Scion of Cyador

This is an entry into the series of the Cyador; the first book was the Magii of Cyador. This book though covers more of the character Lorn who was introduced in the first book. Lorn is a heroic figure, and while he has his faults, and the writing has its faults, overall it is an enjoyable story about the rise to power of a single person in a tightly complex and political world. What is interesting is the tie to an Orwellian cast system, where the Magii control everything through observation, stifling creativity, freedom, and privacy amongst the proletariat of the inhabitants of the countries Cyad and Candar. The focus though is on Lorn, who like most people has trouble working out what they want to do, having skills, but skills that have yet to be realized or tested to their full extent. The book Scion is all about Lorn, how he is tested, refines his skills in battle, and in magic, eventually to be noticed by the emperor who has no natural heir. As far as fantasy goes this is standard in terms of story line, what makes this neat though is the way that the characters are developed. You can sympathize with them, and begin to understand the heroic figure Lorn as he grows, changes, and eventually discovers himself as others are noticing him at the same time. This sets the stage for a massive ending to the book, which is worth reading, as it is action packed, thoughtful, and interesting to read. You can be absorbed reading this book. Top five of five rating on this one. This is a stay up all night enjoying a riveting story of good, evil, and how a young person is tested to find out who they can be and who they really are.

This is the sequel to Magi'i of Cyador. I gave that book 5 stars, and award this one the same score because it fulfilled the promise of the first without a drop in quality, and winds the story up in a satisfying manner. Please see my review of the first book for basic plot details. I agree with many of the other reviewers that the author has a recipe and certain themes that he repeats. It just happens that I like this recipe, and there are enough differences to keep my interest. I found these two books to be among the stongest of the Recluce series because, in part, they contain the theme of trying to delay "The Fall of Empire, Civilization and the World as We Know It". Thus, the protagonist is far less interested in doing what is right or moral or good, than he is in doing whatever is necessary to achieve his objective. That makes for more action, less angsting, and better reading.

At last, the true beginning is made clear. The character development used in this series is second to none. My hat's off to L. E. Modesitt in his continuing development of this world view. Both the Black Magicians and the White Wizards are given fair due in the plot development throughout the series. Recommended highly to anyone who appreciates good fantasy, and excellent plot development.

Well i have read a few reviews by a few readers who think the series of recluce is "confusing and hard to follow" but its really not. the series is about the struggle that went on between order mages and white mages (also grey) . But this book was excelent.modesitt still finds just the right way to build up his main characters to where you dont want to put the book down. The struggle between a magus born soldier and the world is very intriguing. i would suggest that you read " the magi of cyador" because thats the first part of the mini-sequel.

This follow up to Magi'i of Cyador is simply outstanding. The poetry and logic which coexist harmoniously throughout this book are a constant source of inspiration that offers the reader a chance for thoughtful meditation on larger issues which this story addresses. For me, this speaks to the superb quality of the author's skill and his intelligence that simply pours off the pages and into one's consciousness.The stilted style of speaking by the characters is so necessary to the overall meaning of the cold, logical thinking by these descendents of the "rational stars" and the omnipresence of the magi'i who colonized this fictional world. Part of the chilling power of this tale is that which is exercised by the magi'i who control everyone through their occult chaos power and the threat of chaos screeing glasses that offer little if any freedom or privacy throughout Cyad and Candar. It gives a real clear picture of what a "big brother" looking over one's shoulder might be and it is scary.The softer side of the hero Lorn is almost too good to be true, and yet, he is a cold blooded killer and defender of the land and its people. His trials and tribulations are immense and he is able to survive through his intellect and tactical cleverness as an officer of the Mirror Lancers. His consort Ryalth has a much more active presence in this book which is a welcome shift from the blood and gore battles although there are plenty of those too. The addition of an infant son adds a very nice human dimension that one can relate to even during the heat of the power struggles between the merchant factions, the Lancers on the make for promotion and the magi'i who seek even greater control as the chaos towers begin to fail one after another. After all he has been through as a Mirror Lancer, Lorn receives a well deserved reward, and I hope that Modesitt continues this series wherein he tells about Lorn's reign and the machinations of those who would challenge his power and I for one would like to see how he develops as a mage, man, husband, father and emperor. All in all for this reviewer it was a terrifically rewarding read.