Arms-Commander (The Saga of Recluce #16)

Modesitt's 16th Recluce novel (after 2008's Mage-Guard of Hamor) continues the story of Westwind, an all-female enclave in a feudalistic world. Westwind's chauvinistic, abusive neighbors were soundly defeated 10 years earlier (as detailed in 1997's The Chaos Balance), but the community attracts so many refugees that the nearby men invade again. The women's fighting ability and talent for psi-magic lead to the quick annihilation of the men's army, after which the Marshal of Westwind sends her Arms-Commander, Saryn, into a nearby country to prevent civil war. Saryn soon becomes bolder, developing new skills with political maneuvering as she ponders the social roles of men and women. The novel moves slowly but develops considerable momentum as Saryn works through her dilemmas in conversations and on the battlefield. Despite many protestations of emotion, there's little personal passion, but the complex plot will keep readers engaged. (Jan.)
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The sixteenth Recluce novel tells the story of Saryn, last of the original Winterlance crew to leave the Roof of the World and founder of what became the tyranny of Sarronyn. The heir of Gallos is threatening Westwind, the women’s keep on the Roof of the World. Saryn, Westwind’s arms-commander, goes to former Westwind enemy Lornth to negotiate assistance. But the council of Suthya, Gallos’ secret ally, is fomenting rebellion against Lornth’s regency, so the price of aid is Saryn’s personal pledge to support regent Zeldyan against the rebels. Furnishing more information about the history of Candar, Arms-Commander will gratify series followers and please series newcomers, too. --Frieda Murray