Bøger af Elizabeth Moon

Paksenarrion wasn't planning to submit to an unwelcome marriage and a lifetime of poverty, so she left her village with a plan and her grandfather's sword. And a few weeks later, she was installed as Duke Phelan's newest recruit in a company of soldiers for hire, her arms training about to begin. But when Paks sees combat, she's stabbed with an ensorcelled knife and barely survives. Then the near-misses start mounting up, raising questions about this young fighter. Is she attracting evil because she is a danger to them all? Or is there another reason malignant forces seek her life?Paks will face the spider-minions of the Webmistress Achrya, orcs and the corrupted men who serve blood mage Liart, Master of Torments. She will also earn the gratitude of elves and of her Duke. And through conflict she will learn she has powers of her own and a destiny. To become a gods-chosen Paladin of Gird, and a target for the ultimate torture.

Elizabeth Moon, the New York Times bestselling author of the celebrated Deed of Paksenarrion and Paladin's Legacy epic fantasy series, presents Deeds of Honor, a brand new collection of short stories set in the world of Paksenarrion. With two exclusive, never-before-published stories featuring characters from the Paladin's Legacy series, Deeds of Honor gathers together lore and legends from Paksenarrion's world, along with tales from the Paladin's Legacy era, all revised and updated for this special compilation. Rich with the vivid and immersive storytelling for which Elizabeth Moon is known, the eight short stories in Deeds of Honor-collected here for the first time, with all-new author notes-are certain to please any fan of the Paksenarrion saga. Deeds of Honor: Tales of Paksenarrion's World "Point of Honor" - "Falk's Oath" - "Cross Purposes" - "Torre's Ride" - "A Parrion of Cooking" - "Vardan's Tale" - "Those Who Walk in Darkness" - "The Last Lesson"

Go back to before the beginning, with New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Moon's brand new collection of short stories set in the world of Paksenarrion, featuring beloved Paksworld characters alongside unknown future favorites, as they navigate all the challenges, opportunities, failures, and triumphs inherent in the deeds (and misdeeds) of their youth. Spanning from a time predating the events in Deed of Paksenarrion through to the Paladin's Legacy years, the tales in Deeds of Youth have been revised and updated for this special compilation, which features all-new introductions from the author, as well as a previously unpublished short story exclusive to this volume! Told with Elizabeth Moon's trademark wit, empathy, and warmth, the seven stories in Deeds of Youth will not only appeal to Paksworld fans wanting to re-immerse themselves in Moon's lush worldbuilding and masterful storytelling, but will also make a wonderful entry point for readers new to the Paksenarrion saga. Deeds of Youth: Paksenarrion World Chronicles II"A Bad Day at Duke's East" - "The Dun Mare's Grandchild" - "Dream's Quarry" - "Gifts" - "First Blood" - "Mercenary's Honor" - "Consequences"

Elizabeth Moon's thrilling Vatta's War series, featuring the no-holds-barred space-faring heroine Kylara Vatta, has secured her reputation as a master of first-rate military science fiction. Now Commander Vatta is back-locked and loaded and ready to win the fight against the marauding forces of ruthless space pirate Gammis Turek.For Ky, it's not just about liberating the star systems subjugated by Turek and defending the rest of the galaxy's freedom. There's also a score to be settled and payback to be meted out for the obliteration of the Vatta Transport dynasty . . . and the slaughter of Ky's family. But the enemy have their own escalation efforts under way-including the placement of covert agents among the allies with whom Ky and the surviving Vattas are collaborating in the war effort. And when a spy ring linked to a wealthy businessman is exposed, a cracked pirate code reveals a galaxywide conspiracy fueling the proliferation of Turek's warship fleet. Matching the invaders' swelling firepower will mean marshaling an armada of battle-ready ships for Ky to lead into combat. But a violent skirmish leaves Ky reeling-and presumed dead by her enemies. Now, as Turek readies an all-out attack on the Nexus system-a key conquest that could seal the rest of the galaxy's doom-Ky must rally to the challenge, draw upon every last reserve of her strategic skills, and reach deep if she is to tear from the ashes of tragedy her most decisive victory.

Thoughtful, provocative, poignant, unforgettable, The Speed of Dark is a gripping journey into the mind of an autistic person as he struggles with profound questions of humanity and matters of the heart.In the near future, disease will be a condition of the past. Most genetic defects will be removed at birth; the remaining during infancy. Lou Arrendale, a high-functioning autistic adult, is a member of the lost generation, born at the wrong time to reap the rewards of medical science. He lives a low-key, independent life. But then he is offered a chance to try a brand-new experimental "cure" for his condition. With this treatment Lou would think and act and be just like everyone else. But if he was suddenly free of autism, would he still be himself? Would he still love the same classical music-with its complications and resolutions? Would he still see the same colors and patterns in the world-shades and hues that others cannot see? Most important, would he still love Marjory, a woman who may never be able to reciprocate his feelings? Now Lou must decide if he should submit to a surgery that might completely change the way he views the world . . . and the very essence of who he is. Tenth anniversary edition • With a new Introduction by the authorPraise for The Speed of Dark "Splendid and graceful . . . A lot of novels promise to change the way a reader sees the world; The Speed of Dark actually does."-The Washington Post Book World "[A] beautiful and moving story . . . [Elizabeth] Moon is the mother of an autistic teenager and her love is apparent in the story of Lou. He makes a deep and lasting impact on the reader while showing a different way of looking at the world."-The Denver Post "Every once in a while, you come across a book that is both an important literary achievement and a completely and utterly absorbing reading experience-a book with provocative ideas and an equally compelling story. Such a book is The Speed of Dark."-Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel "A remarkable journey [that] takes us into the mind of an autistic with a terrible choice: become normal or remain an alien on his own planet."-Mary Doria Russell, author of The Sparrow "A powerful portrait . . . an engaging journey into the dark edges that define the self."-The Seattle Times

Paksenarrion was the finest paladin her world would ever see. But she could never have fulfilled her destiny had it not been for one who came before: Gird, the Liberator.When Gird leads his peasant army against their mageborn rulers, he knows that his sworn follower Luap is the king's bastard son. But in spite of his oath to seek no throne and to renounce his heritage, Luap cannot not forget his past. And when he discovers a distant land that he can reach by magic, his loyalties are divided. What harm would it do if he were to break his oath and crown himself king of this far-off land? Deep in the western mountains, in a sanctuary abandoned by the elder races, Luap finds out - as do those who follow him. Liar's Oath is the second of two prequels to the hugely popular DEED OF PAKSENARRION trilogy.

A TRUE WARRIOR WILL NEVER BE BROKEN. BOOK ONE IN THE PLANET PIRATES SERIES.Old Enough to be Used. Young Enough to be Broken. Sassinak was twelve when the raiders came. That made her just the right age: old enough to be used, young enough to be broken. Or so the slavers thought. But Sassy turned out to be a little different from your typical slave girl. Maybe it was her unusual physical strength. Maybe it was her friendship with the captured Fleet crewman. Maybe it was her spirit. Whatever it was, it wouldn't let her resign herself to the life of a slave. She bided her time and watched for her moment. When it finally came, she escaped. But that was only the beginning for Sassinak. Now she's a fleet captain with a pirate-chasing ship of her own, and only one regret in her life: not enough pirates. About Elizabeth Moon: "Excellent plotting and characters support the utterly realistic action sequences: swift, jolting, confusing, and merciless. It's a corker!"-Kirkus Reviews "Moon has created a richly imagined universe of different cultures, replete with intriguing characters and the sense of unlimited possibility that characterizes the most appealing science fiction."-School Library Journal "Rip-roaring action and intriguing science and tactics . . . [a] grand space opera tour de force."-Publishers Weekly ". . . the first work of high heroic fantasy I've seen that has taken the work of Tolkien, assimilated it totally and deeply and absolutely, and produced something altogether new and yet incontestably based on the master . . . [Moon's] military knowledge is impressive, her picture of life in a mercenary company most convincing. I'm deeply impressed."-Judith Tarr

