The plot of the story is quite good,albeit it ended abruptly with the death of Mr.Culpepper followed by the hanging of Reese Gannon.The manly nature as told in the book seemed copulative and not quite expressive in the spiritual love.As the matter of fact..it sort of alleviate the height of physical love...which i could say it was "invigorating" to some people indeed.But not quite to those seeking love and romance in the real sense.Apart from that, this book is still good and attractive...

The writing in this book was truly terrible. There wasbasically 200 pointless pages in which the cast of one-dimensionalcharacters went on and on about how wonderful Rebecca was (and I didn't particuarly think she was all that great). Then there were ten pages that were somewhat interesting (and earned the second star, since they sparked a bit of interest). This was one of the worst books I have read in a long time. It wasn't even suspensful, or scary, and it's supposed to be a horror book!

It was written well enough that I'd like to find the sequel but I'm not completely impressed with it.

I read this when i was a very little kid. I thought it was the most amazing book i'd ever read. And to this day whenever i write i use the name Rebecca. That book molded me to be what i am today... a strange person who likes witches.

I read this book because of a personal hang-up I have about finishing every series I start; otherwise, I think I would have given up by page 100. I like Moon's "Deed of Paksennarion" trilogy well enough, but think it is highly overrated. However, I felt I owed it to Moon to read her prequel, and perhaps finally discover the "incredible depth of world-building" that her fans are constantly raving about. As you may have guessed by now, I was sorely disappointed. The first novel contained in this volume, "Surrender None," does provide much relevant, sometimes interesting, though rather sluggish background to the Paksennarion trilogy. Learning the history of Gird, and seeing how many of the incidents of his life later grew into religious dogma was an overall worthwhile read, and is solely responsible for the two stars I've given this book. The second novel in this book, though, "Liar's Oath," seemed like it was written merely to "set up" a possible Paksennarion sequel. Unfortunately, Moon took around 400 pages to present what would have made a far more effective 20-page prologue or short story. "Liar's Oath" featured an unlikeable protagonist, rambling and over-used description, and no particular plot to speak of. I could probably sit here for hours and rant about how much I disliked this novel, but I've wasted enough time on this book already.

Elizabeth Moon is known for her extraordinary characters. Legacy of Gird is no exception. You see something of an overlapping within the two parts to this book. The first focuses on Gird from his point of view. You see the internal and external struggles he faces as he tries to liberate his people. The second half (from the book "Liar's Oath") is seen from the POV of Gird's luap, aptly named Luap. Meant to be a trusted servant of sorts and never to command, you see Luap's struggles as he fights pressure, compulsion, and himself... all within Gird's shadow.

An excellent prequel to "Deed of Paksenarrion" that fantasy fans (and writers) would enjoy and learn from. I recommend reading "Deed of Paksenarrion" first since she makes two appearances in "Legacy of Gird", and it is a study in strong female character leads, though not a requirement, since you can easily follow along both books without reading the other.

Warning, this is a very lengthy read, and when you reach "Liar's Oath", the descriptions do tend to veer a little off track. However, this serves to highlight "Deed of Paksenarrion" and brings an excellent historical background to the series.

This book certainly lived up to the standard Moon achieved in her previous book. I thouroughly enjoyed it for it's action and the obvious research done into historical fact. The feudal farming system was well researched and well described. While Gird as a hero was believable and able to be sympathized with, Luap was very difficult to identify with. I suspect that this was Ms Moon's intent. The problem was that I was left not caring what happened to him. Nevertheless I read the book in one trans-atlantic flight and one extra day, unable to put it down. I am not sure I agree that The Deed must be read first, although I did read the books in that order. Both books are excellent and anyone who enjoys good writing and an exciting fantasy should give them a try.

This book is definately the worst of the series. But unfortunately you'll probably have to read it so you know whats going on latter in the series. Personally I found the book a bit over done. It could have been shorted by 100 pages or so and still gotten the same effect. The idea that you can kidnap the "prime minister's" daughter, gang rape her, and then use her for breeding and not expect to have the a whole pile of trouble coming down on your planet is rediculous. The villians are something out of the 1960-1970's and are just plan moronic. I also find it difficult to believe that if inhabitable planets are becoming in rather short supply that you let a bunch of crazy's keep a perfect one to themselves when your military would find it a walk in the park to disarm said crazy's and use the planet for your population! I enjoy Elizabeth Moon's work, but this is one book that should have had a wee bit more editing!

