"The Magic of Recluce" is a fantasy novel written by L.E. Modesitt Jr. The book is set in the world of Recluce, a land where magic exists and plays a central role in the lives of its inhabitants. The story follows a young protagonist, Lerris, as he discovers his own magical abilities and undergoes training to become a magician. The main idea of "The Magic of Recluce" revolves around the concept of balance between order and chaos.
Stepping outside the series for a moment, another important note is that, while there are upwards of 20 novels in the series, no one character is the protagonist for more than three novels. As such you can chose to read a couple, and still get a full story. Actually, you can read any one novel as a standalone, although they benefit from being read together. This makes the series almost modular.
Modesitt made his impressive hardcover debut, breaking out in wide scope and grand scale with a novel in the great tradition of the war between good and evil in a wonderful fantasy world. He is given the standard two options permanent exile from Recluce or the dangergeld, a complex, rule-laden wanderjahr in the lands beyond Recluce with the aim of learning how the world works and what his place in it might be.
The main idea of "The Magic of Recluce" revolves around the concept of balance between order and chaos. In the world of Recluce, magic is divided into two opposing forces - chaos and order. Chaos represents unrestrained power and unpredictability, while order symbolizes control and stability.
The Magic of Recluce (Saga of Recluce #1) (Mass Market)
This is book number 1 in the Saga of Recluce series.
- #2: The Towers of the Sunset (Saga of Recluce #2) (Paperback): $18.99
- #3: The Magic Engineer (Saga of Recluce #3) (Paperback): $22.99
- #4: The Order War: A Novel in the Saga of Recluce (Mass Market): $9.99
- #5: The Death of Chaos (Saga of Recluce #5) (Compact Disc): $27.99
- #6: Fall of Angels (Saga of Recluce #6) (Paperback): $24.99
- #7: The Chaos Balance (Saga of Recluce #7) (Paperback): $24.99
- #8: The White Order (Saga of Recluce #8) (Compact Disc): $22.99
- #9: Colors of Chaos (Saga of Recluce #9) (Paperback): $27.99
- #10: Magi'i of Cyador (Saga of Recluce #10) (Paperback): $23.99
- #11: Scion of Cyador (Saga of Recluce #11) (Compact Disc): $27.99
- #12: Wellspring of Chaos (Saga of Recluce #12) (MP3 CD): $57.99
- #13: Ordermaster (Saga of Recluce #13) (Compact Disc): $21.49
- #14: Natural Ordermage (Saga of Recluce #14) (Paperback): $22.99
- #15: Mage-Guard of Hamor (Saga of Recluce #15) (Compact Disc): $26.99
- #16: Arms-Commander (Saga of Recluce #16) (Compact Disc): $24.99
- #17: Cyador's Heirs (Saga of Recluce #17) (Mass Market): $10.99
- #18: Recluce Tales: Stories from the World of Recluce (Saga of Recluce #18) (Compact Disc): $23.49
- #19: The Mongrel Mage (Saga of Recluce #19) (Mass Market): $9.99
- #20: Outcasts of Order (Saga of Recluce #20) (Mass Market): $9.99
- #21: The Mage-Fire War (Saga of Recluce #21) (Paperback): $23.99
- #22: Fairhaven Rising (Saga of Recluce #22) (Hardcover): $29.99
- #23: From the Forest (Saga of Recluce #23) (Hardcover): $30.99
Description
L.E. Modesitt, Jr.'s The Magic of Recluce begins his bestselling fantasy series the Saga of Recluce, which is one of the most popular in contemporary epic fantasy.
Young Lerris yearns to find a place in the world better suited to his skills and temperament. In Recluce this means taking one of two options: permanent exile from Recluce or the dangergeld, a complex, rule-laden wanderjahr in the lands beyond. Many do not survive.
Lerris chooses dangergeld.
Lerris will need magic in the lands beyond, where the power of the Chaos Wizards reigns unchecked, and he must learn to use his powers in an orderly way before his wanderjahr, or fall prey to Chaos.
Saga of Recluce
#1 The Magic of Recluce / #2 The Towers of Sunset / #3 The Magic Engineer / #4 The Order War / #5 The Death of Chaos / #6 Fall of Angels / #7 The Chaos Balance / #8 The White Order / #9 Colors of Chaos / #10 Magi’i of Cyador / #11 Scion of Cyador / #12 Wellspring of Chaos / #13 Ordermaster / #14 Natural Order Mage / #15 Mage-Guard of Hamor / #16 Arms-Commander / #17 Cyador’s Heirs / #18 Heritage of Cyador /#19 The Mongrel Mage / #20 Outcasts of Order / #21 The Mage-Fire War (forthcoming)
Story Collection: Recluce Tales
Other Series by L.E. Modesitt, Jr.
The Imager Portfolio
The Corean Chronicles
The Spellsong Cycle
The Ghost Books
The Ecolitan Matter
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.
Praise For…
“Extremely interesting…unique…a refreshing use of the traditional fantasy elements.” —Andre Norton
“An intriguing fantasy in a fascinating world, with characters that catch you up. Modesitt presents an interesting study of Chaos versus Order, Good versus Evil…and the attractions each of them has for all of us.” —Robert Jordan
- Fiction / Fantasy / Epic
- Fiction / Fantasy / Military
- Fiction / Fantasy / Action & Adventure
- Paperback (June 21st, 2011): $21.99
- MP3 CD (July 1st, 2013): $23.49
- Compact Disc (July 1st, 2013): $23.49
“Extremely interesting…unique…a refreshing use of the traditional fantasy elements.” —Andre Norton
Lerris, the protagonist, struggles with finding his place in this world and deciding which path to follow - chaos or order. As he undergoes training, he learns the importance of understanding both sides of the magic spectrum to maintain harmony in Recluce. Modesitt explores the theme of balance throughout the novel, highlighting how embracing too much chaos or order can lead to disastrous consequences. Lerris must learn to navigate these opposing forces and find his own balance in order to fulfill his destiny and save Recluce from destruction. The novel also delves into the complexities of morality and the gray areas between good and evil. Modesitt presents a world where characters must make difficult choices and face the consequences of their actions. This adds depth and realism to the story, and forces the reader to question their own beliefs about right and wrong. "The Magic of Recluce" is a compelling fantasy novel that explores themes of balance, morality, and the power of individual choices. Modesitt's writing immerses the reader in the magical world of Recluce, captivating them with its vivid descriptions and intricate plot. Whether you are a fan of fantasy or simply enjoy thought-provoking stories, "The Magic of Recluce" is a must-read..
Reviews for "The Role of Nature in Recluce: An Analysis of its Elemental Forces"
1. Richard - 2 stars - I found "The Magic of Recluce" to be rather disappointing. While the concept of a world divided based on the use of chaos and order magic seemed intriguing, the execution fell flat for me. The pacing was slow, and the characters lacked depth, making it difficult for me to care about their journeys. Additionally, the world-building felt incomplete, leaving many aspects unexplained. Overall, I felt disconnected from the story and struggled to engage with it.
2. Bethany - 1 star - "The Magic of Recluce" failed to capture my interest. The plot felt predictable, following a typical hero's journey without any unique twists. The writing style was also dry and lacked the descriptive details that would have brought the world of Recluce to life. Furthermore, I found the magic system to be poorly developed, with little explanation or consistency. I was left feeling unsatisfied and uninterested in continuing the series.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I expected much more from "The Magic of Recluce" based on its reputation, but unfortunately, it left me underwhelmed. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any real growth or development throughout the story. The pacing was uneven, with long stretches of slow, uneventful sections followed by rushed and confusing plot points. The world-building was also lacking, leaving me confused about certain aspects of the setting. Overall, I couldn't connect with the book and found it to be a disappointing read.