The third book in the Herald Spy trilogy sees Mags and Amily both growing into their adult responsibilities. Mags is busy with his poor orphans down in Haven. He has rescued them from the men who want to use them as thieves and is teaching them to carry messages and work in a variety of wealthy households. Along the way they are bringing him valuable intelligence that he is using to keep Valdemar safe.

Amily is also busy up at the Court. She is working with her own intelligence network among the Queen's handmaidens. She is also building her skills as the King's Own even though she is a bit resentful that many still consider her father Herald Nikolas the King's Own.

Amily's lower profile comes in useful when a series of anonymous letters threatens the stability of the Court. The letters target women and are filled with misogynistic threats and crude remarks. Mags is also dealing with threats against women in religious orders and woman shop owners down in Haven. It soon becomes clear that the same hand is directing each action. But finding out who is a difficult task.

Mags is focused on a religious order that worships the patriarchal god Sethor because of their dismissive attitude toward women. But it seems that the attacks require mind gifts. Mags didn't know that mind gifts could exist outside of the Heralds.

This was an excellent episode in Mags's story. It is also a great return to the world of Valdemar with its Heralds and Companions. I enjoyed the story. ( )

Fun series, good characters, interesting description of spying. ( )

I like the books Mercedes Lackey writes, she is good at creating a believable world and people to populate it. While her writing is not the strongest I do find it engaging ang and enjoyable. I like a series I can live inside of and her books are ones that have characters I feel invested in and a world I believe could exist. ( )

As much as I love The Last Herald Mage trilogy, I think The Herald Spy books featuring Mags and Amily have become my favourite Valdemar books and I look forward to reading morecwirh these characters. ( )

Rather timely in its theme ( )