Alector's Choice by L. E. Modesitt, Jr.
Published by Macmillan on April 4, 2006
Genres: Fiction / Fantasy / Epic, Fiction / Fantasy / Military
Pages: 512
Format: Hardcover
Source: Bookstore
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Alector's Choice, book four of the Corean Chronicles, continues the epic fantasy series by L. E. Modesitt, Jr., author of the bestselling Saga of Recluce. Enter this new and exciting world.

Millennia ago, a magical disaster caused the fall of a civilization, the end of a golden age. New civilizations emerged from the ancient destruction and chaos, knowing little of the past or the disaster. Corus today is a world of contending countries, humans, and supernatural creatures. It is a place of magical powers, and of a few people who are talented enough to use them.

Alector Dainyl is the fourth highest ranking military officer of the Duarchy, and Captain Mykel is a young officer potentially Talented and unaware that, should he ever discover that Talent, his life is forfeit. Rebellion spirals out of control, spurred by treachery, corruption, and greed.

The Corean Chronicles
Legacies
Darknesses
Scepters
Alector’s Choice
Cadmian’s Choice
Soarer’s Choice
The Lord-Protector’s Daughter
Lady-Protector

Other series by this author:
The Saga of Recluce
Imager Portfolio
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.

Modesitt has a gift for creating immersive worlds, and that talent shines here. From the intricate systems of governance to the economic realities and magical frameworks, the setting feels fully realized and believable. Readers who enjoy slower, more contemplative fantasy will find plenty to appreciate.

However, this book also highlights the challenges of Modesitt’s style. The pacing feels uneven—moments of tension and action are often followed by lengthy sections of explanation or introspection. While these philosophical digressions are thought-provoking, they sometimes overshadow the emotional stakes of the story. The protagonist, though morally complex, can come across as more of a vessel for ideas than a character the reader can fully invest in.

That said, there’s still much to admire. The themes are rich, the world is immersive, and the moral dilemmas are handled with nuance. For longtime fans of Modesitt, this book offers another glimpse into his thoughtful storytelling approach. But for casual fantasy readers, it may feel dense or slow. Ultimately, it’s a solid read with flashes of brilliance, but not one of his strongest works in terms of emotional engagement.