Arrows of the Queen is the first book in the Heralds of Valdemar series. Talia, a young girl who has been brought up very strictly runs away on being informed that a husband has been chosen for her. She is rebellious and frightened by what she sees of marriage in her small village, where men typically have multiple wives and women have very little status.

As she tries to decide whether or not to return, she is chosen by a Companion, a creature rather like a horse but with abilities no horse could come close to. With that choice she is taken to become a Herald. But not just any herald. She is to be the Queen's Own.

Arrows of the Queen is not the most exciting of novels. It has it's moments, but it's relatively peaceful. Talia faces some problems, even danger to her life, but nothing extreme. I know that sounds contradictory, but if you read you will understand. Call it a lack of drama, perhaps.

Arrows of the Queen is probably best for younger readers of fantasy, say early to mid teens. It's not challenging, but girls in particular of that age group may be more likely to identify with Talia.