Title: Redoubt
Author: Mercedes Lackey
First published October 2, 2012
394 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780756408053 (ISBN10: 0756408059)
Rating: 4.01
Overview
In the book Redoubt, life has certainly improved for Mags since he became a hero by rescuing Amily from kidnappers. However, the mystery of his parents’ identity still haunts him.
With his special training as an undercover partner and future spy for the crown, Mags works alongside Nikolas in the seedier parts of Haven, using his cunning skills to ferret out hidden motives. But when Mags wakes up blindfolded and bound, he realizes he’s been captured and is now completely alone without his Mindspeech.
With no one to help him, Mags must use all his skills to survive and escape this dangerous situation.
About the Author
Mercedes was born on a summer day in 1950 in Chicago. She grew up like any other child and eventually graduated from Purdue University in 1972.
Her career path led her to work as an artist’s model in the late 70’s and later transition into computer programming. She eventually found herself working at American Airlines in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Alongside her passion for fantasy writing, she has also written and recorded almost fifty songs for Firebird Arts & Music. This company specializes in science fiction folk music.
To Mercedes, her role as a writer is that of a storyteller. Her characters are the driving force behind her stories and dictate how they react to the situations presented to them.
This approach has allowed her to connect with readers of all ages, from thirteen to sixty-odd. Song lyrics are another area of writing that she enjoys.
They allow her to condense a story down to its most essential elements, capturing a crucial moment in time. Mercedes also sees music as being integral to medieval people, with bards being the primary newsbringers.
When she writes “folk music” for her fantasy worlds, it enriches the entire world, regardless of whether the song is included in the text.
Mercedes began writing out of boredom, but quickly found that she couldn’t stop. She describes herself as being addicted to writing, which has resulted in a nonexistent social life.
Her love for fantasy is what initially drew her to the genre, but she applies the same level of detail and care to constructing her fantasy worlds as a high-tech science fiction writer would to their works. She even applies the principle of TANSTAAFL to magic, where magic comes with a cost to the magician.
Her worlds are grounded in reality, with people dealing with everyday problems alongside invading armies and evil magicians. Even the villains in her stories are more than just flat stereotypes, with personalities and desires of their own.
Mercedes believes that there is no one “true way” in life. The only answers worth having are the ones that you discover for yourself.
Leaving the world better than you found it is the ultimate goal. Love, freedom, and the opportunity to do good are the things worth living and dying for.
If you’re not willing to fight for those things, then what makes you a member of the human race? Mercedes’ books are a reflection of these beliefs, with characters who strive to make the world a better place.
Editoral Review
Mercedes Lackey’s Redoubt is a captivating novel that explores a fantastical world filled with magic and danger. Lackey is a prolific author who has published over a hundred novels and is renowned for her ability to create rich, immersive worlds filled with complex characters and intricate plots.
Redoubt follows the story of Mags, a young orphan boy who has been rescued from a harsh life on the streets and taken in by a group of magic-wielding protectors known as the Herald-Mages. As Mags trains to become a Herald-Mage himself, he discovers dark secrets about his past and must confront powerful enemies in order to protect his new home.
The novel is set in a world called Valdemar, where magic is both feared and revered. Lackey’s world-building is impressive, with intricate descriptions of the magic system and the various cultures that populate Valdemar.
The setting is rich and immersive, pulling the reader into a world of danger and magic. The characters in Redoubt are equally compelling.
Mags is a likable protagonist, with a relatable backstory that makes his journey all the more satisfying. The other members of the Herald-Mages are also well-developed, each with their own distinct personalities and motivations.
The plot of Redoubt is well-paced, with action-packed scenes interspersed with moments of reflection and character development. Lackey manages to keep the reader engaged throughout, building to a satisfying climax that ties up all the loose ends.
One of the strengths of Redoubt is Lackey’s skillful use of themes. The novel explores the nature of power, the importance of family, and the dangers of prejudice.
These themes are woven seamlessly into the plot, adding depth and meaning to the story. However, Redoubt is not without its flaws.
Some of the dialogue feels stilted and unnatural, and some of the plot twists feel predictable. Additionally, the novel is quite long, and some readers may find themselves getting bogged down in the details.
Despite these limitations, Redoubt is a strong addition to Lackey’s body of work. Fans of fantasy and magic will find much to enjoy here, and readers who are new to Valdemar will find a rich and engaging world to explore.
Overall, Redoubt is a well-crafted novel that demonstrates Lackey’s considerable talents. It is a must-read for fans of the fantasy genre, and a recommended read for anyone who enjoys immersive world-building, complex characters, and engaging plotlines.
The Washington Post gives it 4 out of 5 stars.
