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    Crown of Renewal
    Crown of Renewal
    Crown of Renewal
    Audiobook21 hours

    Crown of Renewal

    Written by Elizabeth Moon

    4/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    Acclaimed author Elizabeth Moon spins gripping, richly imagined epic fantasy novels that have earned comparisons to the work of such authors as Robin Hobb and Lois McMaster Bujold. In this volume, Moon’s brilliant masterwork reaches its triumphant conclusion.

    The mysterious reappearance of magery throughout the land has been met with suspicion, fear, and violence. In the kingdom of Lyonya, Kieri, the half-elven, half-human king, struggles to balance the competing demands of his heritage while fighting a deadly threat to his rule: evil elves linked in some way to the rebirth of magic.

    Meanwhile, in the neighboring kingdom of Tsaia, a set of ancient artifacts recovered by the former mercenary Dorrin Verrakai may hold the answer to the riddle of magery’s return. Thus Dorrin embarks on a dangerous quest to return these relics of a bygone age to their all-but-mythical place of origin. What she encounters there will change her in unimaginable ways—and spell doom or salvation for the entire world.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBrilliance Audio
    Release dateMay 27, 2014
    ISBN9781469263144
    Crown of Renewal
    Author

    Elizabeth Moon

    Former Marine Elizabeth Moon is the author of many novels, including Echoes of Betrayal, Kings of the North, Oath of Fealty, the Deed of Paksenarrion trilogy, Victory Conditions, Command Decision, Engaging the Enemy, Marque and Reprisal, Trading in Danger, the Nebula Award winner The Speed of Dark, and Remnant Population, a Hugo Award finalist. After earning a degree in history from Rice University, Moon went on to obtain a degree in biology from the University of Texas, Austin. She lives in Florence, Texas.

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    Reviews for Crown of Renewal

    4/5

    81 ratings11 reviews

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    • 5/5
      I really enjoyed this as a conclusion to the series. It did spend more time on wrapping up all the plotlines than on any new plot, but it was for me a very satisfying wrapping up. There was a great deal of deus ex machina (or deus ex dragon, perhaps), but I like my fantasy with extra interfering gods, so that's all good in my view. This book felt a bit like the dessert at the end of a heavy series.
    • 5/5
      Well, there you have it. The final title (for now at least) in the Paladin's Legacy series. While it is sad to say goodbye to these well-drawn and dimensional characters, I was glad to see where everything went. But it also seemed that the endings were a little rushed? Tidy? Not everything was resolved perfectly, but almost as though Elizabeth Moon wanted to make sure she used every thread that she had introduced in the first series to weave in these ends. Some of the finalizing story lines came out of nowhere (such as Kieri Phalen's nightmarish upbringing), but then others made brilliant though sad conclusions (Dorrin Verrakai).Just as with the Paks trilogy leading to five more books, perhaps there will be later writings that will continue these excellent characters' stories, or their children's stories. Maybe?
    • 2/5
      I read it to complete the series but...

      it's my feeling that the author wrote five books when it should have been three. There are too many characters, too many subplots -- and a great majority of them don't move the story forward. Yes, I feel bad Aris is missing his friend, but I don't need a whole chapter on raising horses. What are those horse nomads doing over there? Why do we care about them? I just feel like the book is padded waaay out.

      However, I have a mysterious fondness for Gird's Cow.
    • 4/5
      'Crown of Renewal' is the final book in a 5-book series (Paladin's Legacy), which in turn follows two trilogies - 'The Deed of Paksennarion' and 'The Legacy of Gird.' I've read all of 'Paladin's Legacy' but not the two earlier trilogies.

      I do appreciate the author's note at the beginning of the book that this is not intended to be a stand-alone novel. Too many books omit that! While I wouldn't say this is the ideal place to 'jump in' to this saga, I think I would've enjoyed it even if I'd read nothing else - Moon's writing is good enough and enough is happening here, that it actually does work on its own. Sometimes it's difficult though, when you already 'know' the characters, to be a good judge of that.

      There's a lot going on in this long novel: in a land of feudal kingdoms, there's not only 'mundane' human conflict, but events involving the rock-dwelling gnomes, the evil 'dark-elf' iynisin (and good elves, too), the nature magic of the kuaknomi, the transcendent glory of Dragon, magelords caught in time, innocent magic users hounded for their gifts, gods that walk on earth and speak directly to their worshipers, magical jewels, body-stealing sorcerers AND MORE. Most of the storylines are picked up from earlier books, and toward the end of this one, there is a bit of a feeling of hastily-made knots, in order to tie up loose ends. It's not too bad, though...

      As expected, the 'main' story here follows Dorrin Verrakai, an experienced veteran, as she deals with the magical regalia that addresses her as 'Queen' and seems to want something from her. Dorrin's a great character, and I enjoy every opportunity to spend some time with her.


      Copy provided by NetGalley - much (and very sincere) appreciation for the opportunity to read this!
    • 4/5
      First I’m a big fan of Mrs. Moon and will be reading whatever she chooses to write next. That being said I was a little let down by this book as the climax to the five book series. While some of the point of view characters did have their own individual resolutions there didn't seem to be a climax for the series as a whole.

      Dorrins’s arc certainly has big implications for the world that along with Camwyn’s arc foreshadow where future volumes might take us. The other big character climax seemed forced, I’m not sure why the villain who has played such a major role from the very beginning of this series would choose to attack a hero who seems to be at the apex of their power right after suffering a huge defeat.
    • 5/5
      A great series should have and outstanding finale. Elisabeth Moon does not disappoint. All the loose ends are tied, the villains vanquished and happy ever after should be in the offing. I started reading about Paks with my then 10 year grand daughter, who just received her MS in Immunology from Imperial College. It has been a wonderful 14 years for both of us as we shared books., conversations and hugs. I look forward doing the same with her children.
    • 5/5
      With Crown of Renewal, Elizabeth Moon concludes the seven book series of Paksenarrion's world. In her characteristically thorough and meticulous way, Moon gathers up all of the threads and loose ends developed over the previous six books and weaves them into a spell-binding conclusion (all puns are intended). While some of the chapters serve to extend the development of the plot or present the gossip among villagers as a way of telling how a character or event ended, some chapters really soar, the chapters on the elvinhome being especially lyrical.Transformation has been a theme in all of the earlier books in the series, but now, from Fin Panir in the far west to the Pirate Bay in the east, from the north marches to the arid dunes of southern Aare, transformation is the biggest source of conflict and also the most powerful of solutions, all the while exposing the true, deep nature of each of the characters. Each is given their hour upon the stage to reach their well-deserved fortune or comeuppance. It was a joy to read the conclusion of each of these threads, to feel the essence of these fascinating people, to know how things finally turned out, but it was also sad, knowing that this was the end of the story for each one. The series has had a life since 1982, with the start of Sheepfarmer's Daughter, but as the dragon says, change happens!And indeed it does, but a discussion of the events that await the reader would be all spoilers, would give away the essence of the story. Let's just say that transformation is pervasive, from elves ending up wondering if the Singer is changing The Song, from Marshals considering revising the Law of Gird and questioning whether they have been teaching a correct version in the first place, to the social effects on communities and individuals of magic appearing all over the land.This is fantasy at its best, with the reader feeling the true essence of good and evil, of the pain that change brings, of the joyous ecstasy found in nature and the profound sadness of loss. And the ending was so good that I cried. One hopes Elizabeth Moon lives a long and fruitful life and continues to gift us with treasures like the Paksenarrion series!I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ( 5 stars )
    • 5/5
      I received an advanced copy of the book via NetGalley.I've greatly enjoyed this extension of the Paksenarrion series, and as I approached this book I couldn't help but be a little sad. I recently finished up the last book in C.E. Murphy's Walker Papers series as well; alas, many of my favorites are wrapping up.I won't delve into spoilers here--and there are so many--but this book is everything I hope it would be. Moon is masterful in how she juggles viewpoints and a massive sprawl of geography. The situations are dire, but there' also a great positive feel to the book. I am endlessly fascinated by how she uses the faiths of Gird and Falk, and how these great figures manipulate (in good ways) the lives of their followers. Arvid's plot is very rewarding in this regard. Actually, I was quite satisfied with how all of the characters evolved. Now whenever I see a dun cow, I will think of Gird and smile.
    • 5/5
      A grand finale!As Elizabeth Moon says in her very coherent introduction this is not a story for the first entry reader into those works that began with Legend of Paksenarrion. And who, having read that great beginning, can forget the feisty true fighter that she was, her humble beginnings, her refining under fire, and the blessings of Gird that upheld, tested and shaped her. Crown of Renewal is the grand finale that draws the many threads together, weaving the various books into a whole, giving us insight into the how, why, when, and what of all that has gone before.We meet old favourites and find new heroes. We are reminded of old situations as new happenings, familiar and known, are referenced. Paks's previous capture by Iynisin, the dark elves, is recalled by new attacks and resulting poisononous wounds inflicted by them. Then there's the opening horror of the fate of the Filis, a son of Count Andressat at the hands of Alured the Black. I for one, am again ensnared enough to reread the stories gone before (having read them all at least once, if not two or three times) to capture their essence, and distill this new gem. The convergence of the various plots is wonderful. Answers to the questions about Dorian and the crown realia, the Mage lords, the Dragon, all the streams and various tributes merge together to reveal the full picture.A longtime fan (there are many of us) and collector of Moon's works, this is the crowning piece to the Magnus opus collection, the Paladin Legacy, that Paksenarrion heralded.I was touched by Moon's dedication, a tribute to another longtime fan. I dare to hope for side stories from time to time, snippets even of other characters and events met throughout the Paladin Legacy. A NetGalley ARC
    • 4/5
      I would like to thank NetGalley and Del Ray for the opportunity to read this e-book. Although I received the e-book for free, that in no way impacts my review.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...The final book in this epic fantasy that was twenty-plus-years in creation untangles most, but not all, of the remaining snarled skeins that woven together formed the story as a whole. Although Ms. Moon has stated that this will be the final book in the series, and possibly in the Paksworld universe, she didn't tie-off any single thread belonging to the protagonists; leaving vast doorways through which one could come back to this world, refreshed, renewed, and ready to continue the story.While each of the main protagonists had their time in the limelight, overall it felt that more time was spent with Arcolin, Kieri, and Dorrin. That's not to say that other characters were ignored, for example we were treated to some more fascinating stories and pieces to help complete the gnomish puzzle. We also saw Mikeli, king of Tsaia, mature beyond his years, becoming a solid ruler and force for good. Nor was young Camwyn left out in the cold. . . his sense of right and wrong, combined with his love of Dragon, sent him on an unbelievable journey. Arvid, the Marshal-General, and many others are also featured, but with somewhat smaller roles to play.Duke Arcolin faces increased challenges, both at home and while on campaign. He has dealings with the horse nomads, several varying tribes of gnomes, facing off against evil iynisin, and increased responsibility from his liege lord, king Mikeli. He takes to marriage well, having selected an excellent partner, and loves his adopted son, so not everything he faces is a challenge, but much of it in loves new things for him to learn and adapt to. Being the only human gnome prince is just one of the things that requires continual adaptation and willingness to never stop learning, showing that he has grown past his fears of not meeting the standard set by the former Duke Kieri (now king Kieri).King Kieri has been tasked by the western Elves with waking the sleeping magelords in Kolobia, and transporting them out of Kolobia; allowing Dragon to seal the rock imprisoning the iynisin before even more escape into the world to inflict further damage. Yet the Elves can only tell Kieri that the magelords in Kolobia were enchanted with a combination of magery: magelord, Elven magery, and Old Human magery. Paks has also stopped to visit he and Arian and meet their twins. While she is there Kieri tells her of finding the glade where he and his mother were attacked, which somehow leads to a discussion of Sekkady, the evil magelord that had held the young Kieri captive, torturing and terrorizing the boy. Paks suggests to Kieri something he should have realized much sooner, and that conversation may be instrumental in saving his life later on.Dorrin is sent away by king Mikeli after an attack on the palace by some iynisin. She is told to take the enchanted regalia as far from Tsaia as possible - back to old Aare. They both realize that odds of her survival, let alone her return, are virtually nil. To do this she must give up her title, the cozy home she made, and means she won't get to see her people continue to prosper, nor will she see all her planned improvements. Yet she goes, and takes a route she hopes few will suspect, one which leads her through Lyonya, allowing her to say goodbye to Kieri and Arian. Her timing couldn't be better, as she is able to help Kieri detect bad magelords from good, getting rid of all the evil ones before she leaves. Dorrin's journey is not as she expected, nor is the ending expected.Though this book wraps up the series it felt both a bit rushed in places, and too tidy in others. There were characters that I felt were left hanging; it seemed as if they were being set up for something larger, but their situations were never completed. However, as I read the series straight through, but slightly out of order (The Deed of Paksenarrion (Omnibus), Oath of Fealty, Kings of the North, Echoes of Betrayal, Limits of Power, and then The Legacy of Gird (Omnibus)), that may have some impact on how I view the arrangement of the material. Even feeling that things were tied up too neatly in the end, my overall impression of the series as a whole is that it is clearly a 5 star series. This series is what many other epic fantasies strive to be, but few achieve.
    • 4/5
      Odd - it's a lot of fun to read, but as the sweeping conclusion to a 5- (or 8-) book series, it's lacking a lot. It has this awful problem of being like real life. Some of the various problems that have been bedeviling our heroes end up linking more-or-less directly; many don't directly link up, and are solved locally. Gird's Cow deals with one lot of problems - or two. Dorrin and the regalia deal with another pair - one that's been a hovering danger throughout, one that didn't seem all that serious until this book. Kieri (and Dorrin) set up the dealing with another problem - but the solution is sort of negative, "this problem won't be randomly popping up any more" rather than some grand battle that ends the problem. In fact, the solution creates a new set of threads - what will the magelords do now? And Camwyn, and Dorrin, and Hornguard - which is brought up as a question in the latter half of this book, then never gets mentioned again... Also, the news of the solutions filters about quite slowly, and often in the form of rumor rather than solid fact. As I said, very like real life. There aren't any grand conclusions, there are solutions but they always lead to more matters. And new threads - new events, new characters, new events for characters - keep adding themselves to the story, so there's no neat, clean ending. I hope this means more Paksworld - EMoon has said she's got a bunch of short stories that she intends to publish, but I don't know how many of them will continue the series and how many will be fill-in or prequel. Though I'm sure I'll enjoy them all. I got this ARC from Netgalley. I spotted a few typos and thinkos, but only a few - hopefully they'll be caught in the final editing sweep.