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The Saga of Recluce #25
Sub-Majer's Challenge
L. E. Modesitt, Jr., New York Times bestselling fantasy author, continues his sweeping Saga of Recluce series with Sub-Majer's Challenge. The epic scope of the world, the intricate magic system, and a reluctant hero, continue the story arc that began with From the Forest and continued with Overcaptain.
Alyiakal, a sub-majer in the Mirror Lancers of Cyador, The Empire of Light, is serving the last year of his tour as commanding officer of a remote border post. Rumors hint that the Cerlynese Duke, in retaliation for Alyiakal's success in a border skirmish, is readying an even larger attack.
Against terrible odds, Alyiakal gains victory and a promotion. He takes leave only to discover his courtship of Saelora is opposed by her mother. Disappointed and reposted to the remote Pemedra Post―again―Alyiakal must navigate a rapidly developing war.
In the midst of this, when forces outnumbering his command five to one attack a small town, Alyiakal is given orders to drive out the invaders, whatever the cost.
Alyiakal, a sub-majer in the Mirror Lancers of Cyador, The Empire of Light, is serving the last year of his tour as commanding officer of a remote border post. Rumors hint that the Cerlynese Duke, in retaliation for Alyiakal's success in a border skirmish, is readying an even larger attack.
Against terrible odds, Alyiakal gains victory and a promotion. He takes leave only to discover his courtship of Saelora is opposed by her mother. Disappointed and reposted to the remote Pemedra Post―again―Alyiakal must navigate a rapidly developing war.
In the midst of this, when forces outnumbering his command five to one attack a small town, Alyiakal is given orders to drive out the invaders, whatever the cost.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2025
162 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
L.E. Modesitt Jr.
197 books2,568 followersL. E. (Leland Exton) Modesitt, Jr. is an author of science fiction and fantasy novels. He is best known for the fantasy series The Saga of Recluce. He graduated from Williams College in Massachusetts, lived in Washington, D.C. for 20 years, then moved to New Hampshire in 1989 where he met his wife. They relocated to Cedar City, Utah in 1993.
He has worked as a Navy pilot, lifeguard, delivery boy, unpaid radio disc jockey, real estate agent, market research analyst, director of research for a political campaign, legislative assistant for a Congressman, Director of Legislation and Congressional Relations for the United States 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 short story, "The Great American Economy", was published in 1973 in Analog Science Fiction and Science Fact.
-Wikipedia
He has worked as a Navy pilot, lifeguard, delivery boy, unpaid radio disc jockey, real estate agent, market research analyst, director of research for a political campaign, legislative assistant for a Congressman, Director of Legislation and Congressional Relations for the United States 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 short story, "The Great American Economy", was published in 1973 in Analog Science Fiction and Science Fact.
-Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 16, 2025
The third in the Alyiakal tetralogy and arguably the best of the series so far - the novel has some surprises, some important decisions and balances very well the officer activities - commanding a post, patrolling, instructing junior officers, dealing with brigands and enemy armed forces - with the personal ones - including his relationship with Saelora and with other persons in this life, both old and new, including quite a surprising new addition- with the larger picture stuff as we know of course where the series will go from other Recluce books.
With his powerful abilities, innovative tactics and strategy, and a desire to actually solve difficult problems for good and at least cost for his people, regardless of the advisability of doing so in the eyes of the Empire leadership - especially the powerful magi and the rich and ruthless merchanters who dominate the weak Emperor and compliant army chief - Alyiakal has to thread a narrow path and succeed in such a way that he cannot be officially punished. Luckily he has a powerful ally in the executive army commander whose orders give Alyiakal the cover to deal effectively and decisively with Cyador enemies, although his methods and ruthlessness in doing so are questioned by armchair strategists who tend not to risk their lives in battle, but generally appreciated by the junior officers and rank and file soldiers whose lives are then not wasted in repeated and futile campaigns. As his fame or notoriety spreads through the Mirror Lancers (the army of Cyador), Alyiakal cannot be easily put aside though a fast rise through the ranks comes with its own perils....
Another good ending at a perfect tbc point and hoping the final volume will match or exceed my very high expectations.
With his powerful abilities, innovative tactics and strategy, and a desire to actually solve difficult problems for good and at least cost for his people, regardless of the advisability of doing so in the eyes of the Empire leadership - especially the powerful magi and the rich and ruthless merchanters who dominate the weak Emperor and compliant army chief - Alyiakal has to thread a narrow path and succeed in such a way that he cannot be officially punished. Luckily he has a powerful ally in the executive army commander whose orders give Alyiakal the cover to deal effectively and decisively with Cyador enemies, although his methods and ruthlessness in doing so are questioned by armchair strategists who tend not to risk their lives in battle, but generally appreciated by the junior officers and rank and file soldiers whose lives are then not wasted in repeated and futile campaigns. As his fame or notoriety spreads through the Mirror Lancers (the army of Cyador), Alyiakal cannot be easily put aside though a fast rise through the ranks comes with its own perils....
Another good ending at a perfect tbc point and hoping the final volume will match or exceed my very high expectations.
August 24, 2025
A Mirror Lancer’s dilemmas!
Modesitt continues to intrigue with the rise in rank of Sub-Majer Alyiakal of the Mirror Lancers, and Alyiakal’s relationship with his merchanter Lady, Saelora.
In the Sub-Majer’s Challenge Alyiakal is promoted from Lhaarat Post to a new posting as Majer and commander of Pemedra Post (his first posting) reporting directly to Mirror Lancer headquarters. That’s just the beginning!
The thing I like about Alyiakal is his willingness to listen, take note, and learn, on both the personal and work related fronts.
When he acts, it’s usually decisive, and generally planned to allow for contingencies to deal with the unexpected.
However, when he hears from a healer he knew when he was sixteen, he is taken by surprise and somewhat incensed.
His new post in the Pemedra hills has its puzzles. When Duke Taartryn sends Jeranyi raiders and Cerlynese armsman to harass those on Cydian lands, Alyiakal is told to put a stop to it. Alyiakal does—in unexpected ways. Of course his success has him moved on again. This time to Cydar.
He continues to write lengthy letters to Saelora, and visit her between posting something. Saelora is a force to be reckoned with in her own right. No wonder these two are drawn to each other. Like calls to like!
We leave former Sub-Majer Alyiakal at Mirror Lancer headquarters. What will happen we can only conjecture. Assuredly it will be different.
Many might find the attention to deployment of troops and battle plans long winded, the interactions of personalities disappointing. I didn’t. This is part of Modesitt’s craft. His patient scene building, block upon block, leads to other places and opens up various possibilities.
There are different subplots presented, all waiting to be mined.
The threads that might be drawn together, the who, why, and what, continue to be fascinating.
I was as usual enthralled! Am eagerly awaiting the next episode about Alyiakal.
And yes, I do think you do need to read Alyiakal’s story with the first in the arc, “From the Forest.”
A Tor ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Modesitt continues to intrigue with the rise in rank of Sub-Majer Alyiakal of the Mirror Lancers, and Alyiakal’s relationship with his merchanter Lady, Saelora.
In the Sub-Majer’s Challenge Alyiakal is promoted from Lhaarat Post to a new posting as Majer and commander of Pemedra Post (his first posting) reporting directly to Mirror Lancer headquarters. That’s just the beginning!
The thing I like about Alyiakal is his willingness to listen, take note, and learn, on both the personal and work related fronts.
When he acts, it’s usually decisive, and generally planned to allow for contingencies to deal with the unexpected.
However, when he hears from a healer he knew when he was sixteen, he is taken by surprise and somewhat incensed.
His new post in the Pemedra hills has its puzzles. When Duke Taartryn sends Jeranyi raiders and Cerlynese armsman to harass those on Cydian lands, Alyiakal is told to put a stop to it. Alyiakal does—in unexpected ways. Of course his success has him moved on again. This time to Cydar.
He continues to write lengthy letters to Saelora, and visit her between posting something. Saelora is a force to be reckoned with in her own right. No wonder these two are drawn to each other. Like calls to like!
We leave former Sub-Majer Alyiakal at Mirror Lancer headquarters. What will happen we can only conjecture. Assuredly it will be different.
Many might find the attention to deployment of troops and battle plans long winded, the interactions of personalities disappointing. I didn’t. This is part of Modesitt’s craft. His patient scene building, block upon block, leads to other places and opens up various possibilities.
There are different subplots presented, all waiting to be mined.
The threads that might be drawn together, the who, why, and what, continue to be fascinating.
I was as usual enthralled! Am eagerly awaiting the next episode about Alyiakal.
And yes, I do think you do need to read Alyiakal’s story with the first in the arc, “From the Forest.”
A Tor ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
July 30, 2025
Sub-Majer's Challenge is the 25th installment in L. E. Modesitt, jr.'s Recluce Saga and the third volume in Alyiakal's story arc. As you know, I wasn't happy to learn that what was originally meant to be a three-book cycle was turned into a four-book sequence because Tor Books were loath to release Alayiakal's story as three lengthy novels. I felt that such a split had a negative impact on Beltur's three-volume sequence a few years back and it sure looks as though it will be the same with Alyiakal's series.
My fear was that Overcaptain would ultimately be about half of the book the second installment was meant to be, with Sub-Majer's Challenge being the second half. It is now obvious that both novels were padded to a certain extent and trimming a number of scenes could have allowed the author and Tor Books to release Alyiakal's arc in three installments after all.
Here's the blurb:
L. E. Modesitt, Jr., New York Times bestselling fantasy author, continues his sweeping Saga of Recluce series with Sub-Majer's Challenge. The epic scope of the world, the intricate magic system, and a reluctant hero, continue the story arc that began with From the Forest and continued with Overcaptain.
Alyiakal, a sub-majer in the Mirror Lancers of Cyador, The Empire of Light, is serving the last year of his tour as commanding officer of a remote border post. Rumors hint that the Cerlynese Duke, in retaliation for Alyiakal's success in a border skirmish, is readying an even larger attack.
Against terrible odds, Alyiakal gains victory and a promotion. He takes leave only to discover his courtship of Saelora is opposed by her mother. Disappointed and reposted to the remote Pemedra Post—again—Alyiakal must navigate a rapidly developing war.
In the midst of this, when forces outnumbering his command five to one attack a small town, Alyiakal is given orders to drive out the invaders, whatever the cost.
The worldbuilding has always been one of the most interesting aspects of any new Recluce title. Each tale allows readers to discover how people and events shaped history during their lifetime. Alyiakal's story arc is the earliest series in the Recluce timeline. The action takes place more than three centuries before Magi'i of Cyador and Scion of Cyador, and more than seven centuries before Fall of Angels. In our interview last year, Modesitt stated that we'll probably never get the full story of the arrival of the First from the Rational Stars and the founding of Cyad. Which is too bad, as I'm really curious about this. Hence, I relish the few glimpses from the past that Alayiakal's tale has provided thus far. I was hoping to learn more about the Dissidents and what happened to them, but Sub-Majer's Challenge didn't shine any light on that mystery. Here's to hoping that the final volume, Last of the First, will reveal more about them.
Like its predecessor, Sub-Majer's Challenge is the immediate sequel to Overcaptain. As the title implies, it follows Alayiakal's stint as a sub-majer following his promotion and return to Pemedra Post. His romance with Saelora continues to progress and they finally get married. They have both reached a certain stage in their respective careers which allows them to tie the knot without fear of consequences. Someone from Alayiakal's past makes an unexpected return with some startling news. This was by far my favorite surprise and I'm looking forward to see how it will affect Alayiakal in the final installment. Politics are a bit more prevalent in this one, as decisions made in Cyad have repercussions that trickle down via orders from the Mirror Lancers' headquarters.
As a matter of course, Modesitt continues to explore the relationship between Order and Chaos. Being able to manipulate both Order and Chaos forces Alayiakal to test the limits of what he can do, while keeping his abilities secret. This strange dichotomy wouldn't sit well with some of his fellow soldiers, especially his superiors. The same can be said of the Magi'i, who are beginning to suspect that something is afoot. Throughout the novel, Alayiakal continues to funnel chaos energy from the sun every chance he gets. I was a bit disappointed by the fact that he uses the same tactics and strategies to dispatch enemy forces that he did in Overcaptain, which inevitably makes the action sequences in this book a bit predictable and less interesting.
Not surprisingly, like all Modesitt novels Sub-Majer's Challenge suffers from pacing issues from time to time. With the events taking place in Overcaptain meant to be the beginning and perhaps the middle of a single novel, the author's latest provides the endgame and the ending of that split book. As such, it offers some resolution and a more satisfying end than its predecessor. As expected, Alayiakal gets promoted and sent to the capital to work at the Mirror Lancers' headquarters. How he'll end up becoming Emperor remains to be seen, but I figure this means that Last of the First will be more eventful than most Recluce novels thus far.
Looking forward to see how it all ends!
For more reviews, check out www.fantasyhotlist.blogspot.com
My fear was that Overcaptain would ultimately be about half of the book the second installment was meant to be, with Sub-Majer's Challenge being the second half. It is now obvious that both novels were padded to a certain extent and trimming a number of scenes could have allowed the author and Tor Books to release Alyiakal's arc in three installments after all.
Here's the blurb:
L. E. Modesitt, Jr., New York Times bestselling fantasy author, continues his sweeping Saga of Recluce series with Sub-Majer's Challenge. The epic scope of the world, the intricate magic system, and a reluctant hero, continue the story arc that began with From the Forest and continued with Overcaptain.
Alyiakal, a sub-majer in the Mirror Lancers of Cyador, The Empire of Light, is serving the last year of his tour as commanding officer of a remote border post. Rumors hint that the Cerlynese Duke, in retaliation for Alyiakal's success in a border skirmish, is readying an even larger attack.
Against terrible odds, Alyiakal gains victory and a promotion. He takes leave only to discover his courtship of Saelora is opposed by her mother. Disappointed and reposted to the remote Pemedra Post—again—Alyiakal must navigate a rapidly developing war.
In the midst of this, when forces outnumbering his command five to one attack a small town, Alyiakal is given orders to drive out the invaders, whatever the cost.
The worldbuilding has always been one of the most interesting aspects of any new Recluce title. Each tale allows readers to discover how people and events shaped history during their lifetime. Alyiakal's story arc is the earliest series in the Recluce timeline. The action takes place more than three centuries before Magi'i of Cyador and Scion of Cyador, and more than seven centuries before Fall of Angels. In our interview last year, Modesitt stated that we'll probably never get the full story of the arrival of the First from the Rational Stars and the founding of Cyad. Which is too bad, as I'm really curious about this. Hence, I relish the few glimpses from the past that Alayiakal's tale has provided thus far. I was hoping to learn more about the Dissidents and what happened to them, but Sub-Majer's Challenge didn't shine any light on that mystery. Here's to hoping that the final volume, Last of the First, will reveal more about them.
Like its predecessor, Sub-Majer's Challenge is the immediate sequel to Overcaptain. As the title implies, it follows Alayiakal's stint as a sub-majer following his promotion and return to Pemedra Post. His romance with Saelora continues to progress and they finally get married. They have both reached a certain stage in their respective careers which allows them to tie the knot without fear of consequences. Someone from Alayiakal's past makes an unexpected return with some startling news. This was by far my favorite surprise and I'm looking forward to see how it will affect Alayiakal in the final installment. Politics are a bit more prevalent in this one, as decisions made in Cyad have repercussions that trickle down via orders from the Mirror Lancers' headquarters.
As a matter of course, Modesitt continues to explore the relationship between Order and Chaos. Being able to manipulate both Order and Chaos forces Alayiakal to test the limits of what he can do, while keeping his abilities secret. This strange dichotomy wouldn't sit well with some of his fellow soldiers, especially his superiors. The same can be said of the Magi'i, who are beginning to suspect that something is afoot. Throughout the novel, Alayiakal continues to funnel chaos energy from the sun every chance he gets. I was a bit disappointed by the fact that he uses the same tactics and strategies to dispatch enemy forces that he did in Overcaptain, which inevitably makes the action sequences in this book a bit predictable and less interesting.
Not surprisingly, like all Modesitt novels Sub-Majer's Challenge suffers from pacing issues from time to time. With the events taking place in Overcaptain meant to be the beginning and perhaps the middle of a single novel, the author's latest provides the endgame and the ending of that split book. As such, it offers some resolution and a more satisfying end than its predecessor. As expected, Alayiakal gets promoted and sent to the capital to work at the Mirror Lancers' headquarters. How he'll end up becoming Emperor remains to be seen, but I figure this means that Last of the First will be more eventful than most Recluce novels thus far.
Looking forward to see how it all ends!
For more reviews, check out www.fantasyhotlist.blogspot.com
September 3, 2025
Color me shocked (in a good way)!
First off, if you haven’t yet read the preceding 24 books in this series, put this one down immediately and pick up the first book, “The Magic of Recluce,” and start there.
One of the great beauties of this series, and that continues to make it one of the most ENGAGING and compelling series to read, is the fact that it is entirely asynchronous. Each book, or as later in the series each subset of books, deals with a specific and different time frame in the history of this world, beginning with its inception and continuing through what would be present day. As a result, in one book the reader will first learn about what is “ancient history,” or at least what is ancient from the perspective of that book’s protagonists, and in later books read about that same history as it occurs. This often has the secondary benefit of revealing just how much time has distorted what later generations accept as fact.
Modesitt doesn’t stop there, however. He also replays various key points in history from the differing perspectives of both sides of “the argument.” The “heroes” in one book become the “villains” in another and vice versa - a strangely appropriate and dare I say imperative viewpoint in today’s highly polarized society - a compelling reminder that seeing things from another’s perspective is not only important but vital.
Therefore, I feel it is critical to read these books in the order in which they were written, if you wish to fully enjoy the genius (and I do NOT use that word lightly) of Modesitt’s writing. Yes, it can be a bit pedantic at times, but usually only when the characters are learning something, which means the reader actually experiences that learning in much the same way as the characters, i.e. tedious and slightly boring. I say this because his writing is equally fast paced and dramatic when addressing situations like battle or love, respectively. I have no idea if this is intentional, but I can’t help but believe that it is.
Now, with reference to this book specifically, you get all of the above and just a little bit more. We know from previous books, so this isn’t a spoiler in the slightest, that Aliyakl eventually becomes emperor and that when he did so the streets were coated with blood. We also know that he began as a commoner and was successful in claiming the throne only because he was beloved of the rank and file in the military through whose ranks he gradually rise over time.
Since it took him so long to rise through those ranks, apparently, it’s also taking quite a bit of time for us, as readers, to finally reach the Palace of Light. This is the third book in his story, and we still aren’t there. What amazes me is how well Modesitt continues to keep me hooked and interested. I simply cannot wait to read what comes next. Unfortunately, I must.
There are a LOT of surprises in this book, details entirely lost to history along with aspects of Cyadoran culture and society that were markedly different from centuries later when we first read about them. I won’t give any of those details away, but again, if you haven’t read the earlier books, you won’t find nearly as much enjoyment in them as you should.
Finally, it is the ending which really shocked me to the core. Reading this digitally, and paying no attention to the “percentage read” indicator, I was caught completely unawares by the book’s ending. It’s not a cliffhanger, perhaps, but it certainly leaves me with a demand to know what comes next. Alas, I must wait.
ENJOY!
First off, if you haven’t yet read the preceding 24 books in this series, put this one down immediately and pick up the first book, “The Magic of Recluce,” and start there.
One of the great beauties of this series, and that continues to make it one of the most ENGAGING and compelling series to read, is the fact that it is entirely asynchronous. Each book, or as later in the series each subset of books, deals with a specific and different time frame in the history of this world, beginning with its inception and continuing through what would be present day. As a result, in one book the reader will first learn about what is “ancient history,” or at least what is ancient from the perspective of that book’s protagonists, and in later books read about that same history as it occurs. This often has the secondary benefit of revealing just how much time has distorted what later generations accept as fact.
Modesitt doesn’t stop there, however. He also replays various key points in history from the differing perspectives of both sides of “the argument.” The “heroes” in one book become the “villains” in another and vice versa - a strangely appropriate and dare I say imperative viewpoint in today’s highly polarized society - a compelling reminder that seeing things from another’s perspective is not only important but vital.
Therefore, I feel it is critical to read these books in the order in which they were written, if you wish to fully enjoy the genius (and I do NOT use that word lightly) of Modesitt’s writing. Yes, it can be a bit pedantic at times, but usually only when the characters are learning something, which means the reader actually experiences that learning in much the same way as the characters, i.e. tedious and slightly boring. I say this because his writing is equally fast paced and dramatic when addressing situations like battle or love, respectively. I have no idea if this is intentional, but I can’t help but believe that it is.
Now, with reference to this book specifically, you get all of the above and just a little bit more. We know from previous books, so this isn’t a spoiler in the slightest, that Aliyakl eventually becomes emperor and that when he did so the streets were coated with blood. We also know that he began as a commoner and was successful in claiming the throne only because he was beloved of the rank and file in the military through whose ranks he gradually rise over time.
Since it took him so long to rise through those ranks, apparently, it’s also taking quite a bit of time for us, as readers, to finally reach the Palace of Light. This is the third book in his story, and we still aren’t there. What amazes me is how well Modesitt continues to keep me hooked and interested. I simply cannot wait to read what comes next. Unfortunately, I must.
There are a LOT of surprises in this book, details entirely lost to history along with aspects of Cyadoran culture and society that were markedly different from centuries later when we first read about them. I won’t give any of those details away, but again, if you haven’t read the earlier books, you won’t find nearly as much enjoyment in them as you should.
Finally, it is the ending which really shocked me to the core. Reading this digitally, and paying no attention to the “percentage read” indicator, I was caught completely unawares by the book’s ending. It’s not a cliffhanger, perhaps, but it certainly leaves me with a demand to know what comes next. Alas, I must wait.
ENJOY!
March 29, 2025
This is Book 25 of the Recluce Saga, and it continues a story arc started in From the Forest and continued in Overcaptain.
The arc follows the military career of Alyiakal as he progresses up the ranks of the Cyador Empire’s Mirror Lancers. With growing success, however, come greater challenges, not only from hostile attacks across the frontier, but from envious rivals within the military and from suspicious and self-interested factions struggling for political power within the empire.
Will his special talents, attention to careful planning, and brilliant tactical skill enable him to survive?
Will his beloved Saelora accept his proposal to consort?
And how can he have a niece when he is an only child?
There are echoes here of conditions during the Roman Empire and the settlement of the American West, and the author provides a detailed and interesting setting. The plot moves slowly with intermittent bursts of violent action, very much what one would expect from military postings along a dangerous frontier, but the ever-present threat maintains the tension, the attention to details in this secondary world are involving, and new discoveries and revelations capture the reader’s interest, most notably the gradual strengthening of Alyiakal’s powers and the unexpected emergence of special talents in Saelora and his niece/daughter (?) also.
This is basically a traditional hero tale of the type so popular in epic and romance, but the qualities that the hero displays have been modified to appeal to a modern audience: Alyiakal shows respect for others, particularly women and captives; he targets only enemies who threaten those whom it is his duty to protect; he tries to minimize casualties and uses his special healing talent to treat the wounded; and he regrets the lives he must take to protect those for whose safety he feels responsible. Despite his reputation as a cold-blooded killer, he is merciful. He cares for horses too. As Saelora observes, ‘you’re responsible, and fiercely loyal to those you love and those you command. Regardless of the cost to you.’
Responsible? There’s a quality to value in a leader, now more than ever. How far will Alyiakal rise?
An involving read.
Highly recommended, though it might be better to start with the two earlier books.
The arc follows the military career of Alyiakal as he progresses up the ranks of the Cyador Empire’s Mirror Lancers. With growing success, however, come greater challenges, not only from hostile attacks across the frontier, but from envious rivals within the military and from suspicious and self-interested factions struggling for political power within the empire.
Will his special talents, attention to careful planning, and brilliant tactical skill enable him to survive?
Will his beloved Saelora accept his proposal to consort?
And how can he have a niece when he is an only child?
There are echoes here of conditions during the Roman Empire and the settlement of the American West, and the author provides a detailed and interesting setting. The plot moves slowly with intermittent bursts of violent action, very much what one would expect from military postings along a dangerous frontier, but the ever-present threat maintains the tension, the attention to details in this secondary world are involving, and new discoveries and revelations capture the reader’s interest, most notably the gradual strengthening of Alyiakal’s powers and the unexpected emergence of special talents in Saelora and his niece/daughter (?) also.
This is basically a traditional hero tale of the type so popular in epic and romance, but the qualities that the hero displays have been modified to appeal to a modern audience: Alyiakal shows respect for others, particularly women and captives; he targets only enemies who threaten those whom it is his duty to protect; he tries to minimize casualties and uses his special healing talent to treat the wounded; and he regrets the lives he must take to protect those for whose safety he feels responsible. Despite his reputation as a cold-blooded killer, he is merciful. He cares for horses too. As Saelora observes, ‘you’re responsible, and fiercely loyal to those you love and those you command. Regardless of the cost to you.’
Responsible? There’s a quality to value in a leader, now more than ever. How far will Alyiakal rise?
An involving read.
Highly recommended, though it might be better to start with the two earlier books.
August 14, 2025
Alyiakal, now commanding Lhaarat Post, has to contend with another Cerlyn incursion. He manages to destroy most of the Cerlynese forces. For his good work, he gets promoted to Majer and then sent back to Pemedra Post with a chance for leave on the way. When he arrives at Pemedra, he finds that standards need to be reinforced and patrolling brought up to snuff, especially since he expects Cerlyn to try something again if Jerans does not strike first. When he got orders to hit Cerlyn, he managed to ambush the first force and then sneak his way to the capital of Cerlyn and knock off the Duke before return to base. For his actions, he got ordered to come to Cyan to work at the Mirror Lancers HQ. About that time, he found out he a a daughter and consorted with Saelora whom he had been courting for a number of years. An interesting addition to the Recluce saga that keeps the story of Alyiakal fresh and moving along nicely.
Thanks Netgalley and Tor for the chance to read this title!
Thanks Netgalley and Tor for the chance to read this title!
June 8, 2025
Sub-Majer’s Challenge by L.E. Modesitt, Jr.
Once again, Alyiakal, succeeds when carefully maneuvered into situations that are designed to see that he fails. An ethics-driven officer in a country led by a consortium of unethical leaders, Alyiakal’s successes are startling to all of his foes and accepted as normal by his consort, Saelora.
In a male-dominated society where misogyny is accepted as normal, Alyiakal, supports Saelora in her decidedly non-feminine pursuits in trade. This support leads to a bond that transcends normality, especially when Saelora and Alyiakal discover secrets from Alyiakal’s past.
Modesitt crafts a detailed and believable world in all his series. The Saga of Recluce comprises twenty-five volumes, spanning from 1991 to the present. It is well worth your time to read all of Modesitt’s work.
I highly recommend this book.
Once again, Alyiakal, succeeds when carefully maneuvered into situations that are designed to see that he fails. An ethics-driven officer in a country led by a consortium of unethical leaders, Alyiakal’s successes are startling to all of his foes and accepted as normal by his consort, Saelora.
In a male-dominated society where misogyny is accepted as normal, Alyiakal, supports Saelora in her decidedly non-feminine pursuits in trade. This support leads to a bond that transcends normality, especially when Saelora and Alyiakal discover secrets from Alyiakal’s past.
Modesitt crafts a detailed and believable world in all his series. The Saga of Recluce comprises twenty-five volumes, spanning from 1991 to the present. It is well worth your time to read all of Modesitt’s work.
I highly recommend this book.
August 30, 2025
Sub Majer's Challenge
Wow!!
This is the third in a trilogy in the ongoing Saga of Recluse. I reread the first and second in the trilogy before I read this last book so I'd remember the details. The world building for Recluse is exceptional and Modesitt's storytelling continues to enthrall me. I've bought and read every book he has written and never been disappointed.
This is Military Fiction at its best that includes the use of magic, lots of action, and strong developed characters.
Wow!!
This is the third in a trilogy in the ongoing Saga of Recluse. I reread the first and second in the trilogy before I read this last book so I'd remember the details. The world building for Recluse is exceptional and Modesitt's storytelling continues to enthrall me. I've bought and read every book he has written and never been disappointed.
This is Military Fiction at its best that includes the use of magic, lots of action, and strong developed characters.
September 2, 2025
One of my favorite author’s, L. E. Modesitt, Jr., continues his tale of Mirror Lancer Alyiakal who has met his Sub-Majer's Challenge (hard from Tor). As a new Majer he is sent to command Pemedra Post. His military decisions lead to the death of enemy Chaos mages and the death of an enemy noble, which may have exceeded his orders. With orders to report to headquarters, he consorts with Saelora during his leave and meets a daughter he never knew he had. This part of the Recluce saga has been kept very calm so far. I look forward to what happens to Alyiakal next.
August 28, 2025
Another great book by Modesitt
After setting aside work and such, I flew through this book in two days. I really enjoy the Saga of Recluce books - really almost everything by Modesitt.
His characters are very well developed and his world building is top. I enjoy the machinations of the plot but he is careful to make sure that it never gets in the way of the storytelling.
My only complaint is that I read his books too fast and then I have a long wait for the next one.
After setting aside work and such, I flew through this book in two days. I really enjoy the Saga of Recluce books - really almost everything by Modesitt.
His characters are very well developed and his world building is top. I enjoy the machinations of the plot but he is careful to make sure that it never gets in the way of the storytelling.
My only complaint is that I read his books too fast and then I have a long wait for the next one.
August 27, 2025
The adventure I hoped to see
The Majer moves on in his career and love life while building his skills and sophistication. A gripping story with a charming romance snuck in. Well worth the read. I had trouble putting it down and going to bed, and grabbed it up first thing this morning to finish it.
The Majer moves on in his career and love life while building his skills and sophistication. A gripping story with a charming romance snuck in. Well worth the read. I had trouble putting it down and going to bed, and grabbed it up first thing this morning to finish it.
August 28, 2025
Another Excellent book of Recluse
The Author has been filling the history and POV of Recluse for years.
This is another installment on his examination of how Chaos is not purely evil and Order is not purely good.
It is yet another reminder that many institutions are neither good or evil. And many individuals are neither good or evil. They just are.
Enjoy
The Author has been filling the history and POV of Recluse for years.
This is another installment on his examination of how Chaos is not purely evil and Order is not purely good.
It is yet another reminder that many institutions are neither good or evil. And many individuals are neither good or evil. They just are.
Enjoy
September 7, 2025
Absolutely loved this book. I REALLY did not want it to end. Spoiler of sorts. I'm glad that this particular arc is going to continue into another book.
What can I say about a 25th book that is worthy of reading... not much probably. This continues to be my favorite fantasy series and L.E. Modesitt Jr. is truly one of my top 3 authors. This is good stuff!!!
What can I say about a 25th book that is worthy of reading... not much probably. This continues to be my favorite fantasy series and L.E. Modesitt Jr. is truly one of my top 3 authors. This is good stuff!!!
September 10, 2025
Normally I’d say military fantasy isn’t my favorite subgenre but Alyiakal is such a likable and intrinsically decent man he’s easy to root for and a strong interesting lead character always makes for a page turner for me. It feels like there should be one more book with him as the lead character and I’m looking forward to it.
August 28, 2025
Sub Majors Challenge
As usual a very well written and entertaining book I have read all of the books and have most of them in my personal library. I am looking forward to the next instalment.
As usual a very well written and entertaining book I have read all of the books and have most of them in my personal library. I am looking forward to the next instalment.
August 28, 2025
Sub-Major character
One of the best books I’ve read.
Stays and enhances Recluse saga for those of us that follow the series.
One of the best books I’ve read.
Stays and enhances Recluse saga for those of us that follow the series.
August 29, 2025
Can't wait for more
Can't wait for the next novel or two in the series. I think we are approaching the grand finale.
Cheers,
Ivan
Can't wait for the next novel or two in the series. I think we are approaching the grand finale.
Cheers,
Ivan
August 29, 2025
another great book
We were advised of the new emperor by reference in the Lorn series, this details his rise and the difficulties he overcomes
We were advised of the new emperor by reference in the Lorn series, this details his rise and the difficulties he overcomes
August 29, 2025
excellent
Been some time since I read a Book that I that I could not put down. Modesitt delivered yet again!
Been some time since I read a Book that I that I could not put down. Modesitt delivered yet again!
September 1, 2025
good work
Leaves good work up for future suspense. Good character development for newly introduced characters. Good expansion of other past characters.
Leaves good work up for future suspense. Good character development for newly introduced characters. Good expansion of other past characters.
September 2, 2025
Excellent book in the recluse series
I always get engrossed in Modesitt's descriptions and world building . Hiss foods sound so good I wish he had a cook book
I always get engrossed in Modesitt's descriptions and world building . Hiss foods sound so good I wish he had a cook book
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