EXILE'S HONOR BY MERCEDES LACKEY
I haven't read any of the Valdemar novels but this is a fantastic tale of how a man from the nation of Karse, Valdermar's arch enemy is called to be one of their magical Heralds. Well written, action packed and fantastically enjoyable. It overcomes any preconceptions that this is some sort of 'My Little Pony' tween fantasy thingie.