Limits of Power (Legend of Paksenarrion Book 4) --by Elizabeth Moon

Fiction / Fantasy

505 pages / 4655 KB

5 Stars

If you're looking for a good read, and haven't already read Books 1, 2, and 3, do not, repeat, DO NOT start here. There is too much history between the characters, and you'll be lost, frustrated, and possibly angry. Start with #1 and read in order.

I faced this book with a wee bit of trepidation. I love the series, the people, the stories, and I knew before I picked the book up that the next book would be the end of the series. Although the stories would have to end, I wasn't all that positive I wanted them to. Yes, I wanted to know how they ended, but....

A subtitle for this book might have been: The Book of Change. There are many changes the characters go through as we turn the pages. And turn the pages you will.  After years of absence, magic is reappearing in families without warning or explanation. Fanatics go on a killing rampage, hell bent for leather to stamp out all magic and magery—killing men, women, and the children who possess it. Dark Elves kill The Lady of the Forest, leaving her grandson, the king, in the lurch. The world is not a pleasant place at the moment. Turn the page.

Knowing this is a five-book series, don't expect a neat, pat ending. Moon sets us up for the big conclusion in Book Five.

Moon draws on her time of active duty in the USMC to give us a realistic picture of what it's like to be a ground pounder, and what they must know in order to stay alive. (Can you cook? Can you darn your socks? Can you follow orders without question?)

Moon has been compared to George RR Martin and Robin Hobb. Frankly, I like Moon better. She doesn't kill everyone off and her series has an ending. And for me, it isn't quite as dark. I think Martin and Hobb should be compared to Moon.

Echoes of Betrayal: Paladin's Legacy (Legend of Paksenarrion Book 3) --by Elizabeth Moon

Fiction / Fantasy

466 pages / 4071 KB

5 Stars

We have now reached the middle book of the five-book series. Not the place to start, trust me. Start with Book 1 and read in order.

Arvid, the Master Thief, becomes a major character in this book. Or, perhaps, I should say his story is told, as he's been a major character since he rescued Paks way back when. His story is very interesting, and he became one of my most favorite people. He's a thief, an assassin, and suddenly a god starts speaking to him, and always at inopportune times. Well, mostly inopportune times.

Dorrin must deal with the evil of her family, and the distrust of the other nobles in the king's court. A crown that speaks to her doesn't seem to help, either. King Kieri must deal with betrayal, dragon fire, and a less than helpful grandmother.

I strongly suggest you have book four on your pile of books before you finish this one, as the story only gets more intense and exciting.

Kings of the North --by Elizabeth Moon

Fiction / Fantasy

491 pages / 4504 KB

5 Stars

Kings of the North is the second of five books in this series. Whereas I don't think it necessary to have read the earlier five books about Paks, I think this series needs to be read in order, as the ending of one book leads directly into the beginning of the next book.

I learned many years ago not to get hooked in series (if I could help it) until the series was complete and I could buy all the books if I wanted, and not have to wait a year or so between stories, I bought all these books in fast order. I read them in fast order.

Moon creates marvelous worlds, and populates them with believable characters. An ex Marine, she knows how to write about the military, a horsewoman, she knows how to write about horses. Although these books are fantasy, they are believable fantasy. She establishes rules for her realms, and then sticks to those rules.

Kieri Phelan is no longer a mercenary—he's a king! Talk about career advancement. Dorrin Verrakai has also moved up in the world, and is now Duke Verrakai. Magic abounds within realistic limits, and we are introduced to dwarves, gnomes, and even a dragon.

While I don't think it is necessary to have read the earlier Paks books from 20 years or so ago, it is assumed you are somewhat familiar with the characters. If you're a fantasy aficionado, you shouldn't have any trouble fitting, and playing, in this world.  Just be sure the next book is close at hand before you finish this one.

Oath of Fealty (Legend of Paksenarrion Book 1) --by Elizabeth Moon

Fiction / Fantasy

485 pages / 3557 KB

5 Stars

Twenty years or so ago, I was introduced to Elizabeth Moon's trilogy about Paksenarrion, a young woman who ran away from a forced marriage to become a mercenary. She then came out with two more Paks books, and then nothing more about Paks or her world. Until now.

Oath of Fealty isn't about Paks, but is about her world, and people we met in the earlier books. Paks visits, now and then, so if you're looking for more about her, you may be a tad disappointed. Moon, an ex Marine, continues to draw upon her military background, adding a touch of realism to her various bands of mercenaries that I find sorely lacking in military stories by people who haven't been there, done that.

Moon creates a world that is believable, populates it with fascinating characters, both light and dark. Her story telling has only grown stronger in the intervening 20 years. Her writing has matured, and if you're ready to begin a 5-book adventure, all I can say is fasten your seat belt and proceed to page 1.

It is not necessary to have read the earlier Paks books in order to enjoy this series.

The Saga of Hugh Glass: Pirate, Pawnee, and Mountain Man --by John Myers Myers

Nonfiction / American History

237 pages / 2151 KB

5 stars

I was in elementary school when I first came across the story of Hugh Glass, and he immediately became one of my childhood heroes. I wanted to grow up and be a Mountain Man like Glass and Bridger, Colter and Meek. I was in fifth, possibly sixth grade when I came across a copy of Lord Grizzley by Frederick Manfred. By the time I read Neihardt's The Song of Hugh Glass I was an adult, and well aware I would never be a Mountain Man.

How I missed Myers' book, I'll never know, but thanks to the new movie, The Revenant, I did some research online and came across, bought, and read his book. If, perchance, you're looking for a dry, date, and fact-filled, history book, look elsewhere, please. Myers had a voice unique, and this book, though filled with facts and dates, is not dry. He explained how he found his sources, why he believed this one and not that one, and spun a history as captivating as any campfire yarn you could hope to read or hear.

If Hugh Glass had not had such an intimate introduction to Mama Grizzly, chances are we would never have heard of him, beyond a name in a ledger in one of the fur companies for which he worked. But Glass had that introduction, and against all odds, survived to tell about it. And to seek revenge on the two men (Jim Bridger and John Fitzpatrick) who abandoned him.  In Bridger's defense, he was a greenhorn, young, Glass was barely alive, and a war party of Indians was about. Besides, Fitzpatrick wanted to keep both his life, and Hugh's rifle.

If your only introduction to Hugh Glass is via the movie with Leonardo Di Caprio, then read the real story. Or as close as we'll ever get to the real story. This is an extremely entertaining book by an accomplished author. Well worth the time and money.