TOR Books-(April 2000)

Reviewed by Robert L. Thompson - 8/5/00

Order the book!! HARDBACK

This is the 10th book in Modesitt's Saga of Recluce series, although it has absolutely nothing to do with Recluse. I don't think Recluse is even mentioned... In fact, I'm not sure WHEN the book takes place, as the series isn't being published in chronological order. I THINK that this is early in the history of the world that Modesitt has created, somewhere after the "FALL OF ANGELS and before the founding of Recluce.

Lorn is the Son of one of the most important Magi'i in Cyador (Candar). The book begins with Lorn as a talented student mage, however his teachers and Father don't think he has the right "attitude" to become a Magi'i, so he is shipped off to the army (the "Mirror Lancers") where many people hope he will meet a "sudden and unfortunate demise" before he becomes a danger to the political system.

However, Lorn has hidden depth's- In fact, we begin to believe that Lorn has planned all this out, and they are all falling into his carefully woven web. He distinguishes himself in combat against invading Barbarians, against "monsters" from the Accursed Forest, and from his Lancer superiors.

The Magi'i of Cyador is one of the best books in the series. The "high points" are not as high as they are in some of the other Recluce books, but overall the book is a powerful "page-turner" and will keep you thinking.

I was very disappointed in the ending however.... Because it ENDED!! There is obviously a sequel or two to this particular story line coming. I hope it comes out soon! I'm still not certain where the story is going, what Lorn's goal is, and I want to know. (Looks like the sequel is  AVAILABLE

My one real complaint is that the fairly extensive maps included in the book are almost useless- I think they were reprinted "as-is" from an earlier book that was chronologically much later than this one- Very few places named in the story can be found on the maps, and vice-versa.