Book Review: Imager’s Intrigue (Imager Portfolio #3) by L. E. Modesitt Jr.
(Three Stars)
“I may be a powerful imager, but that doesn’t mean I can save people from their own weaknesses and stupidity. I have enough trouble trying not to do stupid things myself.”
A complex, slow-developing end to the first three stories in the Imager series. (The next book is a prequel.) The protagonist keeps telling us he doesn’t get it–and reviews the disjointed puzzle pieces he does have ad nauseam–then he gets it and acts. And the reader is left to connect the dots.
“What we know and what we feel, deep inside, aren’t the same. People are like that. Sometimes it’s the ones closest to you–especially close friends and family–who hurt you the most.”
Modesitt is a master storyteller. Plan to get sucked in and dragged along. Plan to enjoy it. But don’t start with this book; start at the beginning.
“You are rather insistent, Maitre Rhennthyl.” “I know. It’s one of my faults. I also have the habit of resolving matters on my own if others don’t.”
A steampunk 007. Raises the issue: when one person is judge, jury, and executioner, how will the public good be protected. Who guards us from the guardians?
“There will be enough of the truth out there that people will be satisfied. They never want the whole complicated truth. Never. They say they do, but they always run from it.”
As a Matter of Fancy 