercedes Lackey (P)2021 Tantor Action & Adventure Dark Fantasy Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Magic Magic Users Wizardry

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All stars
Most relevant
This is a classic, medieval-setting fantasy featuring a likeable protagonist beset by a host of difficulties, while trying to keep his family and those people in the Duchy safe. I shall certainly be listening to more of this entertaining series. 8/10

Strong start to an intriguing series...

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How it all started. I have read all of the herald stories and love the world created. However missed the beginning. The narrator reads well and his pace is excellent.

A great listen

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Loved the book. Great author and narrator. Likeable characters. Horrible villain. Story feels finished but know there must be a continuation. Look forward to what happens next. How will the story continue. Present story unexpected story line ending. Hope sequel appears soon.

Enjoyed audiobook

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This is something I've been wanting for years - the back story of how Valdemar got started and I am not disappointed!
It was beautifully read and the story fit together perfectly.
The Earth elementals place in this book was heart breaking and no 'thing' should go through that.

At last!

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Ever since I was a young girl reading Kerowyn, I have wondered about the founding. this was longed for and was beyond my high expectations.

Everything i hoped for and more!

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