A Mirror Lancer’s dilemmas!

Sub-Majer's Challenge (Saga of Recluse #25) by L. E. Modesitt, Jr.       

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Modesitt continues to intrigue with the rise in rank of Sub-Majer Alyiakal of the Mirror Lancers, and Alyiakal’s relationship with his merchanter Lady, Saelora. 

In the Sub-Majer’s Challenge Alyiakal is promoted from Lhaarat Post to a new posting as Majer and commander of Pemedra Post (his first posting) reporting directly to Mirror Lancer headquarters. That’s just the beginning!

The thing I like about Alyiakal is his willingness to listen, take note, and learn, on both the personal and work related fronts.

When he acts, it’s usually decisive, and generally planned to allow for contingencies to deal with the unexpected.

However, when he hears from a healer he knew when he was sixteen, he is taken by surprise and somewhat incensed.

His new post in the Pemedra hills has its puzzles. When Duke Taartryn sends Jeranyi raiders and Cerlynese armsman to harass those on Cydian lands, Alyiakal is told to put a stop to it. Alyiakal does—in unexpected ways. Of course his success has him moved on again. This time to Cydar.

He continues to write lengthy letters to Saelora, and visit her between posting something. Saelora is a force to be reckoned with in her own right.  No wonder these two are drawn to each other. Like calls to like!

We leave former Sub-Majer Alyiakal at Mirror Lancer headquarters. What will happen we can only conjecture. Assuredly it will be different.

Many might find the attention to deployment of troops and battle plans long winded, the interactions of personalities disappointing. I didn’t. This is part of Modesitt’s craft. His patient scene building, block upon block, leads to other places and opens up various possibilities.

There are different subplots presented, all waiting to be mined.

The threads that might be drawn together, the who, why, and what, continue to be fascinating.

I was as usual enthralled! Am eagerly awaiting the next episode about Alyiakal.

And yes, I do think you do need to read Alyiakal’s story with the first in the arc, “From the Forest.”

A Tor ARC via NetGalley.                                              

Many thanks to the author and publisher.