Magi'i of Cyador (The Saga of Recluce) (Saga of Recluce, 10)

The Recluce series involves the tension between two forms of psychic powers: White and Black, or Order and Chaos. Neither is intrinsically evil and there are good folk in both groups. Though this is chronologically the first book, it is perhaps the tenth to be published. The stories have grown in complexity, as the first several were more one-sided in telling the story from the Black (Order) point of view and thus depicting the White (Chaos) pretty much as the bad guys. Just as the Recluce premise is that the forces must be balanced, the author eventually began to tell stories from the White (Chaos) point of view. These stories are among the strongest of the series, and this is one of them, as is the sequel "Scion of Cyador". The other element of these two books that appealed to me is the premise that the protagonist knows the empire is failing and is trying not to reverse it (because it is not possible), but simply to delay the collapse. Poul Anderson' Flandry series used this same premise years ago in hard science fiction, but the author here is able to use a mix of technology and psychic powers in the same way. Barbarians are massing on the borders and the source of the Empire's powers is ebbing. The Fall approaches. There's more going on, though, because man is a newcomer to this world, and those who were there before have another agenda.

This book goes back to near the beginning of the Chaos wizards. Hints about how they came about, and the technology they are living off.

This is clearly another of the origins of Cyador and the Order-Chaos magic world. Very excellent effort and now I have one more of Modesitt's series that I am on pins and needles awaiting the next installment. Which I will gladly purchase. If you have enjoyed the others of the Order-Chaos series this is a must have.

This book continues to explore the humanity of both camps--the Rationalists and the Angels. When I first read the Magic of Recluce, it seemed that there was a clear demarkation of "good" versus "evil". What Modesitt has continued to explore is the complexity of "what is good? what is evil?" His books such as Colors of Chaos and the new Magi'i of Cyador present the position that the whites are not more or less "evil" than the blacks--they are two sides of the same coin--humanity. I look forward with a great deal of anticipation to the follow-on for which he has prepared us in this newest book. Lorn is an engaging character whose development and advancement are due to a combination of circumstance and deliberation. His choices are like those faced by most of humanity--what can he do that creates the least destructive result for both himself and those he loves.

A worthy addition to the Recluce Series. Backfills where THE CHAOS BALANCE and FALL OF ANGELS left off..exploring CYAD in all it's glory. As usual, Modesitt introduces a heady young man, in this case, SMART, HARD-WORKING, but not a highly-motivated young Mage. The kid gets sent to the Lancers, where he learns the Military ways while secretly strengthening his magely ways. Modesitt provides glimpses into the founding of CYAD, and references to the First Born, i.e., the White Angels. As usual in the Recluce Series, Modesitt *REALLY* gets into Lorn's head. While not as strong as some of the previous books (Magic Engineer, Recluce, The Order War and The White Order are my faves), it still stands cubits ahead of other fantasy authors or worlds. I _EAGERLY_ look forward to the next volume!