Mercedes Lackey

Ok, I've recently been reading the Heralds of Valdemar series by Mercedes Lackey. So far, I like most of it. My library frustratingly is missing some of the books. My favorite characters are Talia and Karal, and my favorite books are Arrows of the Queen and Storm Breaking. Any experts on this series or other Lackey books? I've been thinking of reading the Bardic Voices ones...are they any good? What are your favorite characters or books?