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Paksenarrion #10.5
Deeds of Honor
With two exclusive, never-before-published stories featuring characters from the Paladin's Legacy series, Deeds of Honor gathers together lore and legends from Paksenarrion’s world, along with tales from the Paladin’s Legacy era, all revised and updated for this special compilation. Rich with the vivid and immersive storytelling for which Elizabeth Moon is known, the eight short stories in Deeds of Honor are certain to please any fan of the Paksenarrion saga.
Audible Audio
Published July 1, 2019
About the author
Elizabeth Moon
139 books2,693 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 29, 2018
“Something would go wrong; something always did in war.”
Set in the world of the Paksennerrion tales, these short stories as less backstory as background. Each stands alone, concerning some minor or bridge character in the greater timeline. As the number implies, there’s a lot to cross connect.
“You can’t undo what is done or unsay what is said.”
I have only read The Farmer’s Daughter, but the lack of the connecting threads enhances the quality, if not the enjoyment, of these fragments. In fact, I enjoyed these short stories--because each was a self-contained whole--better than the sluggish longer work.
“Sometimes young men learn only from old men … willing to teach the hardest lessons the hardest way.”
Set in the world of the Paksennerrion tales, these short stories as less backstory as background. Each stands alone, concerning some minor or bridge character in the greater timeline. As the number implies, there’s a lot to cross connect.
“You can’t undo what is done or unsay what is said.”
I have only read The Farmer’s Daughter, but the lack of the connecting threads enhances the quality, if not the enjoyment, of these fragments. In fact, I enjoyed these short stories--because each was a self-contained whole--better than the sluggish longer work.
“Sometimes young men learn only from old men … willing to teach the hardest lessons the hardest way.”
July 1, 2015
A somewhat varied level of quality caused this to be 4 stars rather than five. Still worthwhile, as it adds some depth to some minor characters.
January 4, 2026
I’ve read Paks World several times and enjoyed these glimpses into various people and times.
September 20, 2018
Point of Honor **
Falk's Oath **
Cross Puposes **
Torre's Ride ***
A Parrion of Cooking ***
Varden's Tale **
Those Who Walk in Darkness **
The Last Lesson***
On the whole enjoyable. But I doubt I will feel the need to re-read, even when I re-read the series.
Falk's Oath **
Cross Puposes **
Torre's Ride ***
A Parrion of Cooking ***
Varden's Tale **
Those Who Walk in Darkness **
The Last Lesson***
On the whole enjoyable. But I doubt I will feel the need to re-read, even when I re-read the series.
June 28, 2016
Interesting bits.
May 10, 2020
Disappointing only in its brevity. I loved each story and how they add to the lore of Paksenarrion’s world.
January 11, 2026
It is hard to meaningfully evaluate a book of varied stories when a slightly battered reader’s heart is thumping in one’s chest. To explain: the world from which Paksenarrion comes has long been, without change, one of my most beloved worlds, if not my absolute favorite. I have read the original trilogy countless times, and the twists of the plot, the fates of the characters, and the lessons that grow out of them have never stopped being compelling to me.
After reading the following pentalogy, I had to come to terms with the painful experience that so many familiar things had changed (and not always in ways that made me happy), that beloved characters had changed, and that some had even departed forever. (Perhaps I could describe it as the moment when idols fall before your eyes.)
And yet, my ability to resist anything that comes out of Paks’s world is exactly zero.
The stories in the first volume of the follow-up tales are truly diverse. Some, because they connect almost directly to the original trilogy, pleased me all the more; others were a welcome historical enrichment; some were filled more with the task of sorting out where everything belongs. I therefore considered whether my overall evaluation would hover closer to average, or whether I could honestly rate it higher.
In the end, I was once again convinced by the clear, straightforward, and rawly human writing style of Elizabeth Moon, which I fell in love with all those decades ago. And if I had to say which stories carried that feeling most strongly for me, they would be Point of Honor about Arvid Semminson, Parrion of Cooking about the cook Farin, and the closing story The Last Lesson about Knight-Commander Beclan and the wisdom he gained.
After reading the following pentalogy, I had to come to terms with the painful experience that so many familiar things had changed (and not always in ways that made me happy), that beloved characters had changed, and that some had even departed forever. (Perhaps I could describe it as the moment when idols fall before your eyes.)
And yet, my ability to resist anything that comes out of Paks’s world is exactly zero.
The stories in the first volume of the follow-up tales are truly diverse. Some, because they connect almost directly to the original trilogy, pleased me all the more; others were a welcome historical enrichment; some were filled more with the task of sorting out where everything belongs. I therefore considered whether my overall evaluation would hover closer to average, or whether I could honestly rate it higher.
In the end, I was once again convinced by the clear, straightforward, and rawly human writing style of Elizabeth Moon, which I fell in love with all those decades ago. And if I had to say which stories carried that feeling most strongly for me, they would be Point of Honor about Arvid Semminson, Parrion of Cooking about the cook Farin, and the closing story The Last Lesson about Knight-Commander Beclan and the wisdom he gained.
June 15, 2020
A great series of short stories, with only a few minor questions or quibbles that took away from an otherwise fun read:
- First, note that you'll probably want to read the Paladin's Legacy series first. Some of the stories take place during/after and include spoilers. Then again, I think A Parrion for Cooking actually made the scene from another perspective that much better.
- Speaking of that spoiler:
- First, note that you'll probably want to read the Paladin's Legacy series first. Some of the stories take place during/after and include spoilers. Then again, I think A Parrion for Cooking actually made the scene from another perspective that much better.
- Speaking of that spoiler:
May 24, 2021
I enjoyed this set of short stories. This series was so good that I even remembered most of the characters and the situations they were in, to follow the storyline progression and why these stories were relevant to the series as a whole, and plugged in a number of gaps in that timeline. I wish I had read these immediately after I had read the most recent series, but it worked out in the end. Anyone who loved this series would appreciate the purpose and content of these easy to read fill ins. I wonder if there are more in the works for this world? I hope so. Again, I reiterate that there is no such thing as a five star short story (none that I have ever seen anyway), but this was an attaboy 3 1/2 stars at the very least, approaching 4 stars for a few of them.
September 5, 2019
Note that you should definitely have read through the first few books in the Paladin's Legacy series first, not just the Deed of Paksenarrion!
The Last Lesson & A Parrion of Cooking are the definite highlights of this collection, both wonderful additions to the main story. Very nice to finally get some insight into Falk and Torre, and (seemingly as one of the few) I enjoyed Vardan's Tale as well.
Those Who Walk in Darkness was okay, nothing more or less. I did not find much at all of interest in Cross Purposes and Point of Honor, however, despite loving the characters involved in the main series.
The Last Lesson & A Parrion of Cooking are the definite highlights of this collection, both wonderful additions to the main story. Very nice to finally get some insight into Falk and Torre, and (seemingly as one of the few) I enjoyed Vardan's Tale as well.
Those Who Walk in Darkness was okay, nothing more or less. I did not find much at all of interest in Cross Purposes and Point of Honor, however, despite loving the characters involved in the main series.
April 24, 2024
Not quite as good as Deeds of Youth: Paksenarrion World Chronicles II, in my opinion. However, I read them out of order and not at my best. Still, closer to a four. Also, the last story was a bit of a downer, though it does make one think.
September 14, 2026
A few fill-in stories. It has been awhile since I read this series. And the earlier books I've re-read a number of times, where the later books I don't think I've re-read any of them. And then at some point reading A Parrion of Cooking I realized I had lost track of time and where I was and was completely sucked in. It had been awhile. I think these stories would hit harder reading them closer to the original material. And none of these are super important. But they are all good.
June 14, 2025
Love the Paksennarian series and this is a wonderful addition!
I was wandering through my kindle and found these anthologies from Paks world. These stories are wonderful. If you love Paladin series, definitely read the sheep farmer’s daughter series. These stories add so much to the whole story!
I was wandering through my kindle and found these anthologies from Paks world. These stories are wonderful. If you love Paladin series, definitely read the sheep farmer’s daughter series. These stories add so much to the whole story!
September 5, 2021
It feels like these stories were written over a period of years. I didn't like the first ones as well, but the last four were good, especially the very last one. The 3-star rating is an average for the group of stories overall.
August 25, 2023
World Building via Stories
The quality of these stories are equal to their novel length counterparts. Well considered and written, these stories all fill in the corners of Paks World. It was a joy to revisit the characters and locations. A must read for fans of the series.
The quality of these stories are equal to their novel length counterparts. Well considered and written, these stories all fill in the corners of Paks World. It was a joy to revisit the characters and locations. A must read for fans of the series.
October 11, 2024
I do love Paksenarrion's world. Sometimes I think it might be worth it to deal with Liart the Bloodlord and Achrya the Webspinner if it also meant Gird and Falk and Torre were there watching out for us too.
June 1, 2017
Filling in the blanks
A group of short stories that fills in some of the blanks in the Pak's story. Well done and well written.
A group of short stories that fills in some of the blanks in the Pak's story. Well done and well written.
January 9, 2018
Excellent, as is this entire series. Since it deals with some of the minor characters, I only wish I had read it sooner when they were still fresh in my mind.
February 13, 2018
Fantasy? entertainment only
January 6, 2019
Not to be read without having read other works of hers, particularly the paladin series. Good set of stories, back and side stories.
March 5, 2019
One of my favourite authors. Enjoyable with an underlying message which makes you think. All Moon books are worth looking out for. Series should be read in order and you will not be disappointed.
August 5, 2020
A welcome return to Paksworld.
After reading the short stories in this collection, I'm ready to dive back into the Deed and the Legacy again.
After reading the short stories in this collection, I'm ready to dive back into the Deed and the Legacy again.
November 20, 2020
One of my favorite worlds by any author. This is a great addition to the Paks world series.
November 27, 2021
I miss Paks and would love another 10 books about this world please and thank you.
June 24, 2022
Bittersweet. Made me want a reread, and maybe some new books from miss moon.
April 11, 2024
Deeds of Honor is part of the Paksenarrien (sp?) that is so raw and wonderful at the same time. Elizabeth Moon at her best!
August 20, 2025
Love reading books in this world and great to have this but I missed Paks. At this stage she's like an old friend
May 10, 2026
delightful short stories
Such satisfying short stories that fill the spaces left in Paksworld. Also, this narrator may be the best of all the Paksworld narrators.
Such satisfying short stories that fill the spaces left in Paksworld. Also, this narrator may be the best of all the Paksworld narrators.
March 6, 2015
Book of short stories in Pax's world.
Point of Honor - Arvid takes over the thieves' guild in Verella right after he saves Pax and hears Gird in his head.
Falk's Oath - background story of Falk
Cross Purposes - Torfinn king of Pargun decides to send his daughter as a possible bride for Kieri.
Torre's Ride - background story of Torre
A Parrion of Cooking - background of Dorrin's cook Farin and her POV of Dorrin's arrival.
Vardan's Tale - Linnar Varden is one of the Halvaric's who survived scathefire by hiding in a ditch. This covers what happened to that troop.
Those Who Walk in Darkness - Selis a child who saw Pax being tortured seeks help from the grange.
The Last Lesson - a Knight-Commander of the Bells teaches a hard final lesson to the Knight candidates. Eventually you realize this old man is Beclan. Selis from the previous story is mentioned as the Marshal-Judicar. A son of Jandelir Arcolin is next in line to be Knight-Commander.
Point of Honor - Arvid takes over the thieves' guild in Verella right after he saves Pax and hears Gird in his head.
Falk's Oath - background story of Falk
Cross Purposes - Torfinn king of Pargun decides to send his daughter as a possible bride for Kieri.
Torre's Ride - background story of Torre
A Parrion of Cooking - background of Dorrin's cook Farin and her POV of Dorrin's arrival.
Vardan's Tale - Linnar Varden is one of the Halvaric's who survived scathefire by hiding in a ditch. This covers what happened to that troop.
Those Who Walk in Darkness - Selis a child who saw Pax being tortured seeks help from the grange.
The Last Lesson - a Knight-Commander of the Bells teaches a hard final lesson to the Knight candidates. Eventually you realize this old man is Beclan. Selis from the previous story is mentioned as the Marshal-Judicar. A son of Jandelir Arcolin is next in line to be Knight-Commander.
March 17, 2015
Elizabeth Moon's collection of short stories, Deeds of Honor: Paksenarrion World Chronicles, is exactly what the title suggests. Set in the world of her classic fantasy trilogy, collectively known as The Deed of Paksenarrion, and the various novels that followed, the stories collected here focus on deeds of honor, be it the honor of thieves or kings, servants, soldiers or noblemen and women.
Some of the characters in these tales play important roles in Moon's two series The Deed of Paksenarrion and Paladin's Legacy; others are characters met briefly, a few are only referred to, or performed the deeds recorded herein on the periphery of events, before them, or even after the conclusion of the Paladin's Legacy series. All, however, are rich with the flavour of Paksenarrion's world, and for that reason will be welcome to any fans of Moon's fantasy writing.
Some of the characters in these tales play important roles in Moon's two series The Deed of Paksenarrion and Paladin's Legacy; others are characters met briefly, a few are only referred to, or performed the deeds recorded herein on the periphery of events, before them, or even after the conclusion of the Paladin's Legacy series. All, however, are rich with the flavour of Paksenarrion's world, and for that reason will be welcome to any fans of Moon's fantasy writing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews