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The Saga of Recluce #24
Overcaptain
L. E. Modesitt, Jr. continues the Saga of Recluce, the long-running, best-selling epic fantasy series. Overcaptain, the sequel to From the Forest, continues to follow the early life of a man known by many names depending on who you ask—hero, tyrant, emperor.
Alyiakal, overcaptain in the Mirror Lancers of Cyador, has completed his tour of duty as officer-in-charge of a small, remote post. He just wants to finish and see his best friend consorted and assume his next post assignment. If only it were that easy.
He discovers corruption in the Merchanter Clans of Cyador, but investigating Mirror Lancer officers end up dead. Before he can go on leave, he has to replace one of these officers, close a post, dodge an attempt on his life, and an investigation from Magi-i.
At Lhaarat, Alyiakal is assigned as a deputy commander to a post that never had one, and the commander doesn't want one—and that's just the beginning of Alyiakal’s problems.
Alyiakal, overcaptain in the Mirror Lancers of Cyador, has completed his tour of duty as officer-in-charge of a small, remote post. He just wants to finish and see his best friend consorted and assume his next post assignment. If only it were that easy.
He discovers corruption in the Merchanter Clans of Cyador, but investigating Mirror Lancer officers end up dead. Before he can go on leave, he has to replace one of these officers, close a post, dodge an attempt on his life, and an investigation from Magi-i.
At Lhaarat, Alyiakal is assigned as a deputy commander to a post that never had one, and the commander doesn't want one—and that's just the beginning of Alyiakal’s problems.
528 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2024
121 people are currently reading
344 people want to read
About the author
L.E. Modesitt Jr.
191 books2,590 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 54 reviews
June 20, 2024
The immediate sequel to From the Forest has Alyiakal continuing his rise in the Mirror Lancers, fighting corruption, disinterest and brigands while enemies seen and unseen wait for him to fail or be caught unprepared. His romance with Saelora goes to the next level though for now they cannot get married since that would be the death blow to his career (an officer marrying in the Merchanter class gets immediately sidelined by the army command so usually ambitious officers wait for their stipend to get married); the Empire is unsettled as the Emperor is ailing and near death, his legitimate heir is unsuited for the job - at least in the eyes of who matters at the Court - and the illegitimate son is ambitious and has powerful connections who may put him on the throne but get more than they bargained in return.
Not unlike the Lorn books though of course set much earlier and with the hero of a lesser background but arguably more abilities, the book (and series) moves at a very leisurely pace which sometimes cuts into the narrative energy - the Lorn books were maybe too short but at 4 volumes this series may be on the too long side as for example this volume could have been easily halved in pages for the content.
Still an entertaining read for the author's fans and meeting my expectations.
Not unlike the Lorn books though of course set much earlier and with the hero of a lesser background but arguably more abilities, the book (and series) moves at a very leisurely pace which sometimes cuts into the narrative energy - the Lorn books were maybe too short but at 4 volumes this series may be on the too long side as for example this volume could have been easily halved in pages for the content.
Still an entertaining read for the author's fans and meeting my expectations.
October 23, 2024
*copy from Netgalley in exchange for a review*
So, here's the thing. L.E. Modesitt has written, at this point, twenty-four books set in his world of Recluce. Twenty-five if you include the short story collection I reviewed a couple of years ago. It's a sprawling universe that covers a sweeping amount of geography, but also a vast amount of time. Different stories have happened earlier or later in the history of Recluce, and we can see yesterdays's heroes reflected as villains in the past of today's protagonist. Or, in the case of Overcaptain, the latest story, the reverse. Because the protagonist of this story, Aliyakal, is as early in Recluce's history as we've ever gone, all the way back to near the founding of Cyador, who have largely been antagonists in other books. Seeing the beginnings of an Empire that we've often seen as enemies, seeing the way the systems that maintain it are constructed and maintained out of necessity and by good people trying to do the right thing, we can get a different perspective on a system that we've also seen very determined to incinerate a few of our protagonists "later" in the timeline.
Cyador, you see, is something a little different. At first glance, it's a fantasy empire. Everyone's riding around on horses, with swords. Everyone is very interested in politics, and Emperors. There's a whole caste system between soldiers, traders, and people who can do magic. But, but they also have hints and asides and historical notes that say they used to be something else. They're an Empire founded by "The First". They have "firelances", which spit raw chaos energy at the aforementioned barbarians. They have "firewagons" and "fireships" which sound suspiciously modern, not quite battleships and APC's, but certainly with enough heft in them to flatten ports, and make fighting with the Cyadorans an unpleasant prospect. They have a history that says, in fragments, that they come from elsewhere. They have "chaos towers" that contain the enormous forest that used to be where their Empire now sits. And they have, increasingly, no idea how any of it works. Cyador is an empire built on technology that is slowly failing, while those in charge try to keep everything together under tremendous pressure - both internal and external. Because all sorts if people want what they have (running water, regular meals), or are more than happy to rule an Empire from behind the throne for personal gain, regardless of what's best for everyone else - because, after all, when you're a mage, and you can turn someone into dust with a word, why would you take crap from any of those little people? I've always enjoyed Cyador, a place which seems to have become increasingly sclerotic and unpleasant as it ages, and its fantastic to delve into the near origins of the place here. Looking at it through Aliyakal's eyes, we're inside of a system which seems to promise a better world for, if not everyone, at least everyone inside the system, but he's not blind to its flaws, to the abuses that are hobbling progress, the way that the military, the magi and the merchanters are always at odds, and what happens when they're not. Anyway. It's a fun place, a civilisation coming off the back of some science-fiction beginnigs, trying to build something self-sustaining. Interestingly, Modesitt does this again later with Fallen Angels, when survivors of the other side of a war in which Cyadors forebears were involved find themselves stranded on Relcuce, watching their tech also slowly fail. Its a solid beginning, and here it gives a flavour and a texture to the world,makes it a little different to your standard fantasy setting.
As an aside, I maintain that both sides in the conflict that drove Cyador's ancestors and their eventual antagonists to Recluce is the one from Modesitt's sci-fi standalone The Parafaith War, and one day I'd love to know if that's true.
Aliyakal is, well, this is going to sound weird, he's a Modesitt Recluce protagonist. He's smart, and also thoughtful. Having a military background makes him stand out a bit, but he fits into the mould of a lot of the others - someone who is practiced and focused on his craft, even where that craft is helping defend an empire by occasionally fighting a lot of people. He also has (ooooh) some magical power, which as a military officer, he has decided not to mention to anyone, just in case they decide he's a threat, and incinerate him. Probably a wise move, under the circumstances, because he does have a penchant for annoying important people. In fairness, that's due mostly to his actually being competent at his job, fighting off border incursions and encroachments from other local powers with minimal casualties. He's a smart person, trying to build a career and a relationship in a space where having a relationship is tantamount to stalling out your career. There's a conflict there, between two parts of his world, which we have yet to see play out - perhaps in the upcoming sequel - but the tensions are woven through his interactions, and add a nice complexity, even while we enjoy his emotionally uncomplicated burgeoning love for a long-time correspondent, and his no-nonsense approach to holding together military outposts in various degrees of collapse. Aliyakal is a decent person, and it's fun to ride around in his head for a while - and where the book allows, he's able to see the complexities of his own world, both in the strangeness of some of the things he's ordered to do, and in the web of politics clearly happening offscreen that's making his life difficult. Like all Modesitt's protagonists in Recluce though, he's a decent guy, trying his best - and if the story beats and characterisation are in a way familiar, they're also as comforting as a warm bath, and there's enough strangeness in here to make you sit up occasionally and go "Wait, what now?"
I won't spoil the story, as usual. But Aliyakal gets to visit a whole new and exciting section of the Empire of Cyador, where even more people try to get him killed than they did in From the Forest. You'll get some sharply observed, incisive military action here, and a lot of discussion of patrols, logistics, and how and why things should be done the way they are. But there's also wonder, in magic, yes, but also in the relationships Aliyakal is building, and fear and politics out there in the background, and an exploration of love and duty and honour. It is, in short, a Modesitt book, and a fine addition to the Recluce corpus. I look forward to seeing where Aliyakal goes next!
So, here's the thing. L.E. Modesitt has written, at this point, twenty-four books set in his world of Recluce. Twenty-five if you include the short story collection I reviewed a couple of years ago. It's a sprawling universe that covers a sweeping amount of geography, but also a vast amount of time. Different stories have happened earlier or later in the history of Recluce, and we can see yesterdays's heroes reflected as villains in the past of today's protagonist. Or, in the case of Overcaptain, the latest story, the reverse. Because the protagonist of this story, Aliyakal, is as early in Recluce's history as we've ever gone, all the way back to near the founding of Cyador, who have largely been antagonists in other books. Seeing the beginnings of an Empire that we've often seen as enemies, seeing the way the systems that maintain it are constructed and maintained out of necessity and by good people trying to do the right thing, we can get a different perspective on a system that we've also seen very determined to incinerate a few of our protagonists "later" in the timeline.
Cyador, you see, is something a little different. At first glance, it's a fantasy empire. Everyone's riding around on horses, with swords. Everyone is very interested in politics, and Emperors. There's a whole caste system between soldiers, traders, and people who can do magic. But, but they also have hints and asides and historical notes that say they used to be something else. They're an Empire founded by "The First". They have "firelances", which spit raw chaos energy at the aforementioned barbarians. They have "firewagons" and "fireships" which sound suspiciously modern, not quite battleships and APC's, but certainly with enough heft in them to flatten ports, and make fighting with the Cyadorans an unpleasant prospect. They have a history that says, in fragments, that they come from elsewhere. They have "chaos towers" that contain the enormous forest that used to be where their Empire now sits. And they have, increasingly, no idea how any of it works. Cyador is an empire built on technology that is slowly failing, while those in charge try to keep everything together under tremendous pressure - both internal and external. Because all sorts if people want what they have (running water, regular meals), or are more than happy to rule an Empire from behind the throne for personal gain, regardless of what's best for everyone else - because, after all, when you're a mage, and you can turn someone into dust with a word, why would you take crap from any of those little people? I've always enjoyed Cyador, a place which seems to have become increasingly sclerotic and unpleasant as it ages, and its fantastic to delve into the near origins of the place here. Looking at it through Aliyakal's eyes, we're inside of a system which seems to promise a better world for, if not everyone, at least everyone inside the system, but he's not blind to its flaws, to the abuses that are hobbling progress, the way that the military, the magi and the merchanters are always at odds, and what happens when they're not. Anyway. It's a fun place, a civilisation coming off the back of some science-fiction beginnigs, trying to build something self-sustaining. Interestingly, Modesitt does this again later with Fallen Angels, when survivors of the other side of a war in which Cyadors forebears were involved find themselves stranded on Relcuce, watching their tech also slowly fail. Its a solid beginning, and here it gives a flavour and a texture to the world,makes it a little different to your standard fantasy setting.
As an aside, I maintain that both sides in the conflict that drove Cyador's ancestors and their eventual antagonists to Recluce is the one from Modesitt's sci-fi standalone The Parafaith War, and one day I'd love to know if that's true.
Aliyakal is, well, this is going to sound weird, he's a Modesitt Recluce protagonist. He's smart, and also thoughtful. Having a military background makes him stand out a bit, but he fits into the mould of a lot of the others - someone who is practiced and focused on his craft, even where that craft is helping defend an empire by occasionally fighting a lot of people. He also has (ooooh) some magical power, which as a military officer, he has decided not to mention to anyone, just in case they decide he's a threat, and incinerate him. Probably a wise move, under the circumstances, because he does have a penchant for annoying important people. In fairness, that's due mostly to his actually being competent at his job, fighting off border incursions and encroachments from other local powers with minimal casualties. He's a smart person, trying to build a career and a relationship in a space where having a relationship is tantamount to stalling out your career. There's a conflict there, between two parts of his world, which we have yet to see play out - perhaps in the upcoming sequel - but the tensions are woven through his interactions, and add a nice complexity, even while we enjoy his emotionally uncomplicated burgeoning love for a long-time correspondent, and his no-nonsense approach to holding together military outposts in various degrees of collapse. Aliyakal is a decent person, and it's fun to ride around in his head for a while - and where the book allows, he's able to see the complexities of his own world, both in the strangeness of some of the things he's ordered to do, and in the web of politics clearly happening offscreen that's making his life difficult. Like all Modesitt's protagonists in Recluce though, he's a decent guy, trying his best - and if the story beats and characterisation are in a way familiar, they're also as comforting as a warm bath, and there's enough strangeness in here to make you sit up occasionally and go "Wait, what now?"
I won't spoil the story, as usual. But Aliyakal gets to visit a whole new and exciting section of the Empire of Cyador, where even more people try to get him killed than they did in From the Forest. You'll get some sharply observed, incisive military action here, and a lot of discussion of patrols, logistics, and how and why things should be done the way they are. But there's also wonder, in magic, yes, but also in the relationships Aliyakal is building, and fear and politics out there in the background, and an exploration of love and duty and honour. It is, in short, a Modesitt book, and a fine addition to the Recluce corpus. I look forward to seeing where Aliyakal goes next!
November 10, 2024
Dear Overcaptain!
I applaud the carefulness of Overcaptain Alyiakal’alt as he does what’s he’s commanded to, but looks for different ways to obey to the letter of the law. This becomes a key personality trait of the Overcaptain.
Alyiakal, leading his Mirror Lances is sent to Oldroad Post. A post near the border with Kyphros. At Oldroad Post he learns quite a bit about tarrif enumerators, bribes, and trade costs, and the rules for traders coming through a Cyador frontier post.
After Oldroad Post he's ordered to Luuval to close the Post there. It’s surrounded by lands sinking into the marsh. They’ve already lost houses, land and people.
At Luuval the Imperial Tariff Enumerator doesn’t want the Post closed and strongly encourages Alyiakal to delay the closing it. Of course that’s not about to happen. Alyiakal needs all his cunning and illicit mage craft (healing abilities) to survive.
In the background are hints of the enumerators charging higher tariffs and pocketing the difference, of Merchant Houses running deals, of Merchanters providing weapons to Kyphros. Politics are everywhere.
Alyiakal is still carefully corresponding with his lady Merchanter, Saelora of Loraan House. His mail is always opened and checked.
The letters between Alyiakal and Saelora are wonderful. Carefully constructed, warm and underneath conveying situations and discrepancies they’ve both noticed. Lovely warnings!
Later Alyiakal is posted to Fryad. This will become a major honing ground of many of his skills.
Everything Alyiakal does he has copies of letters witnessed and sent to the Mirror Lance headquarters. He’s being canny about having his actions transparent and above reproach. No prizes for understanding how careful Alyiakal has to be. He’s dodging the M’agi as much as he’s able.
I love that Modesitt’s male leads are always so careful and respectful of their leading lady. No means No!
Alyiakal and Saelora’s relationship develops despite various actions to take Alyiakal out altogether and the long times (sometimes years) between them seeing each other.
Another great tale about the early days of Recluse with characters I’ve become totally engaged with—as always!
A Tor ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
I applaud the carefulness of Overcaptain Alyiakal’alt as he does what’s he’s commanded to, but looks for different ways to obey to the letter of the law. This becomes a key personality trait of the Overcaptain.
Alyiakal, leading his Mirror Lances is sent to Oldroad Post. A post near the border with Kyphros. At Oldroad Post he learns quite a bit about tarrif enumerators, bribes, and trade costs, and the rules for traders coming through a Cyador frontier post.
After Oldroad Post he's ordered to Luuval to close the Post there. It’s surrounded by lands sinking into the marsh. They’ve already lost houses, land and people.
At Luuval the Imperial Tariff Enumerator doesn’t want the Post closed and strongly encourages Alyiakal to delay the closing it. Of course that’s not about to happen. Alyiakal needs all his cunning and illicit mage craft (healing abilities) to survive.
In the background are hints of the enumerators charging higher tariffs and pocketing the difference, of Merchant Houses running deals, of Merchanters providing weapons to Kyphros. Politics are everywhere.
Alyiakal is still carefully corresponding with his lady Merchanter, Saelora of Loraan House. His mail is always opened and checked.
The letters between Alyiakal and Saelora are wonderful. Carefully constructed, warm and underneath conveying situations and discrepancies they’ve both noticed. Lovely warnings!
Later Alyiakal is posted to Fryad. This will become a major honing ground of many of his skills.
Everything Alyiakal does he has copies of letters witnessed and sent to the Mirror Lance headquarters. He’s being canny about having his actions transparent and above reproach. No prizes for understanding how careful Alyiakal has to be. He’s dodging the M’agi as much as he’s able.
I love that Modesitt’s male leads are always so careful and respectful of their leading lady. No means No!
Alyiakal and Saelora’s relationship develops despite various actions to take Alyiakal out altogether and the long times (sometimes years) between them seeing each other.
Another great tale about the early days of Recluse with characters I’ve become totally engaged with—as always!
A Tor ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
July 1, 2024
Alyiakal has just spent the past few years creating and leading Oldroad Post when he gets transferred to Luuval Post. Alyiakal has only a few weeks to close the post before a morass takes over the post location. He barely manages that despite opposition from the local Imperial Tax enumerator. Then he has some accrued leave that he spends visiting Saelora, a female Merchanter he knows before traveling to Lhaaarat as deputy post commander. At Lhaarat, he extends the reach of the Mirror Lancers patrols while trying to learn who and what is raiding the settlements in their post area. If you have been following the Recluce saga, you know what you are likely to find - competent characters learning how to influence their surroundings with plenty of descriptions of food and character interactions. It will be interesting to see what hoops Modesitt has Alyiakal jump through in the next volume. A satisfying entry in the Recluce series!
Thanks Netgalley and Tor for the chance to read this volume!
Thanks Netgalley and Tor for the chance to read this volume!
December 26, 2024
Review of Overcaptain by L.E. Modesitt Jr.
Overcaptain is the 24th installment in L.E. Modesitt Jr.’s expansive Saga of Recluce and the second book chronologically in the series. For those interested in the reading order, this story takes place early in the timeline, during the formative years of the Empire of Cyador.
The Saga of Recluce spans thousands of years, chronicling a world where select individuals wield the powers of order and chaos. Set in Cyador’s early empire, it focuses on Alyiakal, an order mage trained to conceal his abilities. In the previous book, we followed Alyiakal’s ascent through the ranks of the Mirror Lancers, starting with his humble origins “From the Forest.” Now, in Overcaptain, he has achieved the rank of Overcaptain and is looking forward to completing his duties, attending his best friend’s consorting, and transitioning to his next assignment. Unfortunately, life has other plans.
Alyiakal uncovers corruption within Cyador’s powerful Merchanter Clans, but investigations by other Mirror Lancer officers have mysteriously led to their deaths. Before he can even take a break, Alyiakal must replace one of these officers, oversee the closure of a post, survive an assassination attempt, and endure an inquiry from the Magi’i.
True to Modesitt’s style, Overcaptain unfolds as a slow-burn narrative, offering a detailed, slice-of-life approach that builds into larger political themes. While the plot is intriguing, it lacks major twists and is light on action. That said, Modesitt’s hallmark strengths shine through: the richly developed characters and the layered interpersonal dynamics of the beginnings of Recluce. Particularly noteworthy is the warm and thoughtful correspondence between Alyiakal and Saelora, which adds depth and nuance to the story.
Ultimately, Overcaptain feels like a transitional book, paving the way for its sequel, Sub-Majer’s Challenge. While it may not deliver high-octane excitement, it remains a compelling chapter in the Saga of Recluce for fans who appreciate Modesitt’s meticulous world-building and character-driven storytelling.
Overcaptain is the 24th installment in L.E. Modesitt Jr.’s expansive Saga of Recluce and the second book chronologically in the series. For those interested in the reading order, this story takes place early in the timeline, during the formative years of the Empire of Cyador.
The Saga of Recluce spans thousands of years, chronicling a world where select individuals wield the powers of order and chaos. Set in Cyador’s early empire, it focuses on Alyiakal, an order mage trained to conceal his abilities. In the previous book, we followed Alyiakal’s ascent through the ranks of the Mirror Lancers, starting with his humble origins “From the Forest.” Now, in Overcaptain, he has achieved the rank of Overcaptain and is looking forward to completing his duties, attending his best friend’s consorting, and transitioning to his next assignment. Unfortunately, life has other plans.
