Magi'i of Cyador by L. E. Modesitt, Jr.
Published by Macmillan on April 1, 2010
Genres: Fiction / Fantasy / Action & Adventure, Fiction / Fantasy / Epic, Fiction / Fantasy / Military
Pages: 544
Format: eBook
Source: Amazon
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L.E. Modesitt, Jr.'s Magi'i of Cyador continues his bestselling fantasy series the Saga of Recluce, which is one of the most popular in contemporary epic fantasy.

A diligent student of remarkable talent, Lorn lacks only the single most coveted attribute required of a Magus of Cyador: unquestionable loyalty. Too independent for his own good, Lorn is forced to become a lancer officer, and is sent to the frontier to fight off the all-too-frequent barbarian raids—a career that comes with a 50% mortality rate. His enemies don't expect him to survive . . .

“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.

#365DaysofReviews – Day 11

ABOUT THE BOOK

Magi’i of Cyador is the tenth installment in The Saga of Recluce, a masterfully written fantasy series that blends political intrigue, personal evolution, and the balance of chaos and order.

THE STORY

We follow Lorn, the son of a high-ranking Magus, who finds himself posted not in the magical halls of the Magi’i, but as a lancer officer on the front lines. With war brewing and power shifting, Lorn must navigate deadly political games, ruthless enemies, and his own awakening abilities. The narrative is rich in strategy, both militarily and politically, with a slow burn that pays off in rewarding arcs and sharp revelations.

THE CHARACTERS

Lorn is a standout—a rare combination of honor, intellect, and deadly skill. His journey is as internal as it is external, shaped by challenges that force him to confront not only enemy blades but the toxic politics of his own empire. The supporting cast, especially fellow lancers and the magi, adds texture to a world that is as unforgiving as it is fascinating.

FANTASY FRAMEWORK

This is Modesitt at his finest: layers of order and chaos, institutions in decline, and a protagonist who must walk the knife-edge between loyalty and survival. The world-building is meticulous, with Cyador’s fading power and magical constructs offering both wonder and weight. Modesitt’s moral gray areas shine here—nothing is simple, and every choice costs something.

🔥 STEAMOMETER: 1/5

This isn’t a romance-driven story, but the emotional depth and character connections are strong and heartfelt. Expect slow-burn introspection over heat.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

A five-star read that reminds me why L.E. Modesitt Jr. is one of my favorite authors. The pace is deliberate, the prose elegant, and the payoff immense. If you love fantasy with brains, ethics, and strategy, Magi’i of Cyador is essential reading.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

L.E. Modesitt Jr. is the bestselling author of over 75 novels, known for his intricate systems of magic and thoughtful explorations of power and morality. Learn more here.