The Chaos Balance (1 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation]
The Saga of Recluce 7

Following Fall of Angels both chronologically and in publication history, I'm both pleased and relieved to read this book. That's mostly because the publication history and the chronological order of this entire series is a bit all over the place. Not a bad thing, mind you, but it takes some effort t......more

This is 4th in chronologically taking place just 2 years after Fall of Angels in the year 403. Nylan leaves Ryba & Westwind to make his way in Lornth, a country formed by women who have fled Cyador. That says a lot if Magi'i of Cyador (#1 chron, #10 pub, year 1) & Scion of Cyador (#2 chron, #11 pub,......more

The continuation of the historical record of Candar carries on as the first recorded Black Mage descends from the compound at the roof of the world to assist the locals in their conflict against the lingering remnants of the, now degenerate, White Mage civilization. The moral conflict in this book i......more

I think I've figured out how Modesitt writes so many of these damned Recluce books. I feel bad giving away the secret in detail, so I'll summarize: find and replace. Saying that these books are formulaic is like saying that Piers Anthony has a mild fondness for shitty puns. I've read seven Recluce b......more

I was really into these two books at the time I read them, then became ambivalent in the throes of some better books, but on thinking up exactly the plotlines I realize that I enjoyed The White Order quite a bit and sort of dutifully plowed through The Chaos Balance. I'm all about those "Young poor a......more