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  • Beyond

  • Founding of Valdemar Series, Book 1
  • By: Mercedes Lackey
  • Narrated by: Paul Woodson
  • Length: 12 hrs and 13 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (42 ratings)

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Beyond

By: Mercedes Lackey
Narrated by: Paul Woodson
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Summary

Within the Eastern Empire, Duke Kordas Valdemar rules a tiny, bucolic Duchy that focuses mostly on horse breeding. Anticipating the day when the Empire's exploitative and militant leaders would not be content to leave them alone, Korda's father set out to gather magicians in the hopes of one day finding a way to escape and protect the people of the Duchy from tyranny.

The signs in the Empire are increasingly dire. Under the direction of the Emperor, mages have begun to harness the power of dark magics, including blood magic, the powers of the Abyssal Planes, and the binding and "milking" of Elemental creatures.

But then one of the Duchy's mages has a breakthrough. There is a way to place a Gate at a distance so far from the Empire that it is unlikely the Emperor can find or follow them as they evacuate everyone that is willing to leave.

But time is running out, and Kordas has been summoned to the Emperor's Court.

Can his reputation as a country bumpkin and his acting skills buy him and his people the time they need to flee? Or will the Emperor lose patience, invade to strip Valdemar of everything of worth, and send its conscripted people into the front lines of the Imperial wars?

©2021 Mercedes Lackey (P)2021 Tantor
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What listeners say about Beyond

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Wonderful plot.

As always Mercedes lackey creates the most original plots. No tired rehash here. I’ve listened twice and enjoyed equally both times.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Strong start to an intriguing series...

This is a classic, medieval-setting fantasy featuring a likeable protagonist beset by a host of difficulties, while trying to keep his family and those people in the Duchy safe. I shall certainly be listening to more of this entertaining series. 8/10

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing story

Amazing modern feeling story. I absolutely loved the vastness of the world and have ordered more of the Valdemar series

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

At last!

This is something I've been wanting for years - the back story of how Valdemar got started and I am not disappointed!
It was beautifully read and the story fit together perfectly.
The Earth elementals place in this book was heart breaking and no 'thing' should go through that.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Everything i hoped for and more!

Ever since I was a young girl reading Kerowyn, I have wondered about the founding. this was longed for and was beyond my high expectations.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A great listen

How it all started. I have read all of the herald stories and love the world created. However missed the beginning. The narrator reads well and his pace is excellent.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Enjoyed audiobook

Loved the book. Great author and narrator. Likeable characters. Horrible villain. Story feels finished but know there must be a continuation. Look forward to what happens next. How will the story continue. Present story unexpected story line ending. Hope sequel appears soon.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great Story of an interesting world

It starts with horses and families in a feudal world and their back stories. It is compelling to listen to and well narrated
The characters come to life and you get an insight into their lives and world. It leaves you on the edge to start the next book and story. I would recommend this story if you love fantasy and familiar but different worlds

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