Synopses & Reviews
L. E. Modesitt, Jr. begins a new Recluce story in The Natural Ordermage, the first of two volumes set mostly on the continent of Hamor, far across the sea from Recluce where the story begins, a new setting for this series that fans will be eager to explore. Rahl, a young apprentice scrivener on the island of Recluce, likes life to work out in his favor. To make sure things go his way, he uses a small amount of order magic in opportunistic moments, but his abilities are starting to get the attention of the Council magisters. He's not like other ordermages, the same rules don't seem to apply to his magic. And he has a bad attitude too. It gets him sent to the mages' training school for testing, and then banishment to Hamor, where his learning continues under dangerous circumstances. During Rahl's exile in Hamor, working in the Ordermage Council's import and export business, his powers increase--and so does the amount of trouble he can get into. Welcome the the fantasy world of L. E. Modesitt, where the adventure is just beginning.
Review
"[
Ordermaster] is one of the better ones in this sequence, a nice mix of intrigue and overt actions. . .I was entertained throughout, and that is all I really was looking for." -
Chronicle "Spiked with the author's customary pop psychology and propelled by rapid-fire plot spurts, this tale of a humble artisan's rise to mageship will likely leave YA fantasy readers hungry for more."--Publishers Weekly on Ordermaster
"Strong supporting characters, vivid settings and creative approach to mythos and magic enhance this richly detailed story. New readers should feel comfortable in Modesitt's world, where chaos and order reign in delicate balance, while series fans will welcome this return to familiar ground. As usual, Modesitt handles his world-building and characterization with ease. The Saga of Recluce is a gift for fans and new readers alike."--Romantic Times (a "Top Pick") on Wellspring of Chaos
"The author displays a rare talent for portraying the day-to-day affairs of a vividly detailed world in which chaos and order form a dynamic duality." -Library Journal
Review
Praise for Natural Ordermage:
“Recluce fans may well devour this book at one sitting, and eagerly await its sequel.”
--Booklist
"Modesitt renders the people and places of Recluce and Hamor . . . with diligent attention to detail.”
--Publishers Weekly
“Can be enjoyed as a stand alone novel. Readers new to Recluce as well as fans of the series will both enjoy this tale.”
--SFRevu
Synopsis
L. E. Modesitt, Jr. begins a new Recluce story in The Natural Ordermage, the first of two volumes set mostly on the continent of Hamor, far across the sea from Recluce where the story begins, a new setting for this series that fans will be eager to explore. Rahl, a young apprentice scrivener on the island of Recluce, likes life to work out in his favor. To make sure things go his way, he uses a small amount of order magic in opportunistic moments, but his abilities are starting to get the attention of the Council magisters. He's not like other ordermages, the same rules don't seem to apply to his magic. And he has a bad attitude too. It gets him sent to the mages' training school for testing, and then banishment to Hamor, where his learning continues under dangerous circumstances. During Rahl's exile in Hamor, working in the Ordermage Council's import and export business, his powers increase--and so does the amount of trouble he can get into. Welcome the the fantasy world of L. E. Modesitt, where the adventure is just beginning.
About the Author
L. E. Modesitt, Jr., is the bestselling author of the fantasy series The Saga of Recluce, Corean Chronicles, and the Imager Portfolio. His science fiction includes Adiamante, the Ecolitan novels, the Forever Hero Trilogy, and Archform: Beauty. Besides a writer, Modesitt has been a U.S. Navy pilot, a director of research for a political campaign, legislative assistant and staff director for a U.S. Congressman, Director of Legislation and Congressional Relations for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a consultant on environmental, regulatory, and communications issues, and a college lecturer. He lives in Cedar City, Utah.