Mercedes Lackey is a full-time writer and has published numerous novels and works of short fiction, including the best-selling Heralds of Valdemar series. She is also a professional lyricist and a licensed wild bird rehabilitator. She lives in Oklahoma with her husband, artist Larry Dixon, and their flock of parrots. She can be found at mercedeslackey.com or on Twitter at @mercedeslackey. From the Hardcover edition.
Praise for The Collegium Chronicles: Thanks to court intrigues and an attempt by foreign infiltrators to trick Valdemar to its disadvantage, Lackey makes a real page-turner out of Mags' and the collegia's development. Booklist For fans of her work, the return to the land of Valdemar and the continued tale of treasured characters will not disappoint and new readers are likely to become devoted fans. Lackey has a playful writing style that is easy to become engrossed in. RT Book Reviews Returning to her beloved Valdemar universe, Lackey opens her new series at a pivotal time in the history of Valdemar.... Series fans will enjoy the variations on a familiar theme, while enough information is presented for first-timers to discover a world of high adventure and individual courage. Highly recommended. Library Journal Lackey has effortlessly returned us to the wondrous realm of Valdemar. Night Owl Reviews As always, she tells an entertaining and enjoyable tale of Valdemar with characters we love and a world we'll always want to visit. Pop Culture Beast Closer to the Heart has the two things that have always made me love these books: a richly detailed history of the world, and beautiful writing. -The Arched Doorway