Sub-Majer's Challenge

· Saga of Recluce Book 25 · Sold by Tor Books
36 reviews
Ebook
448
Pages
Eligible

About this ebook

L. E. Modesitt, Jr., New York Times bestselling fantasy author, continues his sweeping Saga of Recluce series with Sub-Majer's Challenge. The epic scope of the world, the intricate magic system, and a reluctant hero, continue the story arc that began with From the Forest and continued with Overcaptain.

Alyiakal, a sub-majer in the Mirror Lancers of Cyador, The Empire of Light, is serving the last year of his tour as commanding officer of a remote border post. Rumors hint that the Cerlynese Duke, in retaliation for Alyiakal's success in a border skirmish, is readying an even larger attack.

Against terrible odds, Alyiakal gains victory and a promotion. He takes leave only to discover his courtship of Saelora is opposed by her mother. Disappointed and reposted to the remote Pemedra Post—again—Alyiakal must navigate a rapidly developing war.

In the midst of this, when forces outnumbering his command five to one attack a small town, Alyiakal is given orders to drive out the invaders, whatever the cost.

Saga of Recluce

#1 The Magic of Recluce / #2 The Towers of the Sunset / #3 The Order War / #4 The Magic Engineer / #5 The Death of Chaos / #6 Fall of Angels / #7 The Chaos Balance / #8 The White Order / #9 Colors of Chaos / #10 Magi’i of Cyador / #11 Scion of Cyador / #12 Wellspring of Chaos / #13 Ordermaster / #14 Natural Order Mage / #15 Mage-Guard of Hamor / #16 Arms-Commander / #17 Cyador’s Heirs / #18 Heritage of Cyador / #19 The Mongrel Mage / #20 Outcasts of Order / #21 The Mage-Fire War / #22 Fairhaven Rising/#23 From the Forest/ #24 Overcaