Book Review: Madness in Solidar (Imager Portfolio #9) by L. E. Modesitt Jr.
(Three Stars)
“No matter what he did to try to improve matters, no one was happy. In fact, most of those involved just got angry and angrier.”
This new set of tales splits the time difference between the two previous series of imager stories. The new protagonist is indistinguishable in voice and actions than Rhenntyl and Quaetyl, which will be fine with most readers. The factions are pretty much the same, with everyone blind to everyone else’s needs and willing to believe and do the most outrageous things for their side.
“The problem with great power, the Maitre said, is that, to be believed, it must be exercised. If it is not exercised, people forget its greatness, but when it is exercised, they complain that they did not know. Or they say that they had no idea how great it was.”
The long-dead Gauswin’s journal becomes Modesitt’s philosophic hand puppet this time. Make no mistake, I agree with most of his prejudices, it’s just that he’s so heavy handed with their delivery.
“Almost all young people believe that somehow they are different from us and from their parents, and that the cautions and restrictions we apply are stupid and willful, and that they really know better.”
AS usual, when the protagonist decides what needs doing, he starts killing people–vigilante justice. Suddenly Modesitt goes all PC. Not that the previous books were objectionable, it’s just noticeable that he’s bending over backwards to be correct now.
“Most people don’t look beyond what they have seen, and few believe anything they hear if it isn’t in accord with what they wish to believe.”
As a Matter of Fancy 
I’m wondering why you’re reading this series after noting things such as, “The new protagonist is indistinguishable in voice and actions than Rhenntyl and Quaetyl, which will be fine with most readers. The factions are pretty much the same, with everyone blind to everyone else’s needs and willing to believe and do the most outrageous things for their side.” Plus vigilante justice.
You’re made of sterner stuff than I am. Is there something socially redeeming I’m missing?
Socially redeeming? No. But they’re fun stories: practically young adult or tween.
I worry that I’m too harsh, since I enjoy them so much.
Maybe you could mention the things you like particularly, too. I’m seeing you review a lot of them, with a few quotes, but wondering if they were childhood books of yours.
Great idea. No, I’ve read Modesitt with mixed results before; just got hooked. Like GoT or H Potter, they may be mindless fun, but they’re our mindless fun.