Rating: 
Summary: Anna continues to change the world
Review: "Darksong Rising" is a worthy successor to the two earlier books in the series. Anna is a believable (and enjoyable) character, and her attempts to wrestle with a new world are good entertainment. The transformation of Defalk continues, and her efforts make a really enjoyable read. Yes, she does whine a bit much about her exile from her children (although in this one at least a hint that she might be recognising that her new life is better). Yes, her sexual frustration over Jecks is also a bit much, too often. But she is entitled to some complaints, given the calls made upon her for selfless sacrifice to help others. I agree too that we could do with a bit less of the "men are dreadful" line. But her magical conflicts are excellent, and I would recommend the series to any fan of fantasy.
Rating:
Summary: Darksong Rising
Review: After reading what passes for literature in some of the other genres, to I think I'll stick with this series. It is a solid addition to the series, if somewhat predictable at times. The plot is still rock solid and keeps you turning pages, which of course are what all good books do.
Rating:
Summary: Darksong Rising
Review: After reading what passes for literature in some of the other genres, to I think I'll stick with this series. It is a solid addition to the series, if somewhat predictable at times. The plot is still rock solid and keeps you turning pages, which of course are what all good books do.
Rating:
Summary: Anna continues to change the world
Review: I adore 95% of Modesitt's writing, and have read all his books. And, I am very very comfortable with his feminist support vibes in this particular series. This book, however, seemed to be parked on the tarmack awaiting a signal from the tower for lift off. I would prefer that Anna get past the self absorbed, menopausal whining and complaining. She is portrayed as THE most powerful person on that world, yet she has mastered neither her emotions, nor her self pity. Too much self-talk nattering plus the reminders of her gluttonous nutrition are waaaaay boring. I had hoped for a deeper exploration of drum magic and for a more dynamic battle over the magic power struggle between Anna and the sicko, perverted teenage ruler Rabyn. I want to know more about the Matriarch and the Seers in Wei, and where/when they will come alive in this storyline. Anna needs to meet with the aforesaid powerful women, find her inner power, stop her whining, and as much as I have loved the developing flirtation with Lord Jecks she needs to get it on with or marry him. A much richer character development is needed by now on all the principals in this story. I would like greater insight into the use of "music magic" as it still is not concrete enough to be believable. Can Anna get her daughter to send books across the mist on pharmacology/chemistry/herbology so she can develop even rudimentary medicine to help her new people? The best part of this book were the closing 4 or 5 paragraphs. Mr. Modesitt warmed my heart with the exquisite, breathless moment of that long awaited recognition of love between Anna and Jecks. Even with the feminist focus in these novels, the author's message of love provided the true power in this story that, hopefully in future novels in this series may awaken and transform Anna at last.
Rating:
Summary: Currently in Holding Pattern
Review: I adore 95% of Modesitt's writing, and have read all his books. And, I am very very comfortable with his feminist support vibes in this particular series. This book, however, seemed to be parked on the tarmack awaiting a signal from the tower for lift off. I would prefer that Anna get past the self absorbed, menopausal whining and complaining. She is portrayed as THE most powerful person on that world, yet she has mastered neither her emotions, nor her self pity. Too much self-talk nattering plus the reminders of her gluttonous nutrition are waaaaay boring. I had hoped for a deeper exploration of drum magic and for a more dynamic battle over the magic power struggle between Anna and the sicko, perverted teenage ruler Rabyn. I want to know more about the Matriarch and the Seers in Wei, and where/when they will come alive in this storyline. Anna needs to meet with the aforesaid powerful women, find her inner power, stop her whining, and as much as I have loved the developing flirtation with Lord Jecks she needs to get it on with or marry him. A much richer character development is needed by now on all the principals in this story. I would like greater insight into the use of "music magic" as it still is not concrete enough to be believable. Can Anna get her daughter to send books across the mist on pharmacology/chemistry/herbology so she can develop even rudimentary medicine to help her new people? The best part of this book were the closing 4 or 5 paragraphs. Mr. Modesitt warmed my heart with the exquisite, breathless moment of that long awaited recognition of love between Anna and Jecks. Even with the feminist focus in these novels, the author's message of love provided the true power in this story that, hopefully in future novels in this series may awaken and transform Anna at last.
Rating:
Summary: 2nd Book was best in series, this one is still worthwhile.
Review: I am a fan of most L.E Modesitt stories, and have always been a fan of strong female characters that are well written.True, some parts of the story seem to drag because SOME people like to get to the action quick and in a hurry and get tired of reading about peoples motivations. If a story is written poorly and boring then people would put the book down and never get to the end. Not so with this book. The Author does a good job of letting us see the workload that Anna must face on a constant basis and doesn't go the easy route of just giving her a bunch of efficient underlings to handle the menial stuff. In a still interesting way we get to see that all of her decisions are not easy ones and the things she does have consequences not just for herself but for the entire Kingdom of Defalk. In the story, though her actions seem roundabout to some, she gradually wins those in her immediate circle of influence over to her point of view. Those lords and rulers who are too wrapped up in their own way of thinking to change will learn that its not easy to overcome the Soprano Sorceress. The book had that building energy that you get with a thunderstorm that is on the horizon. You are not sure when it will actually strike with lightning but when it does the thunder makes you jump. This book was a very good read and if you enjoy a good story that lets you understand the motivations of a character then you will enjoy reading this book. One of the worst things in a story are when a person makes stupid decisions just to enhance a problem later in a storyline. If the characters make mistakes in this book you are made to understand why, either through prejudice, misinformation or just not having enough time, you the reader get to appreciate the motivations and you enjoy the ending when it comes. Hope there is another book when the characters get a little older!
Rating: 
Summary: Poorly thought out
Review: I enjoyed the first two in this series, but this one was, frankly, just stupid in places. Not only were the characters black-and-white cutouts rehashed from the previous books, but the sorceress herself was just plain dumb at times. If you know the Bad Guy uses huge drums to amplify his magic and you have this convenient spell that rains fire from the heavens, it might occur to any sentient being to hit the drums with the fire while the Bad Guy is asleep, instead of waiting until he wakes up and tries to defend himself. Apparently that's too much to hope for. Also too much to hope is moral ambiguity and any chance that someone the sorceress dislikes at first glance will turn out to be anything other than a Bad Guy (possibly temporarily tolerated for Political Purposes). I had high hopes for this series. Pity this book is in it.
Rating: 
Summary: Nothing new here
Review: I was disappointed with this third installment in the series. There was nothing new introduced - other than a few new characters with the same profiles that former characters have had. Anna's concerns haven't changed, her love life hasn't changed, none of the scenarios seem to have changed, and there's no sense of progress throughout the book. Furthermore, the author has been teasing us with glimpses of these other powers -- such as the Matriarch of Ranuck (sp?) and the Spymistress of Wei, yet they continue to lurk on the fringes of the plot and don't play much of a part at all. These characters have potential yet it never gets developed. I hope the author isn't going to drag us through several more installments before he decides to flesh out these players more. Like another reviewer said, this is just a regurgitation of the 2nd book -- even the spells are the same. One last thing, I quickly got bored by the endless dialogue about the chauvenistic men -- why won't they change, why won't they see the light? blah, blah, blah. I felt like I was at some sort of feminist rally (and I'm a working woman who firmly supports female equality). It's pretty clear the men of Defaulk are chauvenistic idiots. But the author shoves that idea down your throat so much you just want to scream, enough already, I get the point!
Rating: 
Summary: Great Series !
Review: I wonder...with all the insights of female vanity, and Anna has plenty to go around, if L.E. is really a woman ? Let's get on with Jeck's and Anna's romance and Secca's training. If Anna is so powerful why can she not simply create more edible food for her battle travels and better shelter ? Anna should be more motherly toward Lord Jimbob<giggle, what a name >. This is one of his (?) more simple novels. But I loved it anyway. The writing is basic and keeps you interested. Thanks for the series L.E. :-)
Rating:
Summary: Genious On Paper
Review: Once again, L. E. Modesitt, Jr. has out-shined himself. This new chapter in Anna's adventure is both ingenious and inspiring. I can't wait for the next book.
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