Oath of Fealty

Paladin's Legacy, Book 1

By: Elizabeth Moon

Narrated by: Jennifer Van Dyck

Length: 17 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

In the original trilogy starring Paksenarrion Dorthansdotter, headstrong daughter of a farmer on the north edge of the kingdom, Paks follows her dream of becoming a hero out of legend by running away to join the army. Military life and warfare aren't anything like she imagined - yet she holds to both her duty and her dreams. Sheepfarmer's Daughter, Divided Allegiance, and Oath of Gold tell of her rise to become the paladin who saves a kingdom. In this new trilogy, Paks's former comrades in Duke Phelan's Company assume new roles and the story turns to follow their adventures.

Thanks to Paks's courage and sacrifice, the long-vanished heir to the half-elven kingdom of Lyonya has been revealed as Kieri Phelan, a formidable mercenary captain who earned a title - and enemies - in the neighboring kingdom of Tsaia. Now, as Kieri ascends a throne he never sought, he must come to terms with his own half-elven heritage while protecting his new kingdom from his old enemies - and those he has not yet discovered.

Meanwhile, in Tsaia, Prince Mikeli prepares for his own coronation. But when an assassination attempt nearly succeeds, Mikeli suddenly faces the threat of a coup. Acting swiftly, Mikeli strikes at the powerful family behind the attack: the Verrakaien, magelords possessing ancient sorcery, steeped in death and evil. Mikeli's survival - and that of Tsaia - depend on the only Verrakai whose magery is not tainted with innocent blood.

Two kings stand at a pivotal point in the history of their world. For dark forces are gathering against them, knit in a secret conspiracy more sinister - and far more ancient - than they can imagine.

©2010 Elizabeth Moon (P)2010 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Decent follow up to the Paks books

For anyone who enjoyed the original Paksenarrion trilogy, this is a good followup. It's not perfect: a few things happen too quickly (like becoming an all powerful mage in a couple of days), some senseless rules (paladin and mage magic is fine, but born mage magic is illegal), and there's not quite as much action as should be, but most of the characters are ones you've read about before (and like), and the action is detailed and fun as per Elizabeth Moon's standard. Good escapism, I'll be listening to the next books as well.

Excellent listening

A delight to listen to...a sometimes difficult story, told with great reading and wonderful voice acting.

wonderful book

This book is very different then the first 3 books but address a lot of the things you are left to wonder about in those books.

great listen

great story expands original characters and the world of knights. must follow on all levels

Welcome back to the World of Pax

Bias note: I a huge fan of The Deed of Paksenarrion, so I'm pre-disposed to love this series, which I do. Her writing and attention to detail, thinking through the various issues as world events collide around her characters is simply so well done. This is a solid production, and I'll certainly get the next books in the series.

Enchanting and engaging

The story line for this Elizabeth moon series is faithfully narrated and performed. Wonderfully surprising

Writing & Narration Elegant As It Gets

I got hooked on Elizabeth Moon’s writing last year and have devoured the “Paksenarian” world series, and am going through my second listen now. The stories are all wonderful and rich in detail- I love them & Ms Moon.
That said, this is one of those extreme cases where I feel so compelled to also praise the narrator. Ms Van Dyck is the perfect showcase for why I prefer to listen to audiobooks now rather than simply read. She brings such talent to bear & weaves Ms Moon’s writing with such vocal skill that I’m sometimes almost mesmerized! Whether voicing a noble duke or a peasant farmer, a high lady or a cruel priest of Liart, she becomes that person.

Amazing continuation of Pak's world

Elizabeth Moon has been one of my favorites since i was a younglings. This adventure began three wonderful books ago...and I'm so glad she's returned to this universe...

I'm a Sci Fi buff but took a chance pin this series as i love Moon's other works so much. this id's a deeply immersive experience and there it's a lot to still write about; it it's not fluff. I'm thoroughly enjoying this next group of books by really feel you must begin three books ago too truly appreciate Pak's universe.. It has been one of the most gratifying reads ever... and i still have several more to go! Thank you, ms. 🌛!

Left me wanting more!

I have loved everything I've read by this author, and this one is no exception. I'll be back for another.

Fantastic Sequel to The Deed Of Paksenarrion!!

Found this follow up to DOP to be thoroughly enjoyable. It DOES help to have read the original Paksenarrion trilogy since this story is about several of the characters that were in the first series. While this is not about Paks, I found it just as engaging. Elizabeth Moon is an incredible story teller. Also Jennifer Van Dyck knocks it out of the park again. Very soothing to listen to for a long time. She is easy to understand and has a comfortable pacing, with a variety of character voices that at times sounds like a full cast audio production. If you loved DOP, I think you will be well pleased with this one!! Hope there is more to come.