What do you think?
Rate this book
Paksenarrion World Chronicles #3
Deeds of Wisdom: Paksenarrion World Chronicles III
New York Times
bestselling author Elizabeth Moon’s beloved world of Paksenarrion shines in this collection of short stories perfect for new readers or longtime fans.
With introductory notes from the author and four original stories written just for this volume, Deeds of Wisdom relates defining episodes from Paksworld’s history, beginning with the ancient kingdoms in Old Aare and leading up the years before Paksenarrion's birth. Each story can be read as a standalone, offering fresh perspectives into a saga rich with detail, sharp action, and delightful payoffs.
Whether princess, mercenary, shepherd, or son-in-law, these inimitable characters find a touch of wisdom that transforms last stands, noble deeds, and insurmountable odds into something unexpected. Melding folk tales and legends with Moon’s signature wry humanity, Deeds of Wisdom collects six adventures as memorable as they are satisfying.
Deeds of Paksenarrion Chronicles III
“In the Valley of Death” – “My Princess” – “The Shepherd’s Tale” – “Judgment” – “Final Honor” – “Destiny”
With introductory notes from the author and four original stories written just for this volume, Deeds of Wisdom relates defining episodes from Paksworld’s history, beginning with the ancient kingdoms in Old Aare and leading up the years before Paksenarrion's birth. Each story can be read as a standalone, offering fresh perspectives into a saga rich with detail, sharp action, and delightful payoffs.
Whether princess, mercenary, shepherd, or son-in-law, these inimitable characters find a touch of wisdom that transforms last stands, noble deeds, and insurmountable odds into something unexpected. Melding folk tales and legends with Moon’s signature wry humanity, Deeds of Wisdom collects six adventures as memorable as they are satisfying.
Deeds of Paksenarrion Chronicles III
“In the Valley of Death” – “My Princess” – “The Shepherd’s Tale” – “Judgment” – “Final Honor” – “Destiny”
172 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2025
72 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Moon
137 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 6, 2025
In the Valley of Death was a bit somber for me, but rounded up to 4 stars because Moon always draws me in.
My Princess has a warrior princess rescued by her soldiers from a demeaning peace time wedding 4 stars.
Shepherd's Tale has the Dort the Master Shepherd taking on a poor novice shepherd. 4 stars.
Judgement a bit harsh. However, a young man stands up to his fear and a dragon. 4 stars.
Final Honor a bit depressing. Facing hopeless odds a Commander calls down a dragon's curse. 4 stars.
Destiny. The attack that led to Kieri's Countship. 4 stars.
My Princess has a warrior princess rescued by her soldiers from a demeaning peace time wedding 4 stars.
Shepherd's Tale has the Dort the Master Shepherd taking on a poor novice shepherd. 4 stars.
Judgement a bit harsh. However, a young man stands up to his fear and a dragon. 4 stars.
Final Honor a bit depressing. Facing hopeless odds a Commander calls down a dragon's curse. 4 stars.
Destiny. The attack that led to Kieri's Countship. 4 stars.
July 29, 2025
I love visiting Paksworld. This is a great collection of shorts from different times in the world's history, and all of them were good. Just leaves me wanting more.
September 1, 2025
Subjective rating: 5 stars because I simply love this world, and in my heart everything involving Paksenarrion is or should be perfect. Objective rating: 4 star book for Paks fans, N/A for non-Paks fans, but I'm making my own rules here so 5 stars it is.
I'm always happy when a Paksenarrion short story collection comes out, and this was a fun one. It's certainly not the place to start with Elizabeth Moon's work, but if you're a Moon/Paks super fan like I am, there is a lot to enjoy here. Short but sweet, and with 3 volumes out now, I am looking forward to rereading them all in one go sometime, so I can better connect the pieces between volumes. I hope she keeps compiling and publishing these!