In this new military sci-fi thriller from the Nebula Awardwinning author of Cold Welcome, Admiral Kylara Vatta is backwith a vengeance. Ky beats sabotage, betrayal, and the unforgiving elements to lead a ragtag group of crash survivors to safety on a remote arctic island. And she cheats death after uncovering secrets someone is hell-bent on protecting. But the worst is far from over when Ky discovers the headquarters of a vast conspiracy against her family and the heart of the planet's government itself. With their base of operations breached, the plotters have no choice but to gamble everything on an audacious throw of the dice. Even so, the odds are stacked against Ky. When her official report on the crash and its aftermath goes missingalong with the men and women she rescuedKy realizes that her mysterious enemies are more powerful and dangerous than she imagined. Now, targeted by faceless assassins, Ky and her familyalong with her fiance, Rafemust battle to reclaim the upper hand and unmask the lethal cabal closing in on them with murderous intent.Praise for Into the Fire ';[Elizabeth] Moon's powerful female characters send the unmistakable message that whatever men try to do, these women can do much, much better.'Publishers Weekly ';Intrigue and great action scenes, along with punchy dialogue.'SFRevu

';An utterly satisfying adventure . . . In Kylara Vatta, Moon has created another tough and complex heroine.'ScifiThough the exciting military career she hoped for never materialized, Ky Vatta still sees plenty of combat. An unknown adversary has launched a full-throttle offensive against Vatta Transport Ltd., Ky's father's interstellar shipping empirekilling most of Ky's family. Fighting for her very survival, Ky is determined to avenge her family's deaths. Teaming up with a band of stranded mercenaries, her black-sheep cousin Stella, and Stella's roguish ex-lover, Ky struggles to penetrate the tangled web of political intrigue that surrounds the attacks. Amid suspicion and deception, she is prepared to take whatever measures are necessary to ensure that Vatta stays in business. What she's not prepared for is the shocking truth behind the terror and a confrontation with murderous treachery. . . . Praise for Marque and Reprisal';The intrigue-filled plot lends a marque of distinction.'Entertainment Weekly';Excellent plotting and characters support the utterly realistic action sequences: swift, jolting, [and] merciless.'Kirkus Reviews (starred review) ';A gripping, action-packed book.'Omaha World-Herald

"e;Filled with fast-paced action and well-conceived characters.'BooklistKylara Vatta is the only daughter in a family full of sons, and her father's only child to buck tradition by choosing a military career instead of joining the family business. For Ky, it's no contest: Even running the prestigious Vatta Transport Ltd. shipping concern can't hold a candle to shipping out as an officer aboard an interstellar cruiser. It's adventure, not commerce, that stirs her soul. And despite her family's misgivings, there can be no doubt that a Vatta in the service will prove a valuable asset. But with a single error in judgment, it all comes crumbling down. Expelled from the Academy in disgraceand returning home to her humiliated family, a storm of high-profile media coverage, and the gaping void of her own futureKy is ready to face the inevitable onslaught of anger, disappointment, even pity. But soon after opportunity's door slams shut, Ky finds herself with a ticket to ride and a shot at redemptionas captain of a Vatta Transport ship. It's a simple assignment: escorting one of the Vatta fleet's oldest ships on its final voyage . . . to the scrapyard. But keeping it simple has never been Ky's style. And even though her father has provided a crew of seasoned veterans to baby-sit the fledgling captain on her maiden milk run, they can't stop Ky from turning the routine mission into a risky venturein the name of turning a profit for Vatta Transport, of course. By snapping up a lucrative delivery contract defaulted on by a rival company, and using part of the proceeds to upgrade her condemned vehicle, Ky aims to prove she's got more going for her than just her family's famous name. But business will soon have to take a backseat to bravery, when Ky's change of plans sails her and the crew straight into the middle of a colonial war. For all her commercial savvy, it's her military training and born-soldier's instincts that Ky will need to call on in the face of deadly combat, dangerous mercenaries, and violent mutiny. . . .';Compelling . . . a superior novel . . . Trading in Danger [has] originality and intelligence.'SciFi

Nebula Award-winner Elizabeth Moon triumphantly returns to science fiction with this space opera series - Into the Fire is the sequel to Cold Welcome and perfect for fans of Lois McMaster Bujold, James S. A. Corey and Star Wars

Nebula-Award-winner Elizabeth Moon triumphantly returns to science fiction with this space opera adventure, perfect for fans of Lois McMaster Bujold, James S. A. Corey and Star Wars

Finalist for the Hugo Award • "Ofelia-tough, kind, wise and unwise, fond of food, tired of foolish people-is one of the most probable heroines science fiction has ever known."-Ursula K. Le GuinFor forty years, Colony 3245.12 has been Ofelia's home. On this planet far away in space and time from the world of her youth, she has lived and loved, weathered the death of her husband, raised her one surviving child, lovingly tended her garden, and grown placidly old. And it is here that she fully expects to finish out her days-until the shifting corporate fortunes of the Sims Bancorp Company dictates that Colony 3245.12 is to be disbanded, its residents shipped off, deep in cryo-sleep, to somewhere new and strange and not of their choosing. But while her fellow colonists grudgingly anticipate a difficult readjustment on some distant world, Ofelia savors the promise of a golden opportunity. Not starting over in the hurly-burly of a new community . . . but closing out her life in blissful solitude, in the place she has no intention of leaving. A population of one. With everything she needs to sustain her, and her independent spirit to buoy her, Ofelia actually does start life over-for the first time on her own terms: free of the demands, the judgments, and the petty tyrannies of others. But when a reconnaissance ship returns to her idyllic domain, and its crew is mysteriously slaughtered, Ofelia realizes she is not the sole inhabitant of her paradise after all. And, when the inevitable time of first contact finally arrives, she will find her life changed yet again-in ways she could never have imagined. . . ."Pure satisfaction from cover to cover."-Anne McCaffrey

Eight kingdoms in danger, an enemy that cannot die... Count Jeddrin has received a grisly message. His son, Filis, is dead, brutally killed by Alured the Black - the first move in his plan to take the eight kingdoms.But Filis managed to send his own message, telling of the dark forces that control Alured, warning of something more than human behind the man's eyes...Meanwhile, Dorrin Verrakai, last of a long line of magelords, must forever leave the home she loves in order to protect powerful magic relics created by her ancestors. For their power is desired both by Alured, and by the dark elves infesting the kingdoms. Searching for answers, her friend and King, Kieri, considers waking the magelords from their ancient slumber...

MAGIC WILL NOT BE ENOUGH The Lady of the elves has been slain and King Kieri injured by the iynisin, a corrupted race of elves whose poisonous touch means grisly death for all who stand in their way. As the Lady's elves retreat to bury their dead, strange discoveries are made in the palace, revealing old secrets about the ancient alliance between humankind and elves. Meanwhile, in the kingdom of Tsaia, young Prince Camwyn begins to exhibit dangerous signs of magery. Discovery of magical blood so close to the king will put his brother's rule in jeopardy, but he has nowhere to turn when even his own family might put him to death for treason.

As threats build abroad, treachery strikes at home ... While King Kieri struggles to end the war that plagues his borders, his new subjects are becoming restless. His people include both humans and elves, and their uneasy accord is cracking under the demands of war.Kieri didn't fully appreciate the danger until someone close to him is found slain in the woods, and his beloved new wife also finds her life in danger. Kieri must seek out the corruption within his grandmother's elvish court, or all he's achieved will turn to nothing. Trouble also finds Dorrin Verrakai on the road, riding to command her kingdom's defences in the war torn provinces. Her family's dark power is rising again and it's down to her to root out the devastating influence of their illicit blood magic. Then her investigations reveal magery in the last place anyone expected. And while mortals struggle, dragonspawn might yet set all their realms afire.

King Kieri's realm has been destabilised by political wrangling and his court is blind to the dangers - until an assassination attempt on their king. And when this backfires, Kieri's enemies start planning an invasion using dragonfire, a force unseen for hundreds of years.In King Mikeli's adjoining kingdom, his crown is threatened by a bandit prince. Alured the Black claims his lineage gives him dominion over all the lands. His ambition is boundless, his methods are ruthless and he will not be swayed from his goal, whether or not it undermines a region already on the brink of war. Dark mages also watch for weakness and hunger for their own lost powers. The Kings of the North must plan wisely, as disaster is a sword's breadth away.

A vast and hostile force is attacking prosperous trade centres, destroying their space fleets then moving on, leaving death and chaos in their wake. Admiral Ky Vatta's family was decimated by one such attack and Turek, the pirate force's leader, will not escape her vengeance.Ky has a loyal taskforce, but the enemy have three times the ships and the firepower to match. She must offset these advantages with her knowledge of military strategy and her ace: superior ansible technology, facilitating fast and accurate in-space intelligence.The alternative to victory is unthinkable - devastation of interplanetary trading networks on a galaxy-wide scale - and the end of a way of life.'Rip-roaring action . . . This epic volume is a fine and fitting conclusion to Moon's grand space opera tour de force' PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

