I've recently discovered L. E. Modesitt and like the two books I've read. These books make me miss the old author blurbs as I had to look for pronouns in the reviews to find out that Mr. Modesitt was a mister.
The books of the Recluce Saga take place on a world where magic is divided into two camps, Order and Chaos. Neither is good or evil, though Chaos tends to be more destructive and Order tends to be more productive. Either force can be used for good or evil. There are also those who walk between the two, balanced in the Gray. The characters are interesting and the magic system is a little different, which is refreshing.
A common thread in these stories (the ones I've read) is a young person who is sent away from home to grow up. He (so far, all male) finds himself and accomplishes great deeds all without losing himself.
The novels take place at varying times in the history of the world. It's interesting to see a character who struggles through a crisis, reacting to danger as best he can, revered as an ancient hero in a later novel.
The author recommends that they be read in order of publication (above) as opposed to the order of the events depicted.
November 19, 2000
Another series I came into the middle of. I read the Ecolitan Enigma and found it to be fairly interesting. The main character was a very competent and clever agent who faced adversity and overcame it using his skills and a little luck. I'd like to read more. This is not hard sci-fi, though.
November 19, 2000
Last modified: by
Bolie Williams IV,
bolie@io.com.
This page is Copyright 1997-2001 by Bolie Williams IV, all rights reserved.