On seeing Rules of Engagement I bought it and gobbled it down in no time. Elizabeth Moon's stories are great reading: they read fast, they compel page-turning. She's as good as any author of these days at the task of making you care about her heroes and heroines, and at making you insistently turn the pages.

So I enjoyed reading _Rules of Engagement_ a lot. But nonetheless, I wasn't wholly happy with it. Esmay Suiza, heroine of _Once a Hero_, is switching her career path to "command track", and at the same time she has tentatively started a romance with Barin Serrano, the young cousin of Heris Serrano, heroine of the first three Familias Regnant books. At the same time, Brun Meager, daughter of the Speaker of the Familias Council (i.e., nominal ruler now that the King has abdicated), is trying to take a more serious approach to life, and she enrols in some of the same Naval classes Esmay is taking as a civilian auditor. Brun, somewhat innocently, pursues Barin, but Barin is having none of it. Shy Esmay, however, worried also by the difference in rank between she and Barin, puts the worst possible spin on Brun's actions, and chews her out. This gets Esmay in trouble (can't be making the Navy look bad to the Speaker's daughter!), and also annoys Brun, who runs off and manages to get kidnapped by some cartoonish villains from a place called New Texas. The New Texas villains believe in subjugating their women, which involves rape and mutilation when foreign women come their way. The book then follows Brun's struggle for survival as a prisoner of the New Texas folks, and Esmay's struggle to get her career back on track and to be allowed to help rescue Brun.

It's good fun, and there's tons of cool action, but it's severely marred by the awfully cartoonish nature of the villains. I simply didn't believe them, and I hated reading about them. And, again, it seems a divergence from what I think should be Moon's main concern in these books: examining the strains at the foundation of her odd Familias Regnant culture. Worth reading, but not a great book.

"Rules of Engagement" is the bravest book in this series by Elizabeth Moon. And it's also the best put together of all books. The result is a work with character and the grit of real life war; a true page turner.

Moon focuses on young heros, Esmay Suiza, spoiled rich brat Brun, and a youngster of the famous Serrano family, Barin. At first, a usual misunderstanding of first love by Esmay and Barin - Esmay is convinced Brun is after her man, which leads to a blow up between the two young women. Unfortunately, the argument wasn't as private as Esmay thought ... the Fleet had a scan on Brun for security reasons.

Out of favour with her seniors, Esmay is in disgrace. Brun decides to leave her course with the Fleet as a result -- and unfortunately, is caught by a malicious bunch of religious fanatics who decide she will make a good breeding woman. Brun faces imprisonment, the embarrassment and humiliation of rape, and is forced to live mute among her captors.

Barin is harrassed by another young, beautiful officer, and Esmay hardly knows what to do with herself as Brun's father doesn't want her anywhere near the rescue operation. But she happens to understand what Brun's going through and even has a good idea on how to free her ... Brun has her own ideas, of course; and Barin, a Serrano, refuses to be left out of the action.

This work is truly compelling. Moon tells an entwined and captivating story of love, hate and the reality of warfare and how heros become heros. The story is complete, the characters are captivating and the scenario believable.

Five stars for this book which outshines all the others in the series.

This book which is really the second half of Change of Command does an excellent job of bringing this series to a satisfactory conclusion. I enjoyed reading it and it is up to the authors usual high standard.

Let us hope that Elizabeth can be pushed into writing a new group of stories in this universe!

This installment of the Familias Regnant series has redeemed my faith in Elizabeth Moon. The previous book (Change of Command) was spotty and was more of a "set-up" for the events that take place in this book. I must agree with one of the other reviewers, they should have been one book. We get to see more of the irrepressable Cecilia deMarktos, and Heris Serrano of course. This book is about youth growing up -- the younger characters (Brun, Barin, and Esmay) all come into their own, parallelling the maturing that occurs in the Familias Regnant as the issue of the "diamond ceiling" of rejuv is tackled. I was very surprised by some of the events that occured in this book, and found the ending to be rather touching.

I was hesitant about this book because the previous one just wasn't up to standard; however, I figured that _Change of Command_ was setting the stage for the next installment, and took a chance. Am I glad I did!

Like Change of Command, this is not exactly a stand-alone book, and I would not recommend it as your very first Elizabeth Moon read. But oh, it's a lovely finish to the Familias Regnant series (which began with Hunting Party).

I'm not ashamed to admit I cried at the end. To absent friends, indeed.

I've waded through to page 150, but it's been a struggle, and I'm absolutely bored. The most interesting things that have happened so far are that smuggled goods (never identified) have been found aboard, and the yacht owner's spoiled brat of a nephew has jeopardized everyone with a stupid prank. Much of the book to this point has been setting -- the yacht's decor, the environmental features, the characters' clothes, the cuisine, even the yacht owner's exercise equipment. I've got 200+ pages to go, and they promise to be much the same.

So I set this book aside for MAROONED, a Star Trek Voyager book that also deals with space pirates. Within 30 pages, I'm hooked -- and I've never really been a Star Trek fan. Seeing the contrast between it and Moon's book I decide I've had enough of HUNTING PARTY, which goes into my box of charity give-aways.

Too bad -- it could have been a good story if there hadn't been so much fat.

What struck me most about this book is the ease with which I read it - suggesting that Moon's writing makes for effortless reading. It is the strength of the writing, but not necessarily the plot or characters, that enables me to give 4 stars to "Hunting Party".

The plot, if nothing else, is weak. Captain Serrano, recently evicted from the RSS, has taken on a job as captain of a private vessel for a rich old lady, Cecilia. She considers the role well beneath her proud ability as captain, but seems to have no other choice in her career path.

Lady Cecilia has onboard a (lazy and unwelcome) retinue: her young nephew and his friends. Neither she nor the Captain have much respect for the youngsters, and a prank set up by her nephew, brings the lady and the captain closer.

Soon after take-off, things start to go wrong. The normally fastidious Captain Serrano suffers a backlash from a lip-service she gave the vessel before take off. A death and machine problems on ship force an early landing and a bet with the lady who loves horseriding and fox hunting.

Once at their destination planet, the youngsters slip away from the eagle eyes of elders, and get themselves into a heap of trouble on a small island. Coincidentally, here is relation to Captain Serrano, and the reader finally become privy to her past.

The book's plot is something that might be expected of a children's story, although some of the characters are more mature than that. The young nephew and his friends are more of an annoyance than a contribution, and have confusingly similar names.

Nevertheless, "Hunting Party" makes for a fascinating read, and Moon has a way of expression and an eye for detail that draws the reader in. It has left me with the excited anticipation for the rest of the series, which I will definitely read.

Okay, I thought this book was pretty good as far as books from this genre of Military science fiction go.

Heris Serrano is a very likeable character, as are the rest of the supporting characters in the book like Lady Cecelia, and even her nephew Ronnie.

This book is actually not one about military science-fic per se, but its about an ex-Servicewoman trying to carve out a new life for herself as a civillian. Serrano goes on a self discovery of sorts as she slowly re-immerses herself back into the civillian world and life as Captain of the very saccharine and gag-worthy named "Sweet Delight", Lady Ceceilia's personal craft..

The plot itself centres around a conspiracy that goes up to the highest levels of the government, and is fast moving and fluid. Unlike some books where you find yourself gettting stuck at a particular chapter without motivation to go on, this book is very readable.

I particularly liked the "island" scenes where Ronnie and the rest of the youngsters were left to fight for their lives and fend for themselves. I found Bubble's graudual transformation from rich fluffhead to the calm collected young lady she later became especially interesting, and that angle provides a lot of material for Moon to work with as she continues the series.

Overall, 5 stars for a fine piece of work, and a good first novel in a series that I will definitely continue reading!

This book was quite a disappointment after being brought up on McCaffrey's excellent Pern series. I expected something a bit more moving then *this*...at best, a rather bland muddle of confused conspiracies and an unlikable heroine.

I don't know how much to pin on Moon - but I have heard that she's done excellent military books, so it's possible that the book's greatest strength can be attributed to her. While it failed to stir me in any way, the book does present a semi-realistic view of the military in the future. Hurrah. However, where the book goes astray is when the authors try to have it both ways - I have no problem with hard science-fiction, but when soft sci-fi sensibilities are mixed in with it - ugh.

In short, save your money and go for some other stuff. This is not their top work.

This book is of the type you read when there is nothing else available and someone gave it to you. The holes in the plot are wide enough for spaceships to fly through, and it shows McCaffrey's often-seen tendency to not follow through a logical sequence. Moon actually can write military s-f of the softer sort with better plotting than this. Read any (ALL!) of her Heris Serrano or Esmay Suiza books to find out how this sort of thing should be done.

Sassinak on its own is a pretty good story, but there are a few holes in it, and it doesn't seem finished... Almost like it is just a chapter in a bigger book.

Well it is. To get the whole story you need to read: The Death Of Sleep by Anne McCaffery and Jody Lynn Nye followed by Dinosaur Planet and Dinousar Planet Survivors, both by Anne McCaffery. Then Sassinak and finaly Generation Warriors. (Also by Anne McCaffery and Elizabeth Moon.)

That way you can read the WHILE story, starting with the first time Lunzie gets shipwrecked till they all save the known universe, almost by accident. You'll have to read the books to see how they do it! The books are all tied together and you get to see some of the same scenes from different points of view.

They are well worth the time to read.

Paksenarrion must complete her mission. she must find a king. things are not what they seem. as always, M describes P's life in interesting details, and there are battles nicely carried out, so don't worry. good read.

I enjoyed the first two of Elizabeth Moon's "Esmay Suiza" books immensely. Esmay is a very likable heroine, and she's the same sort of "trouble magnet" as Modesty Blaise.

*This* book, however, isn't about Esmay. It's about the assassination of a head of state, power politics, technical problems with rejuvenation technology, a mutiny on a prison planet, and a blood feud between the Suizas and Serranos (think Montagues and Capulets with nuclear weapons) Esmay herself appears in no more than about one-sixth of this overly-long book, and she's mostly being shoved around from pillar to post.

I have a feeling that Ms. Moon is basically using this book to set the background for what I call "meal ticket series" writing, where each book is milked for maximum revenue without regard to entertainment value, and you have to buy *all* the series to understand any of it.

I was greatly disappointed with this one.

I am almost to page 200. This is struggle and the slowest moving book I have seen in a long time. Perhaps I am missing it, but there also does not seem to be a message in here.

I'd say this is the second worst book of the series, but it wasn't as bad as Rules of Engagement, yet it is in need of some serious help. I'd say that this book did have a lot more promise than the one previously mentioned, but it got lost some where in all the extra stuff that the author was trying to stuff into the book without making it look like she was doing so. So what we end up with is a bunch of little stories and sections of ideas that get lost in the overall theme of the book and contribute to the reader feeling lost and wondering why they purchased the book.

Whatever editor at Scholastic that let this series get to the presses needs to be fired. This series was an abomination. The teen horror genre isn't known for being particuarly good, but this is worse than anything I've ever read from it. If possible, this book was even worse than the first in this series - the writing was less choppy, but the plotting was even more ridiculous and the characters even more cliched. I didn't find the end particuarly satisfying either, and if the author is going to base characters on real people, she should at least get her facts straight. The characters of Mercy Smith and her four year old daughter, Dorcas, were obviously based on the real people of Sarah Good and her young daughter, also named Dorcas, accused as witches in 1692 Salem. However, while Sarah was hung as a witch, her daughter was spared (probably because of her age, she wasn't actually tried as a witch). In this book, both the mother and daughter were hung. That was a glaring error. There is only one thing about this book I can honestly say was good: It was short.

Im definetly not a person who likes to read books, So when my teacher had my class go to the library to pick out a book i wasnt happy. When i was looking on the shelf The title of this book "Dreams of revenge" caught my eye so i checked the book out.If you like to read mysterious books with a little bit of love in it this is defeinetly the one for you. Most of the time when i was reading it i couldnt even put the book down. i definetly recomend this book to anyone.