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The Grand Illusion #3
Contrarian
L. E. Modesitt, Jr., bestselling author of Saga of Recluce and the Imager Portfolio, continues his gaslamp political fantasy series which began with Isolate and Councilor. Welcome to the Grand IllusionIn Contrarian, protests against unemployment and poor harvests have become armed riots as the people sink deeper into poverty. They look to a government struggling to emerge from corruption and conspiracy.Recently elected to the Council of Sixty-Six, Steffan Dekkard is the first Councilor who is an Isolate, a man invulnerable to the emotional manipulations and emotional surveillance of empaths—but not the recent bombing of the Council Office Building by insurrectionists. His patron, the Premier of the Council, has been assassinated, leaving Dekkard with little first-hand political experience and few political allies.Not only must Dekkard handle political infighting, and continued assassination attempts, but it appears that someone high up in the government and corporations has supplied arms and explosives to insurrectionists.Insurrectionists who have succeeded in taking over a naval cruiser that no one can seem to find.The Grand IllusionIsolateCouncilorContrarianOther Series by L.E. Modesitt, Jr.The Imager PortfolioThe Corean ChroniclesThe Spellsong CycleThe Ghost BooksThe Ecolitan MatterAt the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
576 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2023
70 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
About the author
L.E. Modesitt Jr.
191 books2,596 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 60 reviews
November 17, 2023
3.5 Stars
Video Review: https://youtu.be/8VKj00tz9b0
I originally requested this book with the understanding I would be able to read the first two books. Instead, I ended up jumping into this book blind. This is not my recommended reading order but I was pleasantly happy to find that I could pick it up without the backstory.
There are two aspects I really liked about gaslamp fantasy. The first is the setting. I love the mood and the unique feeling of time and place. I love the focus on politics and the challenges of the working class. This is just so different from the other fantasy books I have previously read.
Second, I really enjoyed the relationship between our main characters. There is something strangely refreshing about representation of a reasonably healthy relationship. I liked their back and forth dialogue. I liked their dynamics.
Overall, I felt this one had some really good aspects. However, without reading the first two stories, I felt dropped into the story and felt like I was missing a layer of the narrative. I would love back to the beginning and read it all in chronological order.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher
Video Review: https://youtu.be/8VKj00tz9b0
I originally requested this book with the understanding I would be able to read the first two books. Instead, I ended up jumping into this book blind. This is not my recommended reading order but I was pleasantly happy to find that I could pick it up without the backstory.
There are two aspects I really liked about gaslamp fantasy. The first is the setting. I love the mood and the unique feeling of time and place. I love the focus on politics and the challenges of the working class. This is just so different from the other fantasy books I have previously read.
Second, I really enjoyed the relationship between our main characters. There is something strangely refreshing about representation of a reasonably healthy relationship. I liked their back and forth dialogue. I liked their dynamics.
Overall, I felt this one had some really good aspects. However, without reading the first two stories, I felt dropped into the story and felt like I was missing a layer of the narrative. I would love back to the beginning and read it all in chronological order.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher
April 6, 2025
No way in hell does three cheese chicken taste good at all.
This series falls under the 'bored me to death but i enjoyed it' category of books.
This series falls under the 'bored me to death but i enjoyed it' category of books.
September 5, 2023
What is … is. The illusion is in our minds.
Great story by a renowned fantasy fiction author. What went wrong? Lots of stage directions. So tired of him putting on and taking off coats. Tells everything they eat, what they wear, which route they take, which cars they park between. Boring.
Dekkard retreated to his private office, hanging up his coat, and setting his leather folder on the side table before walking back to his desk and opening the message from Haarsfel, which was simply a reminder ….
Everything happens in the last half of the book. Ignores key issues then hits the reader over the head with them. Seems to forget the protagonist is an isolate for first third, then it’s a big deal.
The nail exists. It can be felt and observed, used or not. Faith itself cannot be observed; only believers of that faith can be observed. Does not that suggest that a nail holds more truth than a faith? Or that the nail is real and that faith is an illusion necessary to its believers?
Successfully ends a series in three books. But writes as if he planned to go on for another dozen. Disappointed; he can write better than this.
All successful illusions combine misdirection with an appeal to what those watching the illusion wish to believe.
Great story by a renowned fantasy fiction author. What went wrong? Lots of stage directions. So tired of him putting on and taking off coats. Tells everything they eat, what they wear, which route they take, which cars they park between. Boring.
Dekkard retreated to his private office, hanging up his coat, and setting his leather folder on the side table before walking back to his desk and opening the message from Haarsfel, which was simply a reminder ….
Everything happens in the last half of the book. Ignores key issues then hits the reader over the head with them. Seems to forget the protagonist is an isolate for first third, then it’s a big deal.
The nail exists. It can be felt and observed, used or not. Faith itself cannot be observed; only believers of that faith can be observed. Does not that suggest that a nail holds more truth than a faith? Or that the nail is real and that faith is an illusion necessary to its believers?
Successfully ends a series in three books. But writes as if he planned to go on for another dozen. Disappointed; he can write better than this.
All successful illusions combine misdirection with an appeal to what those watching the illusion wish to believe.
August 1, 2023
I’m never sure if Modesitt is pontificating on current political issues or if he is merely philosophizing. This book addresses political malfeasance as well as corporate corruption. Both issues are prominent in the news. Steffan Dekkard and his wife, Avraal, are targeted by corrupt elements in both business and political arenas.
Modesitt delivers a well-thought-out character or characters. He develops them by providing background motivation. His only use of fantasy might be science fiction in the mental powers available to a rare few. Regardless of the reason, his writing is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
I recommend the book but I suggest you read the previous books for a greater understanding of this book.
Modesitt delivers a well-thought-out character or characters. He develops them by providing background motivation. His only use of fantasy might be science fiction in the mental powers available to a rare few. Regardless of the reason, his writing is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
I recommend the book but I suggest you read the previous books for a greater understanding of this book.
March 7, 2024
Dekkard is determined to reform his country through the legal procedures of government. Foremost is to hold the most powerful corporations and their executives accountable for their treasonous and ruinous dealings that have destabilized the country for their exclusive benefit. They are believed to have funded domestic terrorism in order take back power without it seeming like a coup attempt. For those involved, no one is above the law, not even former Premiers. Dekkard must constantly be on guard against assassination attempts, as there have already been several, and he expects there to be several more.
There's no denying that Contrarian is a repetitive book with a clearly defined routine. At over 200,000 words, 22.5 hours for the audiobook, that may be too much of roughly similar events unless it's something you specifically like, which I do. Almost every single chapter, excluding those chapters that are newspaper articles and book excerpts, is a new day that often begins with Dekkard's morning activities. Afterwards he goes to work, does his job, then enjoys a few hours of leisure, which may overlap with his work-related activities. This is surely the most Modesitt has ever done in detailing the daily life of a protagonist from what I've read and must be among the most for anything he's written.
Some of the daily life activities that Dekkard engages in are learning about the concerns of those in his district, house hunting, discussing legislation (including tax policies), forensic accounting, acquiring information, debating, committee hearings, and eating white bean soup. There's more than that, but as noted, it's often the same activities over and over again, though they're always different in execution, except the white bean soup. He eats other food, but there's so much soup in general.
My reading experience was very immersive, to the point where I wanted to be certain that I read every single word at a relatively slow place. I don't feel the need to do that usually, even for the books I most enjoy, because often I feel the need to read more quickly. A visual depiction of my enjoyment would be a horizontal line. On a heart monitor that would indicate someone is dead, and I have no doubt that's what many would find this to be, dead boring. For me though that instead indicates that it's consistent from start to finish with minimal variation. It doesn't reach anywhere near the highs of my favorite books, but it never becomes any lower than solidly enjoyable.
Modesitt hasn't decided yet whether this is the last book of The Grand Illusion series, though the five responses he's posted about it by answering reader questions on his website shows that he's certainly considering doing so and has ideas for what he'd write. I know that I'll be reading whatever comes next in the series.
Relevant Q&As
https://www.lemodesittjr.com/2023/12/...
https://www.lemodesittjr.com/2023/12/...
https://www.lemodesittjr.com/2023/11/...
https://www.lemodesittjr.com/2023/09/...
https://www.lemodesittjr.com/2023/08/...
There's no denying that Contrarian is a repetitive book with a clearly defined routine. At over 200,000 words, 22.5 hours for the audiobook, that may be too much of roughly similar events unless it's something you specifically like, which I do. Almost every single chapter, excluding those chapters that are newspaper articles and book excerpts, is a new day that often begins with Dekkard's morning activities. Afterwards he goes to work, does his job, then enjoys a few hours of leisure, which may overlap with his work-related activities. This is surely the most Modesitt has ever done in detailing the daily life of a protagonist from what I've read and must be among the most for anything he's written.
Some of the daily life activities that Dekkard engages in are learning about the concerns of those in his district, house hunting, discussing legislation (including tax policies), forensic accounting, acquiring information, debating, committee hearings, and eating white bean soup. There's more than that, but as noted, it's often the same activities over and over again, though they're always different in execution, except the white bean soup. He eats other food, but there's so much soup in general.
My reading experience was very immersive, to the point where I wanted to be certain that I read every single word at a relatively slow place. I don't feel the need to do that usually, even for the books I most enjoy, because often I feel the need to read more quickly. A visual depiction of my enjoyment would be a horizontal line. On a heart monitor that would indicate someone is dead, and I have no doubt that's what many would find this to be, dead boring. For me though that instead indicates that it's consistent from start to finish with minimal variation. It doesn't reach anywhere near the highs of my favorite books, but it never becomes any lower than solidly enjoyable.
Modesitt hasn't decided yet whether this is the last book of The Grand Illusion series, though the five responses he's posted about it by answering reader questions on his website shows that he's certainly considering doing so and has ideas for what he'd write. I know that I'll be reading whatever comes next in the series.
Relevant Q&As
https://www.lemodesittjr.com/2023/12/...
https://www.lemodesittjr.com/2023/12/...
https://www.lemodesittjr.com/2023/11/...
https://www.lemodesittjr.com/2023/09/...
https://www.lemodesittjr.com/2023/08/...
September 22, 2023
Knjiga, kao i ostatak serijala, je za ljubitelje prica koje se sporije razvijaju i daju vremena da svet postane realan u glavi citaoca. Ako je neko ocekivao akciju nakraju bice razocaran, mada posle prve dve i nerealno ocekivanje. Politika je i dalje u prvom planu i glavno oruzije za sve bitke. Iskreno meni je leglo posto se autor bas potrudio da nam priblizi glavne likove pa normalno navijamo za njih od pocetka do kraja.
Sve u svemu preporuka za sve koji vole "sporo goruce" knjige sa politickom podlogom (al izmisljenom).
Cheers.
Sve u svemu preporuka za sve koji vole "sporo goruce" knjige sa politickom podlogom (al izmisljenom).
Cheers.
December 4, 2023
The evil corporate types get their just rewards in this volume, one of them tries escaping in his fast unarmed corvette and is destroyed by a Guldor battle ship firing 'warning' shots. Another is awaiting trial and will probably become stateless and shipped off to a labor camp.
The political stakes are heating up as Steffan forces the Premier out of his comfort zone. The Commercers like their corrupt little deals and use the insurrectionist movement as their catspaw. It reminds me a bit of current politics. Also things are a bit unhinged and there's more going on, it's not the quiet, slow pace of the first novel.
This may be the final book in this series, while not everything is resolved, there's enough closure to make a satisfying ending with no cliffhangers. Checking on the author's website, he has a four book series to be released next year that will end in 2026. It may be earlier, the publisher is experiencing problems with paper supply.
The political stakes are heating up as Steffan forces the Premier out of his comfort zone. The Commercers like their corrupt little deals and use the insurrectionist movement as their catspaw. It reminds me a bit of current politics. Also things are a bit unhinged and there's more going on, it's not the quiet, slow pace of the first novel.
This may be the final book in this series, while not everything is resolved, there's enough closure to make a satisfying ending with no cliffhangers. Checking on the author's website, he has a four book series to be released next year that will end in 2026. It may be earlier, the publisher is experiencing problems with paper supply.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2023
I've said it before, I don't understand why I like these books so much. Really, that applies to all the books by Modesitt I've read. A large portion of each book consists of people talking to each other about politics. It shouldn't work. It shouldn't be at all compelling. Yet here we are.
Also, massive kudos to an author who can write a book about fictional politicians where I find myself simultaneously agreeing with most of the positions he is taking, while strongly suspecting that he and I would have opposite answers if asked to draw parallels between the book and real world political parties.
If you haven't read them yet, head back and read Isolate and Councilor, then dive in to this one.
Also, massive kudos to an author who can write a book about fictional politicians where I find myself simultaneously agreeing with most of the positions he is taking, while strongly suspecting that he and I would have opposite answers if asked to draw parallels between the book and real world political parties.
If you haven't read them yet, head back and read Isolate and Councilor, then dive in to this one.
August 27, 2023
If diplomacy is war conducted through other means, then it can be argued that politics must be civil war conducted by other means. There’s certainly a civil war going on between the three political parties in Guldor, complete with campaigns, strategies and entirely too many casualties.
The first book in this series, Isolate, ended in triumph. The second, Councilor, ended in tragedy. This third book, Contrarian, ends in – well, you’ll see – or at least you’ll see enough to make you want to pick it up. I hope.
The overall theme of The Grand Illusion series (Isolate, Councilor and now Contrarian) is wrapped around the grand and all-too-often grandiose illusion that government can somehow take care of all of the people all of the time even as it caters to the elites at the top of the dogpile.
While spinning pretty much everything they can – or can invent – to convince people that the folks who are sincerely trying to fix things are actually the people causing it because they are the ones bringing attention to the injustices.
We all know it works because we’ve seen it in action, much too often and much too recently, in real life.
However, by setting this intense political discourse in a gaslamp fantasy world and embodying it in the literal body of one political neophyte who is doing his damndest to make real life better for average people, we get to see the arguments from the outside and can pretend, if necessary for our psyches, that the story doesn’t have relevance to the real world.
The first book ended in triumph, as the middle-class, working-class Craft Party was swept into power in the constitutional monarchy of Guldor because they had a charismatic leader at the head of the party, his security aides were exceptionally good at keeping the man alive in spite of the number of assassination attempts he faced, AND the competing parties, Landor (nobility) and Commerce (megacorporations) had screwed the pooch so thoroughly and so often that their abuses of power became too obvious to cover up.
The second begins in the triumph of starting to stab at the myriad problems afflicting the country, only for that triumph to be cut tragically short when that charismatic and effective Craft leader was assassinated along with many of his most able councilors.
All except one, who was one of those exceptionally good security aides turned councilor in his own right. In Contrarian, Steffan Dekkard is caught on the horns of multiple dilemmas and in the midst of overwhelming changes both personal and professional.
Dekkard is the ‘contrarian’ of the title. He is one of THE most junior councilors in the Council of Sixty-Six, both in age and political experience. He is also the clear ‘spiritual’ heir to the assassinated Axel Obreduur, but can’t take up the reins of power – at least not yet. This is the story of him finding a way to operate, not so much from the shadows but from the back benches, managing up the levels of his party while continuing to dodge the political machinations of his enemies – along with the increasing number of assassins they aim at his head.
The opposition Commerce party is like a hydra, sprouting two heads for every one of their plots he manages to thwart. It is part of the cut and thrust of politics even at the best of times, but he knows he can and will lose some of the battles in pursuit of the greater war.
An assassin only has to succeed once. If Dekkard, with the assistance of his friends, working under the eagle eye and mind of his security aide and new bride Avraal, has to practice ‘Constant Vigilance’ while still serving his office, taking care of his constituents, and somehow managing to have a life – for as long he can.
Escape Rating A+: This series is my catnip. I could read about Steffan’s work day, his colleagues, his attempts to maneuver around a great many of them, and the crises in his country that he tries to prevent, pretty much all day long. As I did for the two days it took me to finish the book a few months ago for Library Journal, AND the day it took me to skim-read just now for this review. .
The book – and the previous books in the series – combine a kind of ‘slice of life’ story with an ongoing exploration of how the sausage of politics is made and why most people really don’t want to know about exactly what goes into it.
What makes it work, or at least work fantastically for this reader, is the way that all of the political maneuvering, whether for good or for evil, is embodied in the characters. Which means that this isn’t traditional epic fantasy, even though it is certainly epic in scope.
But we are meant to like Steffan Dekkard and his wife Avraal Ysella-Dekkard, and we do. We believe they’re working for, not an abstract good, not a ‘greater good’ but to make the lives of as many people as they can better by getting their government to work for all its citizens and not merely a privileged few who grease the wheels.
They are fighting the good fight, and it’s fun to watch them do their work – surprisingly so as watching them work often involves just watching them go through their day. It shouldn’t be riveting but it is and I was every step of the way.
The progress of the series so far reminds me a lot of the author’s Imager Portfolio, although not so much the first three books as the rest of the series that started (honestly re-started) with Scholar. Which means I’m expecting the Grand Illusion series to encompass Steffan Dekkard’s political career and end with a book titled Premier – or at least with Steffan holding that title in the book.
Whether or not my surmise about the far-off ending of the series is correct, Contrarian ends in a way that absolutely begs a return to this world and this series. It is clear from the book’s conclusion that neither the series nor Steffan’s career is remotely near done. And that he’ll have plenty of political battles to get through before it is. So, even though the author has returned to one of his other series this year, I have high hopes that we’ll get to see more of Guldor through Steffan and Avraal’s eyes in the years and books to come.
Originally published at Reading Reality
The first book in this series, Isolate, ended in triumph. The second, Councilor, ended in tragedy. This third book, Contrarian, ends in – well, you’ll see – or at least you’ll see enough to make you want to pick it up. I hope.
The overall theme of The Grand Illusion series (Isolate, Councilor and now Contrarian) is wrapped around the grand and all-too-often grandiose illusion that government can somehow take care of all of the people all of the time even as it caters to the elites at the top of the dogpile.
While spinning pretty much everything they can – or can invent – to convince people that the folks who are sincerely trying to fix things are actually the people causing it because they are the ones bringing attention to the injustices.
We all know it works because we’ve seen it in action, much too often and much too recently, in real life.
However, by setting this intense political discourse in a gaslamp fantasy world and embodying it in the literal body of one political neophyte who is doing his damndest to make real life better for average people, we get to see the arguments from the outside and can pretend, if necessary for our psyches, that the story doesn’t have relevance to the real world.
The first book ended in triumph, as the middle-class, working-class Craft Party was swept into power in the constitutional monarchy of Guldor because they had a charismatic leader at the head of the party, his security aides were exceptionally good at keeping the man alive in spite of the number of assassination attempts he faced, AND the competing parties, Landor (nobility) and Commerce (megacorporations) had screwed the pooch so thoroughly and so often that their abuses of power became too obvious to cover up.
The second begins in the triumph of starting to stab at the myriad problems afflicting the country, only for that triumph to be cut tragically short when that charismatic and effective Craft leader was assassinated along with many of his most able councilors.
All except one, who was one of those exceptionally good security aides turned councilor in his own right. In Contrarian, Steffan Dekkard is caught on the horns of multiple dilemmas and in the midst of overwhelming changes both personal and professional.
Dekkard is the ‘contrarian’ of the title. He is one of THE most junior councilors in the Council of Sixty-Six, both in age and political experience. He is also the clear ‘spiritual’ heir to the assassinated Axel Obreduur, but can’t take up the reins of power – at least not yet. This is the story of him finding a way to operate, not so much from the shadows but from the back benches, managing up the levels of his party while continuing to dodge the political machinations of his enemies – along with the increasing number of assassins they aim at his head.
The opposition Commerce party is like a hydra, sprouting two heads for every one of their plots he manages to thwart. It is part of the cut and thrust of politics even at the best of times, but he knows he can and will lose some of the battles in pursuit of the greater war.
An assassin only has to succeed once. If Dekkard, with the assistance of his friends, working under the eagle eye and mind of his security aide and new bride Avraal, has to practice ‘Constant Vigilance’ while still serving his office, taking care of his constituents, and somehow managing to have a life – for as long he can.
Escape Rating A+: This series is my catnip. I could read about Steffan’s work day, his colleagues, his attempts to maneuver around a great many of them, and the crises in his country that he tries to prevent, pretty much all day long. As I did for the two days it took me to finish the book a few months ago for Library Journal, AND the day it took me to skim-read just now for this review. .
The book – and the previous books in the series – combine a kind of ‘slice of life’ story with an ongoing exploration of how the sausage of politics is made and why most people really don’t want to know about exactly what goes into it.
What makes it work, or at least work fantastically for this reader, is the way that all of the political maneuvering, whether for good or for evil, is embodied in the characters. Which means that this isn’t traditional epic fantasy, even though it is certainly epic in scope.
But we are meant to like Steffan Dekkard and his wife Avraal Ysella-Dekkard, and we do. We believe they’re working for, not an abstract good, not a ‘greater good’ but to make the lives of as many people as they can better by getting their government to work for all its citizens and not merely a privileged few who grease the wheels.
They are fighting the good fight, and it’s fun to watch them do their work – surprisingly so as watching them work often involves just watching them go through their day. It shouldn’t be riveting but it is and I was every step of the way.
The progress of the series so far reminds me a lot of the author’s Imager Portfolio, although not so much the first three books as the rest of the series that started (honestly re-started) with Scholar. Which means I’m expecting the Grand Illusion series to encompass Steffan Dekkard’s political career and end with a book titled Premier – or at least with Steffan holding that title in the book.
Whether or not my surmise about the far-off ending of the series is correct, Contrarian ends in a way that absolutely begs a return to this world and this series. It is clear from the book’s conclusion that neither the series nor Steffan’s career is remotely near done. And that he’ll have plenty of political battles to get through before it is. So, even though the author has returned to one of his other series this year, I have high hopes that we’ll get to see more of Guldor through Steffan and Avraal’s eyes in the years and books to come.
Originally published at Reading Reality
May 4, 2023
Since both Isolate and Councilor (see https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) were the top books of the year for me in 2021, 2022, Contrarian, the last volume in the Grand Illusion trilogy, was the most expected book of 2023 for me and I was wondering if the author could make it three awesome novels in a row as well as close the trilogy in a satisfactory way. There seemed so much on the plate - the New Meritorist conspiracy, the corrupt corporations, the seemingly now rudderless Council as its Premier and driving force has just been assassinated in an unexpected attack on the Council masterminded by a former security aide in the pay of some of the corporations allied with militant elements of the New Meritorists, while Steffan - targeted by his former colleague both for personal and political reasons - barely escaped and now has much less clout with the cautious new Premier, while of course his escape could be seen as a hint of nefariousness in itself.
And so the novel starts with a Machtarn Tribune (the Guldor capital newspaper representing the corporations' interests) article titled "The Questionable Councilor Dekkard" in which his career to date is presented factually but in a very tendentious way verging on libelous, putting a negative spin on all his achievements from graduating from the Military Institute but going into security and "fulfilling his naval obligations without going to sea", to being selected as a councilor after "the first candidate died in a suspicious fire and the elected councilor died of a heart attack that some claim was foul play" to his "amazing" escape from the attack on the Council to pushing Ingrella for the seat of her late husband despite the wishes of other Craft Party officials and even alluding to Steffan being the son of immigrant parents and not having any tie with his district.
Well at least the last accusation is soon dispelled when visiting Gaarlak in the winter recess, Steffan and Avraal buy a nice and better-than-expected house there using Avraal's belated "dowry" from her parents (and of course in the next Tribune editorial on the theme of the now Highly Questionable Councilor Dekkard, the purchase is used as evidence of his nefariousness as in "who bought a house there that no one on his pay can afford, in solid marks, no less") which was a nice touch on the "gotcha" mentality of reporters in all times and places.
But the editorial is the least of Steffan's problems as in Gaarlak he has to gain the support of the local Craft notabilities, keep the allegiance of Gretna Haarl who after all engineered his selection against petty intrigues of Jens Seigryn, the local bigwig who was believed to have been Axel's choice for Councilor (and tool for the removal of elected Decaro, Axel's longtime enemy) and deal with said Jens machinations against him and potentially his life.
And of course, back in Machtarn, the new Premier Hasheem is cautious, Steffan has much less clout with him, and his investigations seem to have arrived at a standstill with the death of Minz and the refusal of Hasheem to investigate the origins of the explosives used by the revolutionaries.
So between tedious investigations of financial transactions with the help of the Guard Captain Trujillo who appreciated Steffan's help and warning about the New Meritorists and a new crazy idea of stirring the waters as a new agitator in disguise, the "Contrarian" of the title (hoping that physical disguise and Avraal and Nincya's emphatic skills will protect him) to hopefully force some leaders of the revolutionaries to engage with his disguised persona, Steffan is quite frustrated until events start again happening at speed when the stuff of the blurb (the New Meritorists hijacking a naval cruiser with powerful guns capable of shelling both the Palace and the Council from Machtarn Harbor) starts and as usual Steffan and his somewhat unexpected commercer allies (Villem Baar and retired Admiral Konnigsburg) try to prevent disaster against official inertia and belief in the superiority of the navy against the rebel rabble...
And so it goes with events rolling and things happening until the very satisfying end which indeed reasonably solves the major storylines, while remaining open enough for the now more hopeful future of Guldor, though of course the Tribune presents its own version with the last editorial of the book, now called "The Improbably Questionable Councilor Dekkard"
One of the best trilogy endings I've read, Contrarian has all the stuff that made Isolate and Councilor such awesome books - intrigue, romance, assassinations and assassination attempts, naval action, powerful confrontations and of course the characters, Steffan, Avraal, Emrelda (who as a minor spoiler realizes on her own who had actually killed Pietro Venburg, the powerful corporate boss who had earlier given the order for the murder of her husband), Nincya whose skills grow considerably and are crucial in protecting Steffan and others, and the rest - Villem Baar whose wife Grettina is helped by Steffan and Avraal to get a position commensurate with her legalist skills becomes an ally and almost a true friend and of course we learn much about councilor and retired Admiral Konnisburg who despite his political differences with Steffan is on the same page regarding the security of Guldor and the corporate corruption that is the root cause of the current grave threats to it.
