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The Saga of Recluce #16
Arms-Commander
Alternate Cover for ISBN 978-0-7653-2381-1
Arms-Commander takes place ten years after the end of The Chaos Balance and tells the story of the legendary Saryn. The keep of Westwind, in the cold mountainous heights called the Roof of the World, is facing attack by the adjoining land of Gallos. Arthanos, son and heir to the ailing Prefect of Gallos, wishes to destroy Westwind because the idea of a land where women rule is total anathema to him.
Saryn, Arms-Commander of Westwind, is dispatched to a neighboring land, Lornth, to seek support against the Gallosians. In the background, the trading council of Suthya is secretly and informally allied with Gallos against Westwind and begins to bribe lord-holders in Lornth to foment rebellion and civil war. They hope to create such turmoil in Lornth that the weakened land will fall to Suthya. But Zeldyan, regent of Lornth, has problems in her family. To secure Zeldyan’s aid, Saryn must pledge her personal support—and any Westwind guard forces she can raise—to the defense of Zeldyan and her son. The fate of four lands, including Westwind, rests on Saryn’s actions.
Arms-Commander takes place ten years after the end of The Chaos Balance and tells the story of the legendary Saryn. The keep of Westwind, in the cold mountainous heights called the Roof of the World, is facing attack by the adjoining land of Gallos. Arthanos, son and heir to the ailing Prefect of Gallos, wishes to destroy Westwind because the idea of a land where women rule is total anathema to him.
Saryn, Arms-Commander of Westwind, is dispatched to a neighboring land, Lornth, to seek support against the Gallosians. In the background, the trading council of Suthya is secretly and informally allied with Gallos against Westwind and begins to bribe lord-holders in Lornth to foment rebellion and civil war. They hope to create such turmoil in Lornth that the weakened land will fall to Suthya. But Zeldyan, regent of Lornth, has problems in her family. To secure Zeldyan’s aid, Saryn must pledge her personal support—and any Westwind guard forces she can raise—to the defense of Zeldyan and her son. The fate of four lands, including Westwind, rests on Saryn’s actions.
528 pages, ebook
First published January 5, 2010
97 people are currently reading
1650 people want to read
About the author
L.E. Modesitt Jr.
191 books2,589 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 80 reviews
August 14, 2021
At this point, I have no problem admitting that the formula for these books is not only comforting -- but highly entertaining. And having a female main character getting in over her head and becoming a master tactician and battle-mage doesn't hurt, either.
I think what I enjoyed most about this early chronology book in the land that Modesitt created is the admission, the understanding, that the magic isn't quite magic. That it's high-tech at its core. But more than that, the tales are always about finding a balance in one's understanding, pushing forward out of necessity, and coming to some serious conclusions that usually wind up being quite deadly to all the others who just can't think of ANOTHER WAY TO DO THINGS.
In this case, the misogyny of the land, the brutality against women, and their inability to let women have power. Sure, this is quite timely for us, too, but I keep seeing one hell of a big takeaway here: equality and mutual respect is the only way to do things. Even when you're on the underdog side, even when you think that all things are hopeless, it is RESPECT that is the longest-lasting, the most powerful solution.
It's not enough to keep killing more and more men because they just can't imagine that you're just THAT GOOD. They won't believe you when you say you don't want to take over everything.
Unfortunately, might always does tend to make right. Only respect and understanding have an iota of a chance of changing things for the better.
I think what I enjoyed most about this early chronology book in the land that Modesitt created is the admission, the understanding, that the magic isn't quite magic. That it's high-tech at its core. But more than that, the tales are always about finding a balance in one's understanding, pushing forward out of necessity, and coming to some serious conclusions that usually wind up being quite deadly to all the others who just can't think of ANOTHER WAY TO DO THINGS.
In this case, the misogyny of the land, the brutality against women, and their inability to let women have power. Sure, this is quite timely for us, too, but I keep seeing one hell of a big takeaway here: equality and mutual respect is the only way to do things. Even when you're on the underdog side, even when you think that all things are hopeless, it is RESPECT that is the longest-lasting, the most powerful solution.
It's not enough to keep killing more and more men because they just can't imagine that you're just THAT GOOD. They won't believe you when you say you don't want to take over everything.
Unfortunately, might always does tend to make right. Only respect and understanding have an iota of a chance of changing things for the better.
August 18, 2017
This is currently the 5th book chronologically in the series. It takes place in the year 415, 14 years after the 'angels' land on Roof of the World & form Westwind, which is told in Fall of Angels (401) & 12 years after Nylan left there in The Chaos Balance. His actions & their poor political system created enough unrest in Lornth that Saryn, the arms-commander of Westwind, comes down to help their only semi-friendly nation.
In most ways, it's a great story, but there's just too much repetition. I was ready to scream each time I heard an explanation made for the 4th or 5th time. I did groan loudly enough to upset Lily (my dog) when I heard the "we didn't attack first" argument for the 15th or so time. Good points, just beat into the ground.
The Cyadoran cottage was interesting since I didn't expect the chain ring bit at all. This item never showed up in the first 2 books about Cyador, although things like the privacy screens did. It did enhance the whole point about sexual inequality, a major theme of the story like the previous 2 books.
The magery is again more of the gray. I thought that is a good point since Ryba is so totally order based & so is her get, as shown in later times & the earliest published books.
Anyway, it's well worth reading, but I prefer this book in print so I can skim past the repetitions.
In most ways, it's a great story, but there's just too much repetition. I was ready to scream each time I heard an explanation made for the 4th or 5th time. I did groan loudly enough to upset Lily (my dog) when I heard the "we didn't attack first" argument for the 15th or so time. Good points, just beat into the ground.
The Cyadoran cottage was interesting since I didn't expect the chain ring bit at all. This item never showed up in the first 2 books about Cyador, although things like the privacy screens did. It did enhance the whole point about sexual inequality, a major theme of the story like the previous 2 books.
The magery is again more of the gray. I thought that is a good point since Ryba is so totally order based & so is her get, as shown in later times & the earliest published books.
Anyway, it's well worth reading, but I prefer this book in print so I can skim past the repetitions.
March 18, 2015
I liked this book better than the previous two. As we continue on in internal chronological order, this book tells the story of the first "grey" mage of Candar, Sayrn. Sayrn is one of the original crew of the Winterlance that fell to ground on the Roof of the World. Over the years she has become the leader of all the armed forces of Westwind. The Marshal, having seen many visions sends Sayrn out into the lower lands of Lornth to help prevent repeated attacks on Westwind.
Sayrn doesn't want to leave particularly, but she is VERY good at what she does which is leading outnumbered but well trained forces against much larger groups and finding ways to prevail against them. This often leads to complains of "dishonorable" tactics from those she defeats. This does continue the theme of the crew of Winterlance introducing the concept of total war to the lands of Candar, and there are further hints of what that portends for the land.
This also delves into the concepts of balance between the white and black magics of the world. Sayrn is able to work with both powers, to the point that even her eyes turn silver or grey. She does not seem to have the outright power that the black mage Nylan or the white mage Lorn had, but she is able to do many things they could not because of her ability to find balanced flows between the two powers.
This story also dwells on the condition of women in this land, especially how the former white civilization of Cyador would even chain their women in their houses. Having recently read the stories of Cyador I find it hard to see how their civilization, even in it's degenerate current form, reached that point.
The concepts of balance are further stressed in the relationships between men and women as Sayrn must find a way to protect her home of Westwind by aiding the highly misogynistic land of Lornth. Her solutions are straightforward and brutal, almost man-like if you will, but seem to be necessary given the attitudes and history of the people she must work with.
I liked it better that the last few. The pacing of the book was much better and even with the introspection necessary to deal with the philosophies being discussed it never felt overly long or preachy.
Sayrn doesn't want to leave particularly, but she is VERY good at what she does which is leading outnumbered but well trained forces against much larger groups and finding ways to prevail against them. This often leads to complains of "dishonorable" tactics from those she defeats. This does continue the theme of the crew of Winterlance introducing the concept of total war to the lands of Candar, and there are further hints of what that portends for the land.
This also delves into the concepts of balance between the white and black magics of the world. Sayrn is able to work with both powers, to the point that even her eyes turn silver or grey. She does not seem to have the outright power that the black mage Nylan or the white mage Lorn had, but she is able to do many things they could not because of her ability to find balanced flows between the two powers.
This story also dwells on the condition of women in this land, especially how the former white civilization of Cyador would even chain their women in their houses. Having recently read the stories of Cyador I find it hard to see how their civilization, even in it's degenerate current form, reached that point.
The concepts of balance are further stressed in the relationships between men and women as Sayrn must find a way to protect her home of Westwind by aiding the highly misogynistic land of Lornth. Her solutions are straightforward and brutal, almost man-like if you will, but seem to be necessary given the attitudes and history of the people she must work with.
I liked it better that the last few. The pacing of the book was much better and even with the introspection necessary to deal with the philosophies being discussed it never felt overly long or preachy.
October 23, 2014
This may be a slightly higher rating than the book deserves as a stand alone, but as the 15th (or so) book in a series, it's great. It is so rare to find a series that continues to deliver the same quality, but the Recluse series has been a favorite of mine for 15 years or more.
On the downside, there is some repetitiveness. The entire theme of men goofed it all up & women are fixing it got old. It was hammered in until finally it relented towards the end. There is a reason for this because - if you've read the earlier works - it is obvious that he is all for equality of the sexes. Unfortunately, circumstances don't allow for that & the results, later in the chronological time line, but earlier in the publishing order, make this clear.
I'm looking forward to the next one, hopefully taking us back to Hamor. This particular novel is set just a decade or so after the founding of Westwind. If that doesn't mean anything to you, don't worry about it, just read it & then get the rest of the series. Modesitt prefers you read the books in published order. My family & I agree for the first read. On the second read, chronological order is the better choice. Yes, it is worth reading a couple of times or more.
On the downside, there is some repetitiveness. The entire theme of men goofed it all up & women are fixing it got old. It was hammered in until finally it relented towards the end. There is a reason for this because - if you've read the earlier works - it is obvious that he is all for equality of the sexes. Unfortunately, circumstances don't allow for that & the results, later in the chronological time line, but earlier in the publishing order, make this clear.
I'm looking forward to the next one, hopefully taking us back to Hamor. This particular novel is set just a decade or so after the founding of Westwind. If that doesn't mean anything to you, don't worry about it, just read it & then get the rest of the series. Modesitt prefers you read the books in published order. My family & I agree for the first read. On the second read, chronological order is the better choice. Yes, it is worth reading a couple of times or more.
