Cover Art | ‘The Deed of Paksenarrion’ trilogy by Elizabeth Moon
Cover Art Print This Post January 21st, 2010Art by Todd Lockwood
Art by Dominic Harman
Art by Dominic Harman
Generally, I’m not a huge fan of Baen Books‘ cover treatments, but these recoverings of Elizabeth Moon’s The Deed of Paksenarrion appeal to me in that it-reminds-me-of-being-fifteen-and-liking-badass-fantasy kinda way. Though the style of the artwork stays consistent, it’s odd that Baen would switch artists mid-way through the trilogy. Why not just commission either Harman or Lockwood to do the art for all three?
Anyone know if the books are any good?
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Well frankly, I wouldn’t touch a book called “The Sheepfarmer’s Daughter” (or Son, for that matter) with a ten feet pole. I’m prejudiced that way. But you’re right, it’s got this “I’m 15 all over again, bring on the prophecies, the swords and the snow tigers!” vibe.
The covers are nice, though.
Actually a really cool series, I was really pleasantly surprised. Though there is a version with all three books in one which I think works a lot better since each book in the trilogy isn’t that long.
I’m very fond of them, but they’re definitely AD&D novels. Interesting if you’re a big fan of military/mercenary specfic, or of books about capable competent women, and they have an interesting if slightly problematic portrayal of PTSD.
And the cover is certainly better than the original – http://www.goodshowsir.co.uk/2010/01/oath-of-gold/
I haven’t read them in years, but I *loved* these books, particularly the first, as a young woman. They had many typical Fat Fantasy elements, but Moon approached the work with a matter of fact tone and attention to accurate detail that many of her contemporaries lacked. I’d actually been thinking about trying to find them to reread, so nice to see they’ve been reissued.
I am not a fan of Baen covers either, but this is a nice improvement though. I find it odd too when the artists of a series covers are changed, but I believe that the publishers know the reasons for that better. If I am not mistaken the series follows Ingram Paksenarrion who from a sheepfarmer’s daughter becomes a paladin. But I don’t know much, because this is what a friend who read it told me.
Aidan,
I read this series last year and the best way I can think of it is The fellowship of the ring mixed with The Ten Thousand. The world is very Tolkeinesque, but with a stong military/mercenary approach. I liked it alot as it was an epic traditional fantasy with elves but with a realistic woman who trains and becomes a successful warrior and yet goes through alot of soul searching when her skills fail her at one point. I thought it was a interesting approach as there are so few epic fantasies that depict women not as princesses/queens or priests, but a beliveable female warrior with a peasant background.
Hope this helps.
Jennifer (Guinevere Seaworth on asoaif@westeros.org)
Hmm… all of a sudden I’m quite chuffed about these novels.
Jennifer, what you’ve described in particular has really caught my ear. When I first finished John Scalzi’s Old Man’s War, I was curious if there was anything similar (protagonist coming to find themselves while moving up through an army) in the Fantasy genre and this sounds like it. Coupled with a strong female lead, it sounds just up my alley.
Thanks all!
I do have to agree on the covers–the 15 and loving badass fantasy part–but that is about where I was when I read this series. It was one of my first forays into fantasy and is dear to my heart. I bought the omnibus (with better cover to boot) because it makes for easier reading. If you are wanting something very epic with an excellent female lead, this should be on your TBR list!
I just found on The Book Depository an omnibus edition released today by Orbit Books. And it has an interesting cover too
I have the omnibus edition, which I received for Christmas. A new book in this series is being published in March from Del Rey, in a curious cross-publisher promotion which I’ll be reviewing for SFFWorld. Mrs. Moon has been frequenting the SFFWorld forums (http://www.sffworld.com/forums) for the past few months, providing great writing advice and nice insight into publishing.
I too am generally not fond of Baen’s cover art, but these are really nice. Even the graphics look less Baen-like than usual.
FYI – Suvudu.com has the first book listed as a free download this month in their library.