Oathbreakers (Vows and Honor Book 2)

When I started Oathbreakers, I expected a format similar to Oathbound and what we will see in Oathblood, the final book in this trilogy -- a collection of loosely tied short stories. I was quite excited when I discovered that Oathbreakers is actually a complete novel!

The best part of Oathbreakers are the character relationships. I fell in love with the deeper partnership between Keth and Tarma. In Oathbound, it was obviously this duo was still learning to work together. Now they have an amazing, trusting, powerful relationship that proves they are both deadly and loving. Keth and Tarma both have unique voices and unique positions. Throw in Warrl and this is my favorite trio in the entire Valdemar universe.

The relationships Keth and Tarma have and continue to develop with others characters are well done, too. The most extreme example is that of Jadrek. When they first meet him, he is distrusting and cold. But, by the end he is more-or-less a family member. Jadrek's evolution felt natural. I was rooting for him to become part of the family by the end of the novel, for sure. But he isn't alone. Justin, Ikan, and even Roald have their own relationship development with our protagonists. As a lover of character-driven novels, I was thrilled.

The plot is fun. Filled with intrigue and scheming, I enjoyed following Keth, Tarma, and Warrl as they adventured to find Idra. Unfortunately, rape is yet again a plot point. But… there was something different about it this time. Lackey more-or-less called out rape as a common way to break a woman. This makes me wonder -- has she started to notice her own trend? Will she break from this in the future?

Another blast from the past as I slowly continue my re-read of the Valdemar universe books. In this book we see Tarma and Kethry "all grown up" as it were. Not that they weren't quite mature before, but now they have several more years of experience under their belts, both as an independent team and as part of a mercenary company. Both have learned much about how to work with and train others, skills that will be vital for them to be able to found their fighting and magecraft schools as they want to someday. These skills also make them the best suited to investigate the disappearance of their Captain...and to plot and lead the revenge-taking when they discover the answers they were seeking regarding her.

I'm not sure if you could say the two heroines here develop further during the course of this book so much as we simply get to see a lot more of who they are and what sort of women they've become after years of partnering and following a mercenary's life. Throughout the course of the novel we get to see in detail how they work, which is always to follow the motto of "fight smarter, not harder." Even when their own rage tries to demand that they take action *NOW* they don't give into it, holding onto their tempers, even if only by a hairsbreadth, and channeling their anger into productive activities instead of letting it control them.

I think I like this book better than the first one in part because of the story and in part because it's more cohesive as a novel. Where book one was composed in part of short stories that were edited together with some new material to form a novel, this has the feel of having been written as a novel from start to finish and isn't episodic as Oathbound was as times. As with the first book, I believe any fans of old school fantasy, particularly of the sword and sorcery type, would enjoy this book. It may be old, but it has stood the test of time well and doesn't feel dated at all, at least in my opinion. 4 solid stars.

Very good part of series, added more depth to the overall story

Goes from laughter to interaction with an amazing twist. Several times!?!l

You will Love!!!!! Lots of funday time!! Have fun!a

I love the world building and character development, the sense of being there and sharing the experiences. I always feel like I’m saying good bye to dear friends when I finish one of her books. I always find myself asking for more, please.....

Many times a sequel isn't as strong as the original. Oathbreakers, if anything, is stronger. Less episodic, there's a missing person who ties the whole novel together. Kethry and Tarma are tasked to find her, or to discover her fate. For fans of Valdemar, a herald and his companion do make an entrance. The background to one of Valdemar's alliances is also revealed.

People may not realize that there are two CDs that accompany Oathbound and Oathbreakers. They bear the same title, but are/were put out by Firebird Arts and Music. They include the filk songs (science fiction/fantasy folk songs) that Lackey published about these books. Both are excellent listening.

For fans of sword-and-sorcery novels, few are as good as this one. Highly recommended.

It so very human, warm, caring and touching on so many levels I find myself reading it over and over again.

What is great about the book? It's a continuation of Mercedes wonderful saga of Valdemar. I have found that for treatment of today's world nothing beats an upbeat and absorbing book. Ora number of books. The action, the mood, the writing are all great..

A great story! This is a terrific adventure with a wonderful ending! Valdenare is only a small detail
Of the story, but it does explain the trust between the two kingdoms. I love how the women are
The main characters and are smart and strong!

Great story told well. Read all of this author's books you can. Wonderful storyteller.
You will be entertained and spellbound.