Go back tobefore the beginning, with New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Moon’s brand new collection of short stories set in the world of Paksenarrion, featuring beloved Paksworld characters alongside unknown future favorites, as they navigate all the challenges, opportunities, failures, and triumphs inherent in the deeds (and misdeeds) of their youth.
Spanning from a time predating the events in Deed of Paksenarrion through to the Paladin’s Legacy years, the tales in Deeds of Youth have been revised and updated for this special compilation, which features all-new introductions from the author, as well as a previously unpublished short story exclusive to this volume!
Told with Elizabeth Moon’s trademark wit, empathy, and warmth, the seven stories in Deeds of Youth will not only appeal to Paksworld fans wanting to re-immerse themselves in Moon’s lush worldbuilding and masterful storytelling, but will also make a wonderful entry point for readers new to the Paksenarrion saga.
Deeds of Paksenarrion World Chronicles II "A Bad Day at Duke’s East" – "The Dun Mare’s Grandchild" – "Dream’s Quarry" – "Gifts" – "First Blood" – "Mercenary’s Honor" – "Consequences"
Elizabeth 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.
I have missed being in Moon's fantasy world! This was a nice collection of short stories with the theme of youthful deeds and indiscretions. Too short, I was hoping for more, and hopefully there will be more in the future. It makes me want to read both series all over again.
I'm glad I found these collections amongst my library's digital books; anything in Paksworld is enjoyable for me. I particularly liked the theme of youth in this second volume, which showcased a lovely empathy for the foibles of young people with all the wisdom of the author's own plentiful experience. I've also always appreciated how she includes little details of daily living like cooking, mending, or craftsmanship that not only reveal her meticulous research, but also give such things value instead of only focusing on "exciting" things like battles and court intrigue. The people in the background feel real, fully-formed, and not just like props and scenery for the main characters.
There are lessons given and learned here, and they are never just the obvious ones. Sometimes they are only a little deeper, and sometimes way outside the box. The only frustrating thing is that the events are parts of larger ones that that I read fifty years ago and do not remember clearly now. But, at least once I dig them out and reread them, I know that they will be well crafted and morally uplifting and stimulating.
All the stories are set in the Paksenarrion universe. The last one, about Kieri as a young commander was excellent. The two about the horse nomads were interesting but didn't seem familiar - I was trying to remember where they fit into the novels, but only remembered Sabin from Sheepfarmer's Daughter discussing the gods with Paks and their other friends. The others did fit in.
I have always loved the world of Paksenarrion and any journey back there makes me happy. This collection of short stories is Moon at her best, giving little glimpses into the lives of character new and old. The arc of the Paksenarrion stories is about growth and learning from the world and finding every possible opportunity to be better. These stories will warm your soul as you reenter this fine realm.
It is so good to see balance in a story. Characters, plot, setting and perspective-along with narrative and conversation all fit together in this framework. I felt like I was watching the story happen as I read.
Great collection of short stories. More of a 4.5, but there were a few I wasn't as enamored of that kept me from giving it 5 stars. Not an immediate reread, but definitely going to check my libraries for more of Paksenarrion World books by Moon.
A pleasant read and a host of advise on coming into adulthood
I think you will enjoy this pleasant read that's more about becoming an adult than fictional characters . Peace be with fellow readers and I hope you find adventures of your own.
Wonderful addition to the world of Paksenarrion. This adds dimension to what is already there and fills in some of the background behind so many of the characters.
As good as i expected which was very good indeed. It’s fun seeing things or people from the books from another perspective. Very enjoyable short stories
I am always delighted to drop back into Paksworld, whether it be in novel form or through short stories. I found some of these stories more compelling than others, but overall the book is definitely worth reading for a fan of the world. My one complaint is that only one of the seven stories was about a girl. I fell in love with Moon’s writing because I love her diverse female characters, so I was disappointed that the focus of most of these short stories were on boys.