Arrow's Flight

This started off exciting. We finally get to see Talia out in the world! Except shortly into the novel, all forward momentum is lost. It devolves into circular ponderance of ethics and her ability. Stuck in a single spot, rather than getting to see Valdemar.This is the majority of the book. If the characters were more interesting then this could have been okay. The dialogue between characters was pure torture. Attempts at humorous conversation made me feel uncomfortable. There's a problematic mentor/mentee relationship to boot. Not cool.

Very much a middle book. I would have liked more to happen in the plot.

If you like fantasy stories - this is a darn good one. Book 1 in the series was a really good take on the classic story of a youngster whisked off to a “special” job - you'll know just what I mean if you've read any Pern books. This second book takes the story into high gear with the central character having to face up to the ethical issues raised by her talents.

Talia's story continues, and I continue to respect Mercedes Lackey for creating proper female heroes with agency and autonomy. How easily this story could have fallen into a romance with Talia entirely depending on Kris' support, but it never does. This is pre-every YA story is also a love triangle, thank goodness. The series is still something I enjoyed more back when I was Talia's age, but it's enjoyable to revisit that sort of setting and that sort of mindframe from time to time.