Review by Booklist Review
The final novel in the Imager Portfolio (after Assassin's Price, 2017) continues the story of the land of Solidar, this time from the perspective of the young ruler, Charyn, Rex Regis. His father was recently assassinated, and Charyn must quickly learn the intricacies of ruling this fractious land. The landed nobles, newly wealthy manufacturers, and the enigmatic imagers all vie for his attention, but if he shows preference for one, the land could be thrown back into civil war. Modesitt has created a character whose humanity shines through his carefully crafted letters to the woman he woos, through his conflicted feelings about his brother and sister, through his desire to be an inventor and through his attempts to please everyone. Here is a boy, barely a man intelligent, thoughtful, and kind who has had a great weight thrust upon his shoulders. Charyn's determination and efforts are deftly written, drawing the reader to his side, hoping he'll survive to create the world he envisions. This book will appeal to readers who are already familiar with the series; other readers are encouraged to start with the first book in the series (Imager, 2009).--Rebecca Gerber Copyright 2019 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Modesitt's 12th Imager Portfolio fantasy novel (after Outcasts of Order) takes a mix of civil unrest, romance, and assassination attempts and manages to render them rather dull. In previous volumes, Charyn D'Rex, ruler of Solidar, lost his father to violence and survived attempts on his own life. Now the young ruler seeks to balance the interests of nobles, wealthy businesspeople, and the common folk while performing his duties, including finding a consort. The populace makes its discontent known, both in the form of the True Believers religious movement and in various acts of violence against the businesses of the wealthy. Charyn responds by deliberating over reasonable courses of action, including legislative changes. His very proper romance is conducted at balls and via lengthy correspondence. A distant naval war with the Jariolans enters the story only rarely and with little effect; there are a few attempts on his life as part of a coup, but it never feels like he is in real danger. This reads more like a treatise on good government than an exciting fantasy epic. (Feb.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A low-key yet climactic visit to the world of imagers (as wizards are called here), again focusing on the tribulations of the new Rex (ruler) of Solidar, young Charyn.An undeclared naval war drags on. Vehement protests against corrupt choristers (preachers) break out. High Holders (landowning gentry) stubbornly resist change. As an emerging middle class of factors and traders pursue profits, impoverished workers resort to arson attacks on factories and warehouses. On a personal level, Charyn must choose a wife and produce an heir, the current heir, his younger brother, Bhayrn, being an opinionated numskull unwilling to learn the business of ruling. Only the armed forces and imagers (his sister, Aloryana, is one) stand solidly behind him. Assassination attempts continue, but who is responsible, and why? Nobody wants to pay more taxes even though the Rex needs revenue for ships and civil engineering works. What Modesitt (Assassin's Price, 2017, etc.) makes of all this is part character study, part power struggle, part social engineering, and part intrigue, as Charyn exercises enormous patience coupled with a reluctance to impose decisionshe willingly listens to all points of view, urges opposing groups to work together, and probes for root causes while seeming to accomplish little. Although few readers would claim to possess comparable virtuesthis is a fantasy, after allthere's never a doubt where our sympathies lie. In less capable hands the unfolding drama might have turned out merely dull and didactic, but Modesitt cranks up considerable narrative tension even as the tone remains cool and calm. Some, however, may find the lack of visceral action or wizardry disappointing.Absorbing and involvinga fully satisfying conclusion to this particular story arc. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
