The Mage-Fire War

Even in Modesitt’s fantasy realm, immigrants have it hard, as shown in this domestic epic of magic and mundane battles (a sequel to 2018’s Outcasts of Order). Beltur, a misfit mage of both black (order) and white (chaos), is given leadership of the downtrodden town of Haven along with his consort, healer-mage Jessyla, and their friends. Seeking to chase out the bad elements and build a home for others like themselves, the new councilors find both natural allies and enemies among the townsfolk. All their progress is threatened by the ambitions of the neighboring Duke of Hydlen, who seeks a quick route through Haven for his troops. With only a few companies of friendly fighters, the three mages in Haven must hold off battalions of invading Hydlenese, relying on Beltur’s ability to conceal with magic and to reverse white magic back onto his enemies. Modesitt makes the daily life in Haven his principal concern, so discussions of plumbing improvements and where to find the best ale rank as high as how to shape magic shields into killing weapons. Readers with a fondness for family sagas will appreciate the focus on day-to-day life as well as the relatively slow pace, in which chapters typically cover a single day. This is definitely not a starting point for new readers, but series fans will find it satisfactory. (Aug.)