Meh. It keeps going and going and growing and growing. I have no idea how long this series is supposed to be, but it's three volumes already and we're still waiting to learn what the big issues are. ( )

I am a big fan of fantasy and science fiction novels especially if they are long and have several books in the series. I really enjoy a series of books that I can immerse myself in and I first picked up an Elizabeth Moon novel because it was long and part of a multi-novel series. I continue to read her books because I find them engrossing and highly enjoyable. ( )

I still cannot believe how much I love being in this world, and how much I am looking forward to getting volumes 4 and 5 next weekend. And I'll probably use some store credit to get the first 3 Paladin's Legacy series just to see where it all started. Seldom do I start the first book, then dive into the remainder this avidly.

So what are the elements that are drawing me back? Characters who have depth, and self-doubt, and arrogance that is tragically brought up short, and evil lurking somewhere but is not obvious, and nobility, and love. I'm so very, very glad I took a chance and attended a panel where Elizabeth Moon was a speaker then took a second chance on reading her books. Her world and her imagination and her groundedness are awesome. ( )

Reviewing 'Echoes of Betrayal' and 'Limits of Power' together, because I read them back-to-back, and there isn't any radical distinction between them.
Both books are very middle-y. Not really middling, just middle-of-series-y. You're expected to know the characters already (that's OK, because I do), and to be invested enough in their ongoing drama that you're not expecting each book to be it's own individual story with clear rising-action-falling-action-conclusion plotting - they're not - but that's (mostly) OK. This series really does have enough engaging characters and interesting scenarios that I'm fine with just following all the characters around and seeing what happens next. It's good entertainment.
The content - well crafted, but fairly typical fantasy fare - kingdom-shaking issues regarding magic, royal marriages, human-elf interaction, evil wizards, dragons... all that good stuff.
I love Moon's strong female characters, and her realistic portrayals of warrior/military women.
The one small thing that annoyed me was how much everyone talks about Paksenarrion - with all that talk, I feel like she should've made more of an appearance.
I'd recommend this series to anyone who's looking for a nice, solid, but non-genre-bending fantasy series with a large number of pages to get lost in - but I'd recommend starting at the beginning.
( )

The action continues fast and furious in this third installment of Elizabeth Moon's celebrated return to the fantasy world of the paladin Paksenarrion Dorthansdotter. This award-winning author has firsthand military experience and an imagination that knows no bounds. Combine those qualities with an ability to craft flesh-and-blood characters, and the result is the kind of speculative fiction that engages both heart and mind.
All is not well in the Eight Kingdoms. In Lyonya, King Kieri is about to celebrate marriage to his beloved, the half-elf Arian. But uncanny whispers from the spirits of his ancestors continue to warn of treachery and murder. A finger of suspicion has been pointed toward his grandmother, the queen of the Ladysforest elves, and that suspicion has only intensified with time and the Lady's inexplicable behavior. Clearly, she is hiding something. But what? And why?
Meanwhile, in Tsaia, the young king Mikeli must grapple with unrest among his own nobility over his controversial decision to grant the title and estates of a traitorous magelord to a Verrakaien who not only possesses the forbidden magic but is a woman besides: Dorrin, once one of Kieri's most trusted captains. When renegade Verrakaien attack two of Dorrin's squires, suspicion and prejudice combine to place Dorrin's life at risk--and the king's claim to the throne in peril.
But even greater danger is looming. The wild offspring of a dragon are on the loose, sowing death and destruction and upsetting the ancient balance of power between dragonkind, humans, elves, and gnomes. A collision seems inevitable. Yet when it comes, it will be utterly unexpected--and all the more devastating for it.

A continuation of the stunning epic fantasy by Elizabeth Moon, Echoes of Betrayal moves the characters around like a chess-master, showing skill, cunning, and long laid plans - a great tactician ordering the layers of the story to the best effect. This time the focus is more prominently on the royal family of Tsaia and issues that arise with Duke Verrakai's job and her squires, as well as the new royal couple of Lyonya. However ample time is granted to Arcolin's story, Sergeant Stammel's latest adventures, and the changes that Arvid is struggling with.

Each story is fascinating and entertaining, showing character growth where necessary, as well as moving the plot forward at a steady pace. There are moments where the story picks up and speeds by, and others where it paces the life of the reader. Throughout all of the individual pieces the greater whole can be glimpsed, if not seen in its vast entirety that we are yet aware of.

None of the stories are near their conclusion, yet it is easy to feel everything gathering, getting ready for the grand finale. Clearly that will take at least two more books, if not more. But the energy continues to build, both with the individual characters and with the story overall. This series is a fine example of the epic fantasy genre. ( )