A death has made Kieri Phelan king of Lyona. Here humans and elves live in uneasy peace, united only by their failure to see the dangers at their borders. Harmony has never been more important - or elusive. But will Kieri's soldier background allow him to navigate these difficult politics? And can he awaken the powers his mixed blood confers?An older evil also threatens, affecting not just Lyona but all surrounding kingships. The Verrakai family has been practicing forbidden blood magic for generations, and its scions are becoming bold. When they infiltrate a foreign court and assassinate key nobles, it's clear they must be controlled or eradicated. Phelan will send Dorrin, the only Verrakai he can truly trust, on this mission. She must overcome her abhorrence of the power that is her birthright and awaken her own hidden magic. This will lead to secrets and a mystery that neither Phelan nor Dorrin could have anticipated.

Kylara had to leave a bright future as a military cadet, and was thrown into the brutal world of off-world trading. This subsequent career in the family business was tough: marked by war, mutiny and attempted assassination. But then her home was attacked and her parents killed - their trading empire left in ruins. Now she must save what is left of the family and the business, with few friends and too few assets. She must make full use of her hard-won experience to not just survive, but to restore the shattered fortunes of the Vatta family and their allies.Now, Kylara Vatta, space-trader and sometime privateer, has destined herself for a dangerous and unpredictable future. She will muster an interplanetary taskforce and forge them into a lethal weapon: one that the pirates who destroyed her family will never forget ...'Strong female leads, terrific action and complications aplenty: should grab existing fans and win new converts' KIRKUS

Kylara Vatta has had to leave a glowing future as a military cadet far behind, and now carves out a living in the brutal cut-throat world of interplanetary trading. Her chosen way of life is tough but rewarding and she thinks she is more than capable of holding her own. That is, until a threat emerges that nobody could have forseen . . .'Continues to get better with every volume . . . roll on the next one' Guardian

Lou is different to 'normal' people. He interacts with the world in a way they do not understand. He might not see the things they see, however, but he also sees many things they do not. Lou is autistic.One of his skills is an ability to find patterns in data: extraordinary, complex, beautiful patterns that not even the most powerful computers can comprehend. The technology company he works for has made considerable sums of money from Lou's work. But now they want Lou to change - to become 'normal' like themselves. And he must face the greatest challenge of his life. To understand the speed of dark.SPEED OF DARK is a powerful near-future science fiction thriller, the theme of which is both universal and intensely personal. It is dedicated to the author's own autistic son, and to other parents of autistic children, 'in the hope that they also find that delight in difference'.

Moon's The Deed of Paksennarion has been a blockbuster success in Baen's one-volume trade paper edition--and now the trilogy has a companion. The Legacy of Gird tells of Gird, the liberator, who teaches his people that they can fight--and win--against their Mage-born rulers, and Luap, Gird's sworn follower, who dares not lie and cannot tell the truth--nor face the future.

The first volume in the Vatta's War series - action-packed military SF from the Nebula Award winning author of The Speed of Dark.Ky Vatta is a highly promising military cadet with a great future ahead of her, until an insignificant act of kindness makes her the focus of the Academy's wrath. She is forced to resign, her dreams shattered.For the child of a rich trading family, this should mean disgrace on a grand scale. And yet, to her surprise, Ky is offered the captaincy of a ship headed for scrap with its final cargo.Her orders are absolutely clear, but Ky quickly sees potential profit in altering the journey. Because, whatever the risks, it's in her blood to trade - even if the currency is extreme danger.'I thoroughly enjoyed Trading in Danger and wholeheartedly recommend it' THE BOOK SMUGGLERS

The second volume in the Vatta's War series - an explosive science fiction adventure from the Nebula Award winning author of The Speed of Dark.Ky Vatta was a military cadet destined for great things, until an act of kindness incurred her Academy's wrath and ended her career.Instead of the expected disgrace, her rich trader family gave her captaincy of a small ship, to sell for scrap. In flagrant disregard of orders, she saw the opportunity to make a profit and save the ship.Several upgrades later, Ky is determined to retain the ship and her independence in the cut-throat world of interplanetary trading. But a threat emerges that challenges even her sharp wits and, if she survives, could leave the military forever in her debt . . .'An action-packed read, complete with zero-g combat sequences, exploding ship mines, stratagems, and intrigue . . . Definitely recommended' The Book Smugglers