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Paladin's Legacy #3
Echoes of Betrayal
The action continues fast and furious in this third installment of Elizabeth Moon’s celebrated return to the fantasy world of the paladin Paksenarrion Dorthansdotter. This award-winning author has firsthand military experience and an imagination that knows no bounds. Combine those qualities with an ability to craft flesh-and-blood characters, and the result is the kind of speculative fiction that engages both heart and mind.
All is not well in the Eight Kingdoms. In Lyonya, King Kieri is about to celebrate marriage to his beloved, the half-elf Arian. But uncanny whispers from the spirits of his ancestors continue to warn of treachery and murder. A finger of suspicion has been pointed toward his grandmother, the queen of the Ladysforest elves, and that suspicion has only intensified with time and the Lady’s inexplicable behavior. Clearly, she is hiding something. But what? And why?
Meanwhile, in Tsaia, the young king Mikeli must grapple with unrest among his own nobility over his controversial decision to grant the title and estates of a traitorous magelord to a Verrakaien who not only possesses the forbidden magic but is a woman besides: Dorrin, once one of Kieri’s most trusted captains. When renegade Verrakaien attack two of Dorrin’s squires, suspicion and prejudice combine to place Dorrin’s life at risk—and the king’s claim to the throne in peril.
But even greater danger is looming. The wild offspring of a dragon are on the loose, sowing death and destruction and upsetting the ancient balance of power between dragonkind, humans, elves, and gnomes. A collision seems inevitable. Yet when it comes, it will be utterly unexpected—and all the more devastating for it.
All is not well in the Eight Kingdoms. In Lyonya, King Kieri is about to celebrate marriage to his beloved, the half-elf Arian. But uncanny whispers from the spirits of his ancestors continue to warn of treachery and murder. A finger of suspicion has been pointed toward his grandmother, the queen of the Ladysforest elves, and that suspicion has only intensified with time and the Lady’s inexplicable behavior. Clearly, she is hiding something. But what? And why?
Meanwhile, in Tsaia, the young king Mikeli must grapple with unrest among his own nobility over his controversial decision to grant the title and estates of a traitorous magelord to a Verrakaien who not only possesses the forbidden magic but is a woman besides: Dorrin, once one of Kieri’s most trusted captains. When renegade Verrakaien attack two of Dorrin’s squires, suspicion and prejudice combine to place Dorrin’s life at risk—and the king’s claim to the throne in peril.
But even greater danger is looming. The wild offspring of a dragon are on the loose, sowing death and destruction and upsetting the ancient balance of power between dragonkind, humans, elves, and gnomes. A collision seems inevitable. Yet when it comes, it will be utterly unexpected—and all the more devastating for it.
451 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2012
158 people are currently reading
1404 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Moon
138 books2,632 followersElizabeth Moon was born March 7, 1945, and grew up in McAllen, Texas, graduating from McAllen High School in 1963. She has a B.A. in History from Rice University (1968) and another in Biology from the University of Texas at Austin (1975) with graduate work in Biology at the University of Texas, San Antonio.
She served in the USMC from 1968 to 1971, first at MCB Quantico and then at HQMC. She married Richard Moon, a Rice classmate and Army officer, in 1969; they moved to the small central Texas town where they still live in 1979. They have one son, born in 1983.
She started writing stories and poems as a small child; attempted first book (an illustrated biography of the family dog) at age six. Started writing science fiction in high school, but considered writing merely a sideline. First got serious about writing (as in, submitting things and actually getting money...) in the 1980s. Made first fiction sale at age forty--"Bargains" to Marion Zimmer Bradley's Sword & Sorceress III and "ABCs in Zero G" to Analog. Her first novel, Sheepfarmer's Daughter, sold in 1987 and came out in 1988; it won the Compton Crook Award in 1989. Remnant Population was a Hugo nominee in 1997, and The Speed of Dark was a finalist for the Arthur C. Clarke Award, and won the Nebula in 2004.
She served in the USMC from 1968 to 1971, first at MCB Quantico and then at HQMC. She married Richard Moon, a Rice classmate and Army officer, in 1969; they moved to the small central Texas town where they still live in 1979. They have one son, born in 1983.
She started writing stories and poems as a small child; attempted first book (an illustrated biography of the family dog) at age six. Started writing science fiction in high school, but considered writing merely a sideline. First got serious about writing (as in, submitting things and actually getting money...) in the 1980s. Made first fiction sale at age forty--"Bargains" to Marion Zimmer Bradley's Sword & Sorceress III and "ABCs in Zero G" to Analog. Her first novel, Sheepfarmer's Daughter, sold in 1987 and came out in 1988; it won the Compton Crook Award in 1989. Remnant Population was a Hugo nominee in 1997, and The Speed of Dark was a finalist for the Arthur C. Clarke Award, and won the Nebula in 2004.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
October 6, 2014
As you read this you probably picture me calmly sitting here at my keyboard preparing to tell you why I like this book and gave it my rare 5 star rating. No, no nothing could be further from the truth.
In actuality I'm screaming, throwing myself down on the floor kicking my heels against said floor and ripping at what little is left of my hair...
I hate cliffhangers.
