Contrarian

In Modesitt's third and final installment of his superlative gaslamp-fantasy series, Grand Illusion, Isolate Steffan Dekkard dives headfirst into the political intrigue and growing unrest of an insurrectionist conspiracy in his role as Craft Councilor of Gaarlak. Fans of Modesitt's skilled world building are treated to it in spades as Dekkard and Avraal Ysella head into Gaarlak for the council's winter recess and spend their days house hunting, interviewing and hiring staff, and solidifying relationships with the constituents of their new district. Their imposed downtime is well spent as it further fleshes out the rich world of Guldor while also giving Dekkard a glimpse at the civil discord that is brewing throughout the country. All too soon their days are marked by assassination attempts, bombings, and maritime mutinies, again forcing Dekkard into the fray as he is faced with forging new political alliances without aid and unraveling murderous plots that are far too close to home. Book three ties a very neat bow on all of the far-flung plot threads that still linger and, with its particularly satisfying conclusion, readers are sure to be left enraptured by the depth of Modesitt's imagination.

After the tragic ending of Councilor, this gaslamp political fantasy dives yet deeper into the dirty politics of Guldor and continues to follow one good man's attempt not to get his hands too dirty while trying to keep his country on a course that will benefit most of its people, not just the rich and mighty. It's a tall order, but Steffan Dekkard just might pull it off if he can make the right allies and avoid the knives, guns, and smear campaigns of his many enemies. This series as a whole, and this entry in particular, focuses on the behind-the-scenes maneuverings of government--and how easy it is to manipulate through misinformation or assassination. Readers who enjoy the cut and thrust of making deals will be fascinated with Dekkard's wily maneuvering, but those looking for more action in their fantasy should look elsewhere. VERDICT Recommended for readers of politically focused fantasy and those who enjoy seeing a good man fight the good fight, even if not with sharp-edged weapons.--Marlene Harris