Sheepfarmer's Daughter

The Deed of Paksenarrion, Book 1

By: Elizabeth Moon

Narrated by: Jennifer Van Dyck

Length: 15 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

Refusing to marry a pig farmer and joining the army, even if it means never seeing her family again, Paksenarrion begins an adventure that enables her to restore an overthrown ruler.

©1988 Elizabeth Moon (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Still a favorite after all these years!

Ingot the audible version when my copy began to fall apart and am not disappointed by it. Solid performance, excellent character development, pure fantasy!

4+ FANTASY TIRLOGY

25 years ago Sheepfarmer's Daughter got into print and Paksenarrion was introduced to the first reader, over the years Deed of Paksenarrion became a model for fantasy genre.
The story of Honor, Will and Courage, the story of mythical beasts and beautiful creations, the story of foul deeds and Noble sacrifice.


PS
Try to spare some time for this book

30 years old & still my favorite

This book was one of the first fantasy books I ever read, in 1988 shortly after release. It was one of my first audible purchases because Paks adventure is one that I revisit regularly.

It is a good vs evil, military recruit, hero’s journey. Ms. Moon presents a feminist utopia, where men & women serve together with mutual respect as professionals and as people. I love this book, so I knew my review would reflect my 30 years’ acquaintance with it, and maybe it doesn’t work for todays audiences. I don’t know.

But Paksenarrion Dorthansdotter is a hero to embrace.

As good as I remembered

If someone was to ask me what was the best series books I ever read I would say the Paks books. I was happy to see them on the list at Audible and am very happy with the performance of this loved series of books

Pronunciation of Paks a constant distraction

I read this book when it was initially published and again every 5 years or so since then. I have a firm idea of how the main characters name is pronounced, both the short and the long form. It's sounds like Pax. The narrator pronounces it Pocks.

Since the name is probably the most common word in the story this is a constant distraction. I may still pick up the other two books in the trilogy, but they are way down on my want list.

From the Bill Shatner School of Performing Art

What did you like about this audiobook?

Just. Too. Shatnery.

How has the book increased your interest in the subject matter?

The story written by Ms. Moon is an excellent and realistic story of a young girl learning to be a soldier, and perhaps more ... Realistic for all that this is a fantasy work. The world is rich and true and the life of a mercenary soldier is real, from digging latrine trenches to the choking dust of battle. Yet this story is so much more, and only the beginning of Paksennarrion Dorthansdotter's journey to becoming a Paladin.

Does the author present information in a way that is interesting and insightful, and if so, how does he achieve this?

The woman must have been trained by William Shatner himself ... I can't tell. You how. Terribly frustrating the stopping. And starting. Within virtually every sentence. Can become.

(bangs head repeatedly)

Also, Ms. van Dyck pronounces Paks' name as "Pocks", a very jarring and irritating thing to hear after twenty years of 'hearing' Paks' name in my head as "Packs". I'll grit my teeth and bear it, but when coupled with the Shatner School delivery, it makes me regret the purchase.

Do yourself a favor ... Get the written version.

Captivating!

What made the experience of listening to Sheepfarmer’s Daughter the most enjoyable?

The reason I like any book is when the author let's me visualize another world and another time; this book does a great job of pulling you in and immersing you in the life of the main character. It's exciting and interesting but not always following the obvious plot of a hero story.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Sheepfarmer’s Daughter?

Well I'm not done yet, only 3/4, but while driving back on a 3 hour trip I was struck by goosebumps and tears so many times during Pax's plight to inform the Duke of the approaching enemy.

Which character – as performed by Jennifer Van Dyck – was your favorite?

Pax, of course.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Well, maybe not 1 sitting as it is rather long, but it so good that I look forward to my next listen.

Any additional comments?

A reading or listening recommendation: Dragonflight (trilogy) by Anne McCraffrey. I'm reading this right now (when I'm not listening to Sheepfarmer's Daughter) and it almost seems as if these 2 stories are taking place in the same time but maybe at opposite ends of the world.

Amazing as ever.

story still takes me back to childhood and to places my dreams came real.

Will always love this.

great story

this was an exceptional story. it drags you in and you honestly feel your there. such a great story.

Relatively Unknown, but still Awesome

This is the first book in the Paksenarrion Series, of which there are several. Although this book (of the original series) is a little older, it is no less enjoyable than the newer books. I have returned to this book both in paper and in audiobook several times over the years. This is a book about an adventure....not unlike the Hobbit or Lord of the Rings. The really awesome, and not as common part is that it's about a young woman. At the time, there were relatively few books in this genre, that included a female lead. Certainly not one that had the strength and will of Paksenarrion.

Moon does a superb job with character development. She really pulls you into the story, following as she is transformed from a naive and unpolished recruit into a formidable soldier. This is a sometimes rough, fantastic story for anyone, but especially who it seems geared toward (young adult....before it was even a genre!). I'm a huge fan of this author, who I believe deserves a lot more attention...for both her older, as well as newer works of fiction.