Alyiakal uncovers corruption within Cyador’s powerful Merchanter Clans, but investigations by other Mirror Lancer officers have mysteriously led to their deaths. Before he can even take a break, Alyiakal must replace one of these officers, oversee the closure of a post, survive an assassination attempt, and endure an inquiry from the Magi’i.
True to Modesitt’s style, Overcaptain unfolds as a slow-burn narrative, offering a detailed, slice-of-life approach that builds into larger political themes. While the plot is intriguing, it lacks major twists and is light on action. That said, Modesitt’s hallmark strengths shine through: the richly developed characters and the layered interpersonal dynamics of the beginnings of Recluce. Particularly noteworthy is the warm and thoughtful correspondence between Alyiakal and Saelora, which adds depth and nuance to the story.
Ultimately, Overcaptain feels like a transitional book, paving the way for its sequel, Sub-Majer’s Challenge. While it may not deliver high-octane excitement, it remains a compelling chapter in the Saga of Recluce for fans who appreciate Modesitt’s meticulous world-building and character-driven storytelling.
February 1, 2025
I always enjoy a return to the world of Recluse (even though Overcaptain and it's Predecessor are the earliest book in the chronological despite being the latest publications) & Overcaptain did not disappoint. I love how the protagonists always do the best for those they love and for whom they are responsible for, even if it means they have to make some morally grey choices. As usual, as soon as I put down one of Modesitt's books I automatically want the next one.
August 21, 2025
Books in the Recluse saga are always an enjoyable read - and this was no exception.
Look forward to the next book in the series.
Look forward to the next book in the series.
November 26, 2024
I'm enjoying this set of books, looking forward to seeing how the spoiler happens.
February 1, 2025
Boring filler for most of the book. I’m 25 books in the series and they ask feel like repeats at this point.
September 12, 2024
Overcaptain is the 24th installment in L. E. Modesitt, jr.'s Recluce Saga and the second volume in Alyiakal's story arc. To help promote the book, I've done an interview with the author which will be posted in the coming weeks. So stay tuned!
You may recall that I wasn't entirely thrilled to learn that what was originally meant to be a three-book cycle was turned into a four-book sequence because Tor Books were loath to release Alayiakal's story as three lengthy novels. I was concerned about this, for in the past such a split had a negative impact on Beltur's three-volume sequence. My fear was that Overcaptain would ultimately be about half of the book the second installment was meant to be and it sure looks as though this is the case.
Here's the blurb:
L. E. Modesitt, Jr. continues the Saga of Recluce, the long-running, best-selling epic fantasy series. Overcaptain, the sequel to From the Forest, continues to follow the early life of a man known by many names depending on who you ask—hero, tyrant, emperor.
Alyiakal, overcaptain in the Mirror Lancers of Cyador, has completed his tour of duty as officer-in-charge of a small, remote post. He just wants to finish and see his best friend consorted and assume his next post assignment. If only it were that easy.
He discovers corruption in the Merchanter Clans of Cyador, but investigating Mirror Lancer officers end up dead. Before he can go on leave, he has to replace one of these officers, close a post, dodge an attempt on his life, and an investigation from Magi-i.
At Lhaarat, Alyiakal is assigned as a deputy commander to a post that never had one, and the commander doesn't want one—and that's just the beginning of Alyiakal’s problems.
For my money, the worldbuilding has always been one of the most fascinating facets of any new Recluce title. Each tale allows readers to discover how people and events shaped history during their lifetime. From the Forest was the earliest installment in the Recluce timeline. The action occurs more than three centuries before Magi'i of Cyador and Scion of Cyador, and more than seven centuries before Fall of Angels. I'm not sure if we'll ever get the full story of the arrival of the First from the Rational Stars and the founding of Cyad, but for now I relish the few glimpses from the past that Alayiakal's tale provides. 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, who were the Dissidents and what happened to them, what is Alayiakal's strange relationship with the Accursed Forest and what impact will it have on him, all of these secrets remain mysteries for the time being.
Overcaptain is the immediate sequel to From the Forest. As the title implies, it follows Alayiakal's stint as an overcaptain over the course of a few different postings and his rise within the ranks of the Mirror Lancers. His romance with Saelora progresses, but they cannot get married because it would hurt both of their careers. This second volume is also a bit more political. We learn that the Emperor's health is deteriorating and that death seems inevitable. Trouble is, his legitimate heir is unsuited to ascend the throne, while his illegitimate son shows ambition and has connections at court that may see him be crowned. How this will impact a young overcaptain destined for glory remains to be seen.
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, while keeping his abilities secret. This strange dichotomy wouldn't sit well with some of his fellow soldiers, especially his superiors. The same can be said of the Magi'i, who are beginning to suspect that something is afoot. Throughout the novel, Alayiakal continues to funnel chaos energy from the sun every chance he gets.
As expected, Overcaptain suffers from pacing issues from time to time. Modesitt's novels are never fast-paced affairs and Modesitt's latest is no exception to that rule. Still, From the Forest was a more self-contained book. It's obvious that the events taking place in Overcaptain were meant to be the beginning and perhaps the middle of a single novel, which will now continue in the forthcoming Sub-Majer's Challenge.
As a result, there is no endgame and the ending offers no resolution whatsoever. As the title of the third volume implies, Alayiakal gets promoted and we'll have to wait till next year to discover what that means for the young man. I can't say I'm happy about this state of affairs. But Overcaptain ended up being exactly what I expected and I can live with that. I've been reading this series for nearly three decades, so I'll be here for the next book! I just wish it had been published the way it was meant to be. . .
For more reviews, check out www.fantasyhotlist.blogspot.com
You may recall that I wasn't entirely thrilled to learn that what was originally meant to be a three-book cycle was turned into a four-book sequence because Tor Books were loath to release Alayiakal's story as three lengthy novels. I was concerned about this, for in the past such a split had a negative impact on Beltur's three-volume sequence. My fear was that Overcaptain would ultimately be about half of the book the second installment was meant to be and it sure looks as though this is the case.
Here's the blurb:
L. E. Modesitt, Jr. continues the Saga of Recluce, the long-running, best-selling epic fantasy series. Overcaptain, the sequel to From the Forest, continues to follow the early life of a man known by many names depending on who you ask—hero, tyrant, emperor.
Alyiakal, overcaptain in the Mirror Lancers of Cyador, has completed his tour of duty as officer-in-charge of a small, remote post. He just wants to finish and see his best friend consorted and assume his next post assignment. If only it were that easy.
He discovers corruption in the Merchanter Clans of Cyador, but investigating Mirror Lancer officers end up dead. Before he can go on leave, he has to replace one of these officers, close a post, dodge an attempt on his life, and an investigation from Magi-i.
At Lhaarat, Alyiakal is assigned as a deputy commander to a post that never had one, and the commander doesn't want one—and that's just the beginning of Alyiakal’s problems.
For my money, the worldbuilding has always been one of the most fascinating facets of any new Recluce title. Each tale allows readers to discover how people and events shaped history during their lifetime. From the Forest was the earliest installment in the Recluce timeline. The action occurs more than three centuries before Magi'i of Cyador and Scion of Cyador, and more than seven centuries before Fall of Angels. I'm not sure if we'll ever get the full story of the arrival of the First from the Rational Stars and the founding of Cyad, but for now I relish the few glimpses from the past that Alayiakal's tale provides. 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, who were the Dissidents and what happened to them, what is Alayiakal's strange relationship with the Accursed Forest and what impact will it have on him, all of these secrets remain mysteries for the time being.
Overcaptain is the immediate sequel to From the Forest. As the title implies, it follows Alayiakal's stint as an overcaptain over the course of a few different postings and his rise within the ranks of the Mirror Lancers. His romance with Saelora progresses, but they cannot get married because it would hurt both of their careers. This second volume is also a bit more political. We learn that the Emperor's health is deteriorating and that death seems inevitable. Trouble is, his legitimate heir is unsuited to ascend the throne, while his illegitimate son shows ambition and has connections at court that may see him be crowned. How this will impact a young overcaptain destined for glory remains to be seen.
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, while keeping his abilities secret. This strange dichotomy wouldn't sit well with some of his fellow soldiers, especially his superiors. The same can be said of the Magi'i, who are beginning to suspect that something is afoot. Throughout the novel, Alayiakal continues to funnel chaos energy from the sun every chance he gets.
As expected, Overcaptain suffers from pacing issues from time to time. Modesitt's novels are never fast-paced affairs and Modesitt's latest is no exception to that rule. Still, From the Forest was a more self-contained book. It's obvious that the events taking place in Overcaptain were meant to be the beginning and perhaps the middle of a single novel, which will now continue in the forthcoming Sub-Majer's Challenge.
As a result, there is no endgame and the ending offers no resolution whatsoever. As the title of the third volume implies, Alayiakal gets promoted and we'll have to wait till next year to discover what that means for the young man. I can't say I'm happy about this state of affairs. But Overcaptain ended up being exactly what I expected and I can live with that. I've been reading this series for nearly three decades, so I'll be here for the next book! I just wish it had been published the way it was meant to be. . .
For more reviews, check out www.fantasyhotlist.blogspot.com
December 14, 2024
Overcaptain (Saga of Recluce bk 24) is a quiet book. I don't mean that there is no action because there certainly is a lot of combat and other action. I just mean that this book was a great comfort to me in a time of considerable stress (my husband and I found out we had to move suddenly, after 15 years, with no warning & a short deadline).
Alyiakal, as one of his superiors noted, tells the truth. He just does not tell everything he knows. His boss was OK with that, knowing that Alyiakal is not leaving out anything his boss truly needs to know.
Alyiakal has a problem. He is an excellent Mirror Lancer officer and is recognized as a field healer (equivalent to a combat medic in our terms, I think). Actually, Alyiakal has more magely abilities than he can afford to let anyone even suspect.
He consistently wipes out huge numbers of the enemy with lower than would normally be expected casualties on his side. If the wounded survive the battle, most live (again, at higher rates than expected). He is a smart commander and prevails by trickery when he can (he can cast illusions, etc.). Any commander uses any advantage open to him. Alyiakal just has more capabilities than he can afford to have known by others.
Alyiakal is also always supportive of his superiors. He shows respect and does his best to carry out the orders that he is given.
Some people may find parts of the Alyiakal books boring or tedious (we find out what he has to eat at each meal, that he always grooms his horse himself, and although he has found his true love neither is in a position to stop & settle down. etc.
She is trailblazing a career as a major trader in her own right [few to no other female Traders] and he is still rising through the ranks of the Mirror Lancers. So, they write letters and put their future on hold for at least the next several years).
Alyiakal is also a keen observer and there are a few officers he has to work with who are entirely clueless. So, again, a very human tale.
Highly recommended for all Saga of Recluce fans, fans of character-driven action military fantasy, series fans, and L.E. Modisett, Jr. fans!
Alyiakal, as one of his superiors noted, tells the truth. He just does not tell everything he knows. His boss was OK with that, knowing that Alyiakal is not leaving out anything his boss truly needs to know.
Alyiakal has a problem. He is an excellent Mirror Lancer officer and is recognized as a field healer (equivalent to a combat medic in our terms, I think). Actually, Alyiakal has more magely abilities than he can afford to let anyone even suspect.
He consistently wipes out huge numbers of the enemy with lower than would normally be expected casualties on his side. If the wounded survive the battle, most live (again, at higher rates than expected). He is a smart commander and prevails by trickery when he can (he can cast illusions, etc.). Any commander uses any advantage open to him. Alyiakal just has more capabilities than he can afford to have known by others.
Alyiakal is also always supportive of his superiors. He shows respect and does his best to carry out the orders that he is given.
Some people may find parts of the Alyiakal books boring or tedious (we find out what he has to eat at each meal, that he always grooms his horse himself, and although he has found his true love neither is in a position to stop & settle down. etc.
She is trailblazing a career as a major trader in her own right [few to no other female Traders] and he is still rising through the ranks of the Mirror Lancers. So, they write letters and put their future on hold for at least the next several years).
Alyiakal is also a keen observer and there are a few officers he has to work with who are entirely clueless. So, again, a very human tale.
Highly recommended for all Saga of Recluce fans, fans of character-driven action military fantasy, series fans, and L.E. Modisett, Jr. fans!
December 18, 2024
This is the second book in a quadrilogy set within the larger Recluce fantasy series. Although the most recent addition to the Recluce saga, this quadrilogy takes place before any of the others. It has a similar feel to many of the other Recluce books, and, indeed, to much of Modesitt's fantasy beyond Recluce.
Knowing that many people I respect are not fans of Modesitt, I find myself a little defensive. I enjoy his work very much. Indeed, I enjoyed Overcaptain enough to find every excuse to read it, including reading it as I brushed my teeth. The toothbrushing-standard is one few books reach!
Overcaptain continues the adventures of Alyiakal, now -- wait for it -- an overcaptain in Cyador's army. Other readers might find the pace slow, but I found it immersive, almost enthralling. I like Alyiakal. I like how hard he works, how little he bemoans his fate. The book is understated. Alyiakal's actions show that he cares about the soldiers he commands, cares for the horses he rides, cares for the youths who end up as his captives. But there are no long, gushing descriptions of his emotions. [The closest, as usual for Modesitt, comes in Alyiakal's thoughts about Saelora, the woman he loves.]
Alyiakal, as with most of Modesitt's heroes, is highly effective. During the course of the book he kills a large number of people. The author uses two of the supporting cast, the aforementioned Saelora and Paersol, a junior captain, to address Alyiakal's efficiency in killing and whether it is justified. Alyiakal's repeated nightmares prove his own discomfort with it.
Four and a half out of five raiding stars, rounded up because the toothbrushing-standard proves the book had me under its spell.
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).
Knowing that many people I respect are not fans of Modesitt, I find myself a little defensive. I enjoy his work very much. Indeed, I enjoyed Overcaptain enough to find every excuse to read it, including reading it as I brushed my teeth. The toothbrushing-standard is one few books reach!
Overcaptain continues the adventures of Alyiakal, now -- wait for it -- an overcaptain in Cyador's army. Other readers might find the pace slow, but I found it immersive, almost enthralling. I like Alyiakal. I like how hard he works, how little he bemoans his fate. The book is understated. Alyiakal's actions show that he cares about the soldiers he commands, cares for the horses he rides, cares for the youths who end up as his captives. But there are no long, gushing descriptions of his emotions. [The closest, as usual for Modesitt, comes in Alyiakal's thoughts about Saelora, the woman he loves.]
Alyiakal, as with most of Modesitt's heroes, is highly effective. During the course of the book he kills a large number of people. The author uses two of the supporting cast, the aforementioned Saelora and Paersol, a junior captain, to address Alyiakal's efficiency in killing and whether it is justified. Alyiakal's repeated nightmares prove his own discomfort with it.
Four and a half out of five raiding stars, rounded up because the toothbrushing-standard proves the book had me under its spell.
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).
April 24, 2024
This is Book 24 of the Recluce Saga, and it continues a story arc started in From the Forest.
It follows the early career of Alyiakal as he progresses through the ranks of the Cyador Empire’s Mirror Lancers. As an overcaptain (the most junior of the senior officer ranks) sent to various posts on a restless frontier, he faces danger not only from smugglers, raiders, and probes by the military forces of hostile neighbours, but from the effects of a political power struggle at the highest levels of the empire. Though he does his best to conceal them, his special talents and striking success in military engagements arouse suspicion and enmity among adherents of the rival groups as well as the envy of those less capable.
There are echoes here of conditions during the Roman Empire and the settlement of the American West, and the author provides a detailed and interesting setting. The plot moves slowly with intermittent bursts of violent action, very much what one would expect from military postings along a dangerous frontier, but the ever-present threat maintains the tension, the attention to details in this secondary world are involving, and new discoveries and revelations capture the reader’s interest.
Despite the calculating efficiency with which he kills his enemies, Alyiakal does engage our sympathy. He only targets those who attack him and his men, tries to minimize casualties, shows forbearance to foes, and uses his special talents to heal captives as well as his own wounded. Despite his reputation as a cold-blooded killer, he is merciful.
This is basically a traditional hero tale of the type so popular in epic and romance, but the qualities that the hero displays have been expanded for a modern audience: respect for others, particularly women and captives; regret for the lives he must take to protect those for whose safety he is responsible; he even shows special care for horses.
Reminds me a bit of Sir Gawain in Arthurian legend.
An involving read. Highly recommended.
It follows the early career of Alyiakal as he progresses through the ranks of the Cyador Empire’s Mirror Lancers. As an overcaptain (the most junior of the senior officer ranks) sent to various posts on a restless frontier, he faces danger not only from smugglers, raiders, and probes by the military forces of hostile neighbours, but from the effects of a political power struggle at the highest levels of the empire. Though he does his best to conceal them, his special talents and striking success in military engagements arouse suspicion and enmity among adherents of the rival groups as well as the envy of those less capable.
There are echoes here of conditions during the Roman Empire and the settlement of the American West, and the author provides a detailed and interesting setting. The plot moves slowly with intermittent bursts of violent action, very much what one would expect from military postings along a dangerous frontier, but the ever-present threat maintains the tension, the attention to details in this secondary world are involving, and new discoveries and revelations capture the reader’s interest.
Despite the calculating efficiency with which he kills his enemies, Alyiakal does engage our sympathy. He only targets those who attack him and his men, tries to minimize casualties, shows forbearance to foes, and uses his special talents to heal captives as well as his own wounded. Despite his reputation as a cold-blooded killer, he is merciful.
This is basically a traditional hero tale of the type so popular in epic and romance, but the qualities that the hero displays have been expanded for a modern audience: respect for others, particularly women and captives; regret for the lives he must take to protect those for whose safety he is responsible; he even shows special care for horses.
Reminds me a bit of Sir Gawain in Arthurian legend.
An involving read. Highly recommended.
November 19, 2024
Like a comfortable shoe, the 24th book in The Saga of Recluce isn't going to take you far, but it's a pleasant walk.
L.E. Modesitt, Jr., is 81 now, and "Overcaptain" reprises many familiar themes. Alyiakal, the protagonist, is all but perfect, but he is always in danger from those above him who mistrust him and the barbarians and raiders who he must fight. "Overcaptain" doesn't really advance Alyiakal's story all that much, though it does deepen his relationship with his lover, Saelora, and her family.
One major, major flaw, however, is the absence of maps. Modesitt constantly refers to geography, but there is not a single map -- and you'll know after reading the book that he had one in front of him as he wrote.
"Overcaptain" also moves at a pace befitting an 81-year-old, with the usual plentiful description of meals, the constant grooming of horses, and so on. Modesitt also poses puzzling issues for Alyiakal, and then never resolves them, one being why the powerful merchants needed a monitor in a very small port.
Then again, that pace has been part of the charm of Recluce (an island which is seldom ever visited any more) from the beginning, and it echoes Nathan Lowell's Trader's Tales, which also feature a good-guy protagonist, quotidian details and a pleasant, low-key style.
There are a couple more books to come from Modesitt, but after "Overcaptain," I would expect a minimum of fireworks and a maximum of comfort. And there's nothing wrong with that ...
L.E. Modesitt, Jr., is 81 now, and "Overcaptain" reprises many familiar themes. Alyiakal, the protagonist, is all but perfect, but he is always in danger from those above him who mistrust him and the barbarians and raiders who he must fight. "Overcaptain" doesn't really advance Alyiakal's story all that much, though it does deepen his relationship with his lover, Saelora, and her family.
One major, major flaw, however, is the absence of maps. Modesitt constantly refers to geography, but there is not a single map -- and you'll know after reading the book that he had one in front of him as he wrote.
"Overcaptain" also moves at a pace befitting an 81-year-old, with the usual plentiful description of meals, the constant grooming of horses, and so on. Modesitt also poses puzzling issues for Alyiakal, and then never resolves them, one being why the powerful merchants needed a monitor in a very small port.
Then again, that pace has been part of the charm of Recluce (an island which is seldom ever visited any more) from the beginning, and it echoes Nathan Lowell's Trader's Tales, which also feature a good-guy protagonist, quotidian details and a pleasant, low-key style.
There are a couple more books to come from Modesitt, but after "Overcaptain," I would expect a minimum of fireworks and a maximum of comfort. And there's nothing wrong with that ...
December 21, 2024
All of the books in this and its related series have similar characters, with only the names changed. Here, as usual, we have a rising military officer who excels at using order and chaos, but who hides his abilities for various reasons. He's dating a successful businesswoman, but both are wary of taking the relationship further for fear of harming their careers.