Moon did this to us at the end of the second volume of the original Paksenarrion trilogy Divided Allegiance. Happily at that time I'd purchased the trilogy in a single volume The Deed of Paksenarrion and was able to go right on to the next novel without undue "overwroughtness" (I don't care what you grammarians say I'm using it as a word). Unhappily here the next book isn't due out till next JUNE!!!!!!! (slams head against wall repeatedly).
(takes deep breath)
Okay, trying to be calm here. This is the third book in the Paladin's Legacy series...that's series NOT TRILOGY...you'd think someone might have mentioned that earlier. And it's as good as the others. I have read a few of Elizabeth Moon's space opera/science fiction books and they're pretty good. I liked them okay but wouldn't list most among my favorites. When I read the 3 books of The Deed of Paksenarrion (as most of my friends here know) I was sold, hooked, branded or whatever. That trilogy is easily among my top 5 or so favorite novels. While the Paladin's Legacy books are a bit longer each and maybe not quite as high on my favorites list as the original trilogy they are on the list.
In this series we are following the characters we got to know in the original trilogy and answering all sorts of unanswered questions. This is a world that is fully imagined and has a magic system (systems or interrelated systems might express that better) that is coherent and yet is still growing and having details revealed. No one, it appears who's life was touched by Paksenarrion the Paladin remains unchanged. In fact it seems that she may have been...or still be a catalyst to change the entire world.
The plot seems to still be growing here and I have no idea how many volumes Ms. Moon has planned but as long as they continue to hold up and be this good I'm sold.
I recommend this...but if you haven't read the original trilogy I'd recommend you go back and start there...in fact I envy you a bit. You still those books to read.
Note:
The trilogy The Deed of Paksenarrion is now usually labeled "volumes 3 through 5". That can be misleading as what the publisher calls volumes 1 ans 2 are really prequels and don't need to be read before the trilogy. The original Paksenarrion trilogy is made up of:
A. Sheepfarmer's Daughter
B. Divided Allegiance
C.Oath Of Gold
All are highly recommended.
But this one does end in a cliffhanger (runs from room screaming in frustration).
In actuality I'm screaming, throwing myself down on the floor kicking my heels against said floor and ripping at what little is left of my hair...
I hate cliffhangers.
Moon did this to us at the end of the second volume of the original Paksenarrion trilogy Divided Allegiance. Happily at that time I'd purchased the trilogy in a single volume The Deed of Paksenarrion and was able to go right on to the next novel without undue "overwroughtness" (I don't care what you grammarians say I'm using it as a word). Unhappily here the next book isn't due out till next JUNE!!!!!!! (slams head against wall repeatedly).
(takes deep breath)
Okay, trying to be calm here. This is the third book in the Paladin's Legacy series...that's series NOT TRILOGY...you'd think someone might have mentioned that earlier. And it's as good as the others. I have read a few of Elizabeth Moon's space opera/science fiction books and they're pretty good. I liked them okay but wouldn't list most among my favorites. When I read the 3 books of The Deed of Paksenarrion (as most of my friends here know) I was sold, hooked, branded or whatever. That trilogy is easily among my top 5 or so favorite novels. While the Paladin's Legacy books are a bit longer each and maybe not quite as high on my favorites list as the original trilogy they are on the list.
In this series we are following the characters we got to know in the original trilogy and answering all sorts of unanswered questions. This is a world that is fully imagined and has a magic system (systems or interrelated systems might express that better) that is coherent and yet is still growing and having details revealed. No one, it appears who's life was touched by Paksenarrion the Paladin remains unchanged. In fact it seems that she may have been...or still be a catalyst to change the entire world.
The plot seems to still be growing here and I have no idea how many volumes Ms. Moon has planned but as long as they continue to hold up and be this good I'm sold.
I recommend this...but if you haven't read the original trilogy I'd recommend you go back and start there...in fact I envy you a bit. You still those books to read.
Note:
The trilogy The Deed of Paksenarrion is now usually labeled "volumes 3 through 5". That can be misleading as what the publisher calls volumes 1 ans 2 are really prequels and don't need to be read before the trilogy. The original Paksenarrion trilogy is made up of:
A. Sheepfarmer's Daughter
B. Divided Allegiance
C.Oath Of Gold
All are highly recommended.
But this one does end in a cliffhanger (runs from room screaming in frustration).
November 27, 2015
No man... what is happening to this series! :(
Half this book was spent trying to make up for the disorganised structure of the last book and trying to finish the story from that book as well. The next half was...well nothing much happened, then everything happened in the last chapter! And the antagonist was someone who there were no clues what so ever about, so instead of it being a surprise it was just a "Huh, okay if you say so.". Then, it cut off, mid scene! No, this is not how it works! This is not how Elizabeth Moon books go. What is happening here. This is ridiculous! It better be fixed in the next book!
Half this book was spent trying to make up for the disorganised structure of the last book and trying to finish the story from that book as well. The next half was...well nothing much happened, then everything happened in the last chapter! And the antagonist was someone who there were no clues what so ever about, so instead of it being a surprise it was just a "Huh, okay if you say so.". Then, it cut off, mid scene! No, this is not how it works! This is not how Elizabeth Moon books go. What is happening here. This is ridiculous! It better be fixed in the next book!
Read
June 23, 2013There is a short exchange near the end that perhaps sums up this new series' arc:
"Paladins," the Marshal said, "always cause trouble."
"What?" That was not what Arvid expected to hear.