Overall excellent stuff and on par with the previous two volumes, so Contrarian will clearly be my top book of 2023
And so the novel starts with a Machtarn Tribune (the Guldor capital newspaper representing the corporations' interests) article titled "The Questionable Councilor Dekkard" in which his career to date is presented factually but in a very tendentious way verging on libelous, putting a negative spin on all his achievements from graduating from the Military Institute but going into security and "fulfilling his naval obligations without going to sea", to being selected as a councilor after "the first candidate died in a suspicious fire and the elected councilor died of a heart attack that some claim was foul play" to his "amazing" escape from the attack on the Council to pushing Ingrella for the seat of her late husband despite the wishes of other Craft Party officials and even alluding to Steffan being the son of immigrant parents and not having any tie with his district.
Well at least the last accusation is soon dispelled when visiting Gaarlak in the winter recess, Steffan and Avraal buy a nice and better-than-expected house there using Avraal's belated "dowry" from her parents (and of course in the next Tribune editorial on the theme of the now Highly Questionable Councilor Dekkard, the purchase is used as evidence of his nefariousness as in "who bought a house there that no one on his pay can afford, in solid marks, no less") which was a nice touch on the "gotcha" mentality of reporters in all times and places.
But the editorial is the least of Steffan's problems as in Gaarlak he has to gain the support of the local Craft notabilities, keep the allegiance of Gretna Haarl who after all engineered his selection against petty intrigues of Jens Seigryn, the local bigwig who was believed to have been Axel's choice for Councilor (and tool for the removal of elected Decaro, Axel's longtime enemy) and deal with said Jens machinations against him and potentially his life.
And of course, back in Machtarn, the new Premier Hasheem is cautious, Steffan has much less clout with him, and his investigations seem to have arrived at a standstill with the death of Minz and the refusal of Hasheem to investigate the origins of the explosives used by the revolutionaries.
So between tedious investigations of financial transactions with the help of the Guard Captain Trujillo who appreciated Steffan's help and warning about the New Meritorists and a new crazy idea of stirring the waters as a new agitator in disguise, the "Contrarian" of the title (hoping that physical disguise and Avraal and Nincya's emphatic skills will protect him) to hopefully force some leaders of the revolutionaries to engage with his disguised persona, Steffan is quite frustrated until events start again happening at speed when the stuff of the blurb (the New Meritorists hijacking a naval cruiser with powerful guns capable of shelling both the Palace and the Council from Machtarn Harbor) starts and as usual Steffan and his somewhat unexpected commercer allies (Villem Baar and retired Admiral Konnigsburg) try to prevent disaster against official inertia and belief in the superiority of the navy against the rebel rabble...
And so it goes with events rolling and things happening until the very satisfying end which indeed reasonably solves the major storylines, while remaining open enough for the now more hopeful future of Guldor, though of course the Tribune presents its own version with the last editorial of the book, now called "The Improbably Questionable Councilor Dekkard"
One of the best trilogy endings I've read, Contrarian has all the stuff that made Isolate and Councilor such awesome books - intrigue, romance, assassinations and assassination attempts, naval action, powerful confrontations and of course the characters, Steffan, Avraal, Emrelda (who as a minor spoiler realizes on her own who had actually killed Pietro Venburg, the powerful corporate boss who had earlier given the order for the murder of her husband), Nincya whose skills grow considerably and are crucial in protecting Steffan and others, and the rest - Villem Baar whose wife Grettina is helped by Steffan and Avraal to get a position commensurate with her legalist skills becomes an ally and almost a true friend and of course we learn much about councilor and retired Admiral Konnisburg who despite his political differences with Steffan is on the same page regarding the security of Guldor and the corporate corruption that is the root cause of the current grave threats to it.
Overall excellent stuff and on par with the previous two volumes, so Contrarian will clearly be my top book of 2023
December 7, 2023
‘The Grand Illusion’ series by L. E. Modesitt, Jr. was initiated with ‘Isolate’, continued with ‘Councilor’ and, here, concludes with ‘Contrarian’. There isn’t much point in reading ‘Contrarian’ unless you have first read the other two books as it won’t really standalone.
The background is a gaslight fantasy which means technology has reached steam power and society is going through an industrial revolution with all the trouble that entails. Workers are made unemployed by new machines and corporacions, as Modesitt calls them, are ruthless about increasing their profits, heedless of any social harm. The Craft Party represents guilds and workers more generally but for many years the Commerce Party controlled the government, supported by the Landor Party which guards the interests of the old landed aristocracy. The Commerce Party served the corporacions and corruption was rife. The rich get richer and the poor are getting poorer, surprise, surprise. But there was enough dissatisfaction afoot that the revolutionary New Meritorist movement is gaining support, assassinating Councilors and blowing up public buildings. Now, at last, the Craft Party has a majority and is in government.
As before, Stephan Dekkard is the main protagonist. He is now a Craft Party Councilor, junior in years and experience but with a reputation for getting things done. He has married Avraal, his former security comrade, and lives in a suburban house with her sister, Emrelda, now a widow. Every morning he gets up, breakfasts on coffee and a croissant full of quince paste and drives his steam-powered car to work at the council building. He is still investigating the New Meritorist revolutionary movement and trying to prove which corporacions provided them with help and financial backing for their attacks on the Council, one of which resulted in the death of his friend and mentor President Obreduur. Meanwhile, the economy is not in good shape and times are very hard for the poor people of Guldor. Food is expensive and there is looting of food markets, even riots. More people are homeless and it’s a cold winter. Dekker himself does not go hungry as the Council restaurant provides ample fare. He’s fond of three-cheese chicken but will sometimes have white bean soup. Modesitt continues to love describing menus.
He also loves to have his characters chatting about economics and politics, which they do with some erudition because of the author’s own experience in the field. However, there may be a limit to how much of this readers will take. In past fantasies, Modesitt has put the political musings into a traditional fantasy adventure story, albeit with human characters who have some special ability rather than dragons, gods or the more exotic trappings of the genre. Now the politics are to the fore. The only fantastic element in the story is the ability of empaths to sense the feelings of others and that’s not mentioned much. Like ‘Councilor’, this novel gives the reader a clear impression of the life of a politician: committee meetings, lunches, council meetings, meetings with individuals, conferences and lots of paperwork. But the life of a politician is not exciting and doesn’t make for a thrilling book.
The title is silly, too. For a brief, unbelievable few weeks, Dekkard decides that the political process is too slow and he will stir things up by starting another street movement. He goes to public squares wearing different clothes and a false beard and tries to stir people up with his Contrarian movement demanding fair wages and safe working practices. It’s out of character, doesn’t come to anything and ends up being pointless. Some editor at TOR should have advised Modesitt to cut it out and it definitely should not have made the title for the book.
After 400 pages, I was utterly bored with ‘Contrarian’ but a reviewer’s gotta do what a reviewer’s gotta do so I ploughed on and finished. All Modesitt’s books suffer somewhat from a sagging middle but often end well. This ended satisfactorily, if not in any spectacular fashion. It’s okay. As an allegory for many of the economic and political troubles facing the west today, it’s well thought out and intelligent with much to admire. As an escapist fantasy novel to read for entertainment, it’s a dud. His genuine concern for the state of his country and his desire to teach a better path has led the author astray. I share his sentiments, admire his values and love his blog but can’t recommend this book. Sorry.
The background is a gaslight fantasy which means technology has reached steam power and society is going through an industrial revolution with all the trouble that entails. Workers are made unemployed by new machines and corporacions, as Modesitt calls them, are ruthless about increasing their profits, heedless of any social harm. The Craft Party represents guilds and workers more generally but for many years the Commerce Party controlled the government, supported by the Landor Party which guards the interests of the old landed aristocracy. The Commerce Party served the corporacions and corruption was rife. The rich get richer and the poor are getting poorer, surprise, surprise. But there was enough dissatisfaction afoot that the revolutionary New Meritorist movement is gaining support, assassinating Councilors and blowing up public buildings. Now, at last, the Craft Party has a majority and is in government.
As before, Stephan Dekkard is the main protagonist. He is now a Craft Party Councilor, junior in years and experience but with a reputation for getting things done. He has married Avraal, his former security comrade, and lives in a suburban house with her sister, Emrelda, now a widow. Every morning he gets up, breakfasts on coffee and a croissant full of quince paste and drives his steam-powered car to work at the council building. He is still investigating the New Meritorist revolutionary movement and trying to prove which corporacions provided them with help and financial backing for their attacks on the Council, one of which resulted in the death of his friend and mentor President Obreduur. Meanwhile, the economy is not in good shape and times are very hard for the poor people of Guldor. Food is expensive and there is looting of food markets, even riots. More people are homeless and it’s a cold winter. Dekker himself does not go hungry as the Council restaurant provides ample fare. He’s fond of three-cheese chicken but will sometimes have white bean soup. Modesitt continues to love describing menus.
He also loves to have his characters chatting about economics and politics, which they do with some erudition because of the author’s own experience in the field. However, there may be a limit to how much of this readers will take. In past fantasies, Modesitt has put the political musings into a traditional fantasy adventure story, albeit with human characters who have some special ability rather than dragons, gods or the more exotic trappings of the genre. Now the politics are to the fore. The only fantastic element in the story is the ability of empaths to sense the feelings of others and that’s not mentioned much. Like ‘Councilor’, this novel gives the reader a clear impression of the life of a politician: committee meetings, lunches, council meetings, meetings with individuals, conferences and lots of paperwork. But the life of a politician is not exciting and doesn’t make for a thrilling book.
The title is silly, too. For a brief, unbelievable few weeks, Dekkard decides that the political process is too slow and he will stir things up by starting another street movement. He goes to public squares wearing different clothes and a false beard and tries to stir people up with his Contrarian movement demanding fair wages and safe working practices. It’s out of character, doesn’t come to anything and ends up being pointless. Some editor at TOR should have advised Modesitt to cut it out and it definitely should not have made the title for the book.
After 400 pages, I was utterly bored with ‘Contrarian’ but a reviewer’s gotta do what a reviewer’s gotta do so I ploughed on and finished. All Modesitt’s books suffer somewhat from a sagging middle but often end well. This ended satisfactorily, if not in any spectacular fashion. It’s okay. As an allegory for many of the economic and political troubles facing the west today, it’s well thought out and intelligent with much to admire. As an escapist fantasy novel to read for entertainment, it’s a dud. His genuine concern for the state of his country and his desire to teach a better path has led the author astray. I share his sentiments, admire his values and love his blog but can’t recommend this book. Sorry.
October 12, 2023
# The Grand Illusion: Contrarian
Well back for part three, and I’m thinking this is going to be the end of the series, but who knows. All I know is that it’s a big slimmer compared to the previous two books. We get our cast back and it starts out with the riveting events of….Home Buying! I’m being facetious, but the story actually does start with Dekkard and the lovely Avraal doing some house hunting since they need to be close to their new positions, and damn I love it. I unironically love it. The best moments between these characters are just them living their lives in this gaslamp city. It’s winter time this go round and the warm cozies are felt. The the political machicnations continue as after the bombing of the counsel building, they now are trying to find out who it was, and where’d they get the resources for it. So in between going around trying to settle on a place they’re trying to get to the bottom of the murder of Obredor.
What I’m liking about this book is this sort of ‘who done it’ of Dekkard and Avraal trying to get to the bottom of how the Meritorists are being funded, meanwhile, this undercover persona that he’s trying to foster and him adopting this persona of the “Contrarian” to…stir up civilian protests or find out what people are saying on the streets… Actually I’m not sure what the point of this was..there was actually no pay off to it..
Also, side tangent, I saw a review from someone bemoaning that Dekkard is emasculated and submits and bows to any woman he come across. That he plays second fiddle to Avraal and just follows her lead everytime. While I can *almost* agree that Dekkard is a bit.. submissive at times, I think it’d be entirely foolish NOT to listen and heed the advice of someone who’s a powerful empath. Seems like a skill that would be stupid to ignore.
What I feel like the book falls flat on is relating the social downfall of the corporacions push for more and more greed. It’s briefly mentioned here and there and we get obviously the Contrarian subparty movement, but I’d like to have seen a great emphasis on the hardships that everyday people are facing. I just feel like the book set up the trial..the contrarian movement..and none of it really went anywhere, there didn’t seem to be any resolution to any of it. If there was..maybe I missed it..but there didn’t seem to be any finality. Except Garrol, and her empath abilities I didn’t see any movement. We learn that Dekkard can be projecting some of his feelings onto others..but that also doesn’t go anywhere. This feels like a great setup for the actual last book. The middle and end sort of dragged, and while I found the court room proceedings mildly interesting it never reached a head. I love a good slow burn…but it has to burn to a point in which things occur. This just fizzled. The last few pages literally could have been dropped into the middle of the book It just stops.
I enjoyed being the the world.. but the story told and it’s beats just were all empty for me. I felt like a lot was hinging on what was happening, only for the author to just ultimately say “well you probably won’t want to hear more, so I’ll just stop here”. He spends so much damn time talking about Dekkard’s breakfast and parking the grisolm, that the resolution to the story, or satisfying payoffs are just left out.
Well back for part three, and I’m thinking this is going to be the end of the series, but who knows. All I know is that it’s a big slimmer compared to the previous two books. We get our cast back and it starts out with the riveting events of….Home Buying! I’m being facetious, but the story actually does start with Dekkard and the lovely Avraal doing some house hunting since they need to be close to their new positions, and damn I love it. I unironically love it. The best moments between these characters are just them living their lives in this gaslamp city. It’s winter time this go round and the warm cozies are felt. The the political machicnations continue as after the bombing of the counsel building, they now are trying to find out who it was, and where’d they get the resources for it. So in between going around trying to settle on a place they’re trying to get to the bottom of the murder of Obredor.
What I’m liking about this book is this sort of ‘who done it’ of Dekkard and Avraal trying to get to the bottom of how the Meritorists are being funded, meanwhile, this undercover persona that he’s trying to foster and him adopting this persona of the “Contrarian” to…stir up civilian protests or find out what people are saying on the streets… Actually I’m not sure what the point of this was..there was actually no pay off to it..
Also, side tangent, I saw a review from someone bemoaning that Dekkard is emasculated and submits and bows to any woman he come across. That he plays second fiddle to Avraal and just follows her lead everytime. While I can *almost* agree that Dekkard is a bit.. submissive at times, I think it’d be entirely foolish NOT to listen and heed the advice of someone who’s a powerful empath. Seems like a skill that would be stupid to ignore.
What I feel like the book falls flat on is relating the social downfall of the corporacions push for more and more greed. It’s briefly mentioned here and there and we get obviously the Contrarian subparty movement, but I’d like to have seen a great emphasis on the hardships that everyday people are facing. I just feel like the book set up the trial..the contrarian movement..and none of it really went anywhere, there didn’t seem to be any resolution to any of it. If there was..maybe I missed it..but there didn’t seem to be any finality. Except Garrol, and her empath abilities I didn’t see any movement. We learn that Dekkard can be projecting some of his feelings onto others..but that also doesn’t go anywhere. This feels like a great setup for the actual last book. The middle and end sort of dragged, and while I found the court room proceedings mildly interesting it never reached a head. I love a good slow burn…but it has to burn to a point in which things occur. This just fizzled. The last few pages literally could have been dropped into the middle of the book It just stops.
I enjoyed being the the world.. but the story told and it’s beats just were all empty for me. I felt like a lot was hinging on what was happening, only for the author to just ultimately say “well you probably won’t want to hear more, so I’ll just stop here”. He spends so much damn time talking about Dekkard’s breakfast and parking the grisolm, that the resolution to the story, or satisfying payoffs are just left out.
January 6, 2024
Giving the latest book from The Grand Illusion series a 3/5 stars feels harsher than it should be. I would put my personal rating in the high 3s, 3.8ish? Overall, the biggest obstacle for this book being marked higher is the fact that the book introduced some ideas that could have been further explored or been more meaningful for the story. There is still so much in the series that I enjoy; the characters continue to be interesting, the social-political ideas are still churning, and there is a big ol' conspiracy to unravel, but I was disappointed that some of those pieces introduced didn't seem to pan out in a meaningful way.
Building from my review of the prior book, it was nice to see Dekkard get some time in the district he is representing. With all the references to "It would be nice if you were here more..." from the previous book, it was nice to see that being addressed, if only so we didn't have to read more letters from people complaining he wasn't visiting.
The characters are still interesting, with the empaths taking a bit more of a center stage as having other useful skills besides just death-emoting assasinating people. Having Dekkard's assistant work on her abilities, describing how she "sees" emotions and how that is visualized was interesting. Suggesting that empaths may not see their abilities in the same way was a nice distinction from "Do you feel any emotions from that person? Yes...anger/sad/happy/nervous"
My largest gripe with the series so far is the title of the book. Contrarian. Essentially, later in the story, Dekkard dresses up as a "definitely not-Dekkard" persona, goes to different parts of town, sits around, and schools people about why the other 2 political groups aren't as good as the Crafters, encouraging them to be Contrarians. This. Goes. NOWHERE! The books explains that he is trying to begin a group that can oppose the pressures of the New Meritorists. After he does his shtick a few times, it is mentioned ONCE by another member of the government that there is a new small group of people calling themselves Contrarians that the government is monitoring. It is never brought up again. I thought this would be something that would stir the pot a bit, especially given Dekkard's role in the current government. Maybe something where he starts a group of scrappy new characters who are able to thwart the New Meritorists' agenda, against all odds! But no, just a cool idea he had once, did a few "Howdy folks, wanna talk government?", and then goes back to thinking hard about the social and political difficulties of the world.
Last thing: Is Modesitt Jr. ever going to explain why Dekkard sees all the little lights on people's faces when they die? Still looking for that one...
Building from my review of the prior book, it was nice to see Dekkard get some time in the district he is representing. With all the references to "It would be nice if you were here more..." from the previous book, it was nice to see that being addressed, if only so we didn't have to read more letters from people complaining he wasn't visiting.
The characters are still interesting, with the empaths taking a bit more of a center stage as having other useful skills besides just death-emoting assasinating people. Having Dekkard's assistant work on her abilities, describing how she "sees" emotions and how that is visualized was interesting. Suggesting that empaths may not see their abilities in the same way was a nice distinction from "Do you feel any emotions from that person? Yes...anger/sad/happy/nervous"
My largest gripe with the series so far is the title of the book. Contrarian. Essentially, later in the story, Dekkard dresses up as a "definitely not-Dekkard" persona, goes to different parts of town, sits around, and schools people about why the other 2 political groups aren't as good as the Crafters, encouraging them to be Contrarians. This. Goes. NOWHERE! The books explains that he is trying to begin a group that can oppose the pressures of the New Meritorists. After he does his shtick a few times, it is mentioned ONCE by another member of the government that there is a new small group of people calling themselves Contrarians that the government is monitoring. It is never brought up again. I thought this would be something that would stir the pot a bit, especially given Dekkard's role in the current government. Maybe something where he starts a group of scrappy new characters who are able to thwart the New Meritorists' agenda, against all odds! But no, just a cool idea he had once, did a few "Howdy folks, wanna talk government?", and then goes back to thinking hard about the social and political difficulties of the world.
Last thing: Is Modesitt Jr. ever going to explain why Dekkard sees all the little lights on people's faces when they die? Still looking for that one...
June 7, 2025
L. E. Modesitt Jr. (https://www.lemodesittjr.com) is the author of more than 90 novels. Contrarian was published in 2023 and is the third book in his Grand Illusion series. It is the 37th book I completed reading in 2025.
I received an ARC of this book through https://www.netgalley.com with the expectation of a fair and honest review. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own! Due to some minor violence, I categorize this novel as PG.
This book continues the saga of Steffan Dekkard and his wife, Avraal Ysella-Dekkard. He is an Isolate, a man invulnerable to the emotional manipulations and emotional surveillance of empaths. She is a strong empath. They had been a security team working for Council Premier Obreduur.
When an opening appears in the Council of Sixty-Six, the body which governs the country of Guldor, Dekkard is unexpectedly appointed as a replacement. Steffan and Avraal are married and begin life together as a Councilor. Shortly after, Premier Obreduur is killed in an attack on the Council chambers.
Steffan and Avraal must survive new attacks, both physical and editorial, as he tries to make a difference in the Council. The couple travels to his district in Gaarlack mixing with the residents. They are also able to purchase a home there to satisfy residency requirements.
Returning to Machtarn, Steffan resumes his Councilor duties. He convinces the new Premier, Fredrich Hasheem, to let him hold hearings to investigate recent attacks on the Council. The powerful corporacions [language in the novel] in Guldor oppose him and are willing to go to any length to end the hearings. Making matters worse is the threat to Machtarn from the I.S. Khuld, a light cruiser that has gone rogue.
Steffan must walk a careful path as he maneuvers within the Council. Both the Landor Party and Commerce Party oppose him. Fortunately, Steffan’s Craft Party has recently achieved a leadership role in the Council, giving him room to take action. Without the empath skills of his wife and security aid Nincya Gaaroll, Steffan would be easy prey.
I enjoyed the 20+ hours I spent reading this 616-page fantasy. While this novel has little action, it is full of political intrigue. I have had the opportunity to read eight other enjoyable novels by Mr. Modesitt. Those are The Mongrel Mage, Outcasts of Order, Endgames, The Fire-Mage War, Fairhaven Rising, Isolate, Councilor, and From the Forest. I give this novel a rating of 4 out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
I received an ARC of this book through https://www.netgalley.com with the expectation of a fair and honest review. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own! Due to some minor violence, I categorize this novel as PG.
This book continues the saga of Steffan Dekkard and his wife, Avraal Ysella-Dekkard. He is an Isolate, a man invulnerable to the emotional manipulations and emotional surveillance of empaths. She is a strong empath. They had been a security team working for Council Premier Obreduur.
When an opening appears in the Council of Sixty-Six, the body which governs the country of Guldor, Dekkard is unexpectedly appointed as a replacement. Steffan and Avraal are married and begin life together as a Councilor. Shortly after, Premier Obreduur is killed in an attack on the Council chambers.
Steffan and Avraal must survive new attacks, both physical and editorial, as he tries to make a difference in the Council. The couple travels to his district in Gaarlack mixing with the residents. They are also able to purchase a home there to satisfy residency requirements.
Returning to Machtarn, Steffan resumes his Councilor duties. He convinces the new Premier, Fredrich Hasheem, to let him hold hearings to investigate recent attacks on the Council. The powerful corporacions [language in the novel] in Guldor oppose him and are willing to go to any length to end the hearings. Making matters worse is the threat to Machtarn from the I.S. Khuld, a light cruiser that has gone rogue.
Steffan must walk a careful path as he maneuvers within the Council. Both the Landor Party and Commerce Party oppose him. Fortunately, Steffan’s Craft Party has recently achieved a leadership role in the Council, giving him room to take action. Without the empath skills of his wife and security aid Nincya Gaaroll, Steffan would be easy prey.
I enjoyed the 20+ hours I spent reading this 616-page fantasy. While this novel has little action, it is full of political intrigue. I have had the opportunity to read eight other enjoyable novels by Mr. Modesitt. Those are The Mongrel Mage, Outcasts of Order, Endgames, The Fire-Mage War, Fairhaven Rising, Isolate, Councilor, and From the Forest. I give this novel a rating of 4 out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
September 18, 2024
This is the last in the grand illusion series, and it wraps up a few loose ends, but lots of work is still to be done in Guldor to get the country back on track and really observe the Great Charter. It is political commentary in a fantasy setting. The biased media, in the book’s case The Machtarn Tribune, is a great example of using the facts in a way that misleads their readers. All the allusions in their articles create an illusion of reality that just isn’t so. When I was teaching a section on propaganda in my high school English classes, one of the lessons I gave my students was to write a biased report using the facts, either pro or con, regarding an event at a fictional college. It was instructive to them on a couple of levels, but the main goal was to teach them to read with a questioning mind and to realize that figures lie, and liars figure. Modesitt makes the point.
This book examines the complexities of change when dealing with laws, lawmakers, and those who influence the lawmakers. It’s a process that takes time, is often resisted by those in power, and requires persistence and patience as well as some danger of losing one’s position and ability to make any meaningful changes. Recognize that all this is done in a fictional setting, so the characters and their interactions make for interesting reading, but the underlying themes are evident.
The author moves that story along at a decent pace, but it is not an action novel. There are points of intensity, such as assassination attempts, riots, and a stolen naval vessel and its actions. Dekkard’s attempts to reverse Guldor’s corruption are met with obstructions of various kinds, but his efforts ultimately bring some things to light that make a difference. As stated above, the ending is careful to show that there is more work to be done, but there is hope that the new trend will continue.
It’s long, 751 pages, but the characters are engaging, and their conversations and actions are salted with humor and good-natured jibes. Stephan and Avraal are a good pair; Emrelda and Nincya offer some interesting observations. The Premier and the Council Guard captain along with a few other Councilors make up those who are major secondary characters. It’s an easy read with a good story that has themes that are relevant, and I enjoyed it.
This book examines the complexities of change when dealing with laws, lawmakers, and those who influence the lawmakers. It’s a process that takes time, is often resisted by those in power, and requires persistence and patience as well as some danger of losing one’s position and ability to make any meaningful changes. Recognize that all this is done in a fictional setting, so the characters and their interactions make for interesting reading, but the underlying themes are evident.
The author moves that story along at a decent pace, but it is not an action novel. There are points of intensity, such as assassination attempts, riots, and a stolen naval vessel and its actions. Dekkard’s attempts to reverse Guldor’s corruption are met with obstructions of various kinds, but his efforts ultimately bring some things to light that make a difference. As stated above, the ending is careful to show that there is more work to be done, but there is hope that the new trend will continue.
It’s long, 751 pages, but the characters are engaging, and their conversations and actions are salted with humor and good-natured jibes. Stephan and Avraal are a good pair; Emrelda and Nincya offer some interesting observations. The Premier and the Council Guard captain along with a few other Councilors make up those who are major secondary characters. It’s an easy read with a good story that has themes that are relevant, and I enjoyed it.
September 1, 2023
In the dystopian world of Contrarian, the situation is worsening. The people are struggling to survive poverty and unemployment, and their frustration has led to violent protests that have now escalated into armed riots.
The government is struggling to maintain control while dealing with corruption and conspiracy that has plagued it for years. Despite the mounting challenges, Steffan Dekkard, the first Isolate Councilor elected to the Council of Sixty-Six, is dealing with the crisis.
Dekkard knows that he has his work cut out for him. He must navigate political infighting, assassination attempts, and the recent bombing of the Council Office Building by insurrectionists. The assassination of his patron, the Premier of the Council, has left him with little first-hand political experience and few political allies.
To make matters worse, the insurrectionists have received weapons and explosives from high-ranking government officials and corporations. The situation has now reached a critical point, with the insurrectionists having taken over a naval cruiser that no one seems to be able to locate.
Dekkard understands the importance of acting quickly to bring peace and stability to Contrarian. He is under immense pressure to find a solution to the crisis, and failure is not an option. Despite the odds against him, he remains committed to his mission, knowing that the people of Contrarian are counting on him.
As the days pass, the situation becomes increasingly volatile and dangerous. Dekkard must use all of his skills and resources to bring the situation under control. The fate of Contrarian rests in his hands, and he is determined to rise to the challenge and lead his nation out of its current state of chaos.
In the end, only time will tell whether Steffan Dekkard will be successful in his mission. But one thing is for sure: the people of Contrarian are looking to him for leadership and guidance, and he will not let them down. Contrarian is a prime example of a fantastical lens used to understand politics.
The government is struggling to maintain control while dealing with corruption and conspiracy that has plagued it for years. Despite the mounting challenges, Steffan Dekkard, the first Isolate Councilor elected to the Council of Sixty-Six, is dealing with the crisis.
Dekkard knows that he has his work cut out for him. He must navigate political infighting, assassination attempts, and the recent bombing of the Council Office Building by insurrectionists. The assassination of his patron, the Premier of the Council, has left him with little first-hand political experience and few political allies.
To make matters worse, the insurrectionists have received weapons and explosives from high-ranking government officials and corporations. The situation has now reached a critical point, with the insurrectionists having taken over a naval cruiser that no one seems to be able to locate.
Dekkard understands the importance of acting quickly to bring peace and stability to Contrarian. He is under immense pressure to find a solution to the crisis, and failure is not an option. Despite the odds against him, he remains committed to his mission, knowing that the people of Contrarian are counting on him.
As the days pass, the situation becomes increasingly volatile and dangerous. Dekkard must use all of his skills and resources to bring the situation under control. The fate of Contrarian rests in his hands, and he is determined to rise to the challenge and lead his nation out of its current state of chaos.
In the end, only time will tell whether Steffan Dekkard will be successful in his mission. But one thing is for sure: the people of Contrarian are looking to him for leadership and guidance, and he will not let them down. Contrarian is a prime example of a fantastical lens used to understand politics.
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August 20, 2023In Contrarian by L.E. Modesitt Jr., the author has created a phenomenal political intrigue with his continuation of The Grand Design. L.E. Modesitt Jr. has brought the trilogy to a stunning ending that wraps up many of the main storylines from the previous two books. Contrarian continues the legal and political intrigues of the previous novels with a build in the conflict that engages readers and keeps me intrigued throughout.
I also love the main characters, Steffan and Avraal. They are written with complexity and the dynamic between them is loving. I like how realistic their relationship is portrayed in the book. I also appreciated how Steffan’s abilities are explained and grow in this novel. While those abilities don’t always take center stage, they are explored well. I also enjoy that this book wraps up the plot from the previous books but there is room for more to be done in this universe.
I also like the dynamics and the politics among the Council. This is very much a spotlight on how American politics work and sometimes don’t work. The author creates a compelling novel that explores what is currently happening in our nation today and while this is fiction, it does develop some ideas that our current leaders could use. I love how the legalities and politics are developed and how much it reminds me of how politics should work, to the betterment of the people.
If you like novels of political intrigue with subtle magic like Empaths and Isolates, this is the novel for you. It has phenomenal political intrigue set in a fabulous fictional world. I do recommend reading the first two books as there is much referenced in this novel from the previous two. It draws the trilogy to a wonderful and successful conclusion that will leave readers satisfied.
I also love the main characters, Steffan and Avraal. They are written with complexity and the dynamic between them is loving. I like how realistic their relationship is portrayed in the book. I also appreciated how Steffan’s abilities are explained and grow in this novel. While those abilities don’t always take center stage, they are explored well. I also enjoy that this book wraps up the plot from the previous books but there is room for more to be done in this universe.
I also like the dynamics and the politics among the Council. This is very much a spotlight on how American politics work and sometimes don’t work. The author creates a compelling novel that explores what is currently happening in our nation today and while this is fiction, it does develop some ideas that our current leaders could use. I love how the legalities and politics are developed and how much it reminds me of how politics should work, to the betterment of the people.
If you like novels of political intrigue with subtle magic like Empaths and Isolates, this is the novel for you. It has phenomenal political intrigue set in a fabulous fictional world. I do recommend reading the first two books as there is much referenced in this novel from the previous two. It draws the trilogy to a wonderful and successful conclusion that will leave readers satisfied.
August 26, 2023
"Gaslamp political fantasy" is a good characterization. There are hints that the book is placed on another planet (white sun, greenish sky) but this has no effect on the story. Even the existence of empaths (and isolates and susceptibles) could be removed without changing the story much. What is left is a society - not ours, but recognizable - trying to find its balance in a modernizing age.
The structure in which the story is embedded becomes annoying after a while. Every morning we are told what day it is. Every mid-day we are told what the protagonist has for lunch. Every evening we are told what he has for supper. I can see why the author might have done this: Much of the important plot advancement proceeds at the blinding pace of committee meetings.
The 'Contrarian' subplot is wasted. Or, to put a positive spin on it, it represents a different book that the author chose not to write. The book he did write would not be much different without the Contrarian.
And yet, three books after the start of the trilogy, it was worth reading. The pages kept turning. The author is doing something difficult - portraying people who are fighting a political battle for incremental change - and he doesn't cheat. (Well, okay, he cheats a bit. The lawyers keep turning up obscure-but-useful laws that just happen to fit the circumstances perfectly.)
The structure in which the story is embedded becomes annoying after a while. Every morning we are told what day it is. Every mid-day we are told what the protagonist has for lunch. Every evening we are told what he has for supper. I can see why the author might have done this: Much of the important plot advancement proceeds at the blinding pace of committee meetings.
The 'Contrarian' subplot is wasted. Or, to put a positive spin on it, it represents a different book that the author chose not to write. The book he did write would not be much different without the Contrarian.
And yet, three books after the start of the trilogy, it was worth reading. The pages kept turning. The author is doing something difficult - portraying people who are fighting a political battle for incremental change - and he doesn't cheat. (Well, okay, he cheats a bit. The lawyers keep turning up obscure-but-useful laws that just happen to fit the circumstances perfectly.)
August 25, 2023
The best part of this book were the thought provoking comments about the sometimes unseen consequences of politics in the world. I think that Modesitt is drawing heavily on his background in politics to illustrate the risks of different things on a representative government. Too much big business influencing the government? Check. Too much of a destructive rebel party led by well-educated elites who don't have the great jobs they think they deserve? Check. Problems with the military industrial complex being led by incompetents? Check.... Self-serving politicians more interested with gathering power than adequately governing their nation? Check. Thought provoking....
The rest of the story....please....no. Steffan Dekkard is perhaps the final emasculation of male characters by Modesitt. Dekkard is a man who spends constantly denigrates himself to every female character that he interacts with. Truly...the ultimate feminist and it just doesn't match with any military academy graduate I've ever known. And the condescension of the wife, her sister and others is pretty remarkable. Ask yourself this....if the roles were reversed would you be comfortable with it?? Steffan's wife, Avraal and Ingrella Obreduur are intelligent, powerful women who only seem to show up now and then to give sage advice or provide life-saving support to keep Steffan alive. They are too smart to be so condescending.
I am glad this series is over because the plodding, heavy-handed plot just ruined what could have been an otherwise very interesting piece of introspection. Modesitt has fallen far from the well-balanced characters of Adiamante.
