Big Books of Spring
The Hills Have Spies (Valdemar: Family Spies, #1)

Questions About The Hills Have Spies (Valdemar: Family Spies, #1)

by Mercedes Lackey (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (5)

Why is M. Lackey STILL writing about Mags and family????
Michelle David Maybe because she enjoys writing about the history of Valdemar at that time and we enjoy them? My Dad and I really enjoyed Mags and his life story and…moreMaybe because she enjoys writing about the history of Valdemar at that time and we enjoy them? My Dad and I really enjoyed Mags and his life story and while I really loved the book today I was sad that he wasn't here to read it too. I hope she keeps letting us visit Valdemar and their family many more times. (less)
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Can I start with this book or do I really need to read the 43(?) previous books?
Melissa Kelly NO!! You can read this as a stand-alone, if you are good at suspension of disbelief. Just accept what you don't understand about the world and get on …moreNO!! You can read this as a stand-alone, if you are good at suspension of disbelief. Just accept what you don't understand about the world and get on with it! (Hunh, sounds like a recipe for life, doesn't it;-) ;-) ) Anyway, while it helps to helps to have read a few other books, it is by no means necessary!l(less)
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A few reviewers mentioned the original blurb had the name "Justyn" instead of Perry. Do ya'll think Misty was originally planning for him to be a young version of hedge wizard Justyn we know from Darian's tale? Would that have worked out, timeline-wise?
Sandy on my copy from the library, it wasn't just the name Justyn on the inside of the jacket - it was also a different plot! But nothing about a hedge wiza…moreon my copy from the library, it wasn't just the name Justyn on the inside of the jacket - it was also a different plot! But nothing about a hedge wizard.(less)
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can I read this not having read any of the Valdemar books? Or will it ruin my enjoyment/understanding?
Debra You can definitely read this by itself. Mercedes gives enough background for you to understand without boring those of us who have been reading her fo…moreYou can definitely read this by itself. Mercedes gives enough background for you to understand without boring those of us who have been reading her for years. Also this book has a definite ending. At least for now.(less)
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Is the atmosphere of this book a lot like the previous series (Collegium), in that it's basically YA instead of the more adult atmosphere of older ML work? Or is it more like her older work that's more adult themed?
Sheri I feel very much the same way. Earlier books were grander with more complex stories and personalities. There was suspense, pain, moral ambiguity and a…moreI feel very much the same way. Earlier books were grander with more complex stories and personalities. There was suspense, pain, moral ambiguity and adult complexity. Vanyal’s fate left me in tears. I feasted on the Hawkbrother books. I greedily anticipated the release of any new book. But now.....nya......I read them them but I’m not excited by them. It’s like going from a nail-biting mystery to a fluffy cozy. (less)
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