Saga of Recluce by L.E. Modesitt Jr.

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Submitted by Anonymous 
(Jan 11, 2007)

Michael F Conlon, First Class Petty Officer in Iraq. A Hospital Corpsman assigned to the US Marines.

mfconlon@yahoo.com

I am 46 years old and a Science Fiction fan since early childhood, when there weren't the many titiles available in bookstores and libraries as there are today. I came across The Magic of Recluse while on a training deploymemt. I normally do not pusue Fantasy, being mainly a "hard" SF fan. I gave it a shot as I was out of new books, and was quickly hooked. I have added Modessite's name to the list of names I always look for now when I got to a book source.

It was good to read the interviews of LEM, and I look forward to future enjoyment of his books.

Mr. Modesitt (who's name I never pronounce correctly, apologies) is a very imaginative writer. I've read a lot of fantasy, and although the beginning is slow...and boring...on the whole the style of the story is very refreshing, Lerris a far cry from the classic Hero archetype (simple, idealistic, dumb as a post), really bringing up thoughts of D&D, in a good way, no Dragonlance here. I love how Mr. Modesitt describes all the crafts in his novels, from woodworking to blacksmithing, and is something I've never seen described before. However, the descriptions are very specialized, and I would not recommend his novels to someone without a large interest in fantasy books or medival crafts.

Overall, Mr. Modesitt is a captivating writer (except for the beginning, just push through) and his novels are a refreshing contrast to writers like Jordan and Tolkien.

I would first like to say that Mr. Modesitt is very courteous to his fans, and sets an example that stars in all venues should strive to emulate.
All of the Recluce books (yes I own them all) are excellent, and the explanations of the Magic in the series are excellent. I find that all of Mr. Modesitt's books explore the struggle within each of us to find our identities, and the complex relationships between people.
The new Legacies series so far has exceeded my expectations. I cannot decide so far if it is a better series than the Recluce series, but it is definitely an enjoyable reading experience on many levels.
I have also read the Ecolitan series and Gravity Dreams, and the ParaFaith War. Being a huge Sci/Fi fan, I have to say that I put them up there with my all time favorite Sci/Fi books such as Stranger in a Strange Land, Starship Troopers, The Foundation series, The Cat Who Walks Through Walls, etc. Excellent writing.
Thank you Mr. Modesitt, for many great books.

Having started reading this series "in the middle" ie. with "Fall of Angels", it was rather confusing to then start at the "beginning", "The Magic of Recluse".

However, once you have read all the books a few times, namely 3 each for me, it does all start to make sense. This also makes it easier for people to read only one book and not be too confused or disappointed with the endings.

All of these books can be compared to life in THIS world. The relations between men and women in the time following Westwind is a direct opposite of many cultures in this world. But it does serve to point out how WOMEN have been,and sometimes still are, treated. But because of the role reversal, it makes you think. This entire series makes you think, if that is what you are after.

The emphasis on trade in all the books is another topic for reflection. On the other hand, this series can also be read for pure entertainment, if that is more your style.

All I have left to say is "Go L. E. Modesitt", and "Where are the books covering the time between Cyador and the White Mages?". I hope you are going to fill in the gap. Thank you for many hours of enjoyable reading.

I have read all the books in the series, and am amazed at the overall size of the world, and the "rules" that have been created. I read the last two books in 3 weeks, and feel starved for the next book. It has been almost 2 years since I have gotten back into reading, and it is a joy to relax in the world of Recluse. Bravo! Bravo! Let's have another.