500 kingdoms

Mercedes Lackey's series include the Valdemar and Oathsworn books, set on the World of Velgarth, The Elemental Masters books set in late 19th century London, collaborations with other authors in an urban fantasies series set in modern dates, and a great many books involving elves in several worlds, plus the Diane Tregarde series, and much more.

Amongst this body of writing is a series she calls the 500 Kingdoms which is based on traditional fairy and folk tales from Europe.

Do not be put off by LUNA books romance style covers.

Yes there is some romance and "true love" but there's also wit and irony.

What happens to ordinary people and magic users in a world where the "Tradition" tries to compel you to follow certain mythic patterns no matter how well you study and understand them or dont. How do you use or survive the Tradition so there can be happy endings as well as tragedy?

In this world Fairy Godmothers are mortal guardians (the "fairies" got fed up and retired) who try to invert tragedies and channel the Tradition into positive changes that work against evil with the help of Champions and other magical beings.

Want a happy ending that has to be earned by the characters based on a solid understanding of fairy tales in their ancient traditional and most powerful forms (definitely not the Disney versions!) along with some wit humor and irony .

Try these books:

The Fairy Godmother

One Good Knight

Fortune's Fool

The Snow Queen

Suitable for most age groups and a good read when you're in the mood for some fantasy with a happy ending - a genuine Tolkienian Eucatastrophe but with a twist that makes them not TOO light and sugary!

P.S. Valdemar fans Foundation is out this month!

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