Customer Reviews

Imager (Imager Portfolio)

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

L.E. Modesitt, Jr., begins a new series in the same vein as Recluse. The parallels with Recluse are undeniable and formulaic, but they're also the reason that the Recluse series is successful. Remember, when we first read The Magic of Recluse back in 1991, a primary point of interest was introducing a system of magic without actually detailing how it worked, first. We discover, along with the protagonist, how it works, oh, so very slowly.

The same thing happens, here. We have a protagonist in a coming-of-age story. He doesn't fit in where he is, and his adventures consist of his finding his own way. I won't explain the magic, because that would spoil the book for those who are interested. Suffice it to say that it's very subtle, and the plot is suitably more subtle than those of the Recluse books.

Another large part of the fun in a new series such as this is gaining the flavor of a new imaginary world. This is almost-France in the Renaissance. A keen reader will recognize famous names, slightly modified, such as Descartes and Poincare. A strength of the author's approach is the detail with which he describes the environment, the food, the art, etc., giving the reader sufficient detail to imagine what the world is "really like." Of course, while such is a strength in the eyes of some readers, others will find this approach to be tedious and boring. If you like reading fantasy novels in order to explore a new world, this is right up your alley. If you prefer your fantasy to be more like Indiana Jones or Star Wars (the movies, not the mishmash of the extended universe), with fast-paced action without requiring much background detail, then you'll not appreciate this story.

Another forte of Modesitt's is the combination of magic and philosophy. In this universe, the philosophy is more separate (Recluse's order vs. chaos had very moralistic overtones, in which chaos-wielders tended to be evil, for example). The philosophy here is an exploration of people, principles, and social interaction in general.

Modesitt's primary weakness is also evident, here: the character development isn't as good as one might wish, for a novel that introduces a new world. With good character development (e.g., David Eddings' Belgariad), a reader will quickly get a sense of liking and disliking certain characters, and after time, will feel as if one actually knows these very real people. Modesitt's characters, while not undeveloped, still feel like abstractions, slightly too perfect, with no real sense of humor or jocular interaction taking place between them. In all physical, philosphical and artistic aspects, Modesitt's creations feel real and alive - but the people feel a bit more "animatronic".

I give the book 5 stars, however, because my standards for character development are very high, and I am -so- relieved to read a fantasy story without vampires, without werewolves, and without having it turn into a "romance novel" for a few pages, I can forgive this novel for not meeting this particular standard of excellence.

Sadly (because I had high hopes for the series), I thought Imager was a dull, plodding tale. The story, narrated by young Rhennthyl, an artist-turned-Imager spy, just creeps along with little beyond descriptions of food, philosophy, social structures and basic Imager rules. The protagonist is too colorless and detached to care much about. His reactions to events good or bad are pretty much the same: unemotional, impassive, impersonal.

Rhenn does kill several people - accidentally or on purpose in self-defense (and for practice killing condemned prisoners) and it's of no more import than having to write an essay on jurisprudence or learn more Imager lore. It's all written in the same tone - whether Rhenn's just escaped an assassination or having dinner with his girlfriend.

(About the assassination attempts, there are so many - always stopped by Rhenn's mental shield - that they became humorous: Rhenn can't seem to stick his head outside Imager Isle without bullets whizzing by like pesky mosquitoes.)

Oddly enough though, the attempts on Rhenn's life aren't all that interesting even to Rhenn. He does ask around, at the Imager HQ's request, to find out who might be trying to kill him but he doesn't particularly change his daily routine. As for the Imager organization, they're apparently too busy imaging aluminum pots or whatever they do, to find out who's trying to kill Imagers every week. Or why would a very inexperienced Rhenn be conducting the investigation?

Even this lethargic tale sounds more exciting than it really is. Rhenn's days are spent mostly describing everything he's doing, eating, writing or thinking. It's really the author's way of tediously telling us this world's philosophy, magic, economics, social structure, foods, government, etc.

If this book were a tv series or movie, Imager would've been one episode or the first fifteen minutes. Maybe the following books become more interesting. I doubt I'll bother finding out.

A thoroughly enjoyable book - the first time (and the second). Modesitt spins a good yarn and I'm looking forward to the next installment in the series. The one quibble I have is that, as usual in a Modesitt story, the principal character works far harder and is more dedicated to his work by far than the "normal" person. But then, the "normal" person is usually content to float through life trying to stay within a "comfort" zone and that just wouldn't make much of a story, would it?

It sounds like the ultimate deus ex machina: hey, look at me, I can make and teleport stuff with the power of my mind!

Fortunately, L.E. Modesitt Jr. avoids that particular usage in "Imager," the first book of a new series with the theme of "imaging." He spends the entire book creating a semi-realistic fantasy world with Renaissance French flair, complete with guilds, social customs, subcultures, a tinge of romance and plenty of politics... but unfortunately he never really bothers with much beyond that.

Uninterested in the wool trade, Rhennthyl is apprenticed to a master artist, and soon learns that his skills are too formidable -- and too honest -- for his surly master. But then Rhenn's master and his son are killed in an explosion... mere seconds after Rhenn was imagining it. Frightened of the consequences, he rushes to Imagisle, where the "imager" mages live and work -- they are people who can shape reality with the power of their thoughts.

Becoming an imager has its own challenges, as Rhenn must learn to regulate, control and shape his powers, while learning all about philosophy, law and the strict rules (spoken and unspoken) that imagers live by. And though he personally has some problems with angry, jealous students, there are bigger problems facing the land of Solidar and the city of L'Excelsis -- including a serial killer murdering young imagers, and a brewing war between other lands.

Modesitt loves to create elaborate fantasy worlds, often with a set theme -- music, colour, and in this case the power of imagery (whether art or magic). And "Imager" has a wonderfully intricate world based on France of some centuries ago (except with guns) -- salons of haughty, cutthroat aristocrats, merchants dickering over money, the semi-ostracized Pharsi, and plenty of beautiful artwork. What's more, he gives great attention to the structure of these societies, and the politics of surrounding regions.

Perhaps most importantly, Modesitt comes up with a semi-plausible number of restrictions for the imagers, as well as society's intense discomfort with them.

Unfortunately, all that detail and realism leads to... boredom. The plot crawls by at a snail's pace, with lots of descriptions of the daily life of young imager students, which basically involves a lot of drills and studying. And every few chapters we get very long philosophical conversations about God (or "the Nameless"), law, morals, art, and the intricacies of making imager shields. Modesitt spices things up a little with the hints of encroaching war and some cloak-and-dagger intrigues for talented images, but it's not enough to give this book a real plot.

The cast has a lot of sprightly, quirky or memorable characters, ranging from the warmhearted Seliora to snotty rich boys. Unfortunately Rhennthyl is not one of them: he's too passionless and aimless, and he observes the world with clinically cold eyes. He even kills four men and cripples a fourth over the course of a few months, but never experiences a single twinge of guilt or shock -- even when facing his late master's widow.

"Imager: The First Book of the Imager Portfolio" has a brilliant setting and beautifully detailed framework, but its sluggish pace and aimless hero bog it down badly. At least it ends with the promise of more interesting tales to come.

Imager (2009) is the first novel in the Imager Portfolio series. It is set on the world of Terahnar, where some people have the ability to rearrange matter into imagined shapes and properties. The various societies range from autocracies to republics. The technology is about equal to that of the late nineteenth century AD.

Solidar is the most powerful nation on Terahnar. It is the only country that has organized Imagers into a Collegium Imago. Other nations either destroy imagers as evil workers or do not provide any standing to such talents.

In this novel, Rhennthyl D'Culthyn is the eldest child in the family of a rich wool and cloth merchant. Rhenn is nearing his graduation from the grammaire, but definitely does not want to be part of his father's business. Luckily, Rousel -- Rhenn's younger brother -- wants to take on this responsibility, so Rhenn can follow his desire to become an artist.

In this story, Rhenn becomes an apprentice of Master Caliostrus, a respected Portraitist. He gets only room and board for his labors. Master Caliostrus has recently acquired another apprentice, but Rhenn continues to do the most menial jobs.

Ostrius -- son of Master Caliostrus -- is a lazy journeyman, so Rhenn also does the chores that Ostrius neglects. Rhenn is learning from his master, but very slowly. The wife of Caliostrus doesn't cook all that well and Rhenn misses his mother's meals.

After five years, Rhenn becomes a journeyman. He is still doing the menial chores that require a precise hand, such as preparing the pigments. Ostrius is too sloppy and lazy to do them himself. Rhenn also notices that his imagination can cause changes in his paintings.

Recently, Caliostrus has allowed Rhenn to take some commissions for portraits. He does some excellent work on young girls with cats. Then he gets a commission on a portrait of a junior factor.

During a Guild affair, Seliora -- a young upholsterer -- asks Rhenn to dance. She is an excellent dancer -- much better than he -- and Rhenn thoroughly enjoys dancing with her. He looks forward to meeting her again.

One day Rhenn is preparing red ochre in a workshed despite harassment from Ostrius. He is thinking some very unkind thoughts about the man. Then the upper story of the house explodes into flames, killing Caliostrus and Ostrius. Rhenn manages to rescue others from the blazing house.

Now Rhenn is a journeyman without a master. He tries to get a position with other Portraitist masters in the city, but without success. So Rhenn finally applies at the Collegium Imago. They take him on as a first level Imager.

This tale lets Rhenn discover his talents as an Imager. It also confronts him with a secret threat to the Collegium and Solidar. He is attacked and injured several times as he advances through the ranks of the Collegium.

The story has the characteristic feel of the author's works. For example, Rhenn has strong talents as an Imager. He also enjoys fine dining and mentions the menu of many meals. Moreover, the female lead -- Seliora -- has a strong part in this story.

The ending is most satisfactory, but also leads into the next volume: Imager's Challenge. Read and enjoy!

Highly recommended for Modesitt fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of exotic magic, political intrigue, and true romance.

-Arthur W. Jordin

Look, I enjoyed the book. But, it's just like every book he writes. Shields, check. Over-detailed explanations of every piece of food or drink entering every character's (no matter how minor) mouth, check. Young guy that advances faster/is stronger than everyone else, check. Society ruled, from the sidelines, by the wielders of magic, check. Protaganist has some heavily detailed design type job at which they are secretly a master even though it's not acknowledged (engineer, artist, cabinet maker), check.

This would be my first "review" in all my years as an avid reader of this genre (30) and is partially in response to the reviews by Taylor Rand and Damon Bradley. Their negative reviews ALMOST made me not by this book. But then I thought to myself, "Self, you have been reading Modesitt from the beginning and have not been disappointed. Buy the book!" I was not disappointed.

Rand writes: "...I thought Imager was a dull, plodding tale. The story, narrated by young Rhennthyl, an artist-turned-Imager spy, just creeps along with little beyond descriptions of food, philosophy, social structures and basic Imager rules. The protagonist is too colorless and detached to care much about. His reactions to events good or bad are pretty much the same: unemotional, impassive, impersonal..."

The above, only a small quote from the review, is such a poor, sweeping generalization of this work. If you are a true L. E. Modesitt Jr. fan and reader of his novels, Modesitt's style of writing, his attention to seemingly irrelevant detail, the thematic "coming of age" character portrayals, and the emphasis upon modesty in lands severely lacking this trait are just a few examples of why we read his books. I am specifically referring to Modesitt's novels that include the Recluse series, The Corean Chronicles, and the Soprano Sorceress. I have been reading these books since the early 90s, and I don't think I have been disappointed once.

As for Damon Bradley's review , it reads as follows: "This author is one of the most boring in SF/Fantasy today. The ONLY reason he is published is because he is a prolific writer. The characters in ALL his books are boring and two-dimensional, and are only there for the "storyline". Please please PLEASE give us main characters we like and care about, and other supporting characters that are not boring either. I have read more than 10,000 books and am consistently disappointed in Modesitt's books. Try harder, dude..."

Authors are not published for fun. They are certainly attached to a monetary value that is directly proportional to a level of popularity. Modesitt is obviously doing something right. And if you do not like the author's books, as described above, stop reading his books. Please do not put a negative spin on an author before new readers even have a chance to give it a try. Modesitt has a very specific writing style that is appealing to some and not so much to others. We all have different tastes.

The purpose of this "review" is not really to tell you whether or not this book is worth reading. The point, really, is to stress the fact that you should not let a few negative reviews dissuade you from reading any book. Books are like food. Some food we love, some food is OK, and some food we do not like much at all. But in order to know if we like a certain dish, we must first taste it.

I will leave you with this: If you are a long-time Modesitt reader, you will not be disappointed by this book. If you have stumbled across Modesitt for the first time and are trying to decide whether or not to buy the book, give it a try...you might like it. If you like it, I would recommend going all the way back to the beginning to read the Recluse and Corean novels. If you don't like it, there is plenty of other awesome food out there. Enjoy!

Ender Wiggins meets Robert A. Heinlein at Shaolin Monastery. Actually, L.E. Modesitt, Jr.'s latest novel, Imager, does not exactly fit this description, but it contains many of the same basics.
Rhennthyl, a bright and talented young man goes away to study to help defend his nation. Well, Ender Wiggins went away to study and defend his planet.

Rhennthyl's studies consist of a series of lessons of ever-growing complexity. He learns and improves and becomes, perhaps, the best of them all kind of like San Te in the Shaw Brothers film The 36 Chambers of Shaolin. Rhennthyl even begins to go out into the community to use his powers for the greater good, or, at least, for the good of his group as San Te did in the final section of 36 Chambers.

And, as in almost every Heinlein novel, someone is teaching the reader about economics or history or philosophy, and Imager is chock full of bits of that as Rhennthyl makes his way through school.

In Imager, the first book of the Imager Portfolio, young Rhennthyl, resident of the city of L'Excelsis, capital of Solidar, is the oldest son in a family of wool merchants. However, Rhennthyl eschews a career as a wool factor and sets out to become a portrait artist. Certain events get in the way as Rhennthyl demonstrates the skills of an Imager, one who can work magic with his mind. Training is necessary for both the protection of Rhennthyl and of those around him.

So off he goes to join the Collegium of Imagisle and learn to be an Imager. This is the sort of story that rarely grows old no matter how many versions one reads. The boy becomes a man and in the process learns skills that make him more powerful than those around him.

Rhennthyl's first years in the Collegium are great fun and the reader is propelled through this book learning along with Rhennthyl--sometimes in Heinleinian fashion. Imager sets the scene and makes the reader want more. Recommended.
[This review originally ran in Kobold Quarterly magazine]

I am normally more attracted to L.E. Modesitt's hard future fiction, but I found Imager to be compelling and captivating for all of character, lead-up, and plot. Modesitt weaves together alternatives to science, politics, and religion so softly that they come to life and draw me in. He starts by making his world just a little bit 'off', for example, by using French days of the week and describing lush dinner dishes that seem quite normal ... until you realize that not a word beyond 'lamb' makes sense in English. His primary character is so modestly dedicated to his studies that one knows without a doubt that he is destined for the highest honors of his world... if he and his lady love can survive to get there.

Much of his commentary and the 'quotes' at the beginning of each chapter have meaning beyond the crisp paper... one wonders whether Modesitt has a taste of his Pharsi characters' 'seeing'...

Rhennthyl is the eldest son of a successful wool merchant, but the last thing he wishes to do is to follow in the family business. He's determined to become a portrait painter, so his family bows to his wishes and he's apprenticed to a Master Painter after he leaves school. Unfortunately, several years before he might be able to start his own studio as a Master, himself, the Painter and his son are killed in a fire and Rhenn finds that no one wishes to take on a new journeyman, particularly one who seems too talented and too much a potential competitor.

Facing defeat and returning to his family and the business, Rhenn grasps at a possible alternative: the Imagers' Collegium. He fears that he may have Imager abilities, being able to turn thoughts and images into reality, because he had envisioned his Painting Master's nasty son being caught in a fire right before it happened. When he crosses the Bridge of Hopes to the isle of the Collegium, he is accepted and begins a totally new life.

Despite existing in plain sight on an island in the middle of L'Excelsis, the capital city of Solidar, the Imagers are an unknown and not entirely trusted entity. Rhenn quickly learns that he cannot even trust himself, as Imagers often end up killing themselves by accident, inadvertently Imaging something deadly. Most of the book details Rhenn's intensive training for some unknown but apparently dangerous work. And even more dangers soon reveal themselves, from his fellow student Imagers to foreign agents to an unknown killer who has been picking off student Imagers.

Much of the story is a bit slow as it follows Rhenn's training, but if you like getting all the nitty-gritty details of a fantasy tale, this won't be a bad thing. And there is certainly action and suspense enough as Rhenn faces the dangers of being an Imager. This is the first in a trilogy, but it ends with a decent conclusion even while it leaves plenty of room for more to be told in the succeeding books. The magic of the Imagers is interesting, too, for those who like their magic systems well-developed. I certainly found the world and the characters sympathetic and intriguing enough to wish to read more.