Overall this book was much better than the first one in the series. Why, I can't say. It just felt more complete and 'right', where the first felt that it didn't quite know what and where it was going this one had a definite purpose to the story - even if it was never really apparent. I think that the two biggest complaints I had with the previous book, Sheepfarmer's Daughter, was the boring 'bridge sections' between action and plot points, and the characters simpleness and lack of reality. Both these complaints were challenged within this book, with there being never a boring moment and the characters all developing into deep, complex people that started to seem real to me. The plot itself was much more fun too. I know that he first books in series are always a little bit slower because you have to have the characters grow from nothing, but it was still good to finally have Paks fully developed and to see the action had evolved with her (if that makes sense). I'll be honest but I feel that this series doesn't have a plot as per se, but rather does follow the life of Paks. Both the books I have read so far have held three stories worth of plots, as if each one has described various escapades not neccesarily linked... I don't know how to explain this... there was no build up to a series arc but rather three stories within each book. As such, if you could understand what I have said, the story felt more plausible and real - as if it really was the telling of a warrior's life, and not a story cobbled together for entertainment. I was also pleased to note that either she got a better edititor, got better at writing or I was reading a better copy. Because the quality of the writing improved considerably to match the quality I had come to expect from her. It was easy to read, fun and compelling. Exactly what you want from a good book; a great tale told by a skilled author. I think that the best part for me in this whole series was the end, and the devastating events that befell Paks. They really brought me closer to her as a character and was very emotional. I particularly liked the letters at the end, which seemed to speak all of themselves of the events whilst also showing the detachment that her friends (and the Marshall-general) felt from Paks' plight and the inability they had too help - whilst at the same time showing how the world was still turning, and that in the grand scheme of things Paks was not that large. So, this is a definite improvement from the previous book and promises much more for the finale. I am aware that there is a follow up series but which does not follow Paks as this one does, which saddens me as I feel that Paks is a great character that should be carried forward. However, if it is as well written as this then I will happily read it (I think). For those Fantasy readers out there this series is a good book and definitely worth the read. Trust me when I say that if you are put off by the first book then you are being deprived of a great tale, and I would advise you to stick with it. Have Fun Reading.(Sorry of this review seems... off... I'm not feeling too well and my mind feels foggy and my typing is off aswell)
Elizabeth Moon does a great job at character development in this series. She takes a sheepfarmer's daughter from being completely naive and ignorant of the world outside her village and realistically broadens her worldview and her understanding of herself and her purpose. The first book in the trilogy felt limited because it was - Paks only grew so far in those years in the mercenary company. It's in this second book that she really starts to come into her own.Divided Allegiance still seems to wander somewhat randomly in the beginning because Paks is wandering randomly, trying to find a new place. As the book progresses, though, she starts to make her own decisions about the type of fighter she wants to be and to learn when to trust and when not to. Her adventures are captivating and formative, and we see the world more clearly - and the magic. If you missed magic in the first book, you won't be disappointed in this one.Paks experiences some wonderful high moments in this book, but she also loses tragically. The last part of this is truly heartbreaking and the ending is hopeless. What a twist! I thought I knew where it was all headed, heroic-fantasy-style, and it suddenly took a completely different turn. I loved it, even with the sadness and darkness I felt. I just had to know what happened to Paks and continued reading book 3 without pause.
Do You like book Divided Allegiance (1988)?
This isn't a bad series, it's just so cliched and predictable. The first 40% of the book was boring - there's barely a story line except to link Paks from fight to fight. I nearly stopped reading because there was so little plot. None of the characters have their own personality except Paks - and even she has very little growth. almost all the other characters are practically faceless and meaningless. Paks is such a ridiculous Mary Sue - amazing at everything she does, a special little snowflake. Kind and trusting to all. She gets into impossible situations and amazingly comes out the hero. She's annoyingly and impossibly good. It got to be sickeningly sweet. The training with the Girdsman was interesting, but I didn't care for the ending as it felt so false - since we all know she inst truly in any trouble.The series is really cliched - the good guys are always wearing white, light or shining armor. The bad guys are in black and look angry. The Dwarfs, Elves and Orcs are all completely standard fare and uninteresting. The bad guy is a spider god - I just had to roll my eyes. No new ideas here.I know I've been hard on the book, it isn't terrible, it's just very bland. I can't help but judge all fantasy against the Malazan Book of the Fallen series - it's made it very difficult for me to enjoy books that are of middling quality.
—Emily (BellaGrace)
Paks is smart. Paks is brave. Paks fights for those who need it. Paks fights for good. Paks is a character everyone strives to be but can never attain because she is too near perfect. Perfect soldier. Beautiful friend. The current work her cohort is working on has let her down and she will not stand for it so she leaves the Duke's company on good standing with open orders to return if she wishes, or work on her skills elsewhere as she pleases. Macenion is an idiot who claims to be a half-elf magician but he's really just someone looking out for himself and holds a grudge, stupidly, against his very small bit of elfin heritage. Marshal Cedfer is a cool character, full of life and well of information in the fighting arts. Ambros, a yeoman marshal, is a smart young man, willing to fight for what is right, wise before his years. When Paks journeys to Pan Finir and learns the arts of a Girdsman things become complicated. She meets an elf named Ardhiel, a proud man with a melodious and spell binding voice; and befriends dwarfves, one named Balkon, a funny fellow with a love for rocks. She rises fast in the ranks of juniors but she still has a lot to learn. So when she's offered to become a paladin she can't believe her luck. Her studies are hard but these are the best times in her entire life. So when they journey to find the Luap's holdings things take a dark turn, a turn dark enough that even I began to cry. The torments of Archya is not to be taken lightly and the recuperation is maddening. How could someone so good, so right, become so angry and withdrawn? And then to be healed only to be broken... this book really makes me sad and as I begin the third installment of this series I sincerely hope that Paks regains herself because if she doesn't... I just don't know what I'll do.
—Mariah
Loved, loved, loved. At times I was frustrated because the story was so jumbled, and it seemed like I was seeing just a small thread of the woven tapestry. Then I realized that was Elizabeth Moon's genius. We follow the story as Paks sees it, and she is an uneducated girl with limited experience. We understand what she understands. I was so glad when she gained some knowledge and the story became more broad, but it wouldn't have been the same story if it was told any other way. I would not even start this story unless you have the 3rd book handy. It ends on a real cliffhanger. I can't say enough on how enveloping this story is. Elizabeth Moon creates an entire world of characters and culture. Paks is a fully-formed character that absorbs the reader. Her story brought me to tears. At the same time, Paks world seems familiar and is written in a way that's easy for the reader to understand and follow. The imagery is vivid enough to see in your mind as you read.More than that, Elizabeth Moon is a veteran. She lived through grit and was a woman in the Marines in the 60's. Paks's story seems an echo of that experience. I felt the pain of a wounded soldier like no other news program or fictional story could have done. This was powerfully written, nothing was held back. I would strongly recommend this to any fan of Orson Scott Card, Isaac Asimov, and anyone who knows what an Orc is.
—Tracy