"You could even say the gods always cause trouble—certainly Gird did, though se celebrate the trouble he caused. Paladins, though -- we don't really know how they started, but it's clear they come into the world to change it, and that's always trouble for someone."
Overall this series is sneaking up on me. Aside from some sharp, exciting sequences, it has moved at a stately pace, and I think part is due to Moon's depiction of every detail, especially with respect to the military characters' actions, but also because in the first two books, and in this one, there was a tendency to have the characters repeat conversations almost verbatim, or give long accounts of action we've already seen.
The first set of details I find fascinating. I like reading about the problems of supply, horse training, recruit training, the delineations of authority when captains get promoted, especially to the civilian side of government. But the second one makes me want to skim, which causes me to lose a sense of building tension.
That said, the characters are complex, the magic and mythology keep getting more interesting, and the sense of building trouble feels like the pressure changes in an impending thunderstorm. I will keep reading.
"Paladins," the Marshal said, "always cause trouble."
"What?" That was not what Arvid expected to hear.
"You could even say the gods always cause trouble—certainly Gird did, though se celebrate the trouble he caused. Paladins, though -- we don't really know how they started, but it's clear they come into the world to change it, and that's always trouble for someone."
Overall this series is sneaking up on me. Aside from some sharp, exciting sequences, it has moved at a stately pace, and I think part is due to Moon's depiction of every detail, especially with respect to the military characters' actions, but also because in the first two books, and in this one, there was a tendency to have the characters repeat conversations almost verbatim, or give long accounts of action we've already seen.
The first set of details I find fascinating. I like reading about the problems of supply, horse training, recruit training, the delineations of authority when captains get promoted, especially to the civilian side of government. But the second one makes me want to skim, which causes me to lose a sense of building tension.
That said, the characters are complex, the magic and mythology keep getting more interesting, and the sense of building trouble feels like the pressure changes in an impending thunderstorm. I will keep reading.
February 28, 2012
This book definitely reminded me why I enjoy reading Elizabeth Moon - I really care what happens to these people, and even when I feel the characters are a little unrealistic in some ways (because they represent an archetype more than a real person would), I still want to know what happens next.
What annoyed me most of all about this book, though, is at the end I'm still pretty much left wanting to know what happens next. Very few of the plot threads get finished off, and there are a lot of them, with point-of-view switching between many characters spread out over several different nations. And the one main thread that does get finished seems to leave many mysteries surrounding it, rather than feeling cleanly done. We'll be seeing its consequences down the road, for sure; we don't understand them yet.
But its un-put-downable-ness still earns it 4 stars. I'll be really annoyed if I have to read another book in the series with so little payoff in terms of real conclusions, though.
What annoyed me most of all about this book, though, is at the end I'm still pretty much left wanting to know what happens next. Very few of the plot threads get finished off, and there are a lot of them, with point-of-view switching between many characters spread out over several different nations. And the one main thread that does get finished seems to leave many mysteries surrounding it, rather than feeling cleanly done. We'll be seeing its consequences down the road, for sure; we don't understand them yet.
But its un-put-downable-ness still earns it 4 stars. I'll be really annoyed if I have to read another book in the series with so little payoff in terms of real conclusions, though.
March 2, 2012
This has been the least satisfying read of the Paladin’s Legacy – or Paksworld – series, so far, though I consider the largest flaw of Echoes of Betrayal to be that Oath of Fealty and Kings of the North were shaping up into such a solid, cohesive read that I thought things would end as well-resolved as they did at the end of the The Deed of Paksennarion trilogy. Instead, peril is described and directed, beaten back, lingers, forms somewhere else, and the book ends by ramping up more; not one of the growing threats to the kingdoms of Kieri or Mikeli has been put to bed, meanwhile. Characters that were satisfying to visit in the previous books become irritating in this one, as the shifts in character focus don’t really seem to add up to anything, and unlike the previous books, none of the characters (except perhaps the King’s Cousin, and Duke’s Squire, Beclan) seem to evolve.
Elizabeth Moon writes wonderfully detailed fantasy fiction, but this book feels like a glitch in the story-arc at worst, a pin to hold it up, at best. No real cohesion or plot, no advance in any area, and the final attack was so removed from anything that the reader had encountered in the story thus far, that it felt contrived; and still the explanation is left for the next book.
Echoes of Betrayal wasn’t bad enough for me to lose interest in the series; Dorrin Verraki remains a wonderfully interesting character, the Dragon is fascinating and frightening at the same time, just as a dragon should be, and I’m glad that Arcolin – and Stammel – are still given storylines, because writing the militia and its characters are where Moon really shines (er, sorry, that was awkward and unintentional punning); and the suggestion playing out that Paks, as Paladin, has changed the lives of everyone with whom she has come in contact, is an intriguing one. I just wish I could have picked up the next book with the same enthusiasm with which I grabbed this one.
Elizabeth Moon writes wonderfully detailed fantasy fiction, but this book feels like a glitch in the story-arc at worst, a pin to hold it up, at best. No real cohesion or plot, no advance in any area, and the final attack was so removed from anything that the reader had encountered in the story thus far, that it felt contrived; and still the explanation is left for the next book.
Echoes of Betrayal wasn’t bad enough for me to lose interest in the series; Dorrin Verraki remains a wonderfully interesting character, the Dragon is fascinating and frightening at the same time, just as a dragon should be, and I’m glad that Arcolin – and Stammel – are still given storylines, because writing the militia and its characters are where Moon really shines (er, sorry, that was awkward and unintentional punning); and the suggestion playing out that Paks, as Paladin, has changed the lives of everyone with whom she has come in contact, is an intriguing one. I just wish I could have picked up the next book with the same enthusiasm with which I grabbed this one.
September 19, 2020
The latest volume in the series about Paksenarrion. This one ended in a vaguely unsatisfying manner. Paks was not in the story at all, although she was mentioned frequently. I liked seeing what happened to Arvid after the earlier books, and there was a lot more about Kieri and Dorryn. The ending was more of a pause in the events though - everything is left hanging and unresolved, for the next book to continue.
August 7, 2014
"Arian was not tempted to touch a woman so obviously turning into a pear tree."
peculiar. review to follow
peculiar. review to follow
December 16, 2021
Another good read!
December 11, 2021
I only bought this because it was at the dollar store and was autographed. I intended to give it to someone who was a fan of the author but after posting for that on Facebook no one came forward so I just hung on to it. Finally figured I'd read it. The characters were good. I found myself genuinely caring about them. The book was well written but it was frustrating to find that it was the third in a series and kept referring to events and people I was not familiar with. My biggest problem with the book was the character names. They were difficult to read and remember and didn't convey whether the people were male or female so keeping the people straight was confusing. Also, several female military commanders are designated as Dukes which seemed odd. Wouldn't they be Duchesses? Then the book cuts off right in the middle of a scene. Needless to say, I won't be seeking out the rest.
July 2, 2022
I love this series. There are occasional inconsistencies (which bother me), but the world is remarkably consistent and the characters (well-developed characters) fit quite nicely in it. There is enough unknown backstory (what we know of it is also consistent) to lend an air of mystery and keep you reading.
April 28, 2014
The action continues fast and furious in this third installment of Elizabeth Moon's celebrated return to the fantasy world of the paladin Paksenarrion Dorthansdotter. This award-winning author has firsthand military experience and an imagination that knows no bounds. Combine those qualities with an ability to craft flesh-and-blood characters, and the result is the kind of speculative fiction that engages both heart and mind.
All is not well in the Eight Kingdoms. In Lyonya, King Kieri is about to celebrate marriage to his beloved, the half-elf Arian. But uncanny whispers from the spirits of his ancestors continue to warn of treachery and murder. A finger of suspicion has been pointed toward his grandmother, the queen of the Ladysforest elves, and that suspicion has only intensified with time and the Lady's inexplicable behavior. Clearly, she is hiding something. But what? And why?
Meanwhile, in Tsaia, the young king Mikeli must grapple with unrest among his own nobility over his controversial decision to grant the title and estates of a traitorous magelord to a Verrakaien who not only possesses the forbidden magic but is a woman besides: Dorrin, once one of Kieri's most trusted captains. When renegade Verrakaien attack two of Dorrin's squires, suspicion and prejudice combine to place Dorrin's life at risk--and the king's claim to the throne in peril.
But even greater danger is looming. The wild offspring of a dragon are on the loose, sowing death and destruction and upsetting the ancient balance of power between dragonkind, humans, elves, and gnomes. A collision seems inevitable. Yet when it comes, it will be utterly unexpected--and all the more devastating for it.
A continuation of the stunning epic fantasy by Elizabeth Moon, Echoes of Betrayal moves the characters around like a chess-master, showing skill, cunning, and long laid plans - a great tactician ordering the layers of the story to the best effect. This time the focus is more prominently on the royal family of Tsaia and issues that arise with Duke Verrakai's job and her squires, as well as the new royal couple of Lyonya. However ample time is granted to Arcolin's story, Sergeant Stammel's latest adventures, and the changes that Arvid is struggling with.
Each story is fascinating and entertaining, showing character growth where necessary, as well as moving the plot forward at a steady pace. There are moments where the story picks up and speeds by, and others where it paces the life of the reader. Throughout all of the individual pieces the greater whole can be glimpsed, if not seen in its vast entirety that we are yet aware of.
None of the stories are near their conclusion, yet it is easy to feel everything gathering, getting ready for the grand finale. Clearly that will take at least two more books, if not more. But the energy continues to build, both with the individual characters and with the story overall. This series is a fine example of the epic fantasy genre.
March 13, 2012
In the prologue of this series, the author mentions that it is not necessary to the enjoyment and understanding of these books to have read The Deed of Paksenarrion or The Legacy of Gird series. I strongly disagree. After having read those books many years ago, I decided to re-read The Deed but skipped The Legacy, and I don’t think I could have made it past the first chapter of the first book without at least that background. I think a re-read of The Legacy would have helped explain a few other things I had to muddle through as well, and I wish I had done so. Moon’s writing has vastly improved since The Deed. She is much better at expressing her character’s unspoken thoughts and feelings than she was in the first two series. Still, there were times I wish she had finally learned to give readers a bit more credit for our ability to understand subtlety. It isn’t necessary to describe a character as looking concerned, and then have a second character clarify “I see you are concerned”, like we might have missed it the first time. We got it, I promise. Though I’m happy to report these statements of the obvious were fewer and farther between in this series. Despite the fact no significant brain strain occurred following the plot, this book and the previous two did keep me reading all the way through from beginning to end, and I do expect to read the next books in the series when they are released (though I was under the impression this was a trilogy when I started reading. It isn’t.) This third book moved the story along with no huge developments or conclusions, though I do like that the characters are fleshing out a bit more emotionally, and though the plot isn’t twisting, it has taken a significant turn or two. I went back and forth between 3 and 4 stars (3.5 would be more accurate) and finally settled on 4 partly for nostalgia, partly because I do plan on continuing the series, and partly because I have a 14 year old cat named Paks who would lick my eyelids in my sleep to get back at me if I gave it anything less. PS, this was a First Reads book.
October 13, 2013
Book three, still following a large cast of characters. There's still the question of who will end up the descendent of the olden kings of Aare. Currently my money is on Arvid the ex-thief. The Pargun thread seems settled, as does the blind Stammel thread. Dorrin is still struggling for respect, and it's finally brought up that women dukes, being rare, are thpought of differently from men, despite Gird's teachings. In the halfelven lands we get the official betrothal, pregnancy, wedding, and miscarriage. We get to see a bit more of the Kuakgan. The officers of the Fox company struggle with human resource issues, and Arcolin inherits a bunch of gnomes in the north. The elves are in big trouble, which leads us to the cliffhanger deaths.
A focus of this story is transformation of characters, people taking on roles they had not expected. Stammel turning into a dragonslayer, Arvid into a man of faith, Daryan gets a graft, Beclan becomes not only an adult but a mage, Arian into a queen.
Fast read, despite the multiple cast it paced quickly. There was a fair amount of repetition as people caught each other up on events, some you heard about three or four times, often from different points of view (but not different enough to justify the repetition). Some god magic (but no paladins), minimal regular magic, some evil magic.
Predictions: next book focuses on elven succession, and Beclan training to be a mage, leaving book five for sorting out Alured (not quite Dracula backwards, but close) and acceptance of Dorrin.
A focus of this story is transformation of characters, people taking on roles they had not expected. Stammel turning into a dragonslayer, Arvid into a man of faith, Daryan gets a graft, Beclan becomes not only an adult but a mage, Arian into a queen.
Fast read, despite the multiple cast it paced quickly. There was a fair amount of repetition as people caught each other up on events, some you heard about three or four times, often from different points of view (but not different enough to justify the repetition). Some god magic (but no paladins), minimal regular magic, some evil magic.
Predictions: next book focuses on elven succession, and Beclan training to be a mage, leaving book five for sorting out Alured (not quite Dracula backwards, but close) and acceptance of Dorrin.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2013
Reviewing 'Echoes of Betrayal' and 'Limits of Power' together, because I read them back-to-back, and there isn't any radical distinction between them.
Both books are very middle-y. Not really middling, just middle-of-series-y. You're expected to know the characters already (that's OK, because I do), and to be invested enough in their ongoing drama that you're not expecting each book to be it's own individual story with clear rising-action-falling-action-conclusion plotting - they're not - but that's (mostly) OK. This series really does have enough engaging characters and interesting scenarios that I'm fine with just following all the characters around and seeing what happens next. It's good entertainment.
The content - well crafted, but fairly typical fantasy fare - kingdom-shaking issues regarding magic, royal marriages, human-elf interaction, evil wizards, dragons... all that good stuff.
I love Moon's strong female characters, and her realistic portrayals of warrior/military women.
The one small thing that annoyed me was how much everyone talks about Paksenarrion - with all that talk, I feel like she should've made more of an appearance.
I'd recommend this series to anyone who's looking for a nice, solid, but non-genre-bending fantasy series with a large number of pages to get lost in - but I'd recommend starting at the beginning.
Both books are very middle-y. Not really middling, just middle-of-series-y. You're expected to know the characters already (that's OK, because I do), and to be invested enough in their ongoing drama that you're not expecting each book to be it's own individual story with clear rising-action-falling-action-conclusion plotting - they're not - but that's (mostly) OK. This series really does have enough engaging characters and interesting scenarios that I'm fine with just following all the characters around and seeing what happens next. It's good entertainment.
The content - well crafted, but fairly typical fantasy fare - kingdom-shaking issues regarding magic, royal marriages, human-elf interaction, evil wizards, dragons... all that good stuff.
I love Moon's strong female characters, and her realistic portrayals of warrior/military women.
The one small thing that annoyed me was how much everyone talks about Paksenarrion - with all that talk, I feel like she should've made more of an appearance.
I'd recommend this series to anyone who's looking for a nice, solid, but non-genre-bending fantasy series with a large number of pages to get lost in - but I'd recommend starting at the beginning.
March 5, 2012
Well, if it had been clear from the start that this was a cliffhanger book, I might give more stars ^^. I still like most of the main threads of these books, mostly because I have known the main characters since the Paksenarrion trilogy. It's fine that she herself is being phased out - Elizabeth Moon mentions she will return in the last book as part of a group in the afterword.
From what I gather this will be four to six books and with the lot of new information coming up - I enjoy getting more into the worldbuilding and seeing the other races more closely - this will be needed.
But I have to admit that now that Stammel is off with Wisdom, I don't really need Arcolin's thread at all. I think he was used little this time anyway - Fox Company is mostly in winter quarters, but I wonder if he couldn't have been cut altogether, hmm.
So the focus is mostly on Kieri Phelan and his country and to some extent on Dorrin Verrakai. After having a bit of trouble getting back into the story in the first 100 pages (I didn't reread the previous books) I got towed along quite well. Lots of action, lots of time passing off-screen.
If you've been reading this series, you'll enjoy the new addition, although the cliff-hanger might piss you off, too ^^.
From what I gather this will be four to six books and with the lot of new information coming up - I enjoy getting more into the worldbuilding and seeing the other races more closely - this will be needed.
But I have to admit that now that Stammel is off with Wisdom, I don't really need Arcolin's thread at all. I think he was used little this time anyway - Fox Company is mostly in winter quarters, but I wonder if he couldn't have been cut altogether, hmm.
So the focus is mostly on Kieri Phelan and his country and to some extent on Dorrin Verrakai. After having a bit of trouble getting back into the story in the first 100 pages (I didn't reread the previous books) I got towed along quite well. Lots of action, lots of time passing off-screen.
If you've been reading this series, you'll enjoy the new addition, although the cliff-hanger might piss you off, too ^^.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2020
I enjoyed this latest installment of the Paladin's Legacy. My only major complaint is that it had been long enough since I read the last book that I was a little lost at times. I could have used a better/bit more of a recap.
The book cleared up some issues a little easier than I would have expected but also introduced more problems along the way. I like how Stammel found something new to do. Dorrin picks up a new/better(?) heir. Kieri gets married. Arvid begins to come to terms with the changes that Paks wrought in his life. Still no clear understanding of what is going on with the elves and things in that area become even more deadly serious.
I would suggest one reread "Kings of the North" before diving into this one.
The book cleared up some issues a little easier than I would have expected but also introduced more problems along the way. I like how Stammel found something new to do. Dorrin picks up a new/better(?) heir. Kieri gets married. Arvid begins to come to terms with the changes that Paks wrought in his life. Still no clear understanding of what is going on with the elves and things in that area become even more deadly serious.
I would suggest one reread "Kings of the North" before diving into this one.
June 26, 2017
A continuation in the world of Paksenarrion but not one of the better books. I really wish this had been the story of a single character - there are a lot of characters here worth concentrating on. Ah well - not bad enough not to read again the sequel the moment it is available. And buy in paperback at some point. But I was hoping for better. 3.5 of 5.
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December 8, 2020The worst thing about this book is that, like many pleasures, it's over far too quickly. Moon is just so readable, and her characters so loveable, that you can get into it for hundreds of pages, and lose hours of time without noticing it.
Echoes takes up where Kings of the North left off, with King Kieri cleaning up the mess after the Pargunese invasion of Lyonya. Kieri and Arian announce their betrothal at the Midwinter festival, and waste no time conceiving an heir to the throne. The bones of his ancestors, though, whisper dire warnings of treachery and betrayal, and the mood of his grandmother, The Lady, seems quite mercurial, easily changed by circumstances.
Arvid Semminson, the Thieve's Guild enforcer whose life was changed when he help Paksennarion to escape the tortures of the priests of Lyart, begins the novel as a captive of the Master of the guild in Valdaire, but with the intervention of Gird and the help of his gnome companion, Dattur, manages to get free. He returns to the city masquerading as a minor merchant, seeking a slow revenge, but somehow gets involved with Kieri's old cohorts, helping to protect the secret ways of the gnomes, gets a small bit of fame for helping to defend the inn where he's lodged against an attack by the guild, and eventually succumbs to Gird's hold on his life. The final bit of dialogue between Arvid and the Marshal almost sounds like a christian apologetic, which I found intriguing.
Dorrin, Duke Verrakai, rides to the border to help defend against the Pargunese, leaving her squires to gather more troops behind her, and to join her later. Unfortunately, two of the three encounter renegade Verrakai along the way, and one, Darian, ends up physically crippled, while the other, Beclan Mahierran, ends up confined by his own family and King Mikeli, under suspicion of being possessed by their evil. Darian is partially healed by the Kuakgan, but his kin distrust the "green" magic that saved him, while Beclan discovers the taint of magery in his own blood, and ends up exiled by the king and his family for it.
Things are mostly quiet with Arcolin, who has taken over Kieri's mercenaries. The blinded Sargent Stammel makes a bargain with the dragon, and gets a mission in life in return, and a group of exiled gnomes are given a home in the hills near Valdaire.
Nothing new on the southern front, but rumors are brewing that an invasion from that angle is coming soon. Alured may have gained possession of one of the powerful relics of the Verrakai house, and will certainly use its powers in his grab for more power. It's good to know that Moon has left lots of room to write in this new series.
Echoes takes up where Kings of the North left off, with King Kieri cleaning up the mess after the Pargunese invasion of Lyonya. Kieri and Arian announce their betrothal at the Midwinter festival, and waste no time conceiving an heir to the throne. The bones of his ancestors, though, whisper dire warnings of treachery and betrayal, and the mood of his grandmother, The Lady, seems quite mercurial, easily changed by circumstances.
Arvid Semminson, the Thieve's Guild enforcer whose life was changed when he help Paksennarion to escape the tortures of the priests of Lyart, begins the novel as a captive of the Master of the guild in Valdaire, but with the intervention of Gird and the help of his gnome companion, Dattur, manages to get free. He returns to the city masquerading as a minor merchant, seeking a slow revenge, but somehow gets involved with Kieri's old cohorts, helping to protect the secret ways of the gnomes, gets a small bit of fame for helping to defend the inn where he's lodged against an attack by the guild, and eventually succumbs to Gird's hold on his life. The final bit of dialogue between Arvid and the Marshal almost sounds like a christian apologetic, which I found intriguing.
Dorrin, Duke Verrakai, rides to the border to help defend against the Pargunese, leaving her squires to gather more troops behind her, and to join her later. Unfortunately, two of the three encounter renegade Verrakai along the way, and one, Darian, ends up physically crippled, while the other, Beclan Mahierran, ends up confined by his own family and King Mikeli, under suspicion of being possessed by their evil. Darian is partially healed by the Kuakgan, but his kin distrust the "green" magic that saved him, while Beclan discovers the taint of magery in his own blood, and ends up exiled by the king and his family for it.
Things are mostly quiet with Arcolin, who has taken over Kieri's mercenaries. The blinded Sargent Stammel makes a bargain with the dragon, and gets a mission in life in return, and a group of exiled gnomes are given a home in the hills near Valdaire.
Nothing new on the southern front, but rumors are brewing that an invasion from that angle is coming soon. Alured may have gained possession of one of the powerful relics of the Verrakai house, and will certainly use its powers in his grab for more power. It's good to know that Moon has left lots of room to write in this new series.
May 10, 2023
This is the third in the Paladin's Legacy series by Elizabeth Moon, the audiobook versions of which I've been powering through in recent weeks.
As with the previous one, this instalment carries on directly from number two, which make this series basically one really, really, really long book, rather than feeling like separate volumes of a connected set.
This makes it hard to find new things to say about it, since I've already mentioned loving the world and the characters, and very much enjoying spending time with them again, after a long break.
I loved the development of Stammel's arc in this one, as well as the deepening intrigue around the elves.
There was still the issue of there being an awful lot of characters going to different places and relating events already shown to different sets of people - it's always summarised or curtailed but the phrase "and so such-and-such-a-person told of how..." does get a bit wearing after a while.
I still enjoyed this book a lot, but there was the merest sense of diminishing returns, so I'm going to take a break before moving on to the next one (though it's already in my Audible library) and listen to something else for a bit first.
As with the previous one, this instalment carries on directly from number two, which make this series basically one really, really, really long book, rather than feeling like separate volumes of a connected set.
This makes it hard to find new things to say about it, since I've already mentioned loving the world and the characters, and very much enjoying spending time with them again, after a long break.
I loved the development of Stammel's arc in this one, as well as the deepening intrigue around the elves.
There was still the issue of there being an awful lot of characters going to different places and relating events already shown to different sets of people - it's always summarised or curtailed but the phrase "and so such-and-such-a-person told of how..." does get a bit wearing after a while.
I still enjoyed this book a lot, but there was the merest sense of diminishing returns, so I'm going to take a break before moving on to the next one (though it's already in my Audible library) and listen to something else for a bit first.
January 1, 2025
Audio, narrated by Jennifer van Dyck
I really enjoyed this one. Things are moving and I'm getting answers as fast as new questions as being posed. It was a bit repetitive as information was given again (at least when relevant), but it wasn't too bad and I could see why the author felt it necessary; the ensemble cast was large, and the story would follow certain characters for a while before turning to another, which sometimes necessitated going back in time. The pacing was a bit rough as a consequence of that, but I don't' see how it could be avoided with a dramatis personae as large as it was. It's becoming more apparent that all these things are related and like as not tie into each other, so I can be patient to see how this all shakes out. I'm very exited for the next book.
Also, it was very nice to have Ms van Dyck back as narrator. Since she did the original trilogy about Paks and the first book of this sequel series, it was especially jarring to get someone completely different for book 2. I don't know why that happens and it was nice to have a familiar narrator once more.
I really enjoyed this one. Things are moving and I'm getting answers as fast as new questions as being posed. It was a bit repetitive as information was given again (at least when relevant), but it wasn't too bad and I could see why the author felt it necessary; the ensemble cast was large, and the story would follow certain characters for a while before turning to another, which sometimes necessitated going back in time. The pacing was a bit rough as a consequence of that, but I don't' see how it could be avoided with a dramatis personae as large as it was. It's becoming more apparent that all these things are related and like as not tie into each other, so I can be patient to see how this all shakes out. I'm very exited for the next book.
Also, it was very nice to have Ms van Dyck back as narrator. Since she did the original trilogy about Paks and the first book of this sequel series, it was especially jarring to get someone completely different for book 2. I don't know why that happens and it was nice to have a familiar narrator once more.
June 2, 2020
This was the best one yet in the series. I do not know why I waited so long to read this series, but now I remember why I treasured the Deed trilogy as well as the supporting novels Moon wrote. What is so awesome about this particular series is that we have not even seen one sentence about Alured in the series so far, and yet it seems the whole world is preparing for his arrival. How about the breakdown of Arvid in this novel. Almost had me in tears and I cannot even remember him from the Deed series since I read it like 20 years ago! I can’t wait for the next two!! Onward!!!
P.S. Note- there was actually a technical problem with this novel in that a portion of the book is missing between pages 455 and 456. Looks like a Ballantine error based on what I see physically with the book itself (or lack thereof)
P.S. Note- there was actually a technical problem with this novel in that a portion of the book is missing between pages 455 and 456. Looks like a Ballantine error based on what I see physically with the book itself (or lack thereof)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2021
OH. MY. GOD! How the- What the...
THAT'S NOT A CLIFFHANGER; THAT'S AN INTERRUPTED SCENE!
Lots of stuff happens here. The pacing and connections actually feel tighter--everything is coming together, of course.
I was surprised to see actual criticism of Paksenarrion's actions! The consequences of her previous actions just keep rippling outward. And seeing more of the diverse peoples and historical perspectives is fascinating and MUCH APPRECIATED. Sure, most of the description is daily humdrum, low tech travel, and action 😅 But that very rare moment when somebody in-the-know graces us with a page or two of COMPLETELY RELEVANT exposition is always informative and helpful! Well, now something that happened 4 or 5 books ago is less befuddling.
Also, DRAGONS!
THAT'S NOT A CLIFFHANGER; THAT'S AN INTERRUPTED SCENE!
Lots of stuff happens here. The pacing and connections actually feel tighter--everything is coming together, of course.
I was surprised to see actual criticism of Paksenarrion's actions! The consequences of her previous actions just keep rippling outward. And seeing more of the diverse peoples and historical perspectives is fascinating and MUCH APPRECIATED. Sure, most of the description is daily humdrum, low tech travel, and action 😅 But that very rare moment when somebody in-the-know graces us with a page or two of COMPLETELY RELEVANT exposition is always informative and helpful! Well, now something that happened 4 or 5 books ago is less befuddling.
Also, DRAGONS!
February 7, 2018
I like Elizabeth Moon's books a lot. I have read over a dozen in the various series and they are all good. In this the third in a 5 book series that continues the story of the world of Paksanarrrion, she advances a saga that has it all - intrigue, great action, dragons, elves, gnomes you name it. The great thing about this series so far is that in the last few chapters of each book Moon introduces a jaw-dropping element you don't see coming which sets up the next volume. It is this type of writing that keeps me coming back for more.
I look forward to reading the final two books in the series over the next few months and then it will be time to pick up a mother series by her and enjoy.
I look forward to reading the final two books in the series over the next few months and then it will be time to pick up a mother series by her and enjoy.
November 24, 2019
Things are definitely changing in this book's world and not entirely for the better. I really enjoyed seeing how things are progressing but things are starting to get worse for the characters and I'd hoped that at least for some things would get better. The story is starting to focus on some different characters but doesn't stop following those from the past two books either. I was intending to take a break and read something else for a bit but I have to find out what happens next so will be continuing the series right away.
April 12, 2021
https://wordnerdy.blogspot.com/2021/0...
Another fun and epic outing in this series! Plots keep moving forward, but in an interesting way, dragons and gnomes are in the mix, there are some mysteries at hand, etc. I do think the big bad needs to show up as more than mentions soon, and I am pretty curious about what Paks is up to. Lots of good politicking in this one too. Trigger warning for mention of child sexual abuse and miscarriage. A-/B+.
Another fun and epic outing in this series! Plots keep moving forward, but in an interesting way, dragons and gnomes are in the mix, there are some mysteries at hand, etc. I do think the big bad needs to show up as more than mentions soon, and I am pretty curious about what Paks is up to. Lots of good politicking in this one too. Trigger warning for mention of child sexual abuse and miscarriage. A-/B+.
August 10, 2018
umm what happened in this book
-most interested in arvid and dorrin's plots
-was there good marshal-general stuff in this book or was it book 2? regardless, i like her
-kieri's romance is honestly not that interesting imo (but uh, Moon doesn't seem to write very much romance in general)
-DRAGONS
-all of the idiot boys getting into Bad Situations. MORE GWENNO, LESS IDIOT BOYS
bye
-most interested in arvid and dorrin's plots
-was there good marshal-general stuff in this book or was it book 2? regardless, i like her
-kieri's romance is honestly not that interesting imo (but uh, Moon doesn't seem to write very much romance in general)
-DRAGONS
-all of the idiot boys getting into Bad Situations. MORE GWENNO, LESS IDIOT BOYS
bye
November 4, 2019
Elves show as truly flawed as elves are, as Lyonya has problems. The dragon makes a few appearances in Tsaia and a lot of the nobility doesn't trust Dorrin just because. Down south, the story focuses on Arvid rather than on the mercenary group, as he continues to change -- much to his dismay. A good entry in the series.
May 10, 2021
I am a big fan of fantasy and science fiction novels especially if they are long and have several books in the series. I really enjoy a series of books that I can immerse myself in and I first picked up an Elizabeth Moon novel because it was long and part of a multi-novel series. I continue to read her books because I find them engrossing and highly enjoyable.
September 12, 2021
Fantasy series - Moon continues this very readable series. Paks is often mentioned but never appears. Lots of court intrigue, evil mages and honourable soldiers. I still spend a lot of time wondering who you can trust and who you can't. There is great character development for everyone.
No Canadian or pharmacy references.
No Canadian or pharmacy references.
January 25, 2023
Pieces are moving in this book, there is happiness and tragedy and an undercurrent of intrigue. It was cool to get to know Arvid more and Kieri, Arian, Arcolin, and Dorrin continue to be solid. I continue to enjoy Moon’s prose and am very interested in the elves story as it continues (even though they are kind of infuriating).
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