A fantastic, fantastical saga which promises great things to come from debut author J. T. Greathouse. It started well, slowed in the middle, and endedA fantastic, fantastical saga which promises great things to come from debut author J. T. Greathouse. It started well, slowed in the middle, and ended with such a bang that I was buzzing hours later, unable to sleep.
”My name is Foolish Cur, grandson of Broken Limb, nephew of Harrow Fox, known to the Sienese as Wen Alder,” I said. “You may have heard of me.”
Wen Alder is a child of two cultures. His father wants him to gain a place in the empire’s civil service, and so return their family’s prestige. His grandmother wants him to remember his Nayen roots and to fight their imperial subjugators. Alder just wants to learn magic, and to taste once more the boundless power he stumbled upon as a child. Torn between the two sides, and uncertain how to achieve his own ambitions, Alder bumps along from pillar to post, learning what he can, where he can, until one fateful day, his actions put him on a path from which he cannot return.
’She had given me a taste of magic, and in doing so had kindled a thirst for more – a thirst that would carry me, in time, to the heights of prestige and the depths of ruin.’
The book initially reminded me of the The Traitor Baru Cormorant (another subjugated colony), The Poppy War (imperial exams), and The Name of the Wind (portents of greatness to come), but its very much its own story and veers off in its own direction. The world draws inspiration from Asian culture, but the active presence of the gods in the story felt quite Norse-like.
It starts well: we’re gently introduced to the world through Alder’s studies, and tensions are kept to a minimum. I felt I had a good idea of where the story was likely to go and enjoyed the ride. It began to drag in the middle, when Alder is sent abroad. I was interested and intrigued by the new location but felt somewhat adrift and unsure of story’s new direction. Then, the last third of the story absolutely hooked me: the tension picks up dramatically, there’s some epic battles, and, when I realised on the very last page where Greathouse was taking us, I laughed, and kicked myself for not having realised sooner.
’The two competing branches of my family – to which, I felt, I owed an equal duty – could not be reconciled. To serve one would betray the other. But magic offered a way for me to escape that stifling contradiction, to carve out my own path through the world.’
I liked our protagonist, Wen Alder, also known as Foolish Cur (a name, not a slur). He’s clever, though certainly not infallible; he’s arrogant, but keen to learn and grateful to those who will teach; he’s proud, though not as proud as he could be, ridden with guilt as he is; and he’s impulsive, though thankfully not without the emotionally intelligence to make up for it later. I enjoyed seeing him grow and learn and can’t wait to see where the next book takes him.
”The pattern of the world is on your side, boy! Everything, and I mean […] everything wants the flame to go out, except for me. How are you so shit at this?”
For those like me who were initially a little confused by all the different magics and their provenances, I’ve made a list below, tagged by spoilers (though they’re not really spoilers). (view spoiler)[
- Sein: transmission (communication and transmission of magic/magical ability) - Nayen: fire wielding, veering (transformation) - An-Zabat: wind calling, water calling - Toa Alon: healing, dowsing, cultivation (hide spoiler)]
All in all, an excellent book. I hope Greathouse releases the next in the series soon, preferably with a map. I’ll definitely be reading it and would highly recommend this to fans of fantastical sagas, complex magical systems and imperial battles....more
I really wanted to love this book but I found myself dragging my way through most of it. I think it's a good book, I just wasn't quite in the mood forI really wanted to love this book but I found myself dragging my way through most of it. I think it's a good book, I just wasn't quite in the mood for it. It's everyone against everyone and I found it emotionally exhausting to try to determine who to root for.
Kingdom of Copper begins soon after the City of Brass left off. Nahri has been forced to marry Muntadhir, heir to the throne, to form a political alliance but there's little love between them. Ali has been exiled and, after an assassin's ambush leaves him near dead, he is rescued by outriders from a drought-ridden village. And Dara briefly enjoys a reunion with his dead sister but is then summoned back to life by Manizheh, Nahri's outlaw mother.
Fast forward five years and the first chapter sees Nahri miserable, a prisoner in all but name and largely estranged from her husband. Ali is happy and has found himself a place in Bir Nabat, a now verdant village thanks to his new affinity for water magic. Meanwhile Dara has built Manizheh an army and prepares for the invasion of Daevabad.
Told from three different points of view, there are any number of sides: - Individual leaders: Ali - Dara - Nahri - Muntadhir - Ghassan - Manizheh - Tribes: Daeva - Geziri - Ayaanle - Blood: Full blood - Half-blood/Shafit - Species: Human - Daeva/Djinn - Ifrit - Marid Each allies with various others at varying times to varying degrees and no combination of individuals and alliances seems to quite align well enough to present a way forward. The future does not look bright.
2.5*s. My overwhelming feeling on finishing this book is thank god that's over. It's not a terrible book, I just didn't care one iota for any of the c2.5*s. My overwhelming feeling on finishing this book is thank god that's over. It's not a terrible book, I just didn't care one iota for any of the characters, despite the 800+ pages I spent with them.
A thousand years ago, the balance of magic in the world shifted and the Nameless One and his minions rose. Dragons, they ravaged the human world until Cleolind, Princess of Lasia, and Galian Berethnet, a Knight from the north, took up arms and banished them. Exactly how these events unfolded is disputed. Within the nations of Virtudom, Galian is worshipped as a Saint and his line still rules the Queendom of Inys today, their very existence holding the Nameless One at bay.
Today, Queen Sabran IX of Inys is unmarried and without child. As assassins darken her door and wyrms and dragons take to the skies, pressure mounts for her to produce an heir but she's scared and lonely.
Sabran's dearest friend, Lord Arteloth "Loth" Beck, is considered an impediment to any marriage alliance and is sent away by her Council. His mission is to find the King's father, whose last known location was Yscalin, a nation of dragon worshippers riddled by plague.
Ead Duryan is an ordinary chamberer in Sabran's household. Unbeknownst to the Inys, she is a daughter of the Priory of the Orange Tree, a community of magic wielders trained to kill dragons. She has been sent to protect Sabran and the Berethnet line. Despite their religious differences - Ead worshipping Cleolind not Galian - she and Sabran grow close, a situation neither the Inys court nor the Priory are happy about.
Meanwhile, across the Abyss lies the nation of Seiiki (pronounced psy-key). There, wyrms are differentiated from dragons and are worshipped. A select few are chosen to bond with them as their riders and Tané hopes to be one of these. The night before her trials, however, she makes a mistake which will come to haunt her.
And lastly, there is Niclays Roos. Banished by Sabran for his lies and his trickery, he wiles away an existence as an apothecary on Ginura, a tiny spit of land attached to the larger island of Seiiki. He mourns his lost love and his lost life in Mentendon, a Virtuous ally of Inys, and would do anything to get back there and spend his final years acting as grandfather to his lost love's granddaughter.
Resting at 844 pages, this is a hefty book with a lot going on. The first half is slow and boring, not to mention extremely confusing. This confusion is made worse by an audiobook narrator who is far from clear and enunciated. I was tempted to write a summary of the book to help later readers but don't like the book enough to take the time. I did, at least, discover that there is a glossary and a list of characters at the end of the book which helped immensely.
The second half of the book picks up but then feels oddly rushed towards the end. I think this would have been better as a duology, or even a trilogy, which would have allowed time for the world building but would also have better structured the story with individual arcs for each book as well as the series as a whole. As it stands, the size is intimidating and the pay off unimpressive.
My biggest criticism of the book is that I simply didn't care about any of the characters. Not one. Loth, Ead and Tané were ok but I never really felt I knew them. Sabran I actively disliked and I'm not even sure why Niclays was included in the story. They could have died and I wouldn't have even blinked.
On the plus side, the book gets points for diversity. There were significantly more female characters than male characters, and many of them in positions of authority. Sabran, Ead and Niclays are all gay and a significant number of the characters are black. Better was that all of this was neither emphasised nor championed, it just was. Not a tick box exercise, then, but natural and normal inclusion. Much appreciated.
As epic fantasies go, it was ok but there are far better examples. I had to drag myself through most of it and on numerous occasions wasn't sure I'd finish. I'm now not sure I should have bothered. A shame because it had potential and it was nice to see some more modern opinions sneaking into the epic fantasy genre....more
4.5*s. This is a very different book to the others in the series. Its plot is more explicitly romantic, its magic shamanistic as oppose to demonic. Go4.5*s. This is a very different book to the others in the series. Its plot is more explicitly romantic, its magic shamanistic as oppose to demonic. Going on literary quality alone, it's probably not as strong as the others, but I enjoyed it immensely, probably more than I did Paladin of Souls, and that one won all the awards.
“I was imagining the most bizarre things befalling you.” “Did they include a 600-pound ice bear and a pirate poet?” “No.” “Then they weren’t the most bizarre after all.”
Whilst in publication order, The Hallowed Hunt came third, it is set 250 years earlier and far to the south-east of Chalion in a place called the Weald. There, it was not sorcerers, inhabited by demons, that wielded power, but shamans, inhabited by animal spirits, accumulated over time into Great Beasts. Four hundred years before the story starts, the country was invaded and the practice of shamanism died out, replace by worship of the Five Gods.
"She said it was no worse a barter than any and better than most, and that I should look to my own future, that it was just like a woman’s version of the same loyalty due from a man to his Prince. I said I did not think most men would...well, I’m afraid I said something rude."
The story begins when Lady Ijada dy Castos kills the Hallow King's son, Prince Boleso, after he attempted to rape her (all off page for those concerned). Lord Ingrey kin Wolfcliff, a landless aristocrat and gofer for the Royal Sealmaster, is sent to take her into custody and to transport her to the capital for trial. Forced to spent time together, they come to like and respect one another, but it sooner becomes clear that other forces are at play and someone wants her–and maybe him, and maybe the Hallow King–dead.
"Since you have not taken my hints to heart, let me lay it out for you more plainly. You did not just defend your virtue, there on the top Boarshead Castle, nor did you merely offend the Royal house of Stagthorn by making it’s scion’s death a public scandal. You upset a political plot that has already cost someone hundreds of thousands of crowns and months of secret preparation and involved illicit sorcery of the most dangerous sort. I deduce from my geas that somewhere in Easthome is a man–or men–of power who does not want you blurting the truth about Boleso to anyone at all. Their attempt to kill you subtly has miscarried. I’m guessing that the next attempt will be less subtle. Or were you picturing some heroic stand before a Justiciar, or an enquirer as brave and honest as yourself? There may be such men, I do not know. But I guarantee you will meet only the other sort. [...] I decline to be made a party to this."
Listening to the book, I found the world-building quite bit over-whelming, which is why I didn't rate it the full five stars. I don't think I'd have had the same problem reading it so I'd recommend that to others. Even by audio, it did mostly come clear in the end and the narration is very good.
'"Why doesn’t your wolf help you so?" Because I have worked for a decade and more to cripple it, bind it down tight, and I thought I was safe and now your questions frighten me worse than the wolf within.’
I found the idea of spirit animals fascinating. Ingrey is possessed by a wolf spirit, but he's not what you'd think of as a werewolf. He doesn't shift, nor does the wolf speak to him, but it does lend magic abilities that become clear with time. If you've read the book and enjoyed this aspect, I'd recommend Penric's Demon to you as the second book, Penric and the Shaman, covers similar material.
‘In the utter most extremity, abandoned by all who should have protected her, she’d found that she need not abandon herself. A powerful lesson. A dangerous lesson.’
I loved both Ingrey and Ijada. Ijada is an eternal optimist. Despite her experiences, she trusts easily and believes others will do what's right. She's strong, brave, noble and resilient, but politically naive and vulnerable because of it. She's by far my favourite of Bujold's female protagonists in the series.
‘Ingrey had no burning desire to rush this acursed, naive girl to her earthy judgement either. She was not afraid of the right things. Five Gods help him, she seemed not afraid of anything.’
Whilst Ijada sees the beauty of the world all around her, Ingrey sees only the dirt under his feet as he plods along, doing his duty. He's dour and cynical, but is slowly infected by Ijada's hopeful optimism and comes to see the world in a new light. That world comes to revolve around Ijada.
"I admit, only Ingrey kin Wolfcliff would ignite with lust for a woman who bludgeons her lovers to death."
I appreciated that the romance between the two was quick to take root (though it's by no means the insta-love you see in most YA books). I adored the two of them together, each complementing the other so nicely; it was the highlight of the book for me.
“I might have anticipated some seducer, arrogant in his rank. It was the heretical sorcery and howling madness that took me by surprise."
In terms of the plot, or at least the protagonists relationship with the antagonist, I though Bujold took an unusual route. In some books, the protagonist remains completely blind to the identity of the antagonist until the very end, when there is a reckoning. In other books, the antagonist is immediately clear and protagonist mount a resistance. This book sits somewhere in the middle: the antagonist is relatively clear relatively early on, though we're kept in the dark about his plans or motives. Meanwhile, the protagonists adopt a wait and see approach, trusting him far more than I would have.
"Give over, Ingrey, I am no monster." "But I am."
I always say I like understatement, both in plots and in writing, and Bujold has a real talent for it. Her characters are gentle but undoubtedly fierce, her plots subtle but undoubtedly dramatic, and her writing cuts to the heart of it each and every time. She's a talented woman and I'd recommend her widely, to SpecFic lovers and others.
"I do not know where I am going, but I am quite weary enough of where I’ve been."
Would I recommend this book to others? Absolutely. I would recommend reading Curse of Chalion and Paladin of Souls first, but it's not strictly necessary. If you enjoy this, I would also recommend giving Penric's Demon a go; it's based in the same world and is an excellent collection of novellas. So far, it doesn't appear Lois McMaster Bujold can go wrong.
“We should be trying to stay alive, Ijata” “I am not at all sure,” she said rather quietly, “that staying alive is what this is all about.”
This is, without doubt, one of the best books I've ever read. Honestly, it was perfect and I'm trying really hard not to gush.
'If the gods will not an
This is, without doubt, one of the best books I've ever read. Honestly, it was perfect and I'm trying really hard not to gush.
'If the gods will not answer your prayers, Lady Iselle, by the gods I will try to.'
After years at war and months in slavery, thirty-five year old Castillar dy Cazaril is near broken. Without family or lands to fall back on, he crawls to Valenda where he was a page in his youth and hopes to find a place, even if its in the kitchen. Instead, the Dowager Provincara (Duchess) offers him a place as the secretary-tutor to her fifteen-year-old granddaughter, Royesse (Princess) Iselle. He does his best to teach and encourage, curb and protect, but his job gets a whole lot harder when Iselle's half-brother, Roya (King) Orico, calls her and her brother to the capital. All of a sudden, the wolves are at the door, baying for fresh blood and a way into the royal family's good graces and Caz, Iselle and Iselle's companion, Betriz, must use all their wits to stay alive and retain their freedom.
Of note is that the Curse of Chalion can be read as a standalone novel. Its 'sequels', Paladin of Souls and The Hallowed Hunt, follow different characters in different times and different places (or so I'm told).
"We lords, at our oars, then? We sweating, pissing, swearing, grunting gentleman? I think no, Palli. On the galleys we were not lords of men. We were men or animals, and which proved which had no relation I ever saw to birth or blood. The greatest soul I ever met there had been a tanner, and I would kiss his feed right now with joy to learn he yet lived. We slaves, we lords, we fools, we men and women, we mortals, we toys of the gods - all the same thing, Palli. They are all the same to me now."
Cazaril - Caz - is not your usual hero. Old beyond his years thanks to the traumas of his past, he's strong but pale and sickly. His travels have taught him the lay of the land, however, and he has an eye of court politics and strategy. With little previous experience with young women, he teaches Iselle and Betriz like he would his old Lieutenants - fairly and patiently but without indulgence or obsequiousness. He's unfailingly loyal and not tempted by money or favours; he's methodical and collected, not taken to rushing or flapping; and he's humble, more than capable of laughing at himself, admitting weakness and knowing his limits. In other words, he makes for fascinating reading and contrasts wonderfully with the usual knights in shining armour.
"I'd storm heaven for you, if I knew where it was."
Iselle has the grace and temperament of a woman born to rule. She's feisty and determined, but willing to listen and quick to learn. Her companion, Betriz, is equally intelligent but couples it with a softer, more caring demeanour. Cazaril is their chosen and faithful servant but a unique bond remains between the two and I would love to have seen inside their heads - I think it would have been fascinating.
Bujold so skilfully weaves her world-building that it's easy to get sucked into the World of the Five Gods without getting overwhelmed. The only slight confusion I had came early on from the terms of rank, but even these are pretty easy to guess: - Roya/Royina are King and Queen, Royse and Royesse are Prince and Princess. - Provincar/Provincara are the Duke and Duchess in command of a province - March/Marchess are the rank below this in command of a sub-set of a province - Castillar/Castillara are the rank below this, usually in command of a single fortress Writing a foreword for a new edition in March 2020, Bujold describes how she came about the world which is based on medieval Spain. It makes for fascinating reading if you have a moment and can be found here. I particularly liked the active role the gods come to play and the questions this raises about choice and free will.
I really could just go on and on about all the things I loved and will cherish about this book. If I were ever sent to a desert island, this would be one of the books I took with me, both for its elegant simplicity and for its complex characterisation. HIGHLY recommend, particularly to those that love their humble, hard-working, half-crippled heroes like Kaladin, Fitz, Paks and Maia....more
“I need to do something you provably won’t like very much. I know I won’t.” “You’re not stabbing me again.” “No,” I said, pointing to the body. “I jus
“I need to do something you provably won’t like very much. I know I won’t.” “You’re not stabbing me again.” “No,” I said, pointing to the body. “I just need to eat his brain.”
For all the brain-eating and decapitation that goes on in Infernal, this should be a dark, rather horrifying book. It is not. It’s actually quite funny (and not always in a gallows humour kind of way), with some beautiful world building and a couple of intriguing characters to lend weight to the story.
Stratus is…Stratus doesn’t know what he is. His blue-black skin, enormous build and second set of teeth would suggest not human though. So too would his ability to punch down trees and pluck arrows from his skin like flowers from a vase. And then there’s his ability to see in the dark.
Waking in a field, Stratus determines to find a city and ask its wise men to help identify him. But reaching the city isn’t easy when war rages between Penullin and Krandin and soldiers see him as either a threat to eradicate or a prize to capture. And even when he reaches the city, who’s to know who to trust, and who has time to help with an enemy army darkening the doorstep? Stratus can only react to the immediate threats and hope that, with time, all will become clear.
Stratus is not human and does not hold the same moral beliefs, expectations or values as (most) humans do. They do not differ wildly, and he has his moments of tenderness and gentility, but, on the whole, his blatant lack of concern for human life and civil behaviour (think brain eating) gives him away. That said, neither is he bloody-thirsty or sadistic like many a human antagonist. He simply does what he needs to do and moves on. Oddly, I found myself respecting him for that, and loving him for his dry humour.
“We are beneath St Tomas.” “What? How can you be sure? “The magic singing rainbow told me.”
One review I read before reading Infernal myself compared Stratus to Jack Reacher. I can definitely see the similarities. However, one thing I particularly liked about Infernal was that Stratus was not, in fact, invincible. He’s good in a fight, sure, but also fails (annoyingly frequently) to consider that the opposition may have a mind and talents of their own, and that leads to his own fair share of failures. Fortunately, his confidence and capability are not accompanied by the usual swaggering bravado, and Stratus is quite capable of conceding the fight to fight another day, or of admitting admiration or even fear when he feels it. I liked him, but better, I was intrigued by him.
I also liked Tayana Henkman, his sidekick of sorts. She’s capable without needing to shove that capability down your throat, and even-tempered, but not bland. Her interactions with Stratus form the basis for much of the humour in the book and did make me smile.
“I have yet to read of a demon who would save someone’s life or who likes eggs for breakfast and fine sculpture.”
I’m looking forward to seeing more of her and finding out if their relationship develops beyond friendship and admiration. It would also be nice to see more of Lucien, who can an initial look-in but then somewhat faded into the background.
In terms of world-building, I was reminded a little of games like Age of Empires, where the world you can see expands with time and as your scouts explore. Stratus’ world begins with a single field and grows to include a forest, and then a road and then more. It’s a clever technique because it allows you to digest the world in manageable chunks whilst maintaining that a wider world does exist and life there is carrying on.
In general, I liked Jager’s writing style. In particular, I liked his exploration of the world through smell – a perspective I found unusual but compelling – and his emphasis on how it felt to wield magic, rather than simply the mechanics of how it was done (incidentally this is barely touched upon). I was disappointed that he included so many racial slurs (Stratus is the only black character in the book and is seen as unusual for his colouring) and wish Jager could have found some other, less fraught, way to isolate Stratus. The end was also somewhat of a disappointment. I LOVED the twist but felt that that it was used as an excuse for an otherwise rather abrupt ending. That said, it does leave me wanting to read more so I guess that’s a win.
All in all, an enjoyable read which delicately balances gory action with good humour and a solid story. I’ll be looking out for Firesky next year.
For recommendations on what to read next (or whether you might like this based on books you've read), check out my blog, Off-Planet Books here.
I received this book free in return for an honest review....more
I had to drag myself through this book, kicking and screaming. I've never given such different ratings to books within a single series and I can't telI had to drag myself through this book, kicking and screaming. I've never given such different ratings to books within a single series and I can't tell you how disappointed I am. Full view to come....more
“What has hurt you will leave scars. But as a tree that is hacked and torn, if it lives, will be the same tree - will be an oak if an oak it was befor
“What has hurt you will leave scars. But as a tree that is hacked and torn, if it lives, will be the same tree - will be an oak if an oak it was before - so you are still Paksenarrion. All your past is within you, good and bad alike.”
It is a mark of the quality of the writing that, writing this review two months later, I still remember the utter despair I felt at the start of this book. I didn’t weep, but it was a close call.
Oath of Gold is the last in the Deed of Paksenarrion series, though the world and some of its characters continue on in Oath of Fealty and its sequels. It begins where Divided Allegiance ends, with Paksenarrion wandering from place to place, hopeless, vulnerable and alone. With little thought to her destination, she stumbles one day into Brewersbridge and the open arms of Master Oakhallow. With a firm hand, endless patience and a way with the nature of things, Master Oakhallow manages what no others have been able to: he brings back Paks’ spirit.
Wanting to test the waters, she joins the Ranger’s for a time and then finds herself drawn back to her old mercenary band. With the grace of Gird upon her, Paks’ gut instincts are a little more on point than most and Paks must figure out what hers are trying to tell her if she’s to avert disaster in all Lyonya, and maybe its neighbours too.
Paks is not the same girl she was is book one or early book two; she’s wiser and stronger for her experiences. To be honest, I think we could all benefit from a little of Master Oakhallow’s wisdom.
“It seems to me that two mistakes have clouded your mind. First is the notion that having as little courage as an ordinary person is somehow shameful, that you must have more than your share. That’s nothing but pride, Paksenarrion. So it is you felt you couldn’t live with the meager amount of courage most folk have: it was too shameful. And that’s ridiculous. Here you are, young, strong, whole-bodied now, with wit enough - with gifts above average - and you feel you cannot go on without still more bounty of the gods.” Paks blushed. Put that way . . . “Paksenarrion, I want you to think of those common folk awhile. They live their lives out, day by day, in danger of fever, robbers, fire, storm, wolves, thieves, assassins, evil creatures and powers - and war. They most of them have neither weapons nor skill at arms, nor any way to get them. You’ve lived among them, this past winter: you know, you feel, how helpless is a farmwife against an armed man, or a craftsman against a band of thieves. You are right, they are afraid - full of fear from moment to moment, as full of fear as you have been. And yet they go on. They plow the fields and tend flocks, Paksenarrion, and weave cloth for you to wear, and make pots, and cheese, and beer, and boots, and wagons: everything we use, these frightened people make. You think you don’t want to be like them. But you must be like them, first. You must have their courage before you get more.”
“But - sir, you said they had none.”
“No. I said they were frightened. Here’s the second mistake. Courage is not something you have, like a sum of money, more or less in a pouch - it cannot be lost, like money spilling out. Courage is inherent in all creatures; it is the quality that keeps them alive, because they endure.”
Paks has come to realise that the world is not black and white - the good and the bad, the strong and the weak, the leaders and the followers - but infinite shades of grey, and it is up to her to decide, in each case, how to act. It’s a hard lesson to learn and one that, at 27, I’m still struggling to come to terms with. There is a lot of comfort in definite answers.
Seeing Phelan again was its own comfort. I love that man. He’s not perfect, but he’s like a father to Paks and wants what’s best for her. In Oath of Gold, we finally learn a little more of his back-story and its only left me hungry for more. I’m fascinated by the elves too, who, no matter how similar they may look to us, are shaped by their own realities and make choices with those in mind - no matter how uncomprehending or mistaken those choices may seem to us, lowly humans.
The darker elements in this story really are quite dark. Content warning: there is a long torture scene towards the end of the book which contains graphic images and allusions of rape. I found it quite hard to read and, although it certainly made for a dramatic ending, I think I would have preferred something a little less gory.
Overall, I find it very hard to rate this book and this series. On finishing, I gave it 4 stars; thinking about it now, I feel it may deserve another 1/2 star, and may even a whole one. Similarly, the series as a whole averages 4 stars and yet I feel, together, it may be greater than the sum of its parts. So, for now, I will leave this book at four stars and rate the series as a whole 4.75 stars, on the premise that, if I’m not sure it deserves 5 stars, it doesn’t. Would I recommend it? Yes! Particularly to those who like an epic tale, a humble heroine, and a little bit of magic....more
Another stirring story by Elizabeth Moon. More varied and emotionally complex than its predecessor, it is probably more deserving of the title, SheepfAnother stirring story by Elizabeth Moon. More varied and emotionally complex than its predecessor, it is probably more deserving of the title, Sheepfarmer's Daughter - the phrase is certainly mentioned enough.
Beware, spoilers from Sheepfarmer's Daughter below.
Siniava is dead and, in return for his help during the war, Duke Phelan is helping ex-pirate, Duke Alured, to secure is rule. Uncomfortable with the violence carried out at Alured's command, Paks leaves the Duke's company to see what else the world has to offer.
'"Paks, you–" Stammel cleared his throat. "You shouldn't be in this.[...] You don't belong." His voice gather firmness as he went on. "By Tir, I can't stand by and see you fall apart. Not for this. You've served the Duke as well as anyone could. D'you think he doesn't know it? Or I? [...] You don't belong here, in this kind of fighting. That Marshal was right; even the Duke said you might be meant for better things." He stopped again, and his voice was calmer when he resumed. "I think you should leave, Paks."'
Over the course of the book, Paks carries out three quests. The first she stumbles upon when traveling north to Tsaia with Macenion, an elf, and in return is given treasure and a number of old manuscripts. The second, she completes in order to earn the right to stay in Brewersbridge, a town near to the taig. Here she befriends Master Oakhallow, a Kuakgan (almost a Druid), and gets her first taste of Girdish training with Marshall Cedfer. Impressed with Paks, Cedfer suggests she seek additional training with the Company of Gird and Paks sets off for Fin Panir.
This portion of the book was, by far, my favourite. I love a good fantasy school, and Fin Panir had everything from weapons training and military supply to the more standard subjects of history and geography. Paks is, once more, among people her age and soon makes friends. It was nice to be reminded that, however mature, Paks is still young - just 22 for most of the story. The section lent a lightness to the book which nicely contrasted with the darker sections later on.
Excelling in her studies, Paks is invited on her third quest under the tutelage of Amberion, a Paladin of Gird (a knight of sorts). On their journey west to find Luap's ancient stronghold, however, the party is attacked. Without wanting to ruin the story for you, I'll simply say that a dark time ensues. The quality of Moon's writing is showcased here as she portrays Paks' struggles with her changing circumstances and the helplessness that her friends feel to do anything about it. I was almost in tears by the end of the book.
I have absolutely no idea how Moon is going to recover the situation, but I'm eager to find out. No doubt, Oath of Gold will see Paks on new adventures, continuing to learn and grow as she goes. We now have a religious element to incorporate into her character, and new friends and allies of all races to lean upon - if Paks will allow herself to lean. My eagerness to read Liar's Oath has also been renewed. The second in the Legacy of Gird series, I imagine it tells of Luap's lost stronghold. Why did he go west after Gird died? What happened to it? So many questions. Hopefully, some will be answered....more
I think you have as fine a young warrior as I've seen. That's what I hear, as well, from all who have mentioned her. Too impulsive, perhaps, like most
I think you have as fine a young warrior as I've seen. That's what I hear, as well, from all who have mentioned her. Too impulsive, perhaps, like most young fighters, but that comes as much from generosity as anything else. I think she'll go beyond a hired fighter in the ranks, if nothing breaks that will or that honesty."
A wonderful account of the early years of a hero. Told in an unusual way, it focuses on the nitty gritty realities of life in a mercenary company. At times, this slowed the story, but on the whole, I found it made for a more believable journey.
I first read the The Deed of Paksenarrion back in 2016, just as I was finishing university. I remember really enjoying it, though getting a little frustrated with the pacing at times. Paks, I remember as a solid, dependable heroine, more interested in a good job well done than heroics and theatrics. Plot-wise, I thought I'd remembered little. It turns out that I'd remembered quite a lot, I'd just misattributed most of it to Green Rider (goodness knows why). Reading it again, it all came flooding back and I was able to focus on the little details and the subtle hints that I'd missed first time around. Having recently read Surrender None for the first time, it was also interesting to compare Paks to Gird, and to see his legacy and how his legend grew after his death. Both books certainly share a fascination for military minutiae and salt of the earth protagonists.
The book begins with Paks, aged 19 and arranged to be wed, leaving home to join Duke Phelan's mercenary company in Tsaia. Here she comes under the command of Sergeant Stammel who teaches her the ropes: camp etiquette, marching and formations, horse-riding, sword work and so on. She makes friends, but also enemies and readers should note that there is a scene of attempted rape. Soon enough she's marching south, over the Dwarfmounts to Aarenis and her first military encounters.
Early on, Paks is noted for her hard-work and humble attitude. She's good with a sword but not unrealistically so. Her first truly distinguishing moment comes when she and two friends escape an attack by Siniava, a brutal mercenary leader, and travel seven days cross-country, tracking the enemy and scavenging for food, in order to warn the Duke of an imminent attack. It is also around this time that Paks is given a Girdish amulet which, inexplicably, serves to warn and protect her in times of direst need. Talent and "luck", together with her stolid persona, single Paks out again and again, and no one doubts that great deeds are to come.
"Something is moving you, which I do not understand, and I think you hardly realise. You may be called to leave your Duke, at least for a time. If so, I hope you will understand the need."
If Paks is anything, she is real. Smart enough and keen to learn, but not without her naivetés. She sees the world in black and white - good and bad - and wants to fight for one against the other. A natural leader, she cares for those under her command and manages to walk that fine line between approachability and leadership by example. In some distant part of her mind, she dreams of leading a company one day, but, assuming this unachievable, is happy to follow those in command and take her promotions where she's earned them.
Aside from Paks, my favourite characters were Saben, a fellow recruit and Siniava escapee, and Sergeant Stammel. I appreciated that the friendship that grew between Paks and Saben was allowed to remain just that - a friendship. Paks is asexual - the first asexual character I've ever come across in fiction - and Saben respects her wishes, staying loyally by her side and supporting her at every turn. It makes a refreshing break from the usual romances that come to consume a plot. (view spoiler)[I almost cried when Saben died on his and Paks' mission to warn the Duke. I had completely forgotten that that happened and was expecting him to return, bumped and bruised, to his rightful place at Paks' side. (hide spoiler)]
Stammel, meanwhile, is something of a father figure to the recruits under him. He knows their ins and outs and trusts them, even when others bring their trust into question. He goes above and beyond his duties to train and nurture his men, ensuring that they can not only fight, but also manage the money they win fighting. And he listens - when times get tough and shit happens, he's there, with a shoulder for you to cry on and soft word that things will be ok.
Duke Kieri Phelan, himself, also deserves a mention here. Known as the Fox, he runs a respectable company that prides itself on fighting hard but also respecting the rules of combat and dealing fairly with the locals. He welcomes both men and women to the band and they are treated equally. He leads from the front and holds the respect and admiration of his men. He has a temper but works hard to moderate it and isn't afraid to give praise where praise is due. After squiring with Aliam Halveric in his youth, he has ties to other companies and often works with them to better achieve his goals. Some question his right to the title of Duke, but those who matter don't care. This is important later if I remember rightly.
Characters aside, Paks’ world also includes non-human creatures - though we see little of them in this book - and humans capable of magic. I’d forgotten this from my first read which is odd, on the one hand, considering what a pivotal role magic comes to play, but not so surprising, on the other hand, considering that so few characters are able to wield it. Largely linked to one religion or another, we see magic wielded for good, healing those wounded in battle, and magic wielded for evil, to torture or harm. If I remember rightly, we see a lot more of this in the books to come. On the whole, though, Paks’ world is much like any other pseudo-medieval-European fantasy world with its farms and its forts. Comforting but not hugely inventive.
If I had to describe the book in one word, it would be SOLID. The characters are realistic and wholesome, steady in their pursuit of their humble goals and slowly but surely transforming into the heroes we know them to be. The plot develops one step at a time and isn’t victim to the extreme emotional highs and lows of many a young adult fantasy book. And the writing is compelling whilst also delving into such detail at times that you feel you could be there, mucking in with the rest of the troops. Definitely recommend for those looking for their next epic fantasy fix.
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