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Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54
EAN num: 9780671721046
ISBN number: 0671721046
Label: Baen
Manufacturer: Baen
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 1040
Printing Date: February 01, 1992
Publishing house: Baen
Sale Popularity Level: 56409
Studio: Baen
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Rated by buyers 
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I would suggest this book only for hard core military fans. I was shocked by how boring I found this book after I read all the glowing reviews on this site. It is not a terrible book but two stars is being very generous in my opinion. The action didn't even start until about 350 pages in and I think the book was way too long. I don't see myself purchasing another book by Elizabeth Moon.
Rated by buyers 
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Another way to sum up my experience of this book would be to say that a neutral journalistic style was applied to a fantasy adventure story. For my part, it took some getting used to! Paks is not a female character such as I have known anywhere else -- if she has feelings, you have to deduce them for yourself from the narrative. Not that there is not intensity, triumph, tragedy, or any of that -- far from it. The story rolls along over years and experiences, and you live them all with her, from dirt to glory.
Bound here in one volume are the three books making up the tale, and they go together as well as any other epic fantasy I have read. But Moon does not write like any other fantasy writer. She writes more like a good journalist -- she gives you the story, with plenty of details, but the passion, the undercurrents, you have almost to create them yourself from the materials she gives you. (I say a "good" journalist, because we all know examples of non-neutral journalism.)
I did not like that at first. I think I was halfway through the production before I could be comfortable with this heroine who did not seem to have feelings or poetry. Later I could see how perhaps she did, but they are just not written in any sort of obvious manner. She is, you might say, a fish without a bicycle.
I think this book would appeal to a lot of people who like a more realistic narrative. I think also it would appeal to people who want to read something that isn't loaded with sex, or sexy vampires, or whatever the latest fetish might be. Also it isn't a Tolkien wannabe. It's different, it's not mawkish or sentimental, and it stands on its own. I recommend it highly!
On the other hand, if you want a series but do prefer a bit more wistfulness, or if you got halfway through this and it really isn't for you, I'd recommend Judith Tarr's _The Hound and the Falcon_, and Chelsea Quinn Yarbro's Count Saint-Germain chronicles, among others. Or even if you liked it, you might like them too. Other classics that come to mind include C.S. Friedman's Coldfire trilogy, McKillip's Riddle-Master of Hed books, and MacAvoy's Trilogy for Lute. If you want more of the same, well, I can't help you there. I tried reading one of the prequels, _Liar's Oath_, and it wasn't nearly as good -- I put it down before I was even halfway. I'm sure there are other solidly well-done prosaic fantasies out there, but I can't think of any offhand.
If any of this was helpful, please check the box. Thanks!
Rated by buyers 
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It almost felt like reading actual history. Good character, story, and realm. Worth your money.
Rated by buyers -
To say that this trilogy is good would be an understatement. Elizabeth Moon manages a level of humanity in her characters that is unsurpassed. Unlike JRR Tolkien and so many other fantasy writers she uses the world that she created not as the purpose of the book but as a mere backdrop to the human struggles and challenges. Instead of the oversimplified flawed hero that so many writers try to use she writes about an entirely human protagonist with all the strengths and weaknesses and idiosyncrasies blended together in who they are. My only warning is that it is a slow start that is less than action packed so may not be well suited to the more impatient reader. My title isn't an over exaggeration either. This is a novel that will move you more than The lord of the rings, the song of ice and fire, Eragon, or the Wheel of time.
Rated by buyers -
This is one of my favorite books. I re-read it about every year or so. It is one of the best to show the development of a Paladin for good. Elizabeth Moon has combined 3 original novels about the same character on her journey to becoming a Paladin.
Strong female character who develops from a raw sheep farmer into one of the best fighters of the world.
Well written and a very enjoyable read. I would recommend it to any D&D player who is role playing a Paladin.
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