Arms-Commander
The new novel in the Saga of Recluce from the bestselling author
Arms-Commander takes place ten years after the end of The Chaos Balance and tells the story of the legendary Saryn. The keep of Westwind, in the cold mountainous heights called the Roof of the World, is facing attack by the adjoining land of Gallos. Arthanos, son and heir to the ailing Prefect of Gallos, wishes to destroy Westwind because the idea of a land where women rule is total anathema to him.
Saryn, Arms-Commander of Westwind, is dispatched to a neighboring land, Lornth, to seek support against the Gallosians. In the background, the trading council of Suthya is secretly and informally allied with Gallos against Westwind and begins to bribe lord-holders in Lornth to foment rebellion and civil war. They hope to create such turmoil in Lornth that the weakened land will fall to Suthya. But Zeldyan, regent of Lornth, has problems in her family. To secure Zeldyan’s aid, Saryn must pledge her personal support — and any Westwind guard forces she can raise — to the defense of Zeldyan and her son.
The fate of four lands, including Westwind, rests on Saryn’s actions.
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L. E. Modesitt, Jr.
L. E. Modesitt, Jr. is a name that resonates deeply in the world of science fiction and fantasy, particularly for readers who crave intricate world-building, compelling characters, and philosophical musings woven seamlessly into action-packed narratives. With a career spanning decades, Modesitt’s works explore complex themes of power, morality, and societal structure, all set against the backdrop of expansive universes where every decision ripples out with consequences.
Born in the mid-20th century, Modesitt’s early life was shaped by a love of literature, history, and the natural world. His formal education in political science and economics, coupled with his time as a writer, editor, and even a political assistant, gives his work a layer of intellectual depth rarely seen in speculative fiction. These experiences have contributed to the sharp political and ethical dilemmas that surface in his novels, particularly in his Recluce series, which explores a world governed by the struggle between order and chaos.
Saga of Recluce
In the Saga of Recluce, L. E. Modesitt, Jr. crafts an intricate tapestry of magic, politics, and philosophy, set against the backdrop of a world where balance is everything. This epic fantasy series draws readers into a land where the very fabric of reality is shaped by opposing forces of order and chaos, and the consequences of wielding power are both profound and personal.
Saga of Recluce consists of twenty-six primary books, and includes one additional book that complement the series but is not considered mandatory reads. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
Reviews and Comments
Arms-Commander was an interesting Recluce book. I've enjoyed reading all the previous Recluce books and I also enjoyed reading this new book (I have to confess that I'm a Recluce fan). I liked the characters (Saryn was an interesting character) and I also liked the story. I think it's amazing that the author can still write good and interesting stories, because he's already written several Recluce books (not every author can write like this, but Modesitt can). I think that Arms-Commander is a "must read" book for all Recluce fans. If you've read the previous books and enjoyed them, you'll like this book.