Princeps: a novel in the Imager portfolio

Modesitt's latest addition to the Imager Portfolio picks up after the end of Scholar (2011). Quaeryt, scholar, secret imager, and now princeps of the province of Tilbor, is comfortable in his new position and enjoying his marriage with Vaelora, sister of his king, Lord Bhayar. However, a major volcanic eruption in the province of Motagne sends the two of them to the city of Extela to restore order after the old governor is killed. But they must do so quickly, before the only regiment under Quaeryt's command must leave to augment the border defenses against a neighboring ruler who thinks the eruption has given him a good opportunity to invade. Princeps continues the earlier history of what became Solidar, when the world of Rhennthyl's time consisted of warring kingdoms. We also get some glimpses of the history of the Pharsi and what may be the origin of imagers. Although the plot is a Modesitt standard (a nasty job needs doing, and if you're the man on the spot, you do it, no excuses), his ability to ring changes on this classic has resulted in many a good book, this one included. Princeps can be appreciated without having read Scholar, but it is much more enjoyable to read them in order.--Murray, Frieda Copyright 2010 Booklist

Second part of a prequel fantasy trilogy (Scholar, 2011, etc.). In this world, wizards are called "Imagers" because the process involves the intense, precise and accurate visualization of the magic's objective. Previously, scholar (and secret imager) Quaeryt, ordered by Lord Bhayar of Telaryn to subdue the unruly High Holders of recently-conquered Tilbor, led troops in battle and was promoted to Princeps. Now Telaryn is threatened by Rex Kharst of belligerent Bovaria; unfortunately the city Extela has been devastated by a volcanic eruption, so Bhayar orders his troops to readiness while dispatching Quaeryt as governor of the province. So Quaeryt has the all-but-impossible job of restoring the city's essential functions even though the people are starving, the former governor has absconded with ill-gotten gains, the police are all in hiding, and the High Holders are only concerned with taking advantage of the situation. And Quaeryt must also deal with the aristocratic inclinations of his intelligent and beautiful but difficult wife Vaelora, Bhayar's sister, while nursing his own covert ambitions to restore the colleges of scholars and imagers, which have withered from neglect and local hostilities. After working the requisite miracles while mightily displeasing the entrenched power structure, Quaeryt receives orders from Bhayar to take his three regiments to Ferravyl, where the Bovarian invasion is imminent. Once again Modesitt shows us how one man of integrity, talent and determination achieves his aims--and the price that inevitably must be paid. Not a standout entry, but solidly engrossing nonetheless. ]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Modesitt's latest addition to the Imager Portfolio picks up after the end of Scholar (2011). Quaeryt, scholar, secret imager, and now princeps of the province of Tilbor, is comfortable in his new position and enjoying his marriage with Vaelora, sister of his king, Lord Bhayar. However, a major volcanic eruption in the province of Motagne sends the two of them to the city of Extela to restore order after the old governor is killed. But they must do so quickly, before the only regiment under Quaeryt's command must leave to augment the border defenses against a neighboring ruler who thinks the eruption has given him a good opportunity to invade. Princeps continues the earlier history of what became Solidar, when the world of Rhennthyl's time consisted of warring kingdoms. We also get some glimpses of the history of the Pharsi and what may be the origin of imagers. Although the plot is a Modesitt standard (a nasty job needs doing, and if you're the man on the spot, you do it, no excuses), his ability to ring changes on this classic has resulted in many a good book, this one included. Princeps can be appreciated without having read Scholar, but it is much more enjoyable to read them in order. Copyright 2012 Booklist Reviews.