This book is quite comprehensive. The main character leaves his previous post, closes down a base that's sinking into the earth, takes leave to visit his lady friend, then becomes second in command at a remote border outpost.
The biggest excitement, as always, are during confrontations. The officer, as all the main characters do in previous books, likes to make himself invisible so he can eavesdrop on what people are saying about him. This seems vain to me.
There are hints of corruption, and evidence of incompetence. It's implied that the world would be a better place if only everyone were like this main character. It's outright stated that we'd all be better off if women were in charge instead of men.
Once again, there's too much discussion for me of irrelevant, mundane topics such as food and wine. I skim those parts. Thankfully, there is less repetition than in other novels by this author, but some still exists here.
The ending sets up the next novel in the series.
This book is quite comprehensive. The main character leaves his previous post, closes down a base that's sinking into the earth, takes leave to visit his lady friend, then becomes second in command at a remote border outpost.
The biggest excitement, as always, are during confrontations. The officer, as all the main characters do in previous books, likes to make himself invisible so he can eavesdrop on what people are saying about him. This seems vain to me.
There are hints of corruption, and evidence of incompetence. It's implied that the world would be a better place if only everyone were like this main character. It's outright stated that we'd all be better off if women were in charge instead of men.
Once again, there's too much discussion for me of irrelevant, mundane topics such as food and wine. I skim those parts. Thankfully, there is less repetition than in other novels by this author, but some still exists here.
The ending sets up the next novel in the series.
August 21, 2024
Overcaptain by L.E. Modesitt
I believe that Modesitt is a philosopher who disguises his work as fictional. Alyiakal is a Mirror Lance officer who is entirely too successful for the comfort of his superiors. Unbeknownst to them for his continued life is his hidden Magi talent. He surreptitiously uses his talent to complete missions that would be suicide for most young officers. The book details his remote relationship with Saelora a young woman with Merchanter talent.
While the relational aspects of the book are entertaining what captures me is the soul-searching Alyiakal does in accomplishing his tasks as well as his contemplations on why the government is assigning said tasks. It isn’t too hard to extrapolate his musings to the insidious relationships that exist between some of our government agencies and the industrial complexes that provide them with their goods and weapons. Take the $1000.00 wrench urban myth or truth as an example.
Occasionally I find the day-to-day descriptions somewhat plodding. They do not detract from the thought-provoking aspects of the book.
I highly recommend all of Modesitt’s books.
I believe that Modesitt is a philosopher who disguises his work as fictional. Alyiakal is a Mirror Lance officer who is entirely too successful for the comfort of his superiors. Unbeknownst to them for his continued life is his hidden Magi talent. He surreptitiously uses his talent to complete missions that would be suicide for most young officers. The book details his remote relationship with Saelora a young woman with Merchanter talent.
While the relational aspects of the book are entertaining what captures me is the soul-searching Alyiakal does in accomplishing his tasks as well as his contemplations on why the government is assigning said tasks. It isn’t too hard to extrapolate his musings to the insidious relationships that exist between some of our government agencies and the industrial complexes that provide them with their goods and weapons. Take the $1000.00 wrench urban myth or truth as an example.
Occasionally I find the day-to-day descriptions somewhat plodding. They do not detract from the thought-provoking aspects of the book.
I highly recommend all of Modesitt’s books.
November 18, 2024
The immediate sequel to Into The Forest. I continue to enjoy the backstory into the history of Cyador and the MC.
I found the first half of this book felt like a repeat of another recluse book. I had this crazy Deja vu, and actually repeatedly checked the publication date to see if I’d somehow started reading an earlier book in the series.
It’s definitely meant to be a bridge book in the story and feels incomplete. I felt dissatisfied at the ending and will have to wait for the next one.
One of the things I’ve always loved about the series of recluse was that each book felt complete. Even the ones where the character’s story continued into another book. I read in another review that this series was broken up by the editors, and I wonder if that is why it feels the way it does.
In the end - this may be the only recluse book I give 4 stars instead of 5. I still enjoyed it. Still completed it quickly. But it clearly was a bridge to the next part of the story and left me unsatisfied.
I found the first half of this book felt like a repeat of another recluse book. I had this crazy Deja vu, and actually repeatedly checked the publication date to see if I’d somehow started reading an earlier book in the series.
It’s definitely meant to be a bridge book in the story and feels incomplete. I felt dissatisfied at the ending and will have to wait for the next one.
One of the things I’ve always loved about the series of recluse was that each book felt complete. Even the ones where the character’s story continued into another book. I read in another review that this series was broken up by the editors, and I wonder if that is why it feels the way it does.
In the end - this may be the only recluse book I give 4 stars instead of 5. I still enjoyed it. Still completed it quickly. But it clearly was a bridge to the next part of the story and left me unsatisfied.
November 11, 2024
I don’t normally love military fantasy as a sub-genre but this book and the one before it From the Forest have been top notch. They’re very much character driven stories. Alayiakal is very much an officer and a gentleman and you want his success! While I had read the first books in this series years ago as a kid I hadn’t read any in a long time by the time I read these two and it didn’t matter in the least. Anyone with a passing knowledge of fantasy worlds would absolutely be able to pick the series up with these two books. Despite their length I plowed through both this book and the one before it in 2 days each because they are very much page turners. The thing I can think of to complain about is the character names suffer from ye old random string of letters fantasy character names…. But really, the writing more than makes up for that petty complaint.
November 17, 2024
A little slower than many other of the Recluce books, this one feels a bit like it's trying to fill gaps. I have no objections to more stories in this world, but I do wonder if this whole series could have been 3 books rather than 4 without too much edited down.
That said, a slower pace is my only complaint, and the world itself is slower, so that's not a terrible thing; it's a way to be totally immersed in Alyiakal's life. It's interesting that this younger Cyador seems to have more strain and cracks in it than in Lorn's time, despite the later era being one of major shifts in their chaos/order powers.
Looking forward to the remaining two books to see how Alyiakal gets from minor border outpost officer to usurper and probable reformer, and how much of his reign and effects we see.
That said, a slower pace is my only complaint, and the world itself is slower, so that's not a terrible thing; it's a way to be totally immersed in Alyiakal's life. It's interesting that this younger Cyador seems to have more strain and cracks in it than in Lorn's time, despite the later era being one of major shifts in their chaos/order powers.
Looking forward to the remaining two books to see how Alyiakal gets from minor border outpost officer to usurper and probable reformer, and how much of his reign and effects we see.
November 3, 2025
Overcaptain, in true Modesitt style, is what i like to call a Seinfeld of novels. A book basically about nothing, but crafted with such exquisite detail that a persistent anticipation is generated for the reader. The entire book was essentially about exploring paths at an isolated post, and the home life of the Overcaptain when he is able to take what little leave he gets.
I do find the main character a little conceited, despite the author going out of his way to overplay how humble he appears. Even so, the book is very good, i thought there would have been more references to the magical device i mentioned in my review of the previous book, but there were only subtle references to the line of people that may have once utilised it, and again subtle references to what they may have used it for.