May 4, 2016
Really enjoyed this book. If you're a male chauvinist stay away. The lead protagonist, Saryn, is quite the heroine. I found her to be inspiring without being arrogant or self-entitled. If you're a Saga of Recluce fan, then this is another great addition to the series that you will enjoy.
March 29, 2017
I usually don't have terribly high hopes for most of the books I pick up at the Dollar Tree, but this one surprised me.
First, the majority of the book is politics, battle strategies, and logic/rational. Second, it focuses on changing society's view of women. While that might sound like a rather dry plot and story, it wasn't. Not at all. The plot didn't skip from battle to battle, and the entire was very well written.
This also happens to be the sixteenth installment in a series, but it really didn't feel like it. As I read I didn't feel like I had missed out by not reading the previous books (though after reading this one I want to find the rest of the series on Amazon) because the author did very well by filling in the gaps and briefly explaining why things were they way they were.
It was good, I liked the vein of women's liberation that the book focused on (especially since I am female myself). I liked reading the battles as their strategies and techniques changed from fight to fight as the book carried on. For being such a thick ~800 page book, it really didn't feel that long.
First, the majority of the book is politics, battle strategies, and logic/rational. Second, it focuses on changing society's view of women. While that might sound like a rather dry plot and story, it wasn't. Not at all. The plot didn't skip from battle to battle, and the entire was very well written.
This also happens to be the sixteenth installment in a series, but it really didn't feel like it. As I read I didn't feel like I had missed out by not reading the previous books (though after reading this one I want to find the rest of the series on Amazon) because the author did very well by filling in the gaps and briefly explaining why things were they way they were.
It was good, I liked the vein of women's liberation that the book focused on (especially since I am female myself). I liked reading the battles as their strategies and techniques changed from fight to fight as the book carried on. For being such a thick ~800 page book, it really didn't feel that long.
January 25, 2010
First Line: In the late afternoon on the Roof of the World, the guards stood silent on the practice ground, their eyes fixed on the blackness rising just above the western horizon as Istril stepped out of the main door of Tower Black and crossed the causeway.
As I mentioned when I first wrote about reading Arms-Commander this is my first Recluce novel since I read The Magic of Recluce some time after having plowed through the first couple of Wheel of Time novels. I had forgotten precisely how odd the chronology of the series is where the first novel written is, in essence, is the penultimate tale in the series with the fifth novel written The Death of Chaos is actually the conclusion of the saga at large. Needless to see for someone used a distinct beginning to end chronology in his fantasy Modesitt stands amongst a bare handful of fantasy authors whose series’ internal chronology leave me scratching my head in confusion (Katerine Kerr’s Deverry novels, and Steven Brust’s Draegaran novels, being two of the other that I struggle a bit with). You read it hear first folks, non-linear story-telling confuses the hell out of me.
Despite my confusion as to the chronology of the Saga of Recluce the blurb for Arms-Commander had me a bit excited:
There are a number of points that jumped out at me in that little blurb, particularly the role of gender politics in the novel (not something every fantasy novel explores) and the hint of a blend of military action and politics. Unfortunately while the novel certainly succeeds in delivering the latter it is on the former that I’m less certain.
My main concern with how Arms-Commander handles the female-empowering goals behind the all-female Westwind guards is the presupposition of the state and treatment of women in the novel. While we get hints as to the near-enslavement of women by the now toppled Cyador, and constant comments by Saryn and other that the influx of fresh recruits indicates solid proof of poor conditions for women it is all, or almost inferred. While further comments from men in the ruling class reinforce the typical views on the role of women in the novel we are never really given a perspective that illustrates what the women of the novel are truly experience. While we get a glimpse of the trials, tribulations, and prejudice that women in the ruling class must face through there is no clear example of what challenges and pain the working class woman faces. Needless to say I was a bit disappointed by this aspect of the novel. While evidence in Arms-Commander certainly points towards women as second-class citizens it is never something we really witness outright and thus only serves as means to examine how the social changes that Westwind, and Saryn’s actions in Lornth, is forcing on the land effect the nations of the land. It is entirely possible that the sub-series that Arms-Commander concludes (starting with The Fall of Angels and continuing in the The Chaos Balance) showed more evidence regarding the treatment of women but that, having not read anything else in the series, is not something I’d be privy to.
From what I understand of the blurb, and implied in some epitaphs over the course of the novel, is that Saryn is something of a legend in later years and presumable appears, or is mentioned, in previous volumes of the Saga of Recluce. As such Arms-Commander stands as a means of attempting to humanize a historic/legendary figure in the mythology of Modesitt’s world and attempt to examine how her actions affected future generations. Given that long-time series readers have knowledge of how the world post-Saryn turns out Modesitt is then able to use Saryn’s perspective to serve as a means to examine and question the moral underpinnings beneath the decisions and actions that Saryn takes. Was she a tyrant? Or a benevolent catalyst of sweeping social change? Or was she just a soldier? Do the ends really justify the means? There is a fascinating implication in asking these questions. A lot of the novel and Saryn’s exploration with the nature of chaos and order magic center around the idea of balance (as I suspect much of this series does). The novel is rife with bipolar oppositions capped particularly by the conflict between male and female, as well as the white and black associated with chaos and order respectively. As Saryn’s knowledge of magic increase however there is a shift in her own magical aura (indicated by several healer’s gifted in order magic) and eyes towards the color gray. Saryn is then both an agent of change and an agent of balance. Pardon my deconstructionist tendencies but Saryn is in many ways the pharmakon of Arms-Commander. She destroys in order to build, creates chaos out of the need for a new order. Then again maybe I’m imagining things. But I think that Saryn’s role in the conflicts that abound in the novel provides some fascinating food for thought and fit nicely with the philosophical underpinnings that Modesitt uses to create fantasy.
