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A review by mary_soon_lee
Imager by L.E. Modesitt Jr.
4.0
This is the opening book in a fantasy series set in a secondary world with a Victorian rather than Medieval feel. I note that is very clearly part of a series and the end-point felt somewhat arbitrary. I found the start of the book underwhelming, the opening scenes skipping from one year to another without hooking me. After that, the story gradually ramped up, and I came to like Rhenn, the main character.
I like the principal fantasy conceit, a form of magic called imaging. I liked several of the secondary characters, including some strong women. And while it is standard fantasy fare to feature scenes in a magical school, I usually enjoy such scenes. As I did here. Far less standard is the emphasis the book gives to government, law and economics, which I found a refreshing departure, though occasionally over-detailed.
The book also contains mystery and romance components, plus several strong action scenes. Once past the start, I found it agreeably diverting. Not an outstanding book, but a pleasurable one.
Update after re-reading the book a year and a bit later: I enjoyed this book the first time around, and, unexpectedly to me, enjoyed it even more the second time. As noted above, on my first reading it took me a while to warm to the main character. Re-reading it, I started with a remembered fondness for Rhenn, and was interested in details of his childhood and apprenticeship that hadn't compelled me the first time. I found the book very immersive and very enjoyable.
I like the principal fantasy conceit, a form of magic called imaging. I liked several of the secondary characters, including some strong women. And while it is standard fantasy fare to feature scenes in a magical school, I usually enjoy such scenes. As I did here. Far less standard is the emphasis the book gives to government, law and economics, which I found a refreshing departure, though occasionally over-detailed.
The book also contains mystery and romance components, plus several strong action scenes. Once past the start, I found it agreeably diverting. Not an outstanding book, but a pleasurable one.
Update after re-reading the book a year and a bit later: I enjoyed this book the first time around, and, unexpectedly to me, enjoyed it even more the second time. As noted above, on my first reading it took me a while to warm to the main character. Re-reading it, I started with a remembered fondness for Rhenn, and was interested in details of his childhood and apprenticeship that hadn't compelled me the first time. I found the book very immersive and very enjoyable.