Oath of Gold (The Deed of Paksenarrion, Book 3)

The second book of the Paksenarrion trilogy was a very good read but highly unsatisfying with its ending. Young Paks had proved her mettle as a soldier and was learning about more eldritch things and progressing nicely on the road to becoming a paladin of Gird. Then she was captured and tortured. The book ended with her as a shattered wreck and a coward afraid of her own shadow. It was a cliffhanger that outraged after investing so much time and care about her character. It was well done and forced the reading of the last volume. I would have done it anyway but the ending of book 2 certainly speeded up the process. OATH OF GOLD begins with Paks still a shattered wreck. She is ready, even eager to die and end the misery. By happenstance, she finds herself in the same town when her journey towards the miraculous began. To avoid meeting with anyone she knows, she ducks into the grove of Master Oakhollow, the shepherd of the trees. He recognizes that her healing was incomplete and sets himself the task of completing it. In doing so, she becomes stronger than ever before and actually becomes a Paladin, thereby reminding everyone that Paladins are chosen by the gods and not by the military orders. All of her ordeals thus far have been to prepare her for a quest. The quest is not an easy one. It is her task to restore the rightful ruler to a kingdom in chaos. The forces arrayed against her are vast and they are evil. Even with her miraculous powers, it will not be easy and, ultimately, it will require a sort of paschal sacrifice of her. It is an engrossing read. It is well done and I am sorry it is over.

`Oath of Gold' is the culmination of one of the greatest science fiction/fantasy trilogies ever written. The first two books of `Deed of Paksenarrion' trilogy were very well written, and this book is no exception. Elizabeth Moon has told this story in such a way that you can not help but fall in love with the main character. Once I picked up this book, I could not put it down until I was finished. The book is beautifully written and has a plot that will keep you involved till the very end. I found my heart breaking with each adversity Paksenarrion was put through, and I found myself soaring with joy each time she overcame her obstacles. I could go on and on giving praise to this book and to the entire trilogy. Let me just say that everyone who enjoys science fiction/fantasy needs to read the whole story of Paksenarrion from the beginning to the ending.

I have enjoyed each of the three books in Paksenarrion's Deed, and each has been harder to put down. I've also noticed that the power, magic, and contrast between good and evil grows more pronounced with each novel in the series. 'Oath of Gold' tells the tale of dramatic evil and powerful good, and Paks' role is exciting and impressive. In the third and last installment of Paks' amazing adventure she manages, with a little help from her friends, to recover from her fear and pains, and reach the destiny that has been hinted at from the beginning. Paks' growth and newfound strength enable her to embark on a new set of daring adventures, and meet challenges and evils with a new sense of self. Along the way many of the characters we've met in the past re-enter the story, and the growth and changes of these characters adds another dimension of familiarity.I loved this book, and had a really hard time putting it down in the middle (contributing to many hours of missed sleep!), but at 500 action packed, detailed pages it was impossible--and ill advised--to rush through. The first book in the series introduces Paks' story with a scroll of extolling her deed, whose song/story ends mid verse, suggesting that her story is ongoing. I would love to see more adventures including Paks', and am looking forward to reading the prequel to this series.

I have read countless fantasy series where the conclusion was less than good. With this series, it just keeps getting better. I was moved to tears by the ending (it's a good one, really!) and was overwhelmed by her sense of honor and goodness. Anyone interested in the development of a paladin MUST read this book!

After the traditional 'down' of the second book of the series (our character is on the ropes), Paks becomes the Heroine she is destined to be. The believable detail and and well constructed plot deliver Paks to end of her first major quest as a Paladin. The excellent construction of this series makes the best reading (for me) fantasy trilogy of the last 20 years. No one likes to see a character written to death, but Ms. Moon, there is a lot of life left in Paks yet (not to mention Arvid and others). If you have given up fantasy for good, my loss. If not, please tell us more of Paks's story.