“Modesitt has established himself with his Recluce series as one of the best ’90s writers of fantasy.” —Vector

“Marked by high intelligence. A powerful, educated, serious, and understated imagination is plainly at work in this latest entry to a saga that is beginning to take on the complexity of Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time cycle.” —Publishers Weekly

“Tour de force of characterization, Mr. Modesitt paints the other side of the picture, adding a rare depth and richness to what is already a landmark fantasy series.” —Romantic Times (four stars)