L.E. Modesitt Jr. discussion

Hi, I’m Lynn, the moderator. Welcome to L.E. Modesitt Jr. discussion group. This is the first group I’ve started and since I’m new to forums it is a huge step for me. So why did I take that leap and start a group?

Well, I searched and search looking for a place to discuss one of my favorite authors. All my efforts came up empty.

“How can this be possible?” I asked myself. “Lee is a master of his craft. I know he has fans. Why isn’t there a place to reminisce?” So I took the plunge. Now there is a place.

For those of you who have been invited here by a friend and aren’t yet familiar with his work, let me give you the low down on Mr. Modesitt:

To me, Authors are artist. Artist can fit into somewhat interchangeable categories. Let's take vocal artists, for instance.

You have country singers. Now some of them can really carry a tune, others, not so much. But they usually have a good beat and something within their often mis-rhymed lines that really pulls you into the song. Country can make you laugh or get misty-eyed or sometimes just shake your head at the ridiculousness of it all.

Then you have the rock stars. These guys are the heavy hitters. Their message is strong, forceful. They are striking out! Stating a cause! Proudly standing for what they believe... AAAARRRRRHHH!

I won’t tire you with describing all the genres of the musical world; there would be blues, rap, pop and so much more. I’ll get to the point:

Among us we have a few Opera stars. These are the extremely talented and supremely trained vocal artist. To some the detail of the journey they take us on may induce a relaxed state from which a snore may arise (I can name a few authors, can you?). But no one can deny the masterfulness with which these song artist display their craft. The length with which they can carry their perfect pitch. The strength of their voice...
I think we can all agree that L.E. Modesitt Jr. belongs to this group.

Rethinking this just now, I believe L.E. has masterfully combined many of these groups. I've read many authors who may fit into the Opera category: after 8 or 9 books you start to get that opera glaze to your eyes. But Lee has overcome this barrier. See Recluse post for details.

Can you believe I’ll nattered on for this long? Now it’s your turn. Introduce yourselves and place another favorite author in a category. (please feel free to make new ones, I’ll add them here.)

If you are an author, don’t forget to share where you’d place yourself!

I've been reading Modesitt's books since I first read "The Fires of Paratime' in the 70's, I think. I believe I have all of his books now, too.

Do you have another favorite author that fits in a musical category?

I'll go first:

Melanie Rawn, author or Dragon Prince is another of my favs. I would say that is is more of a...

Are Michael Bolton and Enya pop? If so then, Melanie would definitely be Pop. Her stories are intense and heart jerking like Bolton but also there is a basic humanness to then reminiscent of Enya.

As an author I'd rank myself firmly in the Country category. My favorite review stated; "A fairytale for adults," another, "... a fun book that doesn't take itself too seriously." Definitely country all the way!

Why does everyone ask for just one? That's unfair! I can never think of just one.
;-)

The Changeling & Madwand by Roger Zelazny both feature a wizard who makes magic with his guitar, so I'm pretty sure you'll like them.

The Spell Singer novels by Alan Dean Foster feature Jon Tom who sings his magic with a duar (I think - it's been a while). Mudge is lots of fun. Foster isn't a top notch author, but he is a fun, quick read. I think there are 7 books in the series. They may be considered YA. I know my daughter loved them.

Janny Wurts has Arithon, the main character of her epic series that starts with The Curse of the Mistwraith. He is a master bard & does some wild magic with his playing. Janny is a musician (as well as artist & writer) so she has quite a depth of musical understanding that shines through.

Not exactly on topic, but Tolkien has always had lots of songs/poetry in is novels... :P

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC73PH...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2f86R_...

Lynn, I know you aren't from Texas, but do people say y'all in your state too? I thought it was just a Texas thing. :) Oops.

Tom Bombadill! He was a neat character.

Kayla wrote: "Lynn, I know you aren't from Texas, but do people say y'all in your state too? I thought it was just a Texas thing. :) Oops."

I lived in TX for a year in high school... It kind of sticks with you.

Oh, that's cool!

I first learned "y'all" on the eastern shore of Maryland. I heard it a lot in North Carolina & Texas. I now live in Kentucky & hear it a fair amount.

Maybe it is a disease that is spreading!!!

;-)

;) Maybe so.

Jim wrote: "I first learned "y'all" on the eastern shore of Maryland. I heard it a lot in North Carolina & Texas. I now live in Kentucky & hear it a fair amount.

Maybe it is a disease that is spreading!!!..."

LOL

Hi everyone. I've read pretty much everything Mr. Modesitt has written so I was happy to see a group dedicated to his works. Thanks to Lynn, and I'm looking forward to many discussions.

Eric wrote: "Hi everyone. I've read pretty much everything Mr. Modesitt has written so I was happy to see a group dedicated to his works. Thanks to Lynn, and I'm looking forward to many discussions."

Eric,

Feel free to start a new topic!

Hi Lynn!
Did you see my fan group for your book?

I did. Many thanks. I'll update it as soon as I am moderator!

I made you one!

I just finished the whole Recluce series during my semester break. I'm glad there's a group dedicated to LE Modesitt. I'm trying to read all this books now.

I'd guess if I were to put anyone in a musical category, it would be Neil Gaiman as the Manhattan Transfer. The Manhattan Transfer made a lot of mind-zinging songs like The Twilight Zone, Birdland, Java Jive, etc. I think they and Gaiman's stories fit together because they're off the beaten track, and so is Gaiman.

In retrospect, what I wrote isn't exactly a category, but I don't quite know which musical genre Manhattan Transfer fits in.

Welcome, Jam! I started reading the Recluse series when it first came out & have re-read most of the books several times. It looks like you've gotten a good start on reading the rest of his books. I compared what we've read & we have quite a few in common. Seems we rate them very similarly, too.

I was trawling through all the book clubs trying to decide which would be worth my time joining when I came across this one. I didn't have to think twice :-). Loved Modesitt's writing since I started reading Sci-Fi and Fantasy in the 90's. I've re-read many of them and would be hard-pressed to decide on a favourite.

Welcome, Louisa. Nice to see a new face. Hopefully the group activity will pick up a bit.

I'm expecting Lady-Protector to arrive shortly. I'm looking forward to it.

Thanks Jim. I'm wanting to read "Arms-Commander", book 16 in the Recluse Saga. I see this book was published in 2010 and I somehow missed it.

I'm waiting for Scholar to appear in paperback...

Sigh. Seems stupid that Princeps will appear almost half a year before the Scholar paperback.

Still, it's something to look forward to.

I'm about 25% through "Arms-Commander" and even though the start is a bit slow-going I'm enjoying the book. It is nice to read about characters that I remember from "A Fall of Angels" but it does make me want to re-read the old books. This is not necessarily a good thing because I have way too many books I still want to read this year. Ah! So many books, so little time :-)

Hi, my name is Karen. I just found this group, I haven't read any Recluce yet, but I've had them on my TBR for ages. Can anyone recommend which book I should start with please?

Karen wrote: "Hi, my name is Karen. I just found this group, I haven't read any Recluce yet, but I've had them on my TBR for ages. Can anyone recommend which book I should start with please?"

If I remember correctly "The Magic of Recluse" is the first in the series. That's the one that got me hooked on Modesitt's books

Welcome, Karen. My girls all like his fantasy best & The Magic of Recluce is the first in publication order of his best series, IMO. He prefers that people read the Recluse series in order of publication rather than chronology because he grows the world & themes accordingly. A re-read in chronological order is excellent, though. The first two books in time, the Cyador ones, are two of my favorites.

My son & I both started with & really like his SF. The first book of his that I read was The Timegod back when it was originally published as "The Fires of Paratime" by Quest in the 70's, I think. His Silent Warrior trilogy might be my favorite by him.

Thank you Louisa & Jim - I've just started Magic of Recluce and so far loving it. I'll have a look at the Timegod, I'm a bit partial to Sci Fi. Thanks for the welcome, I look forward to chatting with you all

so if like me you have read all 17 as it is now books in the recluce series can you suggest another author that i would enjoy just as much? i do like the longer ones my self.

I'd forgotten about this group. I just finished Cyador's Heirs, myself. Have you read all his other books, Donald?

Have you read the Amber series by Roger Zelazny?

Jim Butcher's Codex Alera series is another decent one.

Cyador's Heirs was great. Can't wait until November and the next installment. Codex Alera was ok, but I'm much more of a fan of Butcher's Dresden books.

My son-in-law likes the Dresden books a lot, too. I gave up after the 6th one.

I like the snarkiness of them. The newest one felt a lot like the first ones.

Are y'all aware of Modesitt's forum? He takes an active part in the discussions.
http://www.ibdof.com/viewforum.php?f=52

Yes, I drop in there & have even asked a question a time or two. He answers promptly, too.