ENDGAMES

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 decisions—he 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 virtues—this is
a fantasy, after all—there’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 involving—a fully satisfying conclusion to this
particular story arc.