The Exiles of Valdemar series

The Exiles of Valdemar omnibus includes three books: Exile's Honor, Exile's Valor and Take a Thief. They are prequels, set before the events in first Valdemar books, The Heralds of Valdemar Trilogy. The prequels were published out of chronological order, with Take a Thief in 2001, Exile's Honor in 2002 and Exile's Valor in 2003. Chronologically, the events of Take a Thief occur after the two Exile books.

Exile's Honor[]

Main article: Exile's Honor

Karse Captain Alberich is Chosen by Companion Kantor, who brings him to Valdemar to become a Herald. Alberich keeps true to his honor despite joining Karse's hereditary enemy. He finds his purpose as Weaponsmaster's second and learns about Valdemar by serving as Princess Selenay's bodyguard. During the years-long Tedrel Wars, he can only help Valdemar as a domestic spy - until the final battle.

Exile's Valor[]

Main article: Exile's Valor

Weaponsmaster Alberich supports Selenay through her first year as monarch, grieving for her father. Everyone is stunned when Rethwellan Prince Karathanelan wins her heart and she rushes to marry him. When she gets pregnant, Alberich and Queen's Own Talamir realize with horror that after the baby is born, Selenay will be the only obstacle to the Prince's desire for power.

Take a Thief[]

Main article: Take a Thief

A mistreated boy, Skif, escapes a life of drudgery with his uncle by joining a group of thieves. When tragedy strikes his new family, his desire for revenge puts him in the path of a grim Herald: Weaponsmaster Alberich.

Major characters in the series[]

Herald Alberich
Companion Kantor
Princess/Queen Selenay
Herald Elcarth
Queen's Own Herald Talamir
Herald Myste
Herald Kyril
Herald Skif

Chronology notes[]

Exile's Honor is set before Selenay was crowned in 1376 AF, and Exile's Valor begins immediately after, ending in 1378. The narrative of Take a Thief begins in 1381 AF and ends in 1384 AF, two years before the events of Arrows of the Queen begin in 1386 AF.