I'm always happy when a Paksenarrion short story collection comes out, and this was a fun one. It's certainly not the place to start with Elizabeth Moon's work, but if you're a Moon/Paks super fan like I am, there is a lot to enjoy here. Short but sweet, and with 3 volumes out now, I am looking forward to rereading them all in one go sometime, so I can better connect the pieces between volumes. I hope she keeps compiling and publishing these!
October 26, 2025
I have been throughly enjoying the Paksenarrion World Chronicles as they are published. This book tells a handful of stories from Old Aare, and a couple from more recent history. I enjoyed the focus on decisions when faced with hard choices.
I generally prefer the stories that rather deal with myths, or give insight into characters that I’ve met, so there were some stories that drew me in more than others. I think Final Honor was my favourite in this volume.
I generally prefer the stories that rather deal with myths, or give insight into characters that I’ve met, so there were some stories that drew me in more than others. I think Final Honor was my favourite in this volume.
July 18, 2025
love, love, love this series of short stories
This is the third book in the wisdom series. I hope it is not the last. Ms. Moon is a fabulous story teller. She makes the characters come alive for you.
It helps if you have read the Paksennarian series. These stories are all from that world. I fervently hope there will be more.
This is the third book in the wisdom series. I hope it is not the last. Ms. Moon is a fabulous story teller. She makes the characters come alive for you.
It helps if you have read the Paksennarian series. These stories are all from that world. I fervently hope there will be more.
August 11, 2025
Return to Pak’s World
Endings and beginnings, a lifetime of storytelling stirs one’s heart. The books are waiting on shelves and in Kindle. One might wish that favorite characters would ride on forever, but these stories help me accept that nothing is forever. For fans these are prizes.
Endings and beginnings, a lifetime of storytelling stirs one’s heart. The books are waiting on shelves and in Kindle. One might wish that favorite characters would ride on forever, but these stories help me accept that nothing is forever. For fans these are prizes.
July 21, 2025
Deeds of Wisdom
Excellent set of short stories set in Paksenarrion's world. Any story written by Elizabeth Moon is worthy of being read, and enjoyed a dozen times or more!
Excellent set of short stories set in Paksenarrion's world. Any story written by Elizabeth Moon is worthy of being read, and enjoyed a dozen times or more!
July 26, 2025
A wonderful unexpected pleasure
Not completely unexpected since we knew it was coming but what a joy to step back into Pak’s world. The writing is vintage Moon. If you loved The Deed of Paksenarrion and Oath of Fealty you are going to feel very happy to visit the folks again.
Not completely unexpected since we knew it was coming but what a joy to step back into Pak’s world. The writing is vintage Moon. If you loved The Deed of Paksenarrion and Oath of Fealty you are going to feel very happy to visit the folks again.
August 4, 2025
Moon!
Always a phenomenal author, I love her books. And then I always want more! The short stories in this collection are fascinating and give more insight into the main storylines.
Always a phenomenal author, I love her books. And then I always want more! The short stories in this collection are fascinating and give more insight into the main storylines.
September 27, 2025
These six stories are a tasty treat for anyone who loved the tales and deeds of Paksenarion and her times. For others not so immersed in the lore and times, may I recommend the excellent novel Sheepfarmer's Daughter as the outstanding introduction to this military fantasy world.
July 16, 2025
This is marvellous
A wonderful series of short stories of Paksenarrion world from the distant past up to Phelan's winning his territory in the north.
A wonderful series of short stories of Paksenarrion world from the distant past up to Phelan's winning his territory in the north.
July 23, 2025
great read!
These short stories added to the knowledge in the Palsenarrian books. I have read all of Elizabeth Moons books and was excited to find a new one. Enjoyable as always
These short stories added to the knowledge in the Palsenarrian books. I have read all of Elizabeth Moons books and was excited to find a new one. Enjoyable as always
September 8, 2025
as always a great collection of stories from Elizabeth Moon.
October 17, 2025
very good addition, very good stories.
numerous spelling errors.
4.5
numerous spelling errors.
4.5
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews