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Forever Hero #1-3
The Forever Hero
L. E. Modesitt, Jr's first major work was a trilogy of SF adventure novels published as paperback originals in the 1980 Dawn for a Distant Earth , The Silent Warrior , and In Endless Twilight . Together they form The Forever Hero .
Thousands of years in the future, Earth is a desolate ruin. The first human ship to return in millennia discovers an abandoned wasteland inhabited only by a few degenerate or mutated human outcasts. But among them is a boy of immense native intelligence and determination who is captured, taken in, and educated, and disappears--to grow up to become the force behind a plan to make Earth flower again. He is, if not immortal, at least very long-lived, and he plans to build an independent power base out in the galaxy and force the galactic empire to devote centuries and immense resources to the restoration of the ecology of Earth.
Other Series by L.E. Modesitt, Jr.
The Saga of Recluce
The Imager Portfolio
The Corean Chronicles
The Spellsong Cycle
The Ghost Books
The Ecolitan Matter
The Forever Hero
Timegod's World
Other Books
The Green Progression
Hammer of Darkness
The Parafaith War
Adiamante
Gravity Dreams
The Octagonal Raven
Beauty
The Ethos Effect
Flash
The Eternity Artifact
The Elysium Commission
Viewpoints Critical
Haze
Empress of Eternity
The One-Eyed Man
Solar Express
Thousands of years in the future, Earth is a desolate ruin. The first human ship to return in millennia discovers an abandoned wasteland inhabited only by a few degenerate or mutated human outcasts. But among them is a boy of immense native intelligence and determination who is captured, taken in, and educated, and disappears--to grow up to become the force behind a plan to make Earth flower again. He is, if not immortal, at least very long-lived, and he plans to build an independent power base out in the galaxy and force the galactic empire to devote centuries and immense resources to the restoration of the ecology of Earth.
Other Series by L.E. Modesitt, Jr.
The Saga of Recluce
The Imager Portfolio
The Corean Chronicles
The Spellsong Cycle
The Ghost Books
The Ecolitan Matter
The Forever Hero
Timegod's World
Other Books
The Green Progression
Hammer of Darkness
The Parafaith War
Adiamante
Gravity Dreams
The Octagonal Raven
Beauty
The Ethos Effect
Flash
The Eternity Artifact
The Elysium Commission
Viewpoints Critical
Haze
Empress of Eternity
The One-Eyed Man
Solar Express
752 pages, Paperback
First published July 2, 1999
61 people are currently reading
589 people want to read
About the author
L.E. Modesitt Jr.
191 books2,591 followersL. 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 8, 2010
I really dislike many of the writing conventions used by Modesitt--refusing to directly refer to the main character (the man in the black combat suit by the console--gah!), excessive sound effects, and piss-poor women characters, for example. However, I did read the whole book. I guess I'm still nerdy enough to like the "I am a superior outsider and will systematically destroy your whole society" schtick.
September 22, 2015
A good scifi book that becomes an awkward fantasy book by the end. The final 10% felt significantly different from everything that preceeded it. The ending was not what I was expecting, and may disturb some, but it felt believable and I cannot say what other ending I would have expected given the foreshadowing. The ending was dark, but 'realistic.' A decidely adult work of fiction.
February 22, 2020
Be warned I am a sucker for any themes that involve immortality. Even so, I think you will find the Forever Hero series of books very absorbing. Modesitt has written quite a lot of good novels and series, so it was no surprise to find this gem among his other pearls.
The story concerns the interaction between a galaxy-spanning human empire and a savage boy/man seemingly born on the post-apocalyptic Earth. As it turns out, this young man does not age... at all. He also has a burning desire to see Earth, the cradle of the human race, renewed after centuries of environmental devastation. In order to achieve this, he has to overcome universal apathy and direct opposition. To spice up the story our hero has almost superhuman reflexes and a natural inclination to use deadly weapons. Throw in a few unrequited love affairs and you have the makings of a classic space opera.
All in all the series makes for a great escape from the everyday grind.
