From the Forest

The Saga of Recluce #23

by L.E. Modesitt Jr.

L. E. Modesitt, Jr. continues the Saga of Recluce, the long-running, best-selling epic fantasy series. In a new story arc, From the Forest follows the early life of a man known by many names depending on who you ask—hero, tyrant, emperor.

Alayiakal, who will one day be known by many names —not all of them flattering—has to climb the ranks of Cyador’s Mirror Lancers, fighting against unforeseen weapons and ancient technology.

Alayiakal, however, has secrets of his own to his ties to the Great Forest and his magus abilities. He must silently pretend to be a conventional soldier favored by fate—until that very same fate forces him to choose.

Saga of Recluce

#1 The Magic of Recluce / #2 The Towers of the Sunset / #3 The Order War / #4 The Magic Engineer / #5 The Death of Chaos / #6 Fall of Angels / #7 The Chaos Balance / #8 The White Order / #9 Colors of Chaos / #10 Magi’i of Cyador / #11 Scion of Cyador / #12 Wellspring of Chaos / #13 Ordermaster / #14 Natural Order Mage / #15 Mage-Guard of Hamor / #16 Arms-Commander / #17 Cyador’s Heirs / #18 Heritage of Cyador / #19 The Mongrel Mage / #20 Outcasts of Order / #21 The Mage-Fire War / #22 Fairhaven Rising/#23 From the Forest


Story Recluce Tales

Other Series by L.E. Modesitt, Jr.
The Grand Illusion
The Imager Portfolio
The Corean Chronicles
The Spellsong Cycle
The Ghost Books
The Ecolitan Matter


At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Epic Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy, Military Fiction, Adventure, Magic

452 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 23, 2024

About the author

L. E. (Leland Exton) Modesitt, Jr. is an author of science fiction and fantasy novels. He is best known for the fantasy series The Saga of Recluce. He graduated from Williams College in Massachusetts, lived in Washington, D.C. for 20 years, then moved to New Hampshire in 1989 where he met his wife. They relocated to Cedar City, Utah in 1993.

He has worked as a Navy pilot, lifeguard, delivery boy, unpaid radio disc jockey, real estate agent, market research analyst, director of research for a political campaign, legislative assistant for a Congressman, Director of Legislation and Congressional Relations for the United States Environmental Protection Agency, a consultant on environmental, regulatory, and communications issues, and a college lecturer and writer in residence.
In addition to his novels, Mr. Modesitt has published technical studies and articles, columns, poetry, and a number of science fiction stories. His first short story, "The Great American Economy", was published in 1973 in Analog Science Fiction and Science Fact.

-Wikipedia

Reviews

[Liviu · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest Recluce novel and first in a tetralogy following Alyiakal, a Cyadorian figure of legend in later books, is also the earliest set in the universe, starting in the year 92 AF (after the founding of Cyador; for reference Lorn saga, previously the earliest duology is set in the 400's) and following the hero from his childhood - only son of a Mirror Lancer majer with potential magus talent and living in a border post at the edge of the Great Forrest, to officer school and later his first two assignments as a Lancer officer. In between them he first strikes a pen friendship with and then meets Saelora, younger sister of one of his academy friends who manages to raise herself to the status of a merchanter - from a well to do military family in a small town true, but considering the restrictions and expectations women have in relatively patriarchal Cyadorian society, a remarkable achievement nonetheless.

Cyador is a relatively young land and the achievements (and secrets) of the powerful First of the Magi who created it from the previously wild Great Forest lands and its triad system of government based on the Lancers, the Magi and the Merchanters with an Emperor as supreme leader are still fresh (while the secrets that start to be uncovered in this book still have consequences) but already cracks have started to appear; neighboring lands covet the magical based prosperity of Cyador and encourage barbarian raids as well as planning more direct land grabs, many Lancers high officers seem to be first and foremost concerned with advancement and politics, the Merchanters want to make more and more golds at whatever cost and rumor has it that a recent powerful Emperor who tried to expand Cyador in ways that would have cut the profits of the Merchanters in the short term, met an untimely end and his plans were shelved, while the Magi, still powerful but far from the power of the First are concerned with maintaining the status quo despite indications that the powerful magic towers so essential to the functioning of Cyadoran society as they power all the chaos based devices unique to Cyador, seem to slowly decay.

The border is fragile and long, the mirror Lancers are relatively few as are the fire ships that dominate the seas when present, and both are as effective as the availability of chaos power to charge their fire lances and fire cannons respectively. Alyiakal thrown at the deep end must use and develop his talents secretly first to survive and later to be able to make a difference.

With the usual meticulous world building and attention to detail, From the Forrest has all that what one expects from the later Recluce books, being entertaining and full of energy, while having both familiarity and newness. Ending at a good TBC point, I quite liked the novel and am looking forward to the rest of the hero saga (of course, if one reads the Lerial Cyador - actually Cyador in exile and taking over Hamor - books, one knows where the saga goes).

Highly recommended and an excellent addition to the Recluce universe

[eyes.2c · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another riveting episode in the history of Cyador.

There are times when I wish I were not such a quick reader. Why? Because I truly think Modesitt’s works are to be savoured and reflected upon. Weaving the lines of connecting characters both major and minor are to be well explored. But alas, I become totally engrossed and couldn’t slow down. I needed to continue, to see what was around the corner.
After reading the chat forum on Modesitt’s home page my understanding deepened. Thank you! (https://www.lemodesittjr.com/2022/03/... ) One member, Bill M. pointed out where Modesitt has cross referenced his new book “From the Forest” with Magi’i of Cyador where the Emperor Alyiakal is a footnote in the history books of Cyad.
“Despite his many successes in establishing the current borders of modern Cyador, and his formalization of the balanced power structure that has come to govern Cyador, he has become the “One Never to be Mentioned” among the Magi’i and Mirror Lancers of Cyad.” (Magi’i of Cyador XIII p.56)
I raced to hold the plot together, whilst continually wondering what would come next. When I arrived at the end I found myself desperate for the next book in the series, but settled for taking up a reread of the Magi’i of Cyad titles arc.
In ‘From the Forest’ Alyiakal is being tutored by a white mage in the hopes of him evincing some Magi’i aptitudes. His father is a Mirror Lancer Majer who has risen through the ranks. He hopes for more for his son. Alyiakal has some slight aptitude for healing. He’s grown up in Jakaafra, an area bordering the Accursed Forest. He’s interacted with the Forest and people who belong there. Does this awaken his senses? Maybe! It does make for very interesting suppositions.
During his Mirror Lance training, he studies with a healer who sees that he’s more than thought. The healer advises Alyiakal to strengthen his wards, even to develop wards within wards.
Whilst training as a Mirror Lancer Alyiakal befriends Hyrsaal. Hyrsaal suggests he correspond with his bored, much younger and inquisitive sister Saelora. They correspond over the years.
Alyiakal is eventually posted to an Undercaptain position in a remote area at Pemedra near the border with Kyphros, fighting barbarians.
At Pemedra, Alyiakal discovers a road of the First Ones that has been forgotten, or deliberately let slide from memory, and Kyphran raiders holding down ruins that First One’s machinery is hidden in.
Things become challenging. Alyiakal wonders if he’ll be conveniently killed or shipped off.
The ties between merchants, mirror lancers, and magi’i for many are those of greed and power. A far cry from what Alyiakal sees as his role.
On the more personal front, I love the deferential way Alyiakal interacts with Saelora who becomes a fully fledged merchanter. Something rare for a woman.
I absolutely loved From the Forest! This is the first episode of Alyiakal—of his journey somehow from Mirror Lancer to Emperor.
I couldn’t put it down! Another intriguing, full to over flowing, page turner from Modesitt!

A Tor ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

[William Bentrim · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the Forest by L.E Modesitt

Happy to be back to Recluce, I really enjoyed the book. It is like visiting a friend you haven’t seen for a while. A new character, Alayiakal, is a Mirror Lancer with many secrets. Faced with a strictly stratified society, he must hide his strengths or be forced into unwanted roles or even condemned to death.

Alayiakal shares the same humble bragging characteristics as many of Modesitt’s characters. He dissuades fame and downplays his successes with aplomb. Modesitt’s main protagonists always seem likable and have a strong ethical core. The likable description has resulted in negative commentary in previous reviews. Criticism be damned, I want to have likable characters. I invest in my reading and I don’t want to be invested in a despicable personality.

The storyline is not predictable and yet seems familiar. That too, is something I enjoy. Once again, it feels like visiting an old friend and I like doing that.

I enjoyed the book and look forward to the ensuing volumes.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the Forest opens the saga of Alayiakal with him training in blade with his father Majer Kyal and magic with a local teacher. Being more order inclined, Alayiakal will not do well as Chaos mage, so he joins the ranks of the Mirror Lancers as an officer candidate. Surviving those three years sends him off to confront the Grass Hills barbarians before being sent off on another dangerous adventure. In short, Alayiakal is a typical Modesitt character learning lessons and being shaped by experiences that prepare him for larger deeds later. But the fun of a Modesitt tale is how he combines the elements and weaves in details that envelope the reader in the story. It will be interesting to see exactly what Alayiakal encounters in the next few books and this being set in the earlier times of Cydor, how he creates conditions for characters later on the timeline to deal with.

Thanks Netgalley and Tor for the opportunity to read this volume!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I neglected way too many responsibilities to finish this book.

It is another strong addition to the recluse saga and a fun glimpse of the past as it is set much earlier in time than most of the series.

I rather enjoyed Alyiakal and reading about his start in the lancers, knowing where that will all end. How his relationship with the merchanters formed was also fun.

It had all the usual elements of Modesitt’s world building in this series from the explanations of order and chaos, the great forest and the founding of the green berry brandy.

I’m ready for the next one already. But my real life obligations are probably glad that it will be a while.

[Sean Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Modesitt’s work.
I’m yet to finish them all but I can say that reading “The Magic of Recluce” and others as a teenager actually gave me passion for perfectionism in my own work! I have only recently become a reader again after many years forgetting how much it meant to me and influenced me. Since returning I’ve also come back to the writing that i loved and have enjoyed every second of it.
“From the Forest” again spoke to me so well with Alyiakal’s story within in a military lifestyle. A life I’m familiar with and was able to draw many comparisons and love the story even more. Every character he writes about draws you into their lives in a way that focuses on their work passion and life direction. I find myself drawn into woodworking, trading, engineering and military lifestyles in a way unmatched by anyone else I’ve read. I actually feel like I understand and know a lot about these crafts when reading them!
Modesitt’s stories seem to me, are less about the world of fantasy and more about how you or I would fit into such a world. Not crazy amounts of no stop action like a forgotten realms action drama but I much more personal and meaningful life journey with each character you encounter.

Highly recommend!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A return to the world of Recluse. I don’t know how he manages to keep writing in this world at such a high level after all these books, but L.E. Modesitt, Jr. is a master writer. This is a thoroughly engrossing novel in the start of what is sure to be at least a trilogy. Great lead character, terrific supporting characters, and the world of order/chaos as the anchor. I can’t wait for book two.

[Benjamin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this more, but when someone is trying to hide something but continues to use it in front of everyone but nobody catches on....

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened, 2/24. 1st Recluce book I've listened to before print reading, and that was a bit of a mistake as there are quite a few passages (sometimes long ones) I would have preferred to skim rather than being forced to listen to every word. Especially since the conflicts with the "barbarians" mostly seemed to be nearly direct recycles from the first Lorn book. Plus, as he sometimes does, Modesitt succumbs to the temptation to drag out all conflicts faaaaarrr too long. Really, the whole book could have used tighter editing. Eh, there's plenty to like here, but, despite taking place in a similar-ish time period as the Lorn books, the overall quality of this one isn't even close.

Re-read, 7/24 (print). This, indeed, worked much better as a print-read than an audio. Some of the complaints above still stand, but seemed much less egregious, so upping to 4 stars.
Listened, 10/24.
Print read, 8/25.

[Salfaraz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, solid start!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? I like a protagonist who keeps his secrets to himself.

Alyiakal [and Amazon.com does not USUALLY misspell major character names] grows up an only child whose mother dies when he was eight in the post commander's quarters living with just his father, the major. He learns early to keep his own counsel and discovers on his own how to build shields to hide his magus abilities. He can handle BOTH order and chaos. Mages in this world primarily handle chaos.

Alyiakal also visits the Cursed Forest. He doesn't think of it as cursed, of course. He meets and falls in love with a woman there who tells him that their futures follow different paths. He forms his own relationship with the Forest. Everyone else in his society is afraid of it and desperately hopes that the Forest stays contained by the wall forced on it by the First [Mage] (very powerful and very long ago).

Alyiakal is able to discount his true abilities by, in one instance, saying that his horse warned of the enemy's approach and just leaving out details like saying that the enemy's device "suddenly exploded". (We know, of course, that Alyiakal was responsible for its destruction.)

I really enjoy author L.E. Modisett's approach because this world of Recluce seems realistic, even though this is a major fantasy series. That is, the major characters are human and have human foibles. The people in this book seem like real people.

Alyiakal goes to the military academy and so starts out his military career as an officer. He seeks to get ahead in his military career just on merit, his own accomplishments. As opposed to most of the others who depend on their family/friends "connections" for advancement. Fortunately, his superiors are secretly rooting for Alyiakal and send him to out-of-the-way posts where his quiet manner and focus on the job can do him the most good.

Anyway, I really enjoyed this book. Looking at the author's Web site, L.E. Modisett, Jr. originally envisioned telling Alyiakal's tale in a trilogy. But he ended up turning in four novels. Some people don't want to start a series story if they cannot be assured that they will be able to read all of it. So, I do find it comforting that the author has turned in all four books and they will be published in due time.

Highly recommended for people who enjoy a fantasy novel where the protagonist takes great care to hide the true extent of his abilities and, at the same time, actively works to strengthen his "senses". (He is rewarded, of course, when his abilities improve after much trial, error, and practice on his own.)

Being a military fantasy book, there are plenty of enemy barbarians & enemy soldiers. At the same time, Alyiakal is very conscious of his limits. He does triage when he first treats the wounded after each battle. Some of his men have grievous wounds and nothing he could do will save them. He helps those who have a chance. Not surprisingly, the soldiers in his direct command have the lowest mortality rate.

[Patrick St-Denis · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the Forest is the 23rd installment in L. E. Modesitt, jr.'s Recluce Saga. Which is quite something, as many fans feel that there is so much to this universe and its history that we still know very little or nothing about. I was hoping that this would be a return to the author's usual two-book sequence. In my opinion, this is the length that suits Recluce story arcs the best. Imagine my surprise when I learned that this latest arc wouldn't be split into 3 volumes, as was the case with Beltur's tale. No, it appears that Tor Books were loath to release Alayiakal's story as three lengthy novels, which prompted Modesitt to split it into four books. I'm a bit concerned about this turn of events, for such a split ultimately had a negative impact on the Beltur sequence. Indeed, both Outcasts of Order and The Mage-Fire War were padded with lots of extraneous and often superfluous scenes that were totally unnecessary. Time will tell if that will be the case for From the Forest and its sequels.

It may feel as though you've already read the opening chapters of this newest Recluce novel. You're not going crazy, have no fear. The start of From the Forest is a retelling of the short story "The Forest Girl" first seen in the collection of short fiction Recluce Tales, which was published a few years back. It establishes that young Alayiakal is linked to the Great Forest, though he doesn't understand how or why. His name might sound familiar even if you haven't read that short story. From bits found in Magi'i of Cyador, we already know that Alayiakal will somehow make his way up and become Emperor of the Land of Eternal Light. And yet, though his accomplishments and memory should be revered, he has become the "One Never to be Mentioned" among the Magi'i and Mirror Lancers of Cyad. Hence, it will be interesting to follow this simple man's rise to power and glory.

Here's the blurb:

L. E. Modesitt, Jr. continues the Saga of Recluce, the long-running, best-selling epic fantasy series. In a new story arc, From the Forest follows the early life of a man known by many names depending on who you ask—hero, tyrant, emperor.

Alayiakal, who will one day be known by many names —not all of them flattering—has to climb the ranks of Cyador’s Mirror Lancers, fighting against unforeseen weapons and ancient technology.

Alayiakal, however, has secrets of his own to protect: his ties to the Great Forest and his magus abilities. He must silently pretend to be a conventional soldier favored by fate—until that very same fate forces him to choose.

As far as I'm concerned, the worldbuilding is always one of the most fascinating aspects of any new Recluce novel. Each tale allows readers to discover how people and events shaped history during their lifetime. From the Forest is by far the earliest installment in the Recluce timeline. Indeed, the action takes place in the year 92 after the founding of Cyad. That's more than three centuries before Magi'i of Cyador and Scion of Cyador, and more than seven centuries before Fall of Angels. Perhaps one day we'll get the full tale of their arrival from the Rational Stars, but for now we'll have to be satisfied with the glimpses from the past this new cycle will offer. How the wall and the wards that contain the Accursed Forest were built, how the chaos towers and all the technological wonders that can no longer be duplicated by the Magi'i and the Mirror Engineers were created, how chaos could be harnessed in such a fashion merely decades before, all of these secrets remain mysteries for the time being. Yet I have a feeling that Alayiakal will discover the truth behind some of them over the course of these four books.

Understandably, Modesitt continues to explore the relationship between Order and Chaos, one of the trademarks of this series. Like Lerial and Beltur, being able to manipulate both Order and Chaos forces Alayiakal to test the limits of what he can do, often with shocking results. Secretly trained to become a White Mage but released because he's not powerful enough, he soon finds out that he's more Black than he thought. This allows him to learn some basic Healing before starting his training as a Mirror Lancer officer. He is told to keep this to himself, as this strange dichotomy wouldn't sit well with some of his fellow soldiers and especially his superiors.

There is something soothing about reading a new Recluce book. Yes, they all follow the same formula. I once claimed that Modesitt is like the band AC/DC. If you like one of their albums, you like them all. It's pretty much the same with the Recluce Saga. Smart, thoughtful, and entertaining without any of the bells and whistles so prevalent in epic fantasy these days, this is adult fantasy by an author who remains in perfect control of his craft and his universe. Either you like it or you don't. Going into a new Recluce tale, I always know what to expect to a certain extent. But although the recipe is always the same, the ingredients differ and sometimes the author uses our own preconceptions to pull the rug from under our feet when we least expect it. And twenty-three volumes into this series, I'm still as interested as I was when I first read The Magic of Recluce three decades ago.

From the Forest follows the early years of the training and the first posting of Alayiakal. As the son of an officer without any political or financial clout, the capable young man is sent to make a name for himself against the northern barbarians. It's the sort of post that will either get you promoted if you survive or killed before long. Undermanned and with little supplies, it's up to Alayiakal and his fellow Mirror Lancers to somehow protect Cyad's northern border from raids by savages. Secretly using his powers to help keep himself and the men under his command safe, his exploits will ultimately see him get promoted and sent to what turns out to be an even more dangerous post. The discovery of old technology that must date from the time of the First will make him realize that there is much more than meets the eye at Guarstyad. He just hopes to live long enough to discover what it is.

Not surprisingly, the pace is an issue at times. Modesitt's novels are never fast-paced affairs and From the Forest is no exception to that rule. The author needs time to establish the various plotlines. Once done, you then follow the main character as he or she must learn, experiment, and puzzle out ways to escape a number of predicaments before the endgame can take place. Of course, Alayiakal will also fall in love, though this love story is quite different from what Modesitt has accustomed us to in the past. Hence, From the Forest follows the classic Recluce recipe and long-time fans end up with another compelling read. Probably because it was written as the first volume in what was meant to be a three-book cycle, I felt that it was more self-contained and stood better on its own than The Mongrel Mage did. Hopefully the same can be said of the forthcoming sequels.

There are no official release dates for Overcaptain, Sub-Majer’s Challenge, and The Last of the First. Given that all three manuscripts have been turned in, let us hope that we won't have to wait a year between each installment.

For more reviews, check out www.fantasyhotlist.blogspot.com

[Mary Soon Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first in a new four-book sequence in the author's long-running Recluce series. Modesitt is a veteran author of both fantasy and science-fiction and I count myself as a fan of his work. While his books vary in tone and topic, this one falls solidly in the main vein of his Recluce saga. Spoilers ahead....

The protagonist, Alyiakal, starts out as a lonely, conscientious youth. Eight chapters in, he sets off for officer-training school, graduates, and then serves as a junior officer. There are battles, and, over the course of the book, hundreds and hundreds of deaths. Thus there is a fair amount of excitement, mostly of a military nature, along with magic. But the book also shows much of the slower-paced details between its dramatic scenes. I like this mixture and find it immersive. I am -- repeating myself here -- a Modesitt fan. Yet it will not be to every reader's taste.

I found Alyiakal very likable. His serious, rather reserved nature is softened by his concern for the soldiers under his command, and by his growing friendship with Saelora (the sister of an officer friend), and, most of all, by his kindness to his horses. I was considerably moved by the brief scene where Alyiakal says his goodbye to a horse that served him faithfully. The book's tone is understated, but detail by patient detail, it built its world for me. I like the progression from one milieu to another, from Alyiakal's youth to his growing confidence, from relatively routine duties to uncovering mysteries from the past.

Four out of five ordered stars.

About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).

[Michael Baggott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back to the Saga of Recluce after some time off, with the newest trilogy - i had forgotten the writing style of Modesitt and it was a little difficult to get back into it. He is a very methodical writer who relishes in describing mundane activity, and this novel has a third person perspective with a quite dry manner of writing. Nevertheless, i enjoyed the book, and am keen to find out what happens now that the final book in the trilogy has been released.

I'm going to reveal a pretty major spoiler here, so don't read on unless you want to know what happens.

With the discovery of a chaos driven device at a fort occupied by Kyphrons, it clicked with me towards the end of the book what this device actually was. I hadn't guessed until the point where it was discussed about using the sun to charge the device, but this is actually one of the lasers used by the first in the Recluce novel Fall of Angels. I was pretty excited to realise this, this novel from the early days in Recluce history that detailed people coming from Earth was my favourite entry in the series.

Now that i have this set in my mind, i'm super excited to discover where the trilogy goes, so look out for my next review. As for the rest of the novel, everything seemed true to style for Modesitt. Young man sets out in life, young man discovers his skills, young man faces adversity and advances in his station, young man ultimately succeeds and the story ends, although the final part remains to be seen. It's a story as old as time, and certainly repeated over and over throughout the Recluce novels. Hopefully the discovery i mentioned above in the spoiler can keep me interested.

[Jma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impressive, Engrossing Read.

Into the Forest, this 23rd book of the Saga of Recluce is my first venture into this series and I am truly impressed. I was captivated by the various and well described settings so similar to our earth before the advent of our machine age, the military portions so closely resembling our own but with the book having the twist of a sort of energy based magic.
The actual forest though a small part of this book is still a very strong backbone to the hero’s life thus far and is a fascinating place of familiar but dangerous animals who naturally use the ‘magic’s’. I’m anticipating it will reveal much more of its self as time goes on.
I love that our hero Aly (my nickname for him as I have no idea how his name is meant to be spoken) has a life that is complex with his secrets, that must stay hidden, interesting and well written friends and strong enemies who it feels are just waiting to pounce.

I’m dad that I started on book 23 but thrilled that I have the rest of the series to read and the ability to start at the beginning and get to this book then finish them all. I haven’t been this excited about a series in a very long time.
Bottom Line? This book was listed as SciFi which it is but it is also based on what could be an alternate earth. A fabulous combo. It grabs you right away and keeps you interested enough to want to keep reading the series. If you love sci-fi with some very cool energy magic, some military that stay interesting, you’ll love this one.

[Mark Redman · Rating 5 out of 5]

"From the Forest" marks the beginning of the Recluce saga, with a focus on the protagonist, Alayiakal. The story is set about a century after the settlement from the Rational Stars. Alayiakal is raised by his father, a major in the Mirror Lancers, and is trained to conceal his abilities in Order and Chaos from the Emperor's mages so that he can join the Mirror Lancers. As a typical Modesitt character, we witness Alayiakal learning valuable lessons and gaining experiences that prepare him for greater deeds in the future. The Alayiakal story will span four books, as Modesitt has already revealed on his website.

Modesitt's talent lies in how he skillfully combines different elements and weaves in details that immerse the reader in the story and the wider history of Recluce. Depending on what you have read, Alayiakal may be viewed as a hero, tyrant, emperor, or someone who must not be named. The question is - why? As with all of Modesitt Jr's Recluce books, "From the Forest" is written in the first person, with a gradual political set-up, valuable lessons, and the minutiae of everyday life that readers familiar with Recluce will appreciate. Although it is a slow read, the pleasure lies in the details as they slowly unfold. Overall, "From the Forest" is a solid Recluce novel that I loved reading, and I can't wait for the next book in the series.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the Forest by L.E. Modesitt, I want to thank Netgalley and Tor Books for giving me the chance to read this book.

I'm excited to be back in Recluce, a place I love visiting. I had a great time reading the book. The introduction of a new character, Alayiakal, adds intrigue as he is a Mirror Lancer with many fascinating secrets. Living in a strictly stratified society, he must hide his strengths to avoid undesirable roles or even death.
Alayiakal has the same modest yet impressive traits as many of Modesitt's characters. He downplays his successes and doesn't seek fame. Modesitt consistently creates protagonists who are likable and have strong ethical values. Some reviewers have criticized this likability in the past, but personally, I find it refreshing to have characters I can invest in. I don't want to get engrossed in a story with a protagonist who has a terrible personality.

The storyline is not overly predictable, though it has a familiar essence that resonates with other books in the series. I enjoy encountering recurring characters throughout the series. In the first book, we get to know them, and in later books, we see their growth and how they overcome obstacles.

I really enjoyed this book and am excitedly waiting for the continuation of Alayiakal's story.

[Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm returning to the Recluse Saga after having binge-read them (with great pleasure), only to find out that I'm still AS comforted by reading it as I was with the rest.

Competence porn, military action focusing on saving lives, and growing magical power is the key, here. Indeed, it is THE defining characteristic of ALL of them. I could add that there's always an uncomplicated, mutually-supportive, mature focus on relationships that just as comforting as the steady rise in magical power.

If I were a bit unjust and cruel toward these books, I might say that they're practically FORMULA, and have been for a LONG TIME, but there's generally enough that's different between them that it's like listening to variations on a great musical theme.

I am not complaining. I'm simply enjoying them, like taking a long walk in a familiar field or a forest trail that I've walked many times. After all, the forest is no less beautiful for having walked it a hundred times.

Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.

Arctunn.com

[Carl Federl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring! Modesitt's novels that I have given a high rating include:

Lerris in "The Magic of Recluse" and "The Death of Chaos" is bored by everything, lacks conscientiousness and perseverance, and wants easy answers to his questions given without effort on his part.
Rahl in “Natural Order Mage” and “Mage-Guard of Hamor” has many things come to him effortlessly (or not at all), hence the natural, and is very handsome, but he misapplies his abilities to seduce women and avoid responsibility.
Karhl in “Wellspring of Chaos” and “Ordermaster” is a master cooper who discovers his abilities at middle age and travels the world as a ship’s carpenter before finding a welcoming land.

All of these characters must overcome external and internal challenges to gain their destiny, making for a successful novel.

Alyiakal story has none of these typical story arcs but he succeeds in everything with little effort, aided by hints from the Accursed Forest. Modesitt also tells the story with long descriptions rather than having the character’s dialogue and actions illustrate the events.

Modesitt’s last few novels also have the same flaws including The Grand Illusion Series, and The Mongrel Mage, Outcasts of Order, The Mage-Fire War, Fairhaven Rising

[Val McOmber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a long time fan of Modesitt. His real life experience (check out his Bio) from Military to Federal committees, fiance expert, and a Nuclear Engineer (Navy off.) shows up in many ways. He has a great insights to people and their motivations. Add a great imagination and you get a top level Fantasy writer. But then you probably know this as this is #23 in this excellent world - But I would not suggest you start either here or his book 1, but google his Recluce series and look for books in TIME LINE order. It will be more satisfying.
But really any of his typically 2 or 3 volume stories are excellent on their own.
As in most of his books this also as a tender romance build.

This book is in the middle of the EARLY times and it is at least a 2 book set (follow on is due out NOV 2024, and I expect a 3rd. So could be read as a stand alone set. But expect to desire to reach out for more.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typical story for this series. The protagonist is a junior military officer with above-average order and chaos wielding abilities. This one doesn't have any enemies yet; just a few people who don't like him or are jealous of him. He's more ethical, competent, and diligent than many of his peers. He likes to make himself invisible in order to eavesdrop on what others are saying about him.
He writes to the sister of a fellow officer, and spends time with her while on leave. He's attracted to her because she's intelligent, independent, and ambitious.
I'm sure I missed many references to past novels, as there have been so many, and it's been so long since I've read them.
As usual, I skipped all descriptions of food, drink, clothing, architecture, and furnishing; all of which took a good chunk of the narrative.

[Craig Corlis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The two books about Lorn, Magi'i of Cyador and Scion of Cyador, are my favorite Recluse novels. Ever since reading those and having Alykiakal referenced with a mixture of reverence and caution, I have wanted to know more of the story behind those whispers. That this tale is now being told is a treat.

This book has all the earmarks of a Modesitt novel - well written scenes running the gamut from company combat to magical visions, characters we can easily like and some we can love to dislike, and amazing world-building.

Can't wait to continue this story - and learning there are three more books in this set to come is a wonderful surprise.

Here's hoping someday we get the tale of the original landing from the Rational Stars and the founding of Cyador as well.

[DH VDL · Rating 4 out of 5]

life of a Lancer

As per most of Modesitt’s novels this book is more about the life of a lancer officer than an action or political thriller. It’s good for those of us who like that but not for those looking for never ending action. You will follow this character through childhood, to being an officer candidate, to life in distant posts, to falling in love, with a dollop of intense action every third or so of the story. Add some background of political intrigue and growing magic powers and you have every Recluse book written, as well as this one. Is it a formula? Partially. With enough difference in main characters and different times in recluse you have enough not to get bored with the formulaic story style.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m rounding up to five stars for this one because while I wasn’t completely sure I was going to like it I whipped through this rather long book in two days. I don’t usually find. military fantasy my favorite subgenre and I’m a long long way from caught up in this series but I really found the main character likable and engaging. It didn’t really matter at all I’m not caught up with the series. There’s just enough here’s the world that a habitual fantasy reader should be able to,find everything makes perfect sense for the world. It’s a good sign for the quality of the writing that someone who isn’t quite the perfect reader for the book still couldn’t put it down.

[Rhane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back to Recluce

You cannot go wrong with a book by L. E. Modesitt. He is clearly a talented observer of people and their interactions. The various book in the saga of Recluce cover many different time periods and many compelling characters. I want to know what happens next after every book. This story has a compelling main character and well developed characters all around him. There is all the action that you could want. Personal relationships are handled with great understanding and delicacy. I hope his muse gives us stories that pick these characters up in their later lives.

[Groucho42 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starts a series set only a few generations after the founding of Cydor. Alyiakal is the typical Recluce superhero -- quiet, unassuming, perfect. He starts on the road to becoming emperor as a kid near the Great Forest and then as an earlier military officer.

There were two confusing parts. First, it was almost 100 pages before ale was mentioned and the word lager never appeared. Very weird.

On a more important plot note, you don't send a bunch of companies to war at the edge of your territory without real healers. Leaving the main character as a a field healer and the only one is an idiotic decision and makes no military sense.

[Stuart Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional. My highest rating. Truly the best fantasy writer of his generation. It is a wonder that the quality of the writing and storyline remains consistent throughout every installment of this series. I have made the decision to reread the entire series again next year, but probably well after the next installment comes out (it is my understanding that the next book is already available for preorder). And even were I to reread at the speed of a book per week (it will likely be a lot faster than that), it will still take me almost half a year to reread them all. I cannot wait!!! Woohooo!!!!!

[Melanie Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I Can Do Is Applaud

A character, whose story of often wondered about. I love that with chaos in order series there’s a change in the tense of verb. Alyiakol is a guarded yet congenial man that doesn’t take the issues of childhood not adulthood. He guards a deep secret but so effectively that he begins to be noticed by his men. Yet, yet, who could prove he might have something more going on? The diligence and intelligence of this character might rival most favorite as he grows into a pretty amazing person and officer quickly.

[Henry Lazarus · Rating 4 out of 5]

L. E. Modesitt, Jr. is one of my favorite authors. My favorite of his series takes place on the world of Recluce. The latest takes place about a century after settlement from the Rational Stars. Alayiakal is raised by his father, a major in the Mirror Lancers, near the Great Forest and trained to hide his abilities in Order and Chaos from the Emperor’s mages so he can join the Mirror Lancers himself. The tale follows him From the Forest(hard from Tor) through his training and various battles until he is promoted to over-captain. This is planned as a trilogy and I look forward to the sequel.

[Joshua Lax · Rating 3 out of 5]

Same old refrain as a lot of the series

Nothing new, but i still enjoyed it. I think about half the series has a military officer who hides his mage abilities. The officer is then pushed fuether and further until he must reveal said abilities or lose some great conflict. His success eventually draws the ire of whichever nation he is fighting for. From there he will fight off multiple attacks from friendlies overcoming them all. Pretty sure that's how this series will go as well....I'll probably still read rhem anyways lol