Book cover of Magic's Pawn

Book description

Groundbreaking epic fantasy series in Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar universe • Lambda-Award winning novels with heartfelt high adventure and magic  
 
Though Vanyel has been born with near-legendary abilities to work both Herald and Mage magic, he wasn’t no part in such things. Nor does he seek a warrior’s path, wishing instead…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked Magic's Pawn as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

It’s the early 1990s, and a “horse crazy” teenager discovers a fantasy novel with a striking white horse and a handsome, dark-haired young man on the cover at her local K-Mart. Okay, so I’ve dated myself, but I’m not going to lie. A horse and a cute boy got me into reading Mercedes Lackey’s tales of Valdemar, and Magic’s Pawn was the first book I discovered. A fantasy novel with a horse that could talk to you and magic powers was the perfect escape for a teenager, and I’m not alone. Many readers discovered Valdemar, and more importantly, a gay…

From Kit's list on fantasy for horse lovers.

Lackey has created a huge following for her Valdemar series and with good cause. Imagine a world where unearthly, beautiful spirits in the guise of horses ‘choose’ a person to be their Herald. Which means they are bonded in a relationship that transcends anything else and their role, nay duty, is to protect and help those less fortunate than themselves. It’s a real world, created with villains and heroes and guarded by the heavenly “Companions” manifesting as horses. If you love magic and horses, you can’t go wrong with any Mercedes Lackey book.

From Nancy's list on magic and myth in our everyday lives.

If you love Magic's Pawn...

Ad

Book cover of Child of Vanris

Child of Vanris by Nikki McCormack,

At five years old, Kasiel was found with the pointed ends of his ears cut off. Despite that brutal start, he’s lived twelve peaceful years with the man who took him in. Keeping his hair long over his mutilated ears helps him hide the fact that he is Vanrian, a…

Want books like Magic's Pawn?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 93 books like Magic's Pawn.

Browse books like Magic's Pawn

Book cover of War for the Oaks: The Screenplay
Book cover of The Lady
Book cover of The Little Country

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,276

readers submitted
so far, will you?