Darknesses

Corean Chronicles #2

by L.E. Modesitt Jr.

Darknesses, the sequel to Legacies, is the second volume of L. E Modesitt, Jr. 's new fantasy sequence, the Corean Chronicles.

Corus is a world of humans, but also of strange animals and supernatural creatures. It is a world of magical powers and of a few people who are Talented enough to use them. Alucius, the hero of the story, is one such person. In Legacies we saw how he grew from a Talented child on a lonely Nightsheep ranch in the Iron Valleys to a proficient soldier who used his wits and his Talent to become the first to escape military enslavement in the neighboring country of Madrien. Now captain of the Twenty-first Company, the youngest officer of his rank in the Militia, he must face new challenges, both military and magical.

Corus has been fragmented since the collapse of its ancient magic-powered civilization. A would-be conqueror has somehow revived sorcerous creatures of legend to assist in his crusade to reunite the continent under his rule. The Iron Valleys are forced into an alliance with the Lord-Protector of Lanachrona and the Twenty-first is dispatched to stand against the invaders. Neither the officers above him nor the men under him know it, but Alucius's Talent is their only hope for victory, or even survival.

In Darknesses, Alucius learns more about his magical Talent, meets many more supernatural creatures, and discovers the sinister forces vying for power behind the scenes across Corus. This volume resolves many questions raised in the first book, but it is not the end of Corean Chronicles.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Epic Fantasy, Science Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy, Magic, High Fantasy

521 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

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

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

-Wikipedia

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was even better than the first book as the magic & history of the world emerge to us & Alucius. Things that were hinted at now emerge into the light & reveal a lot more going on than most could possibly dream. Best of all, there aren't any info dumps, but a lot of adventures. They're well done, nothing over the top. Great stuff & well narrated. On to the next. Definitely read in order.

[William Bentrim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darkness by L.E. Modesitt, jr

This is book two of the Corean Chronicles. A new world and new protagonists that are separate from the world of Recluce. This world is locked in war between states that are mere shreds of a more pervasive and powerful defunct nation state. This book provides more information about the makeup of the defunct nation state and the cause of it's demise.

Alucius, a deadly over-captain still insists he is nothing but a herder. It is clear in this book that Alucius's talent is growing and becoming more useful. The elusive and reclusive Soarers once again intrude on Alucius's life and his wife's life.

Wenda, Alucius' wife, is developing her skills as a herder with Alucius' grandfather on their nightsheep stead.

Alucius is sent to another small country to defend it against a rampaging nomad horde. He is not in command of either his destiny or his own company. He discovers more aspects of his talent as he fights an overwhelming foe.

The political intrigue and the intrusion of the profit motive on foreign policy smacks of Iraqi war events, think Halliburton or Black Water. Modesitt writes a good story with thought provoking undertones.

The common thread, as I stated in previous Modesitt reviews is the lone soul fighting for self identity in a harsh world. Alucius finds himself on the begining of the path of self discovery. Lots of action and thought!

I highly recommend.

Site: http://www.lemodesittjr.com/

[Liviu · Rating 4 out of 5]

reread 2017 - for this one I agree with my earlier review with the caveat that the last part didn't feel so badly out of place because I expected it - still way too much magic


review on original read 2013
see here for a quick take of volume 1:

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

this one that has Alucius maturing fast and now a leading officer is excellent for 4/5 and reminded me strongly why I love the author's style and storytelling skills, however it falls down badly in the end with mind control, super-dee-duper magic with no real rules etc

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prica se fino nastavlja ali knjiga se tako sporo razvija da je na momente strasno. mogli su mirno jeno 100 do 150 strana da izbace. Plus kraj je nekako zbrzan i konfuzan. Ocekivao sam bolje.

Ali nije tako lose da necu preci na trecu knjigu.

Ali knjiga je stvarno samo za ljude kojima ne smeta spoooooro kretanje radnje kroz veci deo knjige sa flash krajem.

[Tom Gregorio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good sequel. A good yarn but some lazy writing. Quite fluffy at times: very repetitive about what was eaten, the type of marble in a wall, or the mannerisms of a character. Nonetheless, an interesting world and good battle tales.

[Rain Külm · Rating 4 out of 5]

So the second book went by fast... Modesitt has written a lot... and I like His Order/chaos series and this is kinda similar, with lots of details and descriptions but the characters are mostly likable although villains tend to be too black/white... in every book, there are lots of growth for main characters and lore and legacy of the old world is always interesting, almost like the post-apocalyptic story!
When I started to write this review I noticed that like with all Modesitt series it's not 4 books, it's 8 books so I will have 4 books I haven't read ever... i like it :D

[Dallas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always worried about not stopping with the first book in the series if it was good because I don't want to be disappointed later, but no book in this series disappointed me, and I feel best for having read them all. The story comes full circle and answers any questions and loose ends by the end of the series.

One of my favorite series ever. I loved the main character and seeing how he would outsmart his troubles. I loved a lot if the descriptions about the world, and the magic is genius. I don't usually care for political/war issues, but they were do character-centered that I felt it added to the story considerably. The author clearly spent a long time organizing the backstory. I've had a hard time finding books I like this much except with this author.

[Michael Dennis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes with Modesitt books there's a dry spell where you can't tell where he's heading with the story and there's a lot of detail about nothing. This book had a big chunk in for about the first 3/4 where the main character is going from place to place, battling, being overall great at everything he does, but there doesn't seem to be a point at it.

The last 25% is fast-paced, explaining more about the world, being introduced to new world-building concepts.

I wish the book was more like the latter. Maybe it just suffers as a middle book in the series?

[Donald III · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great sequel that continues the story of the hero Alucious and his military career that is completely driven by his need to protect his homeland. Wonderful world building and excellent action along with a great magic system. The main character is very much the "reluctant hero" and only acts when he absolutely needs to. It's great seeing him in action though, and he's an interesting character to read.

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Much easier to read after finally understanding the fantasy location created in the first book. The plot also furthered on the characters you appreciated from the first book. Enjoy the writer's ability to capture detail you would not think to add to a story that makes it come alive in your mind. Great read!!

[Travis Dalton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. I like the entire series and enjoyed watching the characters grow. Modesitt is very good at pacing a book.

[Marsha Valance · Rating 4 out of 5]

In "Darknesses", the second volume of the Corean Chronicles, Modesitt continues the story of Alucius, the Nightsheep herder turned reluctant soldier, whose travels through the lands of Corus alert him to the voracious malevolent entities threatening his world. Through his gradual understanding of the political underpinnings of various Corean societies, developed through his questioning of the status quo, Alucius is able to pursue his goal of returning to his Nightsheep ranch and his beloved Wendra. Though his continued attempts to understand the “why” of things, and his use of logic and planning, aided by his psionic abilities, Alucius is able to defeat a nomad horde, sorcerous creatures, two devouring parasitic entities, and a band of assassins, and save Corus from alien invasion along the way. Many questions are left unanswered at the conclusion of "Darknesses", allowing for further volumes in the series. Modesitt has again returned to the hero’s journey as the linchpin of a fast-moving plot that carries a multi-layered story capable of generating a good book discussion. Some readers will be caught by the fast action, others by the thoughtful questioning of “why is it that way?”

[MARTIN MCVEIGH · Rating 4 out of 5]

See my review of Legacies. I recommend Modesitt to any avid fantasy reader. If you're a hard-core science fiction buff, there may be too much magic in his stories for you. But Modesitt's magic is not just the rehashed D&D wizard stuff. He comes up with a ground-up scientific approach on how the magic works. But, looking past the fantasy and sci-fi elements, the characters and plots and suspense are all well-crafted. My one criticism -- but it may be seen by others as a strength -- in Modesitt's writing is his many-worded explanations of logistical and geographical considerations. It does add realism to the tale, and I imagine Modesitt sees each setting as if it truly exists. As a reader, however, I tended to skim through such details since my brain could not map everything out in the detail provided!

[Mary Soon Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in Modesitt's fantasy series, "The Corean Chronicles," and continues the adventures of Alucius, a herder by heritage and preference, a soldier by circumstance. I liked Alucius. I liked the fact that one of the rulers trying to manipulate Alucius's fate was NOT an evil villain. I found the pteridons a nicely formidable threat. I would have liked more extensive interplay between Alucius and the other characters, such as Feran, but that didn't stop me from enjoying the book.... I have a bag full of books that I just received at this year's Nebula conference. I have three shelves of books waiting to be read in my bedroom. But I know perfectly well that the next novel I read will be the third book in this series.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally learning some of the rules of this world. The character doesn't seem like a person. I don't care if he gets to go home to his wife or not. I was close, but something was a little impersonal about him. I assume I'll care more about him in the next book.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed seeing the MC lose some fights - usually with this Author the MC always wins personal battles. So I found the opposite intriguing. I really like this series so far.

Rating: 4/5
Cover: 3/5
Narration: 4/5
Favorite Line: NA

[Pat King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gem of a series

[Peter Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow to start but in the second half of the book the ideas were fascinating.

[Kevin Konrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was way better than the first give me more information I love the adventure the military tactics and the suspenseful mysteries of the new enemy

[Josephine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the adventure of following the main character. The author knows how to weave a great story line.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heh. Now, I think this one is my favorite Modesitt series. Said the same thing about the last two series of his I started. Looks like I'll be reading a good bit of him in the new year.

[Crystal ✬ Lost in Storyland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughtful exploration on the ways power and magic affect people, their hearts, and the world around them. More thoughts to come.

[Matthew · Rating 1 out of 5]

[DNF]
I got tired of this series.

[Darin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avery nice 2nd in a series.

[Nathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author has a tendency to over explain food. Also the love interest between the main character and his wife is a bit too syrupy. The author attempts to expand the world, and does a decent job.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread, I loved it.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent book with a satisfying conclusion to the story begun in Legacies. I am looking forward to the next novel in The Corean Chronicles.

[Kathy Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delicious

This was my second time reading these. I love Alucious.. He's is our hero. Wonderful book. Truly wonderful.
I have read all of Modessit but this is my favorite story.

[Robert Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a detailed review check out

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC82t...

[Cochise Sharer · Rating 5 out of 5]

You start out by meeting the main character Alucius, His mother Lucenda, and his Grandsire Royalt.
I choose this book because I was looking for some thing to read that was interesting because I had read all of the books in my library. I have to say the most interesting characters were Alucius and his squad mates because they would follow him almost any were fight any battle with him. My favorite part of the book is when he when in to stop the Matrite's leader and had to blow up the purple-pink crystal that gave her power over the people that had the callers on and how when he had blown up the crystal the Matrite leader dropped to the ground and turned to dust and that the force from the exploding crystal was enough to knock him out and kill the guards that were to close to the crystal. My least favorite part of the book was when the sanders(wild life that was created after the Catholicism) knocked out Alucius when they were fighting the crystal spear thrower(a weapon recreated by the matrite) and then he was captured.