Spy, Spy Again

May 1, 2020

The third book in the "Family Spies" series follows the youngest son of Heralds Mags and Amily, Tory, as he and his best friend, Prince Kyril (Kee), set out on an adventure of their own. When Mags receives a message from his cousin Bey that Bey's eldest daughter, Sira, has been kidnapped by the Karsites, Tory and Kee are sent to help as guides for Sira's brother, Ankhan. But when the two boys go even further and decide to help with Sira's escape, they instigate a chain of events that will change their lives forever. VERDICT Longtime Lackey readers will feel a sense of familiarity as this book returns to the world of Valdamar, the setting of the author's many other series. In addition to showcasing Lackey's strengths in worldbuilding, this work also highlights her skills in creating realistic characters, the primary drivers of her stories and a delight to read. For fans of Lackey, this new jaunt through Valdemar is not to be missed.--Laura Hiatt, Fort Collins, CO

Copyright 2020 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2020
The latest in Lackey's long-running series (after Eye Spy, 2019) continues to chronicle the early history of Valdemar by following the adventures of Herald-Spy Mags' children. In this installment Mags' son Tory and his best friend, Prince Kee, have the ability to use their "Farsight" to see any member of their respective extended families. This ability leads them to the rescue of Sira, a Sleepgiver assassin and a member of the current ruling family, and a cousin to Mags. While Tory, Kee, and Sira's brother Akhan journey far beyond Valdemar's borders into the depths of the hostile demon-ridden land of Karse, Sira uses her own skills and mysterious ancient talismans, which she found in the depths of the Sleepgivers' mountain home, to try and plot her escape. Lackey's experienced hand makes this story brisk and engaging, ably juggling both fast-paced action and exposition about the extensive history of her fantasy world. While newcomers to Valdemar should start with the first of the Family Spies novels (The Hills Have Spies, 2018), this latest novel should more than satisfy fans.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)