The Deed of Paksenarrion

Genre: Fantasy
Subgenre: soldiers, kings, battles, elves
Age Appropriate: Young Adult
Recommended for my sister: Yes

"Do I have to say?...Yes, for good." - Paksenarrion


The Deed of Paksennarrion is a Tolkien-esque adventure, complete with quests, elder races and evil plots. Paksenarrion leaves home to avoid marrying a farmer who had been promised her hand by her father. After a fight with her father, she leaves home and heads to the nearest town, hoping to catch up with a mercenary recruiting company. After hearing about her cousin's journeys, she decides that she wants to follow her dreams of being a famous warrior and starts her journey with Duke Phelan's company. The story starts the real plot development with the trials that come with being a new recruit within the company, including her disappointments with having to do camp chores.

The story that follows shows Paks growing into herself, and learning about the things that are most important to her. Along the way, she learns of the different races within the realm, becomes friends with some elves, and stumbles upon a small village that will become a strange home-like focal point for her life. While Paks is distinguishing herself among others in the land, she slows becomes aware of long-laid plots that are aimed to dooming another country, and battling internally about her own responsibilities in the matter. The Deed of Paksenarrion is a combination of three novels in one, each a high adventure with both triumph and pain alike.

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For all that the Anita Blake books are my favorite series, The Deed of Paksenarrion is probably my favorite book. It was actually my sister who provided it. I read the copy she gave me enough that I had to buy a second one, as the pages were falling out. I now, thankfully, have the e-version and I can read it without care.

I never finished Lord of the Rings. When I tried to read it when I was younger, I couldn't get past how long it was. Honestly, I don't know that I could read it now. I don't need Lord of the Rings, though, when I have The Deed of Paksenarrion with me. There aren't really any direct parallels between the two stories, with the exception of the presence of dwarves, elves, orcs and other creatures. The important lessons probably have some similarities - but that's true of most epic novels. My mother frequently complains about my reading fantasy novels, but maybe I should sit her down with this one. The morals of the story are hugely affecting. Watching the hardships that Paks has to face, and her responses to them (good and bad), really develop a sense of compassion. Of course, there is a part of me cheering her on every time she prevails. If this were The Neverending Story, I would be Bastien and Paks would be my Atreyu.

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Coming Soon: Mercy Thompson


Special Note: With the holiday season coming up, I can't guarantee how often the posts will come up. It's entirely possible that there won't be any until I'm done with the holidays! Happy Holidays!