From Kirkus Reviews
A ``prequel'' to The Magic of Recluse (1991), this sometimes engaging, more often frustrating novel details the founding of the island-kingdom of Recluce. Young Creslin, kept ignorant of his powers in both magic and swordcraft, grows unsatisfied with his lot as a male in matriarchal Westwind. Unwillingly betrothed to the ``sub-Tyrant'' of a neighboring nation, Creslin flees eastward, where he is captured by the White (Chaos) magicians, aided by the Black (Order) wizards, and finally forced by circumstance to wed his less-than-thrilled betrothed Megaera, who has been manipulated by magic into the marriage herself. Together (though constantly bickering), they undertake the regency of the desolate isle of Recluce, hoping to turn it into a prosperous haven free of the White wizards. But the wizards have other plans--and Creslin must master his own powers, make the desert Recluce bloom, and defeat the Chaos magicians if he hopes to survive. Unsatisfying--despite some interesting inversions of typical fantasy elements. The first half moves very slowly, as Creslin wanders purposelessly toward Fairhaven, the lair of the White wizards, and the second section is plagued by Megaera's shrewish and cruel treatment of Creslin. But the worst flaw is Modesitt's choice of the present tense throughout the book--very distracting and deadly to any building sense of drama. Disappointing. -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.


Review
"A complex world based on a plausible system of magic." -Publishers Weekly

"I could not put it down. This is an outstanding fantasy tale." -Andre Norton



Review
"A complex world based on a plausible system of magic." -Publishers Weekly

"I could not put it down. This is an outstanding fantasy tale." -Andre Norton



Book Description
Return now to the world of Recluce in The Towers of the Sunset

ANNOTATION

Last year, Modesitt burst onto the fantasy scene with The Magic of Recluce, called by Robert Jordan "an intriguing fantasy in a fascinating world, with characters who catch you up." Now Modesitt returns to the world of Recluce to tell the tale of the founding of the land of Recluce, and the rise of Order magic.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Modesitt returns to the world of his bestseller The Magic of Recluce with a new magical fantasy adventure prequel. Set centuries earlier, this new work tells the story of the founding of the magical society on the island of Recluce. "Another charmer."--Publishers Weekly. HC: Tor.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING