Rating: 
Summary: A frustrating read not worth the time...
Review: Modesitt once again demonstrates a clear grasp of dialogue, but, unfortunately, this is the author's only strength in this second sojourn into the realm of Recluce. This book annoyed me more than "The Magic of Recluce" did, and for many of the same of reasons.I won't rehash any comments I've previously made on the author's choice of present tense in the narrative. Suffice it to say, it's both distracting and annoying. Similarly, the use of sound effects instead of metaphors or other descriptions is amateurish and appropriate only if one is writing to an audience of elementary school children. To Modesitt's credit, the use of sound effects occurs somewhat less frequently than in the first book of the series. Looking back across "Towers" and "Recluce," it seems as though Modesitt has used three main stereotypes for his characters. First is the intelligent male character, who is more or less able to reason his way through various challenging situations. This could be Lerris, Creslin, or any of the number of carbon copy White or Black wizards. Try reading some of the dialogue any of these characters says, and imagine any other similar character in the stories saying the same thing - you'll find it's not hard. The dialogue, while engaging in parts, doesn't sufficiently characterize any of Modesitt's players; at least, not enough to make them stand apart. Modesitt's second type of character is the brash, strong-willed female type. Megaera in "Sunset" was so abrasive throughout the second third of the book that in parts I had to stop reading to avoid getting a headache. She is little different from Tamra in book one, and several of the minor female characters in both books are just less irritating versions of the same stereotype. The author's third favored character is the rough-speaking burly male type. Change the name, and switch what side he's on, and this clone fills in nicely as the work horse of any faction in the story, fulfilling the roles of menacing evil soldier, gruff-but-good-hearted craftsman, or trusty lieutenant with equal ease. After reading two books in this series, I can't remember the names of any of these characters, or most of the other minor characters for that matter. The last notable problem I see in "The Towers of Sunset" (and perhaps this is more noticeable to me now because I disliked this book so much more than "The Magic of Recluce") is a lack of smooth transitions in character development throughout the story. I grant that most authors will have to deal with word count and other editing restrictions, but there were parts of this story that just jumped around too much. For example, we begin the novel with Creslin as a whiny, directionless, barely motivated character. He heads towards Fairhaven with no concrete goals and little idea of what he hopes to accomplish. Not too much later in the narrative, and Creslin finds himself on Recluce, and in short order, he begins building a kingdom. The uncertain, directionless young man abruptly changes into a dynamic leader, making decisions left and right for himself and others, while barely consulting with his friends and peers most of the time. Similarly, throughout the first two-thirds of the story, Megaera is an abrasive, stubborn character who fights tooth and nail to make life miserable for Creslin, for reasons that don't become clear until late in the story. Then, abruptly, in a rather confusing scene, the two characters argue and reconcile without really making it clear why they did so. After several unbearable chapters of Megaera-Creslin interplay, I felt robbed of any satisfaction that might have arisen as a result of these two characters making up. Finally, I think that Modesitt spent too much time focusing on the logistics of his characters' situation. The events of the story, though challenging to the characters, didn't really cause them to evolve; the main characters simply acted a certain way one minute, then acted differently the next. Maybe I'm being too harsh, but this is the kind of story that would have only appealed to me when I was in junior high school. Modesitt's ideas in the "Recluce" series are interesting, but the author's stories needed much more development. As a light read, book two is passable, but taken in any other context, "The Towers of Sunset" is simply not worth the time.
Rating:
Summary: A frustrating read not worth the time...
Review: Modesitt once again demonstrates a clear grasp of dialogue, but, unfortunately, this is the author's only strength in this second sojourn into the realm of Recluce. This book annoyed me more than "The Magic of Recluce" did, and for many of the same of reasons. I won't rehash any comments I've previously made on the author's choice of present tense in the narrative. Suffice it to say, it's both distracting and annoying. Similarly, the use of sound effects instead of metaphors or other descriptions is amateurish and appropriate only if one is writing to an audience of elementary school children. To Modesitt's credit, the use of sound effects occurs somewhat less frequently than in the first book of the series. Looking back across "Towers" and "Recluce," it seems as though Modesitt has used three main stereotypes for his characters. First is the intelligent male character, who is more or less able to reason his way through various challenging situations. This could be Lerris, Creslin, or any of the number of carbon copy White or Black wizards. Try reading some of the dialogue any of these characters says, and imagine any other similar character in the stories saying the same thing - you'll find it's not hard. The dialogue, while engaging in parts, doesn't sufficiently characterize any of Modesitt's players; at least, not enough to make them stand apart. Modesitt's second type of character is the brash, strong-willed female type. Megaera in "Sunset" was so abrasive throughout the second third of the book that in parts I had to stop reading to avoid getting a headache. She is little different from Tamra in book one, and several of the minor female characters in both books are just less irritating versions of the same stereotype. The author's third favored character is the rough-speaking burly male type. Change the name, and switch what side he's on, and this clone fills in nicely as the work horse of any faction in the story, fulfilling the roles of menacing evil soldier, gruff-but-good-hearted craftsman, or trusty lieutenant with equal ease. After reading two books in this series, I can't remember the names of any of these characters, or most of the other minor characters for that matter. The last notable problem I see in "The Towers of Sunset" (and perhaps this is more noticeable to me now because I disliked this book so much more than "The Magic of Recluce") is a lack of smooth transitions in character development throughout the story. I grant that most authors will have to deal with word count and other editing restrictions, but there were parts of this story that just jumped around too much. For example, we begin the novel with Creslin as a whiny, directionless, barely motivated character. He heads towards Fairhaven with no concrete goals and little idea of what he hopes to accomplish. Not too much later in the narrative, and Creslin finds himself on Recluce, and in short order, he begins building a kingdom. The uncertain, directionless young man abruptly changes into a dynamic leader, making decisions left and right for himself and others, while barely consulting with his friends and peers most of the time. Similarly, throughout the first two-thirds of the story, Megaera is an abrasive, stubborn character who fights tooth and nail to make life miserable for Creslin, for reasons that don't become clear until late in the story. Then, abruptly, in a rather confusing scene, the two characters argue and reconcile without really making it clear why they did so. After several unbearable chapters of Megaera-Creslin interplay, I felt robbed of any satisfaction that might have arisen as a result of these two characters making up. Finally, I think that Modesitt spent too much time focusing on the logistics of his characters' situation. The events of the story, though challenging to the characters, didn't really cause them to evolve; the main characters simply acted a certain way one minute, then acted differently the next. Maybe I'm being too harsh, but this is the kind of story that would have only appealed to me when I was in junior high school. Modesitt's ideas in the "Recluce" series are interesting, but the author's stories needed much more development. As a light read, book two is passable, but taken in any other context, "The Towers of Sunset" is simply not worth the time.
Rating: 
Summary: Another well written, original story
Review: Modesitt's realm of Recluce is a unique land with an intriguing system of magic. I felt the first novel of the series was great, and I believe he has created another good piece with THE TOWERS OF THE SUNSET. The story takes place centuries in Recluce's past rather than just jumping straight ahead into a sequel, and this helps the reader to gain a fuller understanding of Modesitt's world. Once again, Modesitt pays close attention to the details he gives to his characters, and they are a pleasure to read about. The only problem I have with this new story is that it is a bit slower than the first novel, and it is slightly laborious to read
Rating: 
Summary: Too bad Modesitt's stunningly realized world is so dull
Review: Modesitt's second Recluce novel--which does not follow the first sequentially, making it readable on its own--is a disappointing followup to his first, that, after a stirring first half, takes a slowboat to Boringland and doesn't return until the tail end. The story is set many years in the past in relation to The Magic of Recluce, and details the actual founding of the island as a haven for those who practice Order-magic. (Remember this confusing detail, kids: in Modesitt's world, Order is represented by black, Chaos by white.) And it all gets off to a very good start. Creslin is the male descendant of the Marshall of the Westwinds, living high in the mountain range called the Roof of the World. The Westwinds' inhabitants adhere closely to an ancient legend that most other societies on the island-continent of Candar no longer accept, that they are the direct descendants of the first settlers on Candar and Creslin, being a mere man in a dogmatically matrilineal culture, has nothing to look forward to other than to be married off to a sister of the ruler of nearby Sarronnyn. Such an allegiance will, it is hoped, prevent the white Chaos-wizards from moving west and taking over the whole continent. But Creslin, who's something of a rebellious lad, you see, wants none of this, and launches a foolhardy but daring escape from his escort the day they make the journey to Saronnyn. This part of the book holds your attention quite well. Creslin's risky solo flight across the frozen landscape is the stuff classic high adventure is made of. He engenders your sympathy because Modesitt doesn't depict him as a spoiled brat who has to have his way all the time, but rather as a young fellow who'd rather have a normal, mundane life than a life of position and wealth in which he'd be little more than a harem-boy. Things begin to get dicier for Creslin when he begins to learn that the quaint little magical ability he has to manipulate breezes and winds is, in fact, a latent talent in weather control that could very well mean he's a full-blown Order-master. When the Chaos-wizards find Creslin in their city of Fairhaven, he is captured and, with his memory wiped, imprisoned on a work crew. But his escape and mental recovery are facilitated by a couple of Order-healers, and he makes his way to the dukedom of Montgren, where he finds temporary refuge and meets for the first time his betrothed, Megaera. About 250 pages in, the story starts its sag. Once Creslin and Megaera emigrate to Recluce, the novel becomes a hopeless bore. For one thing, like so many fantasy writers, Modesitt has made all of his behind-the-scenes politics wildly labyrinthine, and though it's not exactly hard to follow (much), it's not really absorbing either. If the whole political landscape in Candar was, like, interesting, then readers might have a stake in it. As for the Choas-Wizards themselves, well, ya know...they aren't exactly the scariest villians in all fantasy. We know nothing about them as characters. They only turn up in brief chapters, going "hmmm" in a mildly dastardly way before dispatching lackies to kill Creslin and Megaera, whom Creslin summarily massacres with typhoons. They're just The Bad Guys who show up when the story needs them to, to do Bad Guy Stuff. And the most sinister thing the High Chaos Wizard can think to say at the end of the novel is "No one wants my job after all this." The book's second half mostly deals with the administrative minutiae of getting bleak little Recluce self-sustaining. How much food can we grow this season? How long will it take? How much water do we have? Let's build some real buildings. What can we trade with Candar? Who will trade with us? How much will shipping cost? Ho-hum! Though crucial to the outcome of the story, Modesitt doesn't seem to have any idea of how to handle these scenes in anything other than the most flat and straightforward manner there is. But mainly, this drab section is too long. It isn't until the very end--literally the last 50 pages--that Modesitt pulls off something of a bottom-of-the-ninth comeback, as the tension that has been slowly ratcheting up and up throughout the novel finally erupts into all-out war. The finale restores the book to the quality we enjoyed in its first half. It's a shame such consistency wasn't maintained throughout, but at least we can be happy that Modesitt gave the ending of The Towers of the Sunset almost as much magic as he gave its title.
Rating:
Summary: The worst book of my favorite series!
Review: Mr. Modesitt, I'm sorry.
I'm a big fan of Mr. Modessitt's style, and a bigger fan of the Recluce series in particular. I own, and have read and re-read this book several times. I know it's importance to the series; I cannot argue that it is not entertaining to follow Creslin as he wields powers no-one has ever seen and he is only aware of, while never thinking of the consequences or ramifications. In this book, written in the present tense, it seems too often that the author wrote facts a bit 'vague' or 'obtuse' so that you have to STOP reading to re-read some part to try to figure out what exactly was going on, and then you'll never *quite* get it all tied together (at least I didn't). White assasins _sneaked_ into Westwind? An exploding cake? The singer was the father of Creslin? Was the singer an Angel? Simply put, it's frustrating to read and forgettable once put down. It is a good story, but I just don't enjoy it; and isn't that what reading a book is all about?
Rating:
Summary: The worst book of my favorite series!
Review: Mr. Modesitt, I'm sorry.
I'm a big fan of Mr. Modessitt's style, and a bigger fan of the Recluce series in particular. I own, and have read and re-read this book several times. I know it's importance to the series; I cannot argue that it is not entertaining to follow Creslin as he wields powers no-one has ever seen and he is only aware of, while never thinking of the consequences or ramifications. In this book, written in the present tense, it seems too often that the author wrote facts a bit 'vague' or 'obtuse' so that you have to STOP reading to re-read some part to try to figure out what exactly was going on, and then you'll never *quite* get it all tied together (at least I didn't). White assasins _sneaked_ into Westwind? An exploding cake? The singer was the father of Creslin? Was the singer an Angel? Simply put, it's frustrating to read and forgettable once put down. It is a good story, but I just don't enjoy it; and isn't that what reading a book is all about?
Rating:
Summary: His writing's improving.
Review: Okay, I was only confused for the first ten pages or so of this book. Unlike the first book of this series, The Magic of Recluce, where I was confused by stuff throughout the story, I mainly figured out the stuff that was going on after the first ten pages. Unfortunately, he never explains what really happened in the first five pages. Who were those two wizards talking? Why did they send the bard to Westwind? Later on, of course, I couldn't figure out why the Whites were after Creslin in the first place. How did they even know about him? Modesitt has some very good ideas for this series. He just needs to make some of it more understandable for the reader. All this confusing hinting at things that we can never figure out detract from the overall story. Not to mention the fact that he wrote this book in the present tense, which got kind of distracting. This is an enjoyable book, but it does have a few weaknesses. Hopefully, his writing will continue to improve and the stories will become more enjoyable throughout the rest of the series.
Rating: 
Summary: Backwards History, Forward Phenomenon
Review: The author of the Magic of Recluse books tells his story in a bit of an odd way, he starts you out in the present day, and each successive book in the series takes you further back in time (with a few exceptions where you go back into previously told story lines and see it from the white wizard's point of view.) I think it is a refreshing way to tell a story (not that it hasn't been done before - but it isn't done as often . . .) by starting out in present time and working your way backwards to explain all the heros that are mentioned in the present time, and then the heros of times gone past and so on. The author does a very good job of creating believable characters that have depth that you care about, and also varies the story each time that you don't get bored with it. If you like RPG, Fantasy, Sci-Fi stuff, then you should love this book series.
Rating:
Summary: Another great read by Modesitt
Review: The bottom line: if you enjoyed The Magic of Recluce, you'll probably enjoy The Towers of the Sunset just as much, if not more.
The new characters like Creslin and Klerris give thoughts to what Recluce would be like without them. I was hoping when I first started reading that Lerris, the hero from The Magic of Recluce, would make an appearance. But when I saw that the story takes place years before the first one, I just kept reading to absorb this new adventure.
Again, if The Magic of Recluce was magic to you, read this one. And continue on with the entire Recluce series. It's great!
Rating:
Summary: A good book for all its faults
Review: The first part of this book didn't make any sense to me whatsoever, it seemed like it was from another series, or at least an earlier one than The Magic of Recluce. But, later I saw how it fit into the overall setting. In my copy at least, there was poor editing done, especially around dialogue. Numerous question marks are missing, not from the edges where the printer might have slided but right in the middle. Character traits are shifty, tend to show up only when required by the plot. Megaera starts out as almost an overseer, watching creslin from far away as the ship heading to Montgren, using the bird to spy on him. After she and Creslin come to an understanding, he becomes the protector. The bird disappears, even before she changes to order magic (it'll make sense to those who've read it). The White Wizards only play a small role in that the reader occasionally gets to hear what they're plotting. They are given names, small descriptions, and as soon as they make a decision, the scene cuts. The plot is generally the same as Magic of Recluce. Ignorant young hero leaves home to learn of the world, has amazing powers, finds a fellow wizard who goes against the norm, discovers that he's the tool of a higher power, devastates the world, fade to black. Am I reading the series backwards, or is the timeline really reversed? I hope that the books start to connect somehow, the characters that is. note: Klerris, prehaps Lerris' grandfather? If I end up reading the entire series without there being a definite connection besides the places are named the same and the magic theory doesnt change, well, it'll suck. Almost like the Shannara series. It was a great series, but I read these books to get a strong connection to the world. If there are gaps of years between novels, I dont see the point. Besides that I like the book. What words are lacking on the page can be filled by imagination. I can clearly see Megaera and Creslin in my mind, one with fiery red hair and the other with shining silver. All I can hope is that the Magic Engineer is better, but even the sound of the title is doubtful.
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