"A great start to what looks like will be a tremendous series"
On a remote sheep farm in Corus, herder Alucius grows up in
relative isolation as his mother and grandparents do not
want the ruling bodies to use the lad's Talent. Instead he
learns to hide his skills, using them only to augur any
danger to his family or the sheep. Alucius' pastoral life ends when the Militia drafts him.
Not wanting to repeat what happened to his father who died
fighting for the Militia, Alucius serendipitously uses his
Talent to study auras in order to stay alive. However, in
spite of his skill, the enemy invaders from Madrien capture
him and place him bondage. Though somewhat muted in his
environs, Alucius applies the Talent to survive. The introductory novel to the latest epic fantasy from L.E.
Modesitt, Jr. is a great start to what looks like will be a
tremendous series. This book is not a throw away though
the inviting story line provides a strong look at the cast,
especially Alucius while containing weird creatures and a
world that seems very mystical yet genuine. It is the
global environment that makes LEGACIES a triumphant opening
gamut that will send fans of the author and new readers
into a frenzy for the next novel. With the Talent of Mr.
Modesitt, Jr. fans will anticipate even greater insight yet
filled with non-stop action and excitement as the audience
explores the intricacies of the Corean Chronicles. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted October 11, 2002
|
|
One of the towering creators of contemporary fantasy
fiction takes us to a new land of wonders. The Corean
Chronicles begin with Legacies, a grand new fantasy novel
in which L. E. Modesitt, Jr., author of the bestselling
Recluce fantasy series and the popular Spellsong Cycle,
opens the door into a marvelous new world.
Millennia ago, a magical disaster caused the fall of a
great worldwide civilization, the end of a golden age. New
civilizations have fought their way up from the ancient
destruction and chaos, knowing little of the lost world
that preceded them or the details of its fall. Corus today
is a world of contending countries, of humans, but also of
strange animals and supernatural creatures. It is a place
of magical powers, and of a few people who are talented
enough to use them. Alusius, the hero of the story, is one. Although born into a successful herder family, Alusius
never knew his father, who was killed in action while
serving in the Militia. So he is raised on a Nightsheep
ranch by his mother and grandparents, and schooled at home.
As a child, he shows very strong Talent. He is warned
gravely that he must never reveal this outside the home
lest he spend his life in servitude to some rich and
powerful person. But as he grows to young manhood, Alusius
must serve in the Militia like his father before him. When
his country is invaded by the slave armies of The Matrial,
an immortal ruler in a nearby land, Alusius is captured and
enslaved. A time of changes has come upon all of the world of Corus.
If the evil surrounding The Matrial is not brought to an
end, those changes will not be happy ones. Gradually,
Alusius realizes that he and his Talent have a central role
to play.
|
