By the Sword by Mercedes Lackey

I have divided my review of By the Sword into parts, just as the book was divided. Spoiler: I loved this one.

Book 1: Kerowyn’s Ride

Aside from Alberich’s battling bandits at the beginning of Exile’s Honor, this is the most brutal beginning to anyone’s story we’ve had yet. Aaand I forgot Tarma’s introduction, so I’m wrong. But it’s up there with that.

I like that Kerowyn has a moment of revulsion at having killed. I like her reasoning the guilt out. Kerowyn’s a fun character all around. She’s headstrong in a good way.

We got an interesting look at how Need actually takes over. We didn’t get a lot of that from Kethry’s POV. Kero’s handling of Need was also neat. Looks like Need’s actually found herself a partner rather than a someone she can control.

Oh NOW we get a mention of the vrondi watching Kethry and Valdemar’s weird anti-magic thing that makes zero sense. I’m rolling my eyes here. And yes, I’m likely to mention this crap every single time it comes up until it’s not an issue anymore.

Book 2: Two Edged Blade

I had a feeling Kero was going to end up leading the Skybolts, wasn’t expecting the long journey to get there, but yeah.

Speaking of the journey, I am somewhat disappointed Kero doesn’t end up going to Valdemar to at least claim Eldan’s bounty or whatever. I liked Eldan and Ratha. I liked that Kero ultimately made the more “adult” decision to leave them so they could get back to Valdemar.

Book 3: The Price of Command

Again we get the whole “no magic in Valdemar” issue. I’m a little surprised Quentin and his set couldn’t figure out the vrondi but I also feel like that would have taken up too much “screen time” anyway.

Even though I knew it was coming, the Skybolts’ vote to stay and fight made me tear up. Heck, Daren arriving even though I knew he would had me in tears as well. I dunno if it’s the sudden burst of hope or just that I’m tired and easily affected by this sort of thing, but… yeah. Happy tears were shed. I won’t say anymore as this is already bordering on spoilers.

Overall, I really enjoyed By the Sword. It was fun, if long, but it really needed the length. I’m glad Ancar got dealt with right away in the chronology, too. Or at least mostly dealt with. I am very much looking forward to continuing my Valdemar journey.