This is three thick books about the young, poor girl Paksenarrion, her destinies and adventures. Paksenarrion is daughter to a sheepfarmer, but her dream is to become a soldier. She runs away from home and joins Duke Phelan's troups, where she learns to fight. Later, her ranks are rising, and eventually she becomes a paladin, a magical knight. But the way to get there is very long and includes more obstacles and dangers than anyone could imagine!
These books may not have as much magic and "Fantasy-feeling" as you would wish. The biggest part is about practise, just as in real life. Paksenarrion is beaten by many turns of unluck, but she always comes back thanks to her enormous courage. Other people gets envious, which also creates trouble. Her carrier goes up and down, but she always comes out a little higher than before...
A good thing about the books is that there is no sign of any discrimination against women. Not a word about it beeing strange with female soldiers, actually, almost a third of the troups are women!
© Johanna Thorelli
j_thorelli@hotmail.com
1998 SWEDEN