I’ve gone on quite long enough I think. Arms-Commander is a entertaining, if flawed, read. It is perhaps best suited for individuals who are already deep into the Saga of Recluce. That isn’t to say that new readers won’t find anything of value here, I definitely did, only that I think more experience with Recluse likely lends greater insight into the preceding. This is well-crafted, thought provoking high fantasy that is certainly worth a look if you have the time and patience.
As I mentioned when I first wrote about reading Arms-Commander this is my first Recluce novel since I read The Magic of Recluce some time after having plowed through the first couple of Wheel of Time novels. I had forgotten precisely how odd the chronology of the series is where the first novel written is, in essence, is the penultimate tale in the series with the fifth novel written The Death of Chaos is actually the conclusion of the saga at large. Needless to see for someone used a distinct beginning to end chronology in his fantasy Modesitt stands amongst a bare handful of fantasy authors whose series’ internal chronology leave me scratching my head in confusion (Katerine Kerr’s Deverry novels, and Steven Brust’s Draegaran novels, being two of the other that I struggle a bit with). You read it hear first folks, non-linear story-telling confuses the hell out of me.
Despite my confusion as to the chronology of the Saga of Recluce the blurb for Arms-Commander had me a bit excited:
Arms-Commander takes place ten years after the end of The Chaos Balance and tells the story of the legendary Saryn. The keep of Westwind, in the cold mountainous heights called the Roof of the World, is facing attack by the adjoining land of Gallos. Arthanos, son and heir to the ailing Prefect of Gallos, wishes to destroy Westwind because the idea of a land where women rule is total anathema to him.
Saryn, Arms-Commander of Westwind, is dispatched to a neighboring land, Lornth, to seek support against the Gallosians. In the background, the trading council of Suthya is secretly and informally allied with Gallos against Westwind and begins to bribe lord-holders in Lornth to foment rebellion and civil war. They hope to create such turmoil in Lornth that the weakened land will fall to Suthya. But Zeldyan, regent of Lornth, has problems in her family. To secure Zeldyan’s aid, Saryn must pledge her personal support—and any Westwind guard forces she can raise—to the defense of Zeldyan and her son. The fate of four lands, including Westwind, rests on Saryn’s actions.
There are a number of points that jumped out at me in that little blurb, particularly the role of gender politics in the novel (not something every fantasy novel explores) and the hint of a blend of military action and politics. Unfortunately while the novel certainly succeeds in delivering the latter it is on the former that I’m less certain.
My main concern with how Arms-Commander handles the female-empowering goals behind the all-female Westwind guards is the presupposition of the state and treatment of women in the novel. While we get hints as to the near-enslavement of women by the now toppled Cyador, and constant comments by Saryn and other that the influx of fresh recruits indicates solid proof of poor conditions for women it is all, or almost inferred. While further comments from men in the ruling class reinforce the typical views on the role of women in the novel we are never really given a perspective that illustrates what the women of the novel are truly experience. While we get a glimpse of the trials, tribulations, and prejudice that women in the ruling class must face through there is no clear example of what challenges and pain the working class woman faces. Needless to say I was a bit disappointed by this aspect of the novel. While evidence in Arms-Commander certainly points towards women as second-class citizens it is never something we really witness outright and thus only serves as means to examine how the social changes that Westwind, and Saryn’s actions in Lornth, is forcing on the land effect the nations of the land. It is entirely possible that the sub-series that Arms-Commander concludes (starting with The Fall of Angels and continuing in the The Chaos Balance) showed more evidence regarding the treatment of women but that, having not read anything else in the series, is not something I’d be privy to.
From what I understand of the blurb, and implied in some epitaphs over the course of the novel, is that Saryn is something of a legend in later years and presumable appears, or is mentioned, in previous volumes of the Saga of Recluce. As such Arms-Commander stands as a means of attempting to humanize a historic/legendary figure in the mythology of Modesitt’s world and attempt to examine how her actions affected future generations. Given that long-time series readers have knowledge of how the world post-Saryn turns out Modesitt is then able to use Saryn’s perspective to serve as a means to examine and question the moral underpinnings beneath the decisions and actions that Saryn takes. Was she a tyrant? Or a benevolent catalyst of sweeping social change? Or was she just a soldier? Do the ends really justify the means? There is a fascinating implication in asking these questions. A lot of the novel and Saryn’s exploration with the nature of chaos and order magic center around the idea of balance (as I suspect much of this series does). The novel is rife with bipolar oppositions capped particularly by the conflict between male and female, as well as the white and black associated with chaos and order respectively. As Saryn’s knowledge of magic increase however there is a shift in her own magical aura (indicated by several healer’s gifted in order magic) and eyes towards the color gray. Saryn is then both an agent of change and an agent of balance. Pardon my deconstructionist tendencies but Saryn is in many ways the pharmakon of Arms-Commander. She destroys in order to build, creates chaos out of the need for a new order. Then again maybe I’m imagining things. But I think that Saryn’s role in the conflicts that abound in the novel provides some fascinating food for thought and fit nicely with the philosophical underpinnings that Modesitt uses to create fantasy.
I’ve gone on quite long enough I think. Arms-Commander is a entertaining, if flawed, read. It is perhaps best suited for individuals who are already deep into the Saga of Recluce. That isn’t to say that new readers won’t find anything of value here, I definitely did, only that I think more experience with Recluse likely lends greater insight into the preceding. This is well-crafted, thought provoking high fantasy that is certainly worth a look if you have the time and patience.
March 6, 2024
This book, the fifth chronologically in the Recluse series is a solid 4 stars from start to finish without highs and lows.
Saryn, the Arms-Commander of Westwind has promised a regent of Lornth to come and help keep peace. The Marshall of Westwind basically pushes her out the door.
There are political ramifications and plenty of battles with the various lords who have an issue with women in power, and generally any who are not content to serve as an accessory to their man.
Saryn, the Arms-Commander of Westwind has promised a regent of Lornth to come and help keep peace. The Marshall of Westwind basically pushes her out the door.
There are political ramifications and plenty of battles with the various lords who have an issue with women in power, and generally any who are not content to serve as an accessory to their man.
January 25, 2010
In many ways a typical Recluce book. Saryn is an Angel, the Arms Commander of the Winterfane, a starship that suffered damage in a space battle and is now circling the world of Recluce below. Along with Ryba, the Marshall at the Roof of the World, Naryn, the Ship's Engineer she has gone to the planet below.
In a prior volume in this series, Naryn and Ryba clashed as to the leadership of the Roof of the World, with Naryn leaving after destroying Cyador.
The Rood of the World is a haven for women, run by Ryba and Saryn who train women to fight for themselves.
As the novel opens, Saryn and Ryba destroy an invading army of male warriors who do not condone a realm run by women. Ryba decides to dispatch Saryn to neighboring Lorath, a realm run by a regency for a young king, to pick up some specific supplies for Ryba's haven. While there Saryn pledges her support to the regency in exchange for the goods.
Saryn, like the other crew people from the Winterfane, has special magical talents that are growing. SHe can sense others, see small flashes of the future, and can focus a thrown sword so that when launched it invariably hits the target even through armor plating.
Saryn receives a summons to journey to Lorath to support the Regency and with her guard captain and 2 squads of women warriors she meets other lords in the realm proving her military expertise.
Like all Modisset books, the novel is slow moving, romance is not the focus. The focus is on what Saryn will discover about her mage skills against chaos, her use of magic and arms to fight and what it takes to win her battles. It is also about the limits of power and the nature of male woman relations.
I liked Saryn's growing use of force and magic to accomplish her ends, and although dry and slow, I thought the novel kept me entertained.
In a prior volume in this series, Naryn and Ryba clashed as to the leadership of the Roof of the World, with Naryn leaving after destroying Cyador.
The Rood of the World is a haven for women, run by Ryba and Saryn who train women to fight for themselves.
As the novel opens, Saryn and Ryba destroy an invading army of male warriors who do not condone a realm run by women. Ryba decides to dispatch Saryn to neighboring Lorath, a realm run by a regency for a young king, to pick up some specific supplies for Ryba's haven. While there Saryn pledges her support to the regency in exchange for the goods.
Saryn, like the other crew people from the Winterfane, has special magical talents that are growing. SHe can sense others, see small flashes of the future, and can focus a thrown sword so that when launched it invariably hits the target even through armor plating.
Saryn receives a summons to journey to Lorath to support the Regency and with her guard captain and 2 squads of women warriors she meets other lords in the realm proving her military expertise.
Like all Modisset books, the novel is slow moving, romance is not the focus. The focus is on what Saryn will discover about her mage skills against chaos, her use of magic and arms to fight and what it takes to win her battles. It is also about the limits of power and the nature of male woman relations.
I liked Saryn's growing use of force and magic to accomplish her ends, and although dry and slow, I thought the novel kept me entertained.
June 5, 2010
It’s important to keep key milestones straight as you read the Recluce series. The order in which the series has been written and published does not match the chronological order of events throughout the series.
It was in The Fall of Angels where we were introduced to the characters of Nylan and Ryba. Chronologically, Arms-Commander takes place after The Chaos Balance in which Nylan leaves Westwind. (The book states Nylan has been gone for 10 years.) Recluce has not yet been established as Creslin (the first Black or Order Mage) is the grandson of Nylan.
In this installment, Saryn, an “Angel” and the Arms-Commander of Westwind is sent by Ryba to assist the Regent of Lornth. The land holders no longer want to be under a woman’s rule as Zeldyan is acting as Overlord until her son reaches majority. Through a series of conflicts and battles, Saryn tries to enforce the idea that a woman can rule as ably as a man with the intent to secure the Regency. Stabilizing Lornth would help protect Westwind from future confrontations as well. The final outcome is completely unexpected- except to Ryba.
The two volumes prior to Arms-Commander focused on a weak and whiny character and it was refreshing to have a lead that was confident, able and insightful. After having read a number of Modesitt’s novels, it finally struck me that most of his female characters can be described in this way while many of the males are flawed at best. This novel was openly anti-misogynistic and the topics of spousal abuse, property ownership and women’s role in government were all central to this particular story line.
The mythology upon which the Recluce series is built continues to become more complex. I’m looking forward to where Modesitt will take the series next as there are so many more stories that can be expanded.
It was in The Fall of Angels where we were introduced to the characters of Nylan and Ryba. Chronologically, Arms-Commander takes place after The Chaos Balance in which Nylan leaves Westwind. (The book states Nylan has been gone for 10 years.) Recluce has not yet been established as Creslin (the first Black or Order Mage) is the grandson of Nylan.
In this installment, Saryn, an “Angel” and the Arms-Commander of Westwind is sent by Ryba to assist the Regent of Lornth. The land holders no longer want to be under a woman’s rule as Zeldyan is acting as Overlord until her son reaches majority. Through a series of conflicts and battles, Saryn tries to enforce the idea that a woman can rule as ably as a man with the intent to secure the Regency. Stabilizing Lornth would help protect Westwind from future confrontations as well. The final outcome is completely unexpected- except to Ryba.
The two volumes prior to Arms-Commander focused on a weak and whiny character and it was refreshing to have a lead that was confident, able and insightful. After having read a number of Modesitt’s novels, it finally struck me that most of his female characters can be described in this way while many of the males are flawed at best. This novel was openly anti-misogynistic and the topics of spousal abuse, property ownership and women’s role in government were all central to this particular story line.
The mythology upon which the Recluce series is built continues to become more complex. I’m looking forward to where Modesitt will take the series next as there are so many more stories that can be expanded.
February 21, 2010
More of a 3.5-3.75 stars then 4.0
Arms-Commander is the sixteenth Recluce saga installment and takes us back to the time following The Fall of Angels, about ten or twelve years after the arrival of the Winterlance's crew to the Roof of the World. Ryba is the Marshall of Westwind and Saryn is her Arms-Commander.
The first half of the book deals with an incursion from Gallos intent on destroying Westwind. Saryn pushes gently but firmly for Ryba to allow some men into Westwind, for progeny and for comfort and support of the women warriors. Saryn also develops her skills with order-chaos flows.
After the defeat of the Gallosian invasion force, Saryn suggests and Ryba sends (depends on whose perspective) Saryn and a couple of squads to Lornth in support of the Regency. This endeavor is detailed in the second half of the book, with Saryn continually presented with no good choices and the use of deadly force left as her only viable option.
I don't necessarily agree with Modesitt's portrayal of strong and weak women nor with the thick headed over-the-top male egos, but it all makes for a good adventure. I've also never been overly fond of Modesitt's battle scenes. I don't get the sense of danger or immediacy that I prefer when reading close combat scenes.
Still, a good return to Recluce, especially to the early history of the angels shipwrecked from the UFA's Winterlance starship.
Arms-Commander is the sixteenth Recluce saga installment and takes us back to the time following The Fall of Angels, about ten or twelve years after the arrival of the Winterlance's crew to the Roof of the World. Ryba is the Marshall of Westwind and Saryn is her Arms-Commander.
The first half of the book deals with an incursion from Gallos intent on destroying Westwind. Saryn pushes gently but firmly for Ryba to allow some men into Westwind, for progeny and for comfort and support of the women warriors. Saryn also develops her skills with order-chaos flows.
After the defeat of the Gallosian invasion force, Saryn suggests and Ryba sends (depends on whose perspective) Saryn and a couple of squads to Lornth in support of the Regency. This endeavor is detailed in the second half of the book, with Saryn continually presented with no good choices and the use of deadly force left as her only viable option.
I don't necessarily agree with Modesitt's portrayal of strong and weak women nor with the thick headed over-the-top male egos, but it all makes for a good adventure. I've also never been overly fond of Modesitt's battle scenes. I don't get the sense of danger or immediacy that I prefer when reading close combat scenes.
Still, a good return to Recluce, especially to the early history of the angels shipwrecked from the UFA's Winterlance starship.
April 12, 2020
Ten years earlier a star ship was marooned on what became the Roof of the world. The resulting colony became Amazon-like due to a shortage of males. The rest of the nation states were male dominated and tried to wipe out the women. Now civil war is starting in Lornath and the regent has asked for help in protecting her son. Arms-Commander Saryn is sent to help and must battle the male dominating lords of Lornath. Contains feminist viewpoints.
May 17, 2024
As this is book 16, it's clear that I'm a fan of the Saga of Recluce, and I've wondered why it took so long for me to discover it -- but "Arms-Commander" is a clue.
Through the entire Saga, L.E. Modesitt, Jr., has championed the rights and abilities of women, and has made it clear that the arrogant and sometimes downright evil treatment of women by men is at best foolish and at worst disgusting. This, of course, is a belief not shared by all the males who enjoy the kind of classic fantasies that Modesitt writes -- and that belief was stronger and more widespread 30 years ago, when this series began.
But "Arms-Commander" takes that anti-male stance to new extremes, and though there are sympathetic male characters, most of the men are trapped in a world-view that considers women as servants, if not basically slaves.
Saryn, though, is one of the original inhabitants of Westwind, the female-dominated citadel in the high mountains that was the landing spot, and home, of people from a more advanced civilization who were shifted to this slightly altered universe in a space battle. Saryn is also a fearsome warrior, better-trained and more gifted genetically than the indigenous inhabitants. Her soldiers are also better fighters, due to advanced techniques, than the males they face, despite the men's size and strength advantage.
This story takes place in Lornth shortly after the arrival of the spaceship and the destruction of Cyador, and the political and military machinations to prevent another attack on Westwind make up the bulk of the book. As it is early in the 2,000 or so years of history covered in the Saga, the weapons are pre-industrial, but the magic is still powerful.
The narrative is familiar to the Saga, and to fantasy readers, but as always, Modesitt delivers. However, those expecting the powerful male warriors to save the day will be sadly disappointed -- and it's likely that portrayal of the stupidity and baseless prejudices of the male warriors in this book may be one of the reasons the Saga of Recluce has not gotten the respect it deserves.
Through the entire Saga, L.E. Modesitt, Jr., has championed the rights and abilities of women, and has made it clear that the arrogant and sometimes downright evil treatment of women by men is at best foolish and at worst disgusting. This, of course, is a belief not shared by all the males who enjoy the kind of classic fantasies that Modesitt writes -- and that belief was stronger and more widespread 30 years ago, when this series began.
But "Arms-Commander" takes that anti-male stance to new extremes, and though there are sympathetic male characters, most of the men are trapped in a world-view that considers women as servants, if not basically slaves.
Saryn, though, is one of the original inhabitants of Westwind, the female-dominated citadel in the high mountains that was the landing spot, and home, of people from a more advanced civilization who were shifted to this slightly altered universe in a space battle. Saryn is also a fearsome warrior, better-trained and more gifted genetically than the indigenous inhabitants. Her soldiers are also better fighters, due to advanced techniques, than the males they face, despite the men's size and strength advantage.
This story takes place in Lornth shortly after the arrival of the spaceship and the destruction of Cyador, and the political and military machinations to prevent another attack on Westwind make up the bulk of the book. As it is early in the 2,000 or so years of history covered in the Saga, the weapons are pre-industrial, but the magic is still powerful.
The narrative is familiar to the Saga, and to fantasy readers, but as always, Modesitt delivers. However, those expecting the powerful male warriors to save the day will be sadly disappointed -- and it's likely that portrayal of the stupidity and baseless prejudices of the male warriors in this book may be one of the reasons the Saga of Recluce has not gotten the respect it deserves.
December 22, 2023
While this novel comes much later in publication order, it follows immediately on the heels of Fall of Angels and Chaos Balance in chronology. While Nylan is down off the roof mucking up the kingdoms that be, Saryn is growing in power as the arms commander and right-hand man, erm... woman, of Ryba. We have already seen that Ryba doesn't like any challenge to her authority which is why she had Nylan run out of town. This time she finds herself saying to Saryn, "why don't you go on down to Lornth and help out the regent and our ally, Zeldayn?" Of course we all know what she is really saying is:
The plot and characterization follow LEM's well-trod plot: as the stakes grow, so does our MC's knowledge of their powers and hence they continue to grow more and more OP. This book also has some hints in it of catering to the "woke" crowd where many could read good segments of it as "women good, the patriarchy bad." Modesett is better and more complex than that, but the simple minded reader will read it this way. Don't fall for that trap. There is more going on here and things are more complex than you find in the typical rubbage bin of most modern YA fantasy.
The plot and characterization follow LEM's well-trod plot: as the stakes grow, so does our MC's knowledge of their powers and hence they continue to grow more and more OP. This book also has some hints in it of catering to the "woke" crowd where many could read good segments of it as "women good, the patriarchy bad." Modesett is better and more complex than that, but the simple minded reader will read it this way. Don't fall for that trap. There is more going on here and things are more complex than you find in the typical rubbage bin of most modern YA fantasy.
September 20, 2019
Although I've read a number of Modesitt's sci-fi books, I hadn't yet read any of the other books in this series, so I was approaching this cold. As a result, I felt a little bit lost as I started the book. This is not unusual with Modesitt's books though, so I pushed through until things started clicking. Despite a number of references to what I assumed were events of prior books, I found I was able to get in to the setting and the characters in a way that was still very satisfying.
This book (like many of Modesitt's books that I've read) was slow building with a relative lack of smaller "peaks" in the narrative. I kept expecting something to go wrong in various points. This gave the book a very "slice-of-life" feel, which was actually different and enjoyable. Overall, there was a nice smooth build up to a very strong ending which wrapped things up nicely.
I enjoyed this book enough to go out and pick up a number of books at the start of the series so that I could start reading it from the beginning. I would definitely recommend this book.
This book (like many of Modesitt's books that I've read) was slow building with a relative lack of smaller "peaks" in the narrative. I kept expecting something to go wrong in various points. This gave the book a very "slice-of-life" feel, which was actually different and enjoyable. Overall, there was a nice smooth build up to a very strong ending which wrapped things up nicely.
I enjoyed this book enough to go out and pick up a number of books at the start of the series so that I could start reading it from the beginning. I would definitely recommend this book.
July 30, 2024
A bit repetitive themes we have already explored so far in previous two books. Gender inequality and dishonorable approach to battle. “Angels” ever the practitioners would use any means necessary to win, because obviously, surviving and protecting is more important than the honorable way you die.
It also further progresses the theme of balance between order and chaos, now exploring the new way to fuse both of those powers into single person. Meaning, we have seen how all White, Black and now Gray mages from The Magic of Recluce came to be.
It also further progresses the theme of balance between order and chaos, now exploring the new way to fuse both of those powers into single person. Meaning, we have seen how all White, Black and now Gray mages from The Magic of Recluce came to be.
April 17, 2018
Not as good as previous books
I have read all the previous Recluce books and loved every one. This book had way too much focus on battle detail and way too little focus on magery. Saryn's fumbling attempts to handle order just didn't fit. And she was way too perfect. So we have the way too perfect heroine, the weak Lornth females, and the stupid Lornth lordholders. I hope future books return to the original theme.
I have read all the previous Recluce books and loved every one. This book had way too much focus on battle detail and way too little focus on magery. Saryn's fumbling attempts to handle order just didn't fit. And she was way too perfect. So we have the way too perfect heroine, the weak Lornth females, and the stupid Lornth lordholders. I hope future books return to the original theme.
September 23, 2019
Highly recommend reading Fall of Angels (#6) again before this book.
It's not as good as Fall of Angles. A little slow at times, less focus on power and more on politics, with occasional battles.
Men in leadership hate women in leadership. The whole book revolves around that fact, over and over again. It got a little tedious.
The love-interest story is barely there, and felt flat to me.
Still, good enough to keep me reading the series.
It's not as good as Fall of Angles. A little slow at times, less focus on power and more on politics, with occasional battles.
Men in leadership hate women in leadership. The whole book revolves around that fact, over and over again. It got a little tedious.
The love-interest story is barely there, and felt flat to me.
Still, good enough to keep me reading the series.
February 14, 2020
The Recluce series of novels is by far my most favourite set of fiction books. But this one is just boring. What more can I say. I kept waiting for something to happen, and it never did. That's almost exactly what the main character did in this book, too. I can't find three of my Recluce novels, and coincidentally enough, they were the three I liked least, and this is one of them. I was wondering if I should re-buy them to complete my series, but I'm not sure I will.
March 19, 2022
I have always wanted to be someone who writes reviews that make you want to read the books I recommend but have never achieved that ability. What you will find here is just what I think about the book.
From the first book I read that was written by L.E. Modesitt, Jr I was hooked on the writing and world in the Saga of Recluse. Arms-Commander is another in this very good series. Arms-Commander felt like the best of them all so far.
From the first book I read that was written by L.E. Modesitt, Jr I was hooked on the writing and world in the Saga of Recluse. Arms-Commander is another in this very good series. Arms-Commander felt like the best of them all so far.
August 20, 2022
I devoured this book. I don't know what it was about the story, but I couldn't put it down. The writing is high quality L.E. Modesitt, Jr. in my opinion, much as the majority of the Saga of Recluce.
There is something very engaging to me in the main character, Saryn, and I found her explorations of chaos and order to be unique as compared to the ones presented earlier in the series. I also enjoyed getting another look at Zeldyan, regent of Lornth.
There is something very engaging to me in the main character, Saryn, and I found her explorations of chaos and order to be unique as compared to the ones presented earlier in the series. I also enjoyed getting another look at Zeldyan, regent of Lornth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2017
9/10
One of the best books in the Recluce series. With far less whining and dilly-dallying by the main characters, this story takes place in the early days of Westwind. Saryn is an engaging main character, and Modesitt does probably his most complete job of exploring gender roles, bias, and discrimination (which seems very timely to to this reader).
One of the best books in the Recluce series. With far less whining and dilly-dallying by the main characters, this story takes place in the early days of Westwind. Saryn is an engaging main character, and Modesitt does probably his most complete job of exploring gender roles, bias, and discrimination (which seems very timely to to this reader).
November 25, 2017
Thankfully there was minimal verbal sound effects and even though it was a bit slow going much the same as the first books I've listened to in this series it was still a pretty good book. I am glad I found the different chronological order to listen to then the order that the author wrote and prefers us to listen to as its a tad less confusing then I was at the beginning.
January 25, 2020
A grand adventure
Great characters, vivid settings, and an engrossing plot. Saryn is a character I had wanted to know more about. As a follower of the Recluce series, the origin stories intrigue me.
Great characters, vivid settings, and an engrossing plot. Saryn is a character I had wanted to know more about. As a follower of the Recluce series, the origin stories intrigue me.
October 17, 2022
It was great to finally read more about the angels, i really enjoyed the first part of this mini series. I did miss Nylan's engineering feats, but this book was good enough to stand without them. A very satisfying conclusion.
May 25, 2019
I am not sure about this story about recluce. It gives women recognition but it is extreme not a smooth transition.
August 11, 2019
Loved reading about the founding of Sarronyn!
August 28, 2019
Characters were fine and the plot was not very complicated but I just enjoyed the book. Sometimes that's why I throw 4 stars at a formulaic series when I am like 15 or more books in.
December 11, 2019
Still love this series.
November 2, 2020
A little too feminist, but I'll allow it in this situation.
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