The Towers of the Sunset
L. E. Modesitt, Jr.'s The Magic of Recluce took the fantasy field by storm. "An intriguing fantasy in a fascinating world, with characters who 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," said Robert Jordan, best-selling author of The Dragon Reborn. Library Journal praised its "new look at magic." Andre Norton said "This is a refreshing use of the traditional fantasy elements." Amazing praised the "original and interesting twists" and said, "...the universe he's built is fascinating. I hope he visits Recluce, Candar and their neighbors again in the future."
Towers of the Sunset returns to Recluce to tell the tale of the founding of the island kingdom, and of the heroic life of its founder, the powerful weather-magician Creslin. Son of the powerful military matriarch of Westwind in the northern mountains, he chooses exile rather than an arranged marriage and sets out on a search for his true identity as a man, developing his magical talents through constant conflict with the enigmatic white wizards of Candar. Creslin, unknowing, stands in the way of their subtle plot to subjugate the world.
Filled with magical conflict, physical danger, mystery and love, mastery and triumph, Creslin's tale is a worthy equal to The Magic of Recluce.
"This is a writer who cares about his characters and his world. This is disciplined fantasy, not fluff. L. E. Modesitt, Jr. is uncompromising when it comes to the effects of magic, both on the natural world and of the human heart. There are no cheap solutions to the problems of Recluce. Because of that, it is a world worth returning to." – Megan Lindholm
L. E. Modesitt, Jr.
L. E. Modesitt, Jr. is the bestselling author of over sixty novels encompassing two science fiction series and four fantasy series, as well as several other novels in the science fiction genre.
Mr. Modesitt has been a delivery boy; a lifeguard; an unpaid radio disc jockey; a U.S. Navy pilot; a market research analyst; a real estate agent; 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 and writer in residence. In addition to his novels, Mr. Modesitt has published technical studies and articles, columns, poetry, and a number of science fiction stories. His first story was published in 1973. He lives in Cedar City, Utah.
Saga of Recluce
L.E. Modesitt, Jr.’s bestselling fantasy novels set in the magical world of Recluce are among the most popular in contemporary fantasy. Each novel tells an independent story that nevertheless reverberates though all the other Recluce novels to deepen and enrich the reading experience. As Publishers Weekly says, “Modesitt creates a complex world based on a plausible system of magic and peopled with engaging and realistic characters.” Rich in detail, the Recluce books are a feast of wondrous marvels.
Saga of Recluce consists of twenty-three primary books, and includes one additional book that complement the series but is not considered mandatory reads, and the series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.