This book is actually part of a re-published compilation of two books called The Legacy of Gird; I'm currently reading the second book.

From the Paks books (Sheepfarmer's Daughter, Divided Allegiance, Oath of Gold), some is already known of Gird - that he was a farmer who trained fellow farmers to be soldiers and together they overthrew an oppressive government. By the time of Paksenarrion, Gird is regarded as something akin to a powerful saint - a man chosen by the gods to save the people. This prequel explores Gird's life as a simple farmer and how he formed an army out of plow-pushers, and how he came to write a new system of law that regarded all people with respect.

I can see why other reviewers don't regard this set of books as highly as the Paks trilogy. From the beginning, it's just not as gripping, though it's still good. The first 100 pages or so felt rough to me, disjointed. At one point the perspective jumped from Gird to that of another character who quickly died, and it seemed unnecessary. The passage of time wasn't very clear, either. However, once Gird had lost much of his family and began gathering an army, the story picked up and became more cohesive and enjoyable. Then the ending? Meh.

Surrender None works well in fleshing out a mythical character for the readers who loved the Paks books, but this volume wouldn't stand well on its own. I do love Moon's writing and world-building, and how she contrasted the way of peasants with their mageborn lords. But something just didn't feel complete about the book. Maybe I'll feel differently after finishing the sequel, Liar's Oath. ( )