I look forward to another pottering read in the final novel of this trilogy.
I do find the main character a little conceited, despite the author going out of his way to overplay how humble he appears. Even so, the book is very good, i thought there would have been more references to the magical device i mentioned in my review of the previous book, but there were only subtle references to the line of people that may have once utilised it, and again subtle references to what they may have used it for.
I look forward to another pottering read in the final novel of this trilogy.
November 20, 2024
Astounding!
I DO love the way Modesitt bounces back-and-forth along the timeline, filling in bits of history that we have heard about in previous stories, but the details of which have been “lost to time.“
The fact that so much has been “lost time“ gives Modessitt extraordinary leeway in telling the story and crafting one that is both personal and yet rich with history.
I am somewhat disappointed, however, although not surprised, that we did not get to see the protagonist ascend to the throne as emperor, but that I’m sure will come in the next book if time allows for it to be written. After all, it’s more than 30 years since Modessit began this journey, and Lord knows none of us are growing younger.
I DO love the way Modesitt bounces back-and-forth along the timeline, filling in bits of history that we have heard about in previous stories, but the details of which have been “lost to time.“
The fact that so much has been “lost time“ gives Modessitt extraordinary leeway in telling the story and crafting one that is both personal and yet rich with history.
I am somewhat disappointed, however, although not surprised, that we did not get to see the protagonist ascend to the throne as emperor, but that I’m sure will come in the next book if time allows for it to be written. After all, it’s more than 30 years since Modessit began this journey, and Lord knows none of us are growing younger.
December 1, 2024
L. E. Modesitt, Jr. 's Recluce series spreads over thousands of years from the time humans first came to a planet where some people can manipulate order and chaos. He started this trilogy set in the early empire of Cyador where Alyiakal, an order mage whose was trained to hide his abilities, slowly rises in the ranks of the Mirror Lancers after coming From the Forest (paper). He is now an Overcaptain (hard from Tor) assigned as deputy commander at Lhaarat, where he has to prove himself to the Major in charge, as well as deal with raiders. I really enjoyed this addition to one of my favorite series despite not a lot happening.
December 25, 2024
The main characters in Recluse are always uber mensch. That's not the problem as it's easily balanced by the fact that the author always shows the nitty gritty of real lives that even they live. It doesn't just focus on the top actions of a few characters. The problem is that, while most of the different characters are in very different spaces, this set of books, starting with From the Forest, is too derivative of the Cyador pair. I keep confusing them, only this one is written even longer, with at least four books and likely longer, to cover the same ground as those two. Because of the overwriting, this doesn't flow as smoothly as most others in the series
May 11, 2025
Less action than I expected, and less of the main character learning new tricks than an exploration of using the same skills in slightly different ways.
Some of the character build up seems to have changed mid-steam. For example, Byelt was originally introduced as a stumbling block, but turned out to be a fairly reasonable individual.
I liked the continuation of his relationship with Saelora and how her character is developing along with others in the home side of things.
The book did feel like a continuation story, more so than some of the other mid-story arc books, and I was a bit disappointed in that.
Some of the character build up seems to have changed mid-steam. For example, Byelt was originally introduced as a stumbling block, but turned out to be a fairly reasonable individual.
I liked the continuation of his relationship with Saelora and how her character is developing along with others in the home side of things.
The book did feel like a continuation story, more so than some of the other mid-story arc books, and I was a bit disappointed in that.
December 26, 2024
This is another solid entry in the ongoing Saga of Recluse. Maybe 4.5 stars rather than 4?
I've read this and re-read this as escapism into a well crafted world where sometimes, working hard and having integrity, are worth it. The touches of corruption in a historical setting are realistic yet so much less upsetting than those I see in modern news.
I recommend that people looking to read this book start with "From the Forest" first which introduces Alayiakal as a young man finding his place in his world.
I've read this and re-read this as escapism into a well crafted world where sometimes, working hard and having integrity, are worth it. The touches of corruption in a historical setting are realistic yet so much less upsetting than those I see in modern news.
I recommend that people looking to read this book start with "From the Forest" first which introduces Alayiakal as a young man finding his place in his world.
January 2, 2025
Mr. Modesitt is an endlessly inventive storyteller
I am awed by how he regularly vents new and fascinating stories in the complex, intriguing, and always entertaining world he has fashioned.
This novel continues the story of Alyiakal (How the dickens do you pronounce that?!) and his adventures in the young world of the Recluse saga. Only a little magic use here, but hints of much greater fates for our hero are scattered throughout the story. A ton of character development and a few hints of good things to eat too. Loved it!
I am awed by how he regularly vents new and fascinating stories in the complex, intriguing, and always entertaining world he has fashioned.
This novel continues the story of Alyiakal (How the dickens do you pronounce that?!) and his adventures in the young world of the Recluse saga. Only a little magic use here, but hints of much greater fates for our hero are scattered throughout the story. A ton of character development and a few hints of good things to eat too. Loved it!
October 27, 2025
Before you jump into this one, read the Recluce volume 23, but you can also appreciate this one as a standalone, because it's a mystery episode he must overcome before going on. This series is very episodic but easy to read. The characters are interesting, the mystery is well-written, and the world is vast. It's one series that I like to return to when I miss classic fantasy (one that evolved and transitioned well into modern fantasy) focused on corruptions, merchants, political intrigue, and magi-i.
April 16, 2025
I'm always up for a new book in the Saga of Recluce, but this one should have been halved. Nothing happens for most of the book, and the pacing is extremely slow. While the world building is good as usual, this book is fodder to set up the next, and accomplishes little on its own.
I look forward to the next, but this definitely suffers from "middle book syndrome" in the sense that it doesn't at all stand on its own, especially with the strong start in From the Forest.
I look forward to the next, but this definitely suffers from "middle book syndrome" in the sense that it doesn't at all stand on its own, especially with the strong start in From the Forest.
November 16, 2024
Interesting sequel
A very interesting continuation of a character that those who follow the Recluce story know to be very important in the history of Cyador. Very well written, as always, excellent presentation, in the familiar Modesitt style.
Add to your library, enjoy! Oh, if you read the previous book in this arc when it first came out, you might wish to read again first.
A very interesting continuation of a character that those who follow the Recluce story know to be very important in the history of Cyador. Very well written, as always, excellent presentation, in the familiar Modesitt style.
Add to your library, enjoy! Oh, if you read the previous book in this arc when it first came out, you might wish to read again first.
November 20, 2024
Compelling and thought provoking
It simply amazes me that, after so many years, the writing, character development, and story remains on point. I own every single book by this author and eagerly await more.
That said, I noticed a number of typos in the kindle version of this book. I hope those get corrected!
It simply amazes me that, after so many years, the writing, character development, and story remains on point. I own every single book by this author and eagerly await more.
That said, I noticed a number of typos in the kindle version of this book. I hope those get corrected!
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