Legacies
The Corean Chronicles Book 1
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Beschreibung des Verlags
In the barely recalled beginnings of recorded history, Corus enjoyed a golden era of civilization, its united peoples rich in learning, trade and the arts. A magical calamity spread a dark age across the planet, leaving its people to crawl slowly out of ignorance and savagery. Corea now stands a divided, warring world where kingdoms fight and people live amongst supernatural beings and bizarre animals. A few rare humans have Talent, the ability to use magical powers, and are thus either cursed or blessed.
Alucius is one of the most Talented of all, yet came from unremarkable beginnings. Raised on an isolated ranch, he is warned never to show his Talent lest he attract attention and be condemned to a lifetime of service. He carries this warning as he comes of age, and joins the Militia as did his father before him. However, this is no routine rite of passage. Corus enters a time of flux as his country is invaded by slave armies of the immortal ruler Madrien - and Alucius himself is captured and enslaved. A palpable sense of evil hangs over the lands and those of Talent are the only defence.
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Although "judicious matriarchy vs. brutish patriarchy" may have been done to death, Modesitt has boldly taken on the task of breathing new life into this venerable feminist clich , and done a more than credible job. Alucius, a young shepherd-turned-soldier from the proud but impoverished Iron Valley, is wounded and captured by the invading Matrite army. He manages to disguise his magical Talent well enough to pass the inspection of the Matrial, the seemingly immortal ruler whose magic reaches to every corner of her kingdom, and is assigned to fight in a company of Matrite cavalry. As he gains valuable knowledge of patience, warfare and honor, Alucius also comes to realize that despite his hatred of the slavery and prejudice that are so integral to the Matrite society, he can't help admiring the order and prosperity that accompany them. Resolving this internal dilemma is only one of his struggles: he must also work to regain his freedom, practice and improve his Talent and figure out why magical creatures appear at odd moments and aid or attack him seemingly at random. The historical background is somewhat sketchy and difficult to follow, and Modesitt still has trouble reconciling science and magic; but the warfare and dialogue are clear and authentic, and he's learned a lot about pacing in the 11 years since the first Recluce books were published. Thoughtful readers will be appreciative, and the author's fans will be impressed. FYI:Earlier this year Modesitt published a well-received SF novel,Archform: Beauty (Forecasts, June 10).