The story concerns the interaction between a galaxy-spanning human empire and a savage boy/man seemingly born on the post-apocalyptic Earth. As it turns out, this young man does not age... at all. He also has a burning desire to see Earth, the cradle of the human race, renewed after centuries of environmental devastation. In order to achieve this, he has to overcome universal apathy and direct opposition. To spice up the story our hero has almost superhuman reflexes and a natural inclination to use deadly weapons. Throw in a few unrequited love affairs and you have the makings of a classic space opera.
All in all the series makes for a great escape from the everyday grind.
November 24, 2011
There are some very familiar themes in this book, and I for one wonder how it relates to the author's other series regarding the Ecological Institute of Accord and the same Empire that appears here.
I wonder if the Captain has anything to do with the founding of the Institute?
I wonder if the Captain has anything to do with the founding of the Institute?
October 25, 2009
This was the book that began my love affair with L.E. Modesitt Jr. as an author. The defense of ecology is a familiar theme of his.
August 27, 2012
Very good the last chapter was very disappointing
August 27, 2014
I love this story, however you feel like you are reading a summary of the protagonist's actions rather than experiencing an adventure. I would say a good quarter of the book is made up of "computer speak" there are whole pages of characters following procedures with air traffic controllers, or with their ship AI. While this makes it more realistic, it takes of a lot of time to read through. Another gripe I have with the book is that every chapter it decides to introduce the main character in a new way and you must find a way to figure out who is the person narrating. The author never refers to the main character with his name, he always uses descriptive terms to identify him. For instance, after a book or two of describing the main character as thin, young, blond hair, hawk eyes, short, curly hair, he starts a chapter calling the subject a farmer who is old, stooped, dark hair, has a limp, and after a few paragraphs, lets you in on the fact that he has hawk eyes. If this was the only time the author did something like this, it would be confusing, but not too bad, but the entire book is like this.
I however do love the story and the way that the protagonist is not a saint. He does do things that are wrong morally or he just has bad judgement at times. I can't stand books where the main character is a saint that is perfect and never makes a mistake.
I however do love the story and the way that the protagonist is not a saint. He does do things that are wrong morally or he just has bad judgement at times. I can't stand books where the main character is a saint that is perfect and never makes a mistake.
December 19, 2013
Classic Modesitt. Not as Well paced or succinct as The TimeGod, or The Hammer of Darkness, but the length helps one appreciate the time span of an immortal's life.
It's four stars and not five because the author made a few promises in the first book that he failed to keep. The passage of time was irregular, and certain events that would have lended some emotional closure at the end, never occurred.
It's a great book to get lost in. I'd recommend this as someone's first Modesitt SF book to read, so they can see how he improved his craft in time.
It's four stars and not five because the author made a few promises in the first book that he failed to keep. The passage of time was irregular, and certain events that would have lended some emotional closure at the end, never occurred.
It's a great book to get lost in. I'd recommend this as someone's first Modesitt SF book to read, so they can see how he improved his craft in time.
November 13, 2011
I would have given it 5 stars, but there were certain moral issues that I just could not tolerate. While the main character is interesting, and the technology is rather cool, there are certain times where the main character does something reprehensible. If I had to rate it like movies, it would be PG-13 bordering on R.
March 29, 2013
One of his better books. I have been trying to get the hard copy for several months but cannot find it in hardback so ended up with paperback.
If read carefully it is a thought provoking book which cover both I am an alien you'ld better watch out and ecology. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and will look for others
If read carefully it is a thought provoking book which cover both I am an alien you'ld better watch out and ecology. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and will look for others
July 23, 2014
I always warn anyone I lend a Modesitt book to that his books aren't for everyone. I love some of the Recluse books, I like the Corean books. This one sucks. Main character is pretty much a terrible person... But I think we're supposed to like him. Do not read.
October 15, 2007
Three books in one. This is about a future earth child, where the earth is a wasteland and he works his quest to make the planet green once again. Can't help but whoop at his tenacity and antics.
September 13, 2019
It's good to read some hard sci-fi for a change. However, I can never quite buy the idea of an interstellar civilisation being an empire. Especially this one which from the first book in the trilogy seems cash strapped and finds interstellar transport very expensive. There appears to be no real oversight of the empire, such as governors etc, although it appears there is enough money to embargo systems which appear to be causing trouble. The books were first separately published in the late 1980s and, boy, does it show how technology has moved on in the last 30 years. There is constant reference to faxes. I wonder how many millennials even know what a fax is. Computers appear fairly clunky and input is by 'studs'. I don't think any of us expected touch screens back then. No internets or hand held devices. This is not a criticism of the author, none of us would have done any better back then. My first computer brought back at the end of 1999 running Windows 98 could send and receive faxes, but the facility rapidly disappeared in later iterations of the platform. The ideas are good. The cash strapped Empire I've already mentioned. This is an interesting take on the subject of interstellar civilisations (of any sort) which are usually posited as having vast resources and vast space navies with vast ships often battling it out one with another. Gerswin is a flawed individual, wanting to do good with a well developed social conscious, but quite prepared to kill when he thought necessary. He is often his own judge, jury and executioner which is not a good thing in anybody. One irritating thing is that no real explanation is given for his longevity. Are we supposed to assume this is as a result of the devastated Earth on which he grows up. The author does merit praise for the economy in telling his story. A trilogy weighing in at 748 pages in total. There are some multi volume sci-fi sets which take over a 1000 pages on each book. Oh, he supposes that the civilisation has not proceeded beyond tape for computer input. Perhaps saving on disc and flash drives promotes wordiness!
January 24, 2021
Futuristic uberman who doesn't age, thanks to genetics and natural selection, rises up from his "Devilkid" feral background to restore earth to ecological balance. The earth, in its apocalyptical future, has been stripped of its resources and left for dead by humanity. It has killer ice storms, tornados, poisoned lands and is overrun by mutant rats and coyotes. Our hero (?) Gerswin, starts out as a fringe dwelling homeless forager on earth, but is pulled into intergalactic military service, where he excels.
I have a lot of issues with this book. The writing style is choppy, disjointed. Overuse of sound effects ("click, click, click" "beep, beep, beep") in narrative get annoying. Time jumps occur without warning. We're moved forward two months, five years, 20 years, when sticking with the plot in real-time would have been more logical. I suppose this gives us some perspective on what it's like for the main character, as a near immortal. Also our main character would be Adolf Hilter's dreamboat - a "pure race" superman who acts decisively, without consensus or consultation. He undertakes the rescue and breeding of other Devilkids (the "master race"?). He obsesses about restoring the earth (the "Fatherland"?) to what he perceives to be its rightful status, at any cost; while battling the corrupt and bureaucratic empire from within. Gerswin is amoral, using and abusing all in his efforts to achieve his own ends. And of course, every single female depicted in story wants nothing else but to jump in bed with him - teenagers, old ladies, it doesn't matter.
Are we expected to find Gerswin a sympathetic, 'it's lonely at the top' character? To agree that the ecological status of the earth is more important than the rest of humanity, in the intergalactic empire, across many worlds? I did not. I found Gerswin to be a complete asshole. This made appreciating his story kind of tough.
I have a lot of issues with this book. The writing style is choppy, disjointed. Overuse of sound effects ("click, click, click" "beep, beep, beep") in narrative get annoying. Time jumps occur without warning. We're moved forward two months, five years, 20 years, when sticking with the plot in real-time would have been more logical. I suppose this gives us some perspective on what it's like for the main character, as a near immortal. Also our main character would be Adolf Hilter's dreamboat - a "pure race" superman who acts decisively, without consensus or consultation. He undertakes the rescue and breeding of other Devilkids (the "master race"?). He obsesses about restoring the earth (the "Fatherland"?) to what he perceives to be its rightful status, at any cost; while battling the corrupt and bureaucratic empire from within. Gerswin is amoral, using and abusing all in his efforts to achieve his own ends. And of course, every single female depicted in story wants nothing else but to jump in bed with him - teenagers, old ladies, it doesn't matter.
Are we expected to find Gerswin a sympathetic, 'it's lonely at the top' character? To agree that the ecological status of the earth is more important than the rest of humanity, in the intergalactic empire, across many worlds? I did not. I found Gerswin to be a complete asshole. This made appreciating his story kind of tough.
December 29, 2020
As a longtime Modesitt fan found this series later and can see the parallels to other series in the story development and plot.
What was interesting in this series as
differentiator for the authors other works was the intrinsically flawed nature of the protanogist.
Seeing this character development, with the uncomfortable anonymity of his identity makes for an unusually unlikeable antihero. The ending, while a logical extension of the story's development will probably disturb some.
Anyone who has an interest in a Character who develops without great detail will enjoy the read. In some respects the book almost feels like an experiment in writing a book about a character while assiduously writing the character.
Was a good read, and well written even if challenging read on occasion. The book does not the richness or depth of the authors other series which is the reason for the lower rating.
What was interesting in this series as
differentiator for the authors other works was the intrinsically flawed nature of the protanogist.
Seeing this character development, with the uncomfortable anonymity of his identity makes for an unusually unlikeable antihero. The ending, while a logical extension of the story's development will probably disturb some.
Anyone who has an interest in a Character who develops without great detail will enjoy the read. In some respects the book almost feels like an experiment in writing a book about a character while assiduously writing the character.
Was a good read, and well written even if challenging read on occasion. The book does not the richness or depth of the authors other series which is the reason for the lower rating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2019
Modesitt, L. E., Jr. The Forever Hero. 1987-88. Forever Hero 1-3 Omnibus. Tor, 1999.
This early trilogy by L. E. Modesitt is an epic space opera that reads like an epic fantasy. Our hero begins as “devilkid” living on what he can steal in a depopulated earth governed by a military outpost of a galactic empire. Someone takes him in, educates him and trains him as an ace fighter pilot. He has a genetic anomaly that makes in uniquely immortal. He is a Byronic figure, who outlives the loves of his life and has an abiding obsession to rehabilitate the climate and culture of earth. Like epic fantasies, the style tends to be over-the-top at times. Modesitt would outgrow this tendency later in his career.
This early trilogy by L. E. Modesitt is an epic space opera that reads like an epic fantasy. Our hero begins as “devilkid” living on what he can steal in a depopulated earth governed by a military outpost of a galactic empire. Someone takes him in, educates him and trains him as an ace fighter pilot. He has a genetic anomaly that makes in uniquely immortal. He is a Byronic figure, who outlives the loves of his life and has an abiding obsession to rehabilitate the climate and culture of earth. Like epic fantasies, the style tends to be over-the-top at times. Modesitt would outgrow this tendency later in his career.
September 21, 2023
Being a fantasy reader, I've read many of L.E. Modesitt's novels. The Recluse and Corean Chronicles books I thoroughly enjoyed. This Forever Hero didn't do it for me. What I think I miss... and this may be my personal preference... is the clear goals and achievements which the other novels entail, and a decent pace at which the story unfolds and resolves. Despite it missing the ingredients which had me so much enjoying his other novels, I kept diligently reading until I finished, but in the end it was a relief to move on to something else. I'm still an advocate of Modesitt, but I will prioritize reading of his fantasy novels; the sci-fi stuff maybe not my thing.
May 19, 2025
fantastic story of distoepic earth
Could not put it down for 3 days. Engrossing read of a young man who was always old and an old man who was always young.
Could not put it down for 3 days. Engrossing read of a young man who was always old and an old man who was always young.
October 17, 2024
This book is one of my favorite books of all time in fact it might be my favorite. With that being said I have to be clear on this point because it's something that bothers me and makes me hesitant to recommend this book. It has a couple of fairly detailed sex scenes in it. If it wasn't for that I would recommend this book to everyone. With that being said let's get into the actual review.
This book follows a man as he restores an ecologically destroyed earth. Because of that one of the big themes is biology specifically biological innovation and self sufficiency. This book explored why governments can stay in power and how they can be upset by small and simple things. I find the political maneuvering and interplay throughout the book very interesting and entertaining. There are also plenty of space battles and other combats throughout which really help with the variety throughout the book.
I love seeing the different worlds Modesitt builds through this book and how full and fleshed out they are. I love the technical details included with the ships and governmental structure. I love the perspective of governments and military that get brought up when you look at them through this view. Throughout the book are little text excerpts written which talk about how the main character becomes this mythical figure and I find those very entertaining.
Oh yeah and like the last 5 or so chapters don't really bring anything new to the table and can be done without lol. Other than that it's a great book!
This book follows a man as he restores an ecologically destroyed earth. Because of that one of the big themes is biology specifically biological innovation and self sufficiency. This book explored why governments can stay in power and how they can be upset by small and simple things. I find the political maneuvering and interplay throughout the book very interesting and entertaining. There are also plenty of space battles and other combats throughout which really help with the variety throughout the book.
I love seeing the different worlds Modesitt builds through this book and how full and fleshed out they are. I love the technical details included with the ships and governmental structure. I love the perspective of governments and military that get brought up when you look at them through this view. Throughout the book are little text excerpts written which talk about how the main character becomes this mythical figure and I find those very entertaining.
Oh yeah and like the last 5 or so chapters don't really bring anything new to the table and can be done without lol. Other than that it's a great book!
June 16, 2016
Ecological disasters and recoveries, moral ambiguities, political machinations and controls, immortality, free market enterprise, lonely superior male protagonist, paper thin female characters - the usual thematic Modesitt. Having read many of the authors other titles - this one (three in actuality) feels like the beginning in many ways and reminded me how much the author tightened up his writing craft after this was published. The ecologic proselytizing is still front and centre! I liked the books but had reservations on the final one. As with immortality I guess - no real closure.
June 20, 2015
The first book I read in 2014. Glad I read it all together as one book rather than apart.
And what a great read it was! I really really, really enjoyed the whole thing... all the way up until the completely random end.
...AND THEN HE WENT ON TO GO COMPLETELY INSANE, RAPE WOMEN, AND HAVE INCESTUOUS RELATIONS WITH HIS MANY DESCENDANTS.
really? -_-
How did that ever seem like a good idea for an ending Modesitt?
And what a great read it was! I really really, really enjoyed the whole thing... all the way up until the completely random end.
...AND THEN HE WENT ON TO GO COMPLETELY INSANE, RAPE WOMEN, AND HAVE INCESTUOUS RELATIONS WITH HIS MANY DESCENDANTS.
really? -_-
How did that ever seem like a good idea for an ending Modesitt?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2025
A series that starts off strong, but fades off and gets to be a bit of a slog in the second act... and finishes in a rather disappointing and frankly distasteful fashion.
There needs to be some serious "air quotes" around the word "hero" in the title of this one.
ETA: For this, I think the author was at least a little bit inspired by the far superior Dumarest series.
There needs to be some serious "air quotes" around the word "hero" in the title of this one.
ETA: For this, I think the author was at least a little bit inspired by the far superior Dumarest series.
July 4, 2013
Modesitt will always make you think & this story is proof of that. Challenging. You really feel the emotional turmoil the main character goes through as he makes his decisions & faces the consequences. A bit like Hemingway in his abruptness (not that I'm a Hemingway expert, just made me think of him).
July 6, 2015
Unfortunately for this book, when I think of a "forever hero" in science fiction, I think Hal Mayne. And this book is no Childe Cycle. It is written like a 40's-50's book with the forced sex on women OK. I like the middle book the best, but overall, it was just disjointed and antique.
October 8, 2014
A classic out of time.
Few books have the ability to span centuries within their covers, yet still remain exciting yet powerful. This collection of stories keeps the reader turning pages till the very end and STILL wanting more.
Few books have the ability to span centuries within their covers, yet still remain exciting yet powerful. This collection of stories keeps the reader turning pages till the very end and STILL wanting more.
October 28, 2014
L.E. is one of my favorite authors, and I liked the book, but many of his others are better. Greg, the main character, displays some fine characteristics, and there is some drama and action along with soul searching. It was an interesting book, but I wouldn't read it a second time.
January 5, 2015
Just like the Timegods' World, this series is slow to begin, but its an awesome set. There are times when it feels like it isn't progressing, but that is common in Modesitt's writing. Its definitely worth your while to finish this book though.
July 5, 2009
His first book, good airplane reading, an interesting take on ecology.
January 23, 2010
Interesting. Post apocalyptic elf saves Earth...
August 9, 2010
Would have given it 4 stars but the ending didn't really fit with the rest of the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews