Sheepfarmer's Daughter

great story with an awful narrator

great story with an awful narrator, the narrator injected a number of awful accents thus spoiling the enjoyment.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

A splendid find

Where does Sheepfarmer's Daughter rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Whilst I prefer to spend my credits on longer books, I thoroughly enjoyed Sheepfarmer's Daughter. It is the first in the Paksennarion series and I see a long and happy relationship with Elizabeth Moon's fantasy books on myy horizon. I do love a thumping good adventure and I think that's what I have in store....lovely book.

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

There are a couple of AHA! moments...it flows very well.

What does Jennifer Van Dyck bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

I usually prefer English narators for some reason...but Ms Van Dyck did a sterling job and I think I'll happily stick with her through the series.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

some...it would be churlish to give it away tho...

Any additional comments?

I was delighted to come across this author. As a sci-fi/fantasy reader it's such a thrill to find an author that I haven't come across before. Looking forward to the restt of the series.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

love this series of books

I have the hardback books but due to sight problems I decided to try the audio books and I'm glad I did! They are great and I could listen to the narrator all day! A must for fans of the books

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Narrator not suited to the book

The narrator would be more suited to the likes of Little Women than this. She is far to prim for narrating Paks' character

An interesting coming of age story with a great se

Style
Written in the style so come to the fantasy genre, Elizabeth Moon tells a gripping tale in a fine fashion. It does nothing orignal in how the story is told, but what it does is exceptionally good. The few changes in perspective freshen the narrative at points. The fact that the story is mainly told from one perspective though, keeps it grounded and easy to follow.

Story
The world that is introduced in this first book of the series, is deeply immersive and intersting. I get a great sense of a world we could easily see Conan striding through, or any such hero of high adventure. This almost dark age or even classical feel adds a lot more then a more generic fantasy setting.

You will follow the tale of Pox, a sheepfarmer's daugther, and her adventures in becoming a mercanary. This coming of age story, is well told. The female protagonist does not follow a sterotypical route some female character could take, and this is great to see.

The other supporting characters are well told and rounded, with some great villians to finish the piece.

Final Thoughts
This is a good book. It doesn't need to push the bounds of literary style to show that it is a fine read for any fan of fiction.

Excellent

What did you like most about Sheepfarmer's Daughter?

I read these books several years ago and I'm new to audio books (something I well nd truly regret). The story seems fairly simple but the detail fleshes it out. I actually find that I am enjoying it more listening to it.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Paks is obviously the stand out character but my heart belongs to Sergeant Stammel.

What does Jennifer Van Dyck bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

The narrator brings Paks to life exactly as I envision her and add to the immersive experience

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

She was only a sheep farmer's daughter...

Timeless story

I've lost count of how many times I've read the Paksenarrion series, and I was delighted to find it available on Audible. The writing style is perhaps a little old-fashioned now, but as a war story set in a fantasy world, I found it compelling. The fantasy elements are introduced gradually and realistically. The exploration of religion - both personal and corporate - is fascinating (especially in the following books). The author's experience of warfare shows. Some people may find it a little tedious, but I really liked reading about the minutiae of military life, combined as it was with my favourite genre.. The narrator takes a little getting used to, but on the whole I enjoyed the performance.

Not as good as reading the book

I love the books of this series, so was slightly disappointed to find the audio a little samey. The narrator has a good voice, but I found it hard to tell the difference between the characters. This wasn't helped by the author seeming to reuse several names an awful lot.

Having said that, it's a rip-roaring high fantasy adventure, and not at all run of the mill. You get magic and Knights in shining armour, but only from a distance as Paks, former shepherd, runs away to join a mercenary company.

The author's own military background gives the story depth and detail, the misery of campaign as well as the solidity of bonds formed is brought across strongly. It's interesting to consider the hardships faced by a mercenary company operating under essentially medieval conditions.

The heroine is occasionally a bit TOO perfect, and remains resolutely stubborn and naive right through to the end, but it is a solidly entertaining story nonetheless.

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

hum little dispointed

nice to lisen to and a good rythum but the story in it's self is a little dispointing. intresting look in to military médival life but utherwise i'm unconviced

0 of 3 people found this review helpful