The Magic of Recluce (Special 20th Anniversary Edition) by L.E. Modesitt Jr.
I first read The Magic of Recluce over 15 years ago, and I still have my original paperback copy. This Special 20th Anniversary Edition has just been reprinted by Tor. Rereading this story again, after having covered so much ground in epic fantasy, was both interesting and very comforting — comforting because it was nice to realize that a good story is still a good story even after all these years… After perhaps my 20th read of The Magic of Recluce, I am again impressed by Modesitt and his ability to build a world. The stage he sets in this book will be used again and again by so many different characters over so many books that you can really appreciate the skill Modesitt has and the pains he has taken to create an entertaining formula. Lerris, by virtue of being the first main character, becomes something of a legend simply because his story, his choices, and his adventure is only the beginning of so much more. The Magic of Recluce is a great book, even after all these years. Read the rest.
Pretty cover!
Wow. Twenty years… I still have my original copy as well. It’s one that I re-read every so often as well. Actually re-reading Order War at the moment.
I love L.E. Modesitt Jr.’s works, but never got around to reading the entire Recluce series. I read the first 2 or 3, and Fall of Angels. One day, I hope to read the entire series.
My experience with Modesitt has been too small so far, something that your review really puts me in the mood to remedy…ah, and I see it does have a Kindle version. Excellent.
I still have my original copy of Magic of Recluce too. I pull it out and re-read it every couple of years and always enjoy it.