Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey, 3

Book description: Chosen by the Companion Rolan, a mystical horse-like being with powers beyond imagining, Talia, once a runaway, has now become a trainee Herald, destined to become one of the Queens's own elite guard. For Talia has certain awakening talents of the mind that only a Companion like Rolan can truly sense. But as Talia struggles to master her unique abilities, time is running out. For conspiracy is brewing in Valdemar, a deadly treason which could destroy Queen and kingdom. Opposed by unknown enemies capable of both diabolical magic and treacherous assassination, the Queen must turn to Talia and the Heralds for aid in protecting the realm and insuring the future of the queen's heir, a child already in danger of becoming bespelled by the Queen's own foes.

Review: I read the Last Herald-Mage trilogy a few years back and loved it. Since then, I’ve had trouble getting into any of the other Valdemar books because I can’t stand all that nonsense with the horses. Super intelligent animals in fantasy is one of my major pet peeves with the genre. But Arrows of the Queen was entertaining enough for me to overlook my prejudice. The plot is average, a young girl escapes from a hard childhood when she discovers she has magical abilities and goes to school to develop those abilities. Talia, the heroine, is also your average too prefect fantasy heroine. The book’s saving grace is the strong cast of side characters. There are so many of them I want to read more about which is why I’ll be continuing with this series. An average but enjoyable fantasy overall.

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