Natural Ordermage by L. E. Modesitt, Jr.
Published by Macmillan on September 18, 2007
Genres: Fiction / Fantasy / Action & Adventure, Fiction / Fantasy / Epic, Fiction / Fantasy / Military
Pages: 496
Format: eBook
Source: Amazon
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L.E. Modesitt, Jr.'s Natural Ordermage continues his bestselling fantasy series the Saga of Recluce, which is one the most popular in contemporary epic fantasy.

Rahl, a young apprentice scrivener, likes life to work out in his favor. To make sure things go his way, he uses a small amount of order magic in opportunistic moments—but his abilities gains the attention of the Council magisters. Rahl's misuse of his strengthening abilities gets him banished to the empire of Hamor.

As an exile in Hamor, working in the Ordermage Council's import and export business, Rahl's powers increase more—and so does the amount of trouble he can get into.

“An intriguing fantasy in a fascinating world.”—Robert Jordan, New York Times bestselling author of The Wheel of Time® series

Saga of Recluce

#1 The Magic of Recluce / #2 The Towers of Sunset / #3 The Magic Engineer / #4 The Order War / #5 The Death of Chaos / #6 Fall of Angels / #7 The Chaos Balance / #8 The White Order / #9 Colors of Chaos / #10 Magi’i of Cyador / #11 Scion of Cyador / #12 Wellspring of Chaos / #13 Ordermaster / #14 Natural Order Mage / #15 Mage-Guard of Hamor / #16 Arms-Commander / #17 Cyador’s Heirs / #18 Heritage of Cyador /#19 The Mongrel Mage / #20 Outcasts of Order / #21 The Mage-Fire War (forthcoming)

Story Collection: Recluce Tales

Other Series by L.E. Modesitt, Jr.
The Imager Portfolio
The Corean Chronicles
The Spellsong Cycle
The Ghost Books
The Ecolitan Matter

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Series: The Saga of Recluce, #14

Author: L.E. Modesitt Jr.

Genre: Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy, Coming-of-Age

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars)

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ABOUT THE BOOK

In Natural Ordermage, L.E. Modesitt Jr. returns to the world of Recluce with a fresh perspective and a new protagonist: Rahl, a young man with a dangerous talent for manipulation. After misusing his powers and drawing too much attention, Rahl finds himself forcibly sent to the capital to be trained—or imprisoned—in the ways of order magic. But power always comes with a price, and Rahl’s journey is anything but smooth.

This is the 14th entry in the acclaimed Saga of Recluce, but once again, Modesitt’s gift for immersive worldbuilding and layered storytelling makes it accessible for new readers while rewarding longtime fans.

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THE STORY

Rahl begins as a somewhat arrogant, naive young man in Recluce, and through hardship, exile, and harsh training, he becomes something more. Sent to Hamor, a land with different rules, loyalties, and expectations, Rahl must navigate complex political games, military service, and magical responsibilities. The plot unfolds in a satisfying blend of internal growth and external action.

The pacing is deliberately thoughtful—true to Modesitt’s style—allowing the reader to explore the philosophies of power, order, chaos, and personal responsibility. As Rahl matures, so does the tension, and readers are pulled into a compelling story of transformation and reckoning.

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THE CHARACTERS

Rahl is a standout protagonist—not because he’s perfect, but because he’s real. His flaws, doubts, and growth make him someone readers will root for. His emotional and magical evolution forms the emotional heart of the book.

Supporting characters—mentors, military commanders, and political figures—are sharply drawn, often with subtle motivations that reflect Modesitt’s nuanced take on morality and power dynamics. Every character serves a purpose, and their relationships with Rahl shape his transformation.

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STEAMOMETER

🔥 Steam Level: 0/5

This is a clean, high-fantasy story with no sexual content or romance at the forefront. Perfect for readers who enjoy character development, worldbuilding, and intellectual themes without the distraction of steamy scenes.

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OVERALL THOUGHTS

Natural Ordermage is another masterful addition to the Recluce saga. It’s rich with introspection, political intrigue, and magical realism. What sets it apart is how Rahl’s journey mirrors a deeper philosophical exploration of balance—between freedom and control, chaos and order, isolation and connection.

Modesitt’s prose is thoughtful and deliberate, and his pacing rewards patient readers. If you love intelligent fantasy with deep themes, morally complex characters, and a richly imagined world, this book—and the entire Recluce series—is a must-read.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Modesitt or discovering him for the first time, Natural Ordermage will leave you eager to dive into the next chapter of this extraordinary saga.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

L.E. Modesitt Jr. is a master of speculative fiction known for his complex, idea-driven storytelling. With over 70 novels to his name—including the Saga of Recluce, The Imager Portfolio, and The Corean Chronicles—he explores ethics, economics, magic, and the human condition through powerful, relatable protagonists.

Learn more at www.lemodesittjr.com

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