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Paksenarrion #5.6 - Gifts
Moon Flights
Over the past two decades, few authors have garnered the critical acclaim and fan following of Elizabeth Moon, Nebula Award-winning author of The Speed of Dark, The Deed of Paksenarrion, and Remnant Population. Moon Flights, the definitive Elizabeth Moon short story collection, represents the highlights of an impressive career. Gathering together fifteen tales of fantasy, alternative history, and science fiction, Moon Flights features an original story, “Say Cheese,” set in the Vatta’s War cosmology, and an all-new introduction by Anne McCaffrey, legendary creator of the Dragonriders of Pern series.
401 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published August 1, 2008
3 people are currently reading
369 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Moon
141 books2,639 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 30 reviews
February 3, 2019
This was one of those books I have been meaning to sit down and read for a long time and always managed to get distracted by something else. Bad me!
Well I finally got to reading the short shorties of Elizabeth Moon (Previously its only been the novels) and I must admit that going from novels to short stories is not always an easy one. However in this case it was a surprisingly enjoyable experience since I have to say there is a wide range of stories, both in style and genre. You even get to revisit several characters which I actually found rather enjoyable. so much so I will be shortly seeing if they have any of their own books.
So how to describe Elizabeth Moons work - well I am not yet confident enough to really say since I really need to read more (great excuse eh) to draw that opinion but I will say that her style is easy going and quick to pick up which when switching from fantasy to science fiction is no mean feat (yes I have seen all the traps) so I think further reading is not only needed but also being looked forward to.
I will say this though- this was not an easy book to track down which is a shame since it really is a great read.
Well I finally got to reading the short shorties of Elizabeth Moon (Previously its only been the novels) and I must admit that going from novels to short stories is not always an easy one. However in this case it was a surprisingly enjoyable experience since I have to say there is a wide range of stories, both in style and genre. You even get to revisit several characters which I actually found rather enjoyable. so much so I will be shortly seeing if they have any of their own books.
So how to describe Elizabeth Moons work - well I am not yet confident enough to really say since I really need to read more (great excuse eh) to draw that opinion but I will say that her style is easy going and quick to pick up which when switching from fantasy to science fiction is no mean feat (yes I have seen all the traps) so I think further reading is not only needed but also being looked forward to.
I will say this though- this was not an easy book to track down which is a shame since it really is a great read.
June 26, 2009
A collection of short stories from Elizabeth Moon, author of the acclaimed The Speed of Dark and the awful Paksenarrion series. Like her novels, this is a mixed bag of scifi, fantasy, and straight military tales; equally like her novels, the stories range from good to dreadful.
The Ladies Aid and Armory Society stories (about a group of female guards) are funny, though one of them really bothered me. (Why on earth would courtly ladies in a medieval society be concerned with having perfect abs and muscled legs? If anything, shouldn't they be aiming for dimpled thighs and round wrists? Felt anachronistic in its reaffirmation of the "lean is the only beauty" bs of modern times.)
I was impressed by the world-building in "Judgment".
"Gravesite Revisited" was a cool look at ancient burial practices, from the perspectives of both the people burying and the people discovering the graves. Reminiscent of Kage Baker's Company series, or Connie Willis's Doomsday Book, Firewatch etc world.
The nicest aspect of these stories is their focus. None of the main characters are the smartest, bravest, strongest person in the story. No one is a Chosen One. No one is royalty, not even secretly. Every single one of them are ordinary people who mostly pay attention to the mundane details of their lives--sometimes something extraordinary happens, but mostly it doesn't. It's a refreshing change, and in the hands of a better writer it would be truly wonderful. As it is, the "mundane details" are too often the entirety of the story.
The Ladies Aid and Armory Society stories (about a group of female guards) are funny, though one of them really bothered me. (Why on earth would courtly ladies in a medieval society be concerned with having perfect abs and muscled legs? If anything, shouldn't they be aiming for dimpled thighs and round wrists? Felt anachronistic in its reaffirmation of the "lean is the only beauty" bs of modern times.)
I was impressed by the world-building in "Judgment".
"Gravesite Revisited" was a cool look at ancient burial practices, from the perspectives of both the people burying and the people discovering the graves. Reminiscent of Kage Baker's Company series, or Connie Willis's Doomsday Book, Firewatch etc world.
The nicest aspect of these stories is their focus. None of the main characters are the smartest, bravest, strongest person in the story. No one is a Chosen One. No one is royalty, not even secretly. Every single one of them are ordinary people who mostly pay attention to the mundane details of their lives--sometimes something extraordinary happens, but mostly it doesn't. It's a refreshing change, and in the hands of a better writer it would be truly wonderful. As it is, the "mundane details" are too often the entirety of the story.
April 12, 2013
Elizabeth Moon is known for radically different forms of fiction. Her hard science fiction stories, while often having a tinge of humor, are normally serious works. Her fantasy novels are serious, but her fantasy short stories are infamous for their goofy humor, especially the stories done for the "Chicks in Chainmail" series of anthologies. This book runs the full spectrum of her styles, ending with the best science fiction cheese story of all time. No, really, it's about the hazards of interstellar cheese shipping.
This anthology is highly recommended if you're not familiar with her work, because it's simple introduction to her various styles. If you are familiar with her work, then it contains one story not published anywhere else, and several that you may not have read. Even if you have, they're worth re-reading.
This anthology is highly recommended if you're not familiar with her work, because it's simple introduction to her various styles. If you are familiar with her work, then it contains one story not published anywhere else, and several that you may not have read. Even if you have, they're worth re-reading.
June 29, 2019
This was a collection of short stories, some better than others, but overall, very mediocre. I think this author is better at the novel length.
could-not-finish
December 22, 2022Anthology.
1. If Nudity Offends You. Louanne sees that a neighbor has been plugged into her trailer siphoning electricity after she receives a larger than normal bill. When she confronts the woman, she notices a note that says to not ring the bell if nudity offends you. The woman is nude and stinky. Her husband brings her more than the bill is worth and the next day they are gone. I have no idea what this story means. Confusing. **
2. Gift. Dall is leaving home. I don't know how old he is but they keep calling him boy. His sister gives him a wooden knife that has some kind of magical power and leads him on an adventure. Okay story. **
3. Politics. About a bunch of Marines that are used to clear out an area because someone high up wants it cleared and doesn't care who gets hurt. The ending had me questioning whether the main character is good or bad. Good story. ***1/2
4. And Ladies of the Club. Warrior women's brass bras are taxed, and that's when I stopped reading the book.
BORING! Back to the library for you!
1. If Nudity Offends You. Louanne sees that a neighbor has been plugged into her trailer siphoning electricity after she receives a larger than normal bill. When she confronts the woman, she notices a note that says to not ring the bell if nudity offends you. The woman is nude and stinky. Her husband brings her more than the bill is worth and the next day they are gone. I have no idea what this story means. Confusing. **
2. Gift. Dall is leaving home. I don't know how old he is but they keep calling him boy. His sister gives him a wooden knife that has some kind of magical power and leads him on an adventure. Okay story. **
3. Politics. About a bunch of Marines that are used to clear out an area because someone high up wants it cleared and doesn't care who gets hurt. The ending had me questioning whether the main character is good or bad. Good story. ***1/2
4. And Ladies of the Club. Warrior women's brass bras are taxed, and that's when I stopped reading the book.
BORING! Back to the library for you!
August 23, 2016
A bit of a mixed bag.
A mixed bag indeed. Stories vary greatly in tone, context, genre and setting. As such this anthology by Elizabeth Moon contains fantasy, historical, sci-fy and contemporary stories. It will depend entirely on you personal taste with stories will resonate with you and which will miss their mark entirely. So overall some stories will HIT while others will MISS.
In short: If you're interested in reading a reading a collection of wildly varying stories with all kinds of subject than this might interest you.
A mixed bag indeed. Stories vary greatly in tone, context, genre and setting. As such this anthology by Elizabeth Moon contains fantasy, historical, sci-fy and contemporary stories. It will depend entirely on you personal taste with stories will resonate with you and which will miss their mark entirely. So overall some stories will HIT while others will MISS.
In short: If you're interested in reading a reading a collection of wildly varying stories with all kinds of subject than this might interest you.
March 29, 2008
This collection of short stories by Elizabeth Moon has made me ever a bigger fan of hers.
I loved the Vatta story, and also the Ladies Aid & Armor Society stories. Now I will be adding the "Chicks in Chainmail" anthology to my to-read list without a doubt.
The mix and balance if fantasy and sci fi stories was nice. I really liked this book, it was a very good read.
I loved the Vatta story, and also the Ladies Aid & Armor Society stories. Now I will be adding the "Chicks in Chainmail" anthology to my to-read list without a doubt.
The mix and balance if fantasy and sci fi stories was nice. I really liked this book, it was a very good read.
June 10, 2024
Most anthologies by a single author include stories of various quality. They normally include a few ones that are not as good as the rest. Not so for this anthology. All stories in this collection are very entertaining. Add to that the variety of genres the stories cover, from science fiction to fantasy to historic military. I really enjoyed this collection
December 31, 2017
Like any short story collection, some stories are better than others, but especially in this case what is "better" may change differ person to person depending on your tastes. Elizabeth Moon is a strong writer, and this book really showcases her range.
March 22, 2018
Wonderful collection of short stories, really accents how versatile a writer she is!
February 7, 2020
A collection of EMoon's short stories.
I enjoyed the collection, though I really liked the 4 stories from the Chicks in Chainmail collections the most.
I enjoyed the collection, though I really liked the 4 stories from the Chicks in Chainmail collections the most.
March 11, 2020
A great series of short stories. I enjoyed reading them all.
December 19, 2021
Great mixture of science fiction and fantasy.
October 14, 2023
Good book, a number of interesting short stories. The variation of themes is good too.
December 19, 2025
entertaining.
the best are the several stories about the Women's Aid and Armor Society.
the best are the several stories about the Women's Aid and Armor Society.
July 16, 2022
My original rating was 3 stars and now I would update to 4 (so leaving as 3: 3.5 rounded down).
There was only one story that I didn't like: "Tradition" which was set in the British Navy in WWI. (I might have liked it better if I hadn't recently re-read "His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik and comparing them.)
This is a good mixture of stories from different universes. Some are fantasy from the Paksennarion world; some are from the Chicks in Chain Mail anthologies, several stand-alone science fiction, and ending with one about Gerald and Stavros Vatta as teenagers.
There was only one story that I didn't like: "Tradition" which was set in the British Navy in WWI. (I might have liked it better if I hadn't recently re-read "His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik and comparing them.)
This is a good mixture of stories from different universes. Some are fantasy from the Paksennarion world; some are from the Chicks in Chain Mail anthologies, several stand-alone science fiction, and ending with one about Gerald and Stavros Vatta as teenagers.
August 31, 2017
If Nudity Offends You re-read 8/20/2015 read aloud to Lisa 12/3/2015
Gifts 8/20/2015
Politics 8/20/2015
And Ladies of the Club 8/21/2015
Accidents Don't Just Happen 8/21/2015
New World Symphony 8/21/2015
No Pain, No Gain 8/22/2015
Hand to Hand 8/22/2015
Tradition 8/22/2015
Fool's Gold 8/23/2015
Judgment 8/23/2015
Gravesite Revisited 8/23/2015
Sweet Charity read 8/24/2015
Welcome to Wheel Days read 8/24/2015
Say Cheese read 8/24/2015
Gifts 8/20/2015
Politics 8/20/2015
And Ladies of the Club 8/21/2015
Accidents Don't Just Happen 8/21/2015
New World Symphony 8/21/2015
No Pain, No Gain 8/22/2015
Hand to Hand 8/22/2015
Tradition 8/22/2015
Fool's Gold 8/23/2015
Judgment 8/23/2015
Gravesite Revisited 8/23/2015
Sweet Charity read 8/24/2015
Welcome to Wheel Days read 8/24/2015
Say Cheese read 8/24/2015
October 3, 2011
Interesting collection of fantasy and SF short stories ranging from series that appeared in Friesner's Chick series to a tale set in the world of Pakserrion to the world of Vatta. Enjoyable having the stories gathered together rather than scattered in various anthologies.
June 28, 2012
Moon Flights is an excellent collection of short stories. I think my favorite are the lighthearted high-fantasy ones featuring the "Ladies aid and armor society.". I also enjoyed "Politics," as it captured well the driving obsession that is musical composition.
October 25, 2014
I enjoyed almost every story in this collection. This makes the second Elizabeth Moon book I've read and both were great. I need to move more of her books up my to-read queue.
The narration was also well done.
The narration was also well done.
September 20, 2008
Light reading. Short stories. Interesting Elizabeth Moon. I like her as an author.
June 14, 2009
My favorite parts of this book of short stories were the four stories about the Ladies' Aid & Armor Society. Each one was laugh-out-loud good.
October 31, 2008
I really enjoyed the stories in this collection. They were all well-written and thought provoking. From deep dark intellectual SF to the Ladies Aid & Armor Society. Highly recommended.
April 8, 2010
Good short story collection. I was surprised to find there was something of Elizabeth Moon's I hadn't read. Love her stuff.
December 17, 2010
This is a genuinely enjoyable collection.
http://opionator.wordpress.com/2010/1...
http://opionator.wordpress.com/2010/1...
February 2, 2011
Read some stories before, some were new. No thread to tie the themes together. Inconsistent.
May 17, 2012
An amazing range of stories, from comic to dark. A really good spec-fic story collection.
December 4, 2013
An enjoyable collection of short SciFi and Fantasy stories.
August 13, 2015
I loved it. It really does run the gamut from stories about up and coming cheese traders to serious military manoeuvres.
January 23, 2016
Good collection of short stories. Highly readable, and extremely varied.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews