Has anyone else read these excellent books? So far I've read the magic of Recluce and I'm currently working my way through the towers of sunset(so far, I like it better then the first book). If you haven't already, run to your local library/bookstore and get these books. They are written quite well, which much attention for detail. And the character development is superb. You do have to like Modesitts writting style though, which can be a bit heavy.

Yeah I did! And I really like his series set in that particular world. (Though I do not like his Sophrano singer series at all) You can predict the plot of his story after a few books but his character development etc. is such that its still a good read.

Magic of Recluse remains one of only about ten books I could not force myself to finish.

I’m not sure it was the writing style that I disliked as much as the characters and the plot (or lack thereof).

It takes some getting into, but I do think it is worth it in the end... The sequel (or actually it is more of a prequel, as it takes place in the past) is quite a bit better. Plotwise and characterwise.