[ 
Mood: Sleepy ]
[ Currently: Editing the Podcast ]
Mercedes Lackey is a very well known fantasy author. Creator of the Heralds of Valdemar series, her books would be classified as YA if she starting publishing now, given the themes that she explores. Yet, I started reading her books in my late teens/early twenties and I still feel a little pitter-patter when I see them in the store.
Intrigues is the second book of her Collegium Chronicles and it continues to tell the story of Mags, an orphan and former mine worker who is chosen by Dallen, one of Valdemar’s fabled companions, spirits who look like horses. This time out, the Foreseers have seen visions of the king covered in a foreigner’s blood just as Mags discovers in the Herald’s archives that he is of foreign birth. Mags suddenly finds himself the subject of viscous gossip and dirty looks, which leaves him increasingly isolated, in spite of his membership on one of the new Kirball teams.
Mags deals with his increasing isolation by withdrawing further, leading to a vicious circle. The more he withdraws, the nastier the rumours get. When Dallen is injured and his two best friends turn on him, Mags flees into the night.
This books should be classified as YA as it has the typical angsty "I don’t belong" theme that permeates YA. This is compounded by the almost improbable fight that Mags has with Lena and Bear near the end of the book. It doesn’t mean it isn’t a fun read, in fact it is like that comfortable old sweater that you slip on when a cold day hits. It is not the most complicated thing you own, but it feels good to wear it.