The rest of the story....please....no. Steffan Dekkard is perhaps the final emasculation of male characters by Modesitt. Dekkard is a man who spends constantly denigrates himself to every female character that he interacts with. Truly...the ultimate feminist and it just doesn't match with any military academy graduate I've ever known. And the condescension of the wife, her sister and others is pretty remarkable. Ask yourself this....if the roles were reversed would you be comfortable with it?? Steffan's wife, Avraal and Ingrella Obreduur are intelligent, powerful women who only seem to show up now and then to give sage advice or provide life-saving support to keep Steffan alive. They are too smart to be so condescending.
I am glad this series is over because the plodding, heavy-handed plot just ruined what could have been an otherwise very interesting piece of introspection. Modesitt has fallen far from the well-balanced characters of Adiamante.
August 29, 2023
This is the third book in the Grand Illusion fantasy series, continuing the adventures of Dekkard, now a councilor. I found it timely and satisfying to read about a politician fighting corruption and other abuses of power. Indeed, I found this a thoroughly enjoyable book.
That said, it contains neither dragons, nor knights, nor spells. The fantasy content is low, essentially limited to the existence of empaths and a few people -- isolates -- whose emotions empaths can't read. Considerably more pages cover Dekkard's time serving on a political committee than feature action sequences. Modesitt's writing style is plain, the pace considered rather than speedy. I understand why some readers might be underwhelmed, but I liked this a lot.
Four out of five isolate stars.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
That said, it contains neither dragons, nor knights, nor spells. The fantasy content is low, essentially limited to the existence of empaths and a few people -- isolates -- whose emotions empaths can't read. Considerably more pages cover Dekkard's time serving on a political committee than feature action sequences. Modesitt's writing style is plain, the pace considered rather than speedy. I understand why some readers might be underwhelmed, but I liked this a lot.
Four out of five isolate stars.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
August 21, 2023
Contrarian Concepts Indeed
This novel, unlike many other Modesitt novels, had very little action. Instead the story was built around everyday activities, including detailed descriptions of meals, conversations, and interactions between players designed to build more and more depth of character to our heros.
A great deal of political thought was expressed in the story, reminding me of a Robert Heinlein novel. I am unsure if the novel needed to be this dense or not, but I found myself dreading tbe approach of the end of the story.
I wish that more of Dekkard’s abilities were explored in the story. It seemed there were endless setups embedded in the story to do so, do, yet those setups remain unconsummated.
All I can say Mr. Modesitt is, there better be a fourth book in this series!
This novel, unlike many other Modesitt novels, had very little action. Instead the story was built around everyday activities, including detailed descriptions of meals, conversations, and interactions between players designed to build more and more depth of character to our heros.
A great deal of political thought was expressed in the story, reminding me of a Robert Heinlein novel. I am unsure if the novel needed to be this dense or not, but I found myself dreading tbe approach of the end of the story.
I wish that more of Dekkard’s abilities were explored in the story. It seemed there were endless setups embedded in the story to do so, do, yet those setups remain unconsummated.
All I can say Mr. Modesitt is, there better be a fourth book in this series!
November 18, 2023
I think that my favourite part of the book is Steffan Dekkard. I like that he is a politician not afraid to follow his moral beliefs and ethics. Maybe I like the fact that a politician seems to be following a higher standard instead of the lowest acceptable standard, which is even lower than typical society standard because no one expects politicians to even be honest.
Being mired in some kind of bureaucracy for my whole career has lowered my expectations so far that Steffan seems to be a fantasy, which I guess this book actually is.
I enjoy that this author makes his worlds a bit more primitive than our own. It is curious to see worlds where maybe commerce is not so important and where the environment is more important. Though maybe a bit of wishful thinking, I like that it is made as realistic as possible, where money and power are still sources of conflict.
Being mired in some kind of bureaucracy for my whole career has lowered my expectations so far that Steffan seems to be a fantasy, which I guess this book actually is.
I enjoy that this author makes his worlds a bit more primitive than our own. It is curious to see worlds where maybe commerce is not so important and where the environment is more important. Though maybe a bit of wishful thinking, I like that it is made as realistic as possible, where money and power are still sources of conflict.
October 3, 2023
My favorite author is L. E. Modesitt Jr. His Grand Illusion trilogy which takes place in a pre world War I simplified England with a unicameral legislature and empaths, has come to a conclusion. Steffan Dekkard is an Isolate (paper) immune to empathic pressure. Originally a guard to a powerful Councilor (paper), he is appointed to the Council of 66, and gets a security bill passed that angers the heads of a few corrupt industrialists. When the Council is attacked, first with bombs, and then by a stolen naval warship, Steffen, and his wife, must use his Contrarian (hard from TOR) nature to help create a subcommittee to investigate the attacks on Council, and by heading it, expose the plots that are hurting his country. A dry but enjoyable tale, without a lot of action.
December 26, 2023
I've no idea what people would rate this series as an entry point to Modesitt's works but I finished the series despite all that I find wrong with it. If nothing else the series drastically improved after the plodding slog that was book 1. However a torturously detailed and largely irrelevant recounting of every part of our protagonists morning ritual and day to day activities as a politician is very explicitly what this series is about. Modesitt is incredibly preachy in a book that is immensely political but I don't think there was ever any intention that it should be otherwise. I really find it annoying that ever single thing has a stupid name because a car can't just be a car, it has to be a steamer and we all drink cafe in the morning.
December 9, 2024
I didn't like it as much as the first two which I loved (two of my fav of favs). I think it boiled down to the main character's Mary Sueness. It was also present in the first two but seemed dialed up to 11 in this one. Also, the side plot/tangent? of the Contrarian seemed pointless and ill-thought-out for a character who prided himself on logical choices. I did enjoy seeing more of the personality and interactions between Dekkard, Avril, and Emerlada, heck even Nikka. They seemed more like people who lived and liked each other than manner-bound acquaintances. I'm probably picker than I would be if I didn't love the first two so much. However, I can't wait to read the next one!
December 28, 2024
Steffan Dekkard, appointed Councilor from Gaarlak, has his work cut out for him. He needs to track down who supplied explosives and funds to the New Meritorists that killed his mentor and the first Craft Premier while he barely escaped. He also has to manage to put together a group of like-minded councilors to pass needed legislation so that new insurrectionist do not sprout up. And then there are the large corporations flouting the Great Charter and the Council that need to be investigated. So will Steffan and his cohort of companions survive, much less prevail? Read and find out!
A nice wrap-up volume for the series while leaving an opening for further volumes.
A nice wrap-up volume for the series while leaving an opening for further volumes.
November 2, 2023
A continuation of the story of Steffan and Avraal as they continue to uncover conspiracies and save the known universe -- or at least their country. In this one, he heads a subcommittee that investigates where the terrorists got their explosives by looking at corporations who think they're inviolate.
It's the usual Modesitt look at things behind the scenes, as well as his overwritten details. For instance, who needs to know what everyone at a table orders for every meal? Still, those of us who enjoy his detailed worlds and stories put up with too much because the rest is fun.
It's the usual Modesitt look at things behind the scenes, as well as his overwritten details. For instance, who needs to know what everyone at a table orders for every meal? Still, those of us who enjoy his detailed worlds and stories put up with too much because the rest is fun.
September 26, 2024
Hard to describe exactly what I like about this book the most, even the series at large really. This is probably a terrible explanation, but I enjoyed the muted feeling and quiet spoken cast. I felt like I was reading masterpiece theater. While no where near the explosive action of other stories, it brought a great sense of intrigue. If you want over the top silliness, this is not the book. If you enjoy imagining a world of order with surreptitious machinations lurking in the shadows while keeping the adrenaline rush low, this might be the book series for you.
January 19, 2025
So much world building. Too much extra stuff, like various restaurants that are better then others, helping Gaaroll improve her skills, but that improvement didn’t seem germane to the story. Nor did Avraal and Emrelda’s relationship with their parents affect anything.
The ending of the book dragged on, as if he really wanted to set it up for another book, but couldn’t quite figure out how.
That said, the reading was enjoyable, as all of the author’s books are, and it went swiftly until the last 10 to 20 pages.
The ending of the book dragged on, as if he really wanted to set it up for another book, but couldn’t quite figure out how.
That said, the reading was enjoyable, as all of the author’s books are, and it went swiftly until the last 10 to 20 pages.
August 28, 2023
An exciting end to the Grand Illusion trilogy
All I can really say is that I hope Sr. Modesitt deems the world of Guldor worth revisiting as much as he has Recluse. I have no idea how he makes the day-to-day details of Steffan and Avraal's political lives so thrilling - even when they're not eluding assassination attempts - but I will happily pick up another in this series should it ever come about.
All I can really say is that I hope Sr. Modesitt deems the world of Guldor worth revisiting as much as he has Recluse. I have no idea how he makes the day-to-day details of Steffan and Avraal's political lives so thrilling - even when they're not eluding assassination attempts - but I will happily pick up another in this series should it ever come about.
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