L. E. Modesitt's bestselling fantasy novels set in the magical world of Recluce have established a standard of entertainment in contemporary fantasy. "In Modesitt's universe, where good and evil, chaos and order, are in perpetual conflict, a young wizard finds that his destiny is to strike a balance, but at considerable personal cost. Modesitt creates a deeper and more intricate world with each volume," says Publishers Weekly. "Modesitt's elaborate and intelligent working out of a systemof magic and a system of technology parallel to it is becoming more the lifeblood of the Recluce books with every new volume... His saga continues to gain in popularity," says Booklist. Each Recluce novel tells an independent story that nevertheless reverberates though all the other Recluce novels to deepen and enrich the reading experience.
Now in Fall of Angels, Modesitt moves deep into Recluce's past to chronicle the founding of the Empire of the Legend, the almost mythological domain ruled by woman warriors on the highland plateau of the continent of Candar. He tells the story from the point of view of Nylan, the engineer and builder whose job it is to raise a great tower on the plateau known as the Roof of the World. Here the exiled women warriors will live and survive to fulfill their destiny. Here a revolutionary new society will be born... if Nylan can get the tower built and defenses in place before the rulers of the lowland nations come with their armies to obliterate them all. And if Nylan can learn to control the magical powers that are growing within him.
Thus Modesitt relates the story of how magic comes into the world of Recluce, in a fantasy novel destined to please the growing Recluce audience and win new readers to the series.
Fall of Angels is the sixth book of the saga of Recluce.
The series
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.
Read full series description
At the heart of the series lies the ancient, turbulent island of Recluce, where the battle between the forces of chaos and order plays out on a grand scale. The world-building in Saga of Recluce is as deep as it is expansive, with a carefully constructed magic system that is governed by the laws of balance. Those who wield magic must carefully tread the line between these forces, for to tip the balance is to risk devastating consequences. The magic isn’t just a tool; it’s an elemental force that reflects the very nature of the world itself, and its users must contend with its weight.
The characters within this world are anything but ordinary. From powerful sorcerers to humble craftsmen, each one must navigate the complexities of a society that is constantly in flux, where power struggles and personal growth are intricately tied to the magic they wield. Every protagonist has a unique relationship with the forces of order and chaos, and their journeys reveal the true cost of harnessing such power. Saga of Recluce is not a typical “good versus evil” narrative—it is a deeply philosophical exploration of choice, responsibility, and the fine line between light and dark.
Throughout the series, Modesitt’s storytelling is driven by complex moral questions. What happens when the best of intentions go awry? How does a person reconcile personal ambition with the greater good? These are the questions that challenge his characters, and ultimately, his readers. The Saga of Recluce is not just about magic and adventure; it’s a meditation on the nature of power and the ripple effect of each decision.
With its rich world-building, nuanced characters, and exploration of timeless themes, the Saga of Recluce stands out in the fantasy genre as a thoughtful, immersive series for those who crave more than just sword fights and sorcery. Each book builds upon the last, creating a layered and compelling narrative that will keep readers thinking long after they’ve turned the final page. For those willing to step into a world where magic is both a gift and a burden, the Saga of Recluce offers an unforgettable journey.
#1 · 1991The Magic of Recluce 
#2 · 1992The Towers of the Sunset 
#3 · 1994The Magic Engineer 
#4 · 1995The Order War 
#5 · 1995The Death of Chaos 
#6 · 1996Fall of Angels 
#7 · 1997The Chaos Balance 
#8 · 1998The White Order 
#9 · 1999Colors of Chaos 
#10 · 2001Magi'i of Cyador 
#11 · 2001Scion of Cyador 
#12 · 2004Wellspring of Chaos 
#13 · 2005Ordermaster 
#14 · 2007Natural Ordermage 
#15 · 2008Mage-Guard of Hamor 
#16 · 2010Arms-Commander 
#17 · 2014Cyador's Heirs 
#18 · 2014Heritage of Cyador 
#19 · 2017The Mongrel Mage 
#20 · 2018Outcasts of Order 
#21 · 2019The Mage-Fire War 
#22 · 2021Fairhaven Rising 
#23 · 2024From the Forest 
#24 · 2024Overcaptain 
#25 · 2025Sub-Majer's Challenge 
#26 · 2026Last of the First 
#27 · TBASaga of Recluce Book 27 
2017Recluce Tales: Stories from the World of Recluce Be the first reviewer
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