Winning Colors (2 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation]

Written by Elizabeth Moon

Narrated by A Full Cast, David Coyne, Tess Rohan and 24 more

Restored to her former state of health (and determination) Lady Cecelia goes in search of fresh bloodstock—she's had enough of politics. But once again she manages to put herself—and Heris Serrano—at the point where lightning will strike. This time it's invasion from the neighboring empire: The Benignity of the Compassionate Hand. Heris is only a civilian now, with a space yacht—what can she do in the face of a full-scale fleet of warships? But she is also a Serrano—born to lead.

• Language: English
• Publisher: GraphicAudio
• Release date: Jun 3, 2020
• ISBN: 9781648807459

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.

Reviews for Winning Colors (2 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation]

[elenaj-147457 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book has an even more wandering POV than the first one in the series, although I didn't notice it as much. This very much feels like a continuation of the first book - picking up plotlines, and moving them along one step, but not resolving much of anything. This book focuses more on Kieri, who I'm less interested in than Dorrin or Arcolin.

And the love story at the end was not entirely satisfying, being on the one hand ridiculously foreshadowed and on the other hand 100% told rather than shown. I don't buy the chemistry - I don't have anything against the pairing, but Moon just didn't make them a believable couple for me. I think she's better at writing friendship and soldierly camaraderie than love. Too bad - I like a well-done love story.

I'll hope for more of Dorrin in the next two books.

[sprite_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I did not write a review when I rated it, and so I have no idea what it was about (obvs. have to reread it when I get hold of the next one). Middle book is middle book.

[karlstar_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I love the first 3 Paks books which technically aren't part of this trilogy, but the plot all flows together into this book. The previous book, Oath of Fealty, wasn't nearly as good, so I opened this book with some uncertainty. Luckily, it is much better than Oath of Fealty. Its not really a 'Paksennarion' book, if you are looking for one, Paks is mentioned several times, makes a very brief cameo appearance, and then disappears again. Arvid Semminson reappears and provides a lot of the action in this book. The main problem I had with this novel is that it felt like a world-building novel. Lots and lots of diplomacy, some match making, and some events that seem written to reveal more about the world, which really should have happened in the previous book. There's not a lot of action and the plot doesn't really advance much for a book of this length. Lots of it could have been left out or shortened without anything being missed. Its decent, but not up to Moon's usual standards.

[bgknighton · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Things are heating up! And now there are dragons!

[romsfuulynn · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Strong multi POV fantasy. Want the next one!

[jeremypreacher · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Also an excellent addition to the universe. I appreciated that it comes to a satisfying conclusion while still leaving some major plot threads hanging for the third book (which comes out tomorrow - how convenient for me!)

I find Moon's prose workmanlike at best, and her attention to detail can make the pace of her novels rather slow, but they're carefully plotted, her characters all feel realistic, and I always appreciate a fantasy series where female characters are both assumed (by the author) to be as competent as the males and where sexism still crops up and is overtly addressed.

[ladycato · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

As I read the previous volume in the series last year, I was a little bit lost as this book started. However, I was surprised at how much I remembered and how quickly I found my bearings. It's a joy to read about the new adventures of old and beloved characters, and Moon does an excellent job of integrating new points of view as well. The paladin Paks has only a small role here; most of the story focuses on Kieri Phelan, Dorrin, Arcolin, and the wanderings of the Count of Andressant.If I have any complaint about how the series is developing, its that so many of the older characters are now developing magical skills. They were formidable before with their brains, physical strength, and battle acumen; now it almost feels like overkill. However, I trust Moon as a writer and I wonder where she is taking them all in the end. The sixth book comes out in a few months, and I hope to read it right away while so many of these details are fresh in my mind.

[readinggeek451 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Enjoyable but unfocused. A lot of movement, but no resolution; a lot of running around to no good purpose. Maybe because it's a middle book.