Last of the First is the 26th installment in L. E. Modesitt, jr.'s Recluce Saga and the fourth volume in Alyiakal's story arc. As you know, I wasn't happy to learn that what was originally meant to be a three-book cycle was turned into a four-book sequence because Tor Books were loath to release Alyiakal's story as three lengthy novels. I felt that such a split had a negative impact on Beltur's three-volume sequence a few years back and it sure looked as though it would be the same with Alyiakal's series.
Still, even though my fear that Overcaptain would ultimately be about half of the book the second installment was meant to be, with Sub-Majer's Challenge being the second half, was confirmed, in the end the latter turned out to be better than I expected. In this economy, unless you're one of the genre powerhouses, I figure that splitting books will become an unfortunate reality.
From bits found in Magi'i of Cyador, we already knew that Alyiakal will somehow make his way up and become Emperor of the Land of Eternal Light. And yet, though his accomplishments and memory should be revered, he has become the "One Never to be Mentioned" among the Magi'i and Mirror Lancers of Cyad. I was looking forward to the last chapter in this simple man's rise to power and glory. And though it's another good read and a fitting conclusion to this latest Recluce story arc, Last of the First wasn't exactly what I expected.
Here's the blurb:
L. E. Modesitt, Jr., New York Times bestselling fantasy author, continues his sweeping Saga of Recluce series and concludes his four book story arc (From the Forest, Overcaptain, and Sub-Majer's Challenge).
The Mirror Lancer Alyiakal has been ordered to Mirror Lancer Headquarters and promoted to Subcommander, ostensibly to advise the high command on tactics—except t Alyiakal’s successful military campaigns have removed most external threats to the Empire of Light.
The external threats to Cyador are nothing next to the internal threats of a weak emperor controlled by his manipulative empress, a ruthless Merchanter clan embezzling the Empire's finances, an indecisive high commander of the Mirror Lancers, and a power struggle among the Magi’i.
Alyiakal will navigate the dangerous streets and politics of Cyador and meet his destiny.
The worldbuilding has always been one of the most fascinating facets of any new Recluce title. Each tale allows readers to discover how people and events shaped history during their lifetime. Alyiakal's story arc is the earliest series in the Recluce timeline. The action takes place more than three centuries before Magi'i of Cyador and Scion of Cyador, and more than seven centuries before Fall of Angels. In our interview in 2024, Modesitt stated that we'll probably never get the full story of the arrival of the First from the Rational Stars and the founding of Cyad. Which is too bad, as I've always been extremely curious about this. For that reason, I relish the few glimpses from the past that Alyiakal's tale has provided thus far. I was hoping to learn more about the Dissidents and what happened to them, about the First and their technology and how they walled the Great Forest. Alas, like its predecessor, Last of the First didn't shine any light on those mysteries. Which makes me wonder if we'll get a novel or a sequence dealing with the schism between the First and the Dissidents in the near future. The author offers a few hints about Angloria, the Anglorian Unity, Winterhold, and of the weapons wielded against and by the Dark Angels of Winter that could twist worlds out of time and space and were best left to the Rational Stars. A reread of the short story "The Vice Marshal's Trial" featuring Vice Marshal Kiedral, who will one day become the second Emperor of the Land of Eternal Light, appears to be a propos. . .
Sub-Majer's Challenge ended with Alyiakal being promoted and requested to travel to the capital to serve directly under Captain-Commander Laartol. His growing fears are confirmed when he quickly realizes that Cyador is in dire straits. Led by a young puppet emperor dominated by a demanding and insecure empress, plagued by the intrigues of competing Magi'i, undermined by two major merchant houses that control commerce and the enumerators, which in turn gives them control over the amount of money that flows into the empire's treasury and leaves the Mirror Lancers and the Mirror Engineers grasping for resources, Cyador is on the brink of collapse. Considered the most efficient and ruthless battlefield commander since the Second Emperor, Alyiakal was officially called back to write a new manual on tactics and strategy to be disseminated among the Mirror Lancers in the hope that they can duplicate his exploits against Cyador's many enemies. The truth is that he's in the capital to protect Captain-Commander Laartol from those who don't want to see him replace Majer-Commander Mheryt. It appears that the Emperor's cadre, as well as the Magi'i and the rich Merchanters, would prefer a more pliable man at the head of the army. Based on that premise, it's easy to understand that political intrigue is at the heart of Last of the First. As such, it's much different in style and tone than the previous installments. Alyiakal must still find ways to overcome the obstacles set in his path, but Cyador is not some distant post were he can do what he must far away from prying eyes.
As expected, like all Modesitt novels, Last of the First suffers from pacing issues from time to time. A stranger in a strange land, Alyiakal must be careful as he navigates the currents that characterize political life in the capital. He must discover who he can and cannot trust among the members of the Triad, all the while preventing the assassination of the Captain-Commander. He'll soon find out that he's not wanted in Cyad and that his own life is also at risk. How he ascends the throne turned out to be a bit anticlimactic. Having said that, various battles are fought on different battlefields and it was obvious that Alyiakal wouldn't become Emperor at the head of an army. Still, it was interesting to see how he bound the Triad to serve his purpose. Something tells me that we have seen the last of him. Yet I wouldn't be surprised if his daughter is the protagonist of a future Recluce title.
The fact that Last of the First offers absolutely no answers regarding the First and the Dissidents was a big disappointment for me. Especially if we're not getting any Recluce novel or sequence that focuses on that particular era. Here's to hoping that L. E. Modesitt, Jr. has a few surprises in store for us in that regard. As the earliest story arc in the Recluce timeline, Alyiakal's tale turned out to be a fine and worthy addition to this great saga.
It's been 35 years since The Magic of Recluce was published. And 26 books down the line, I'm still hoping for more to come!
The final verdict: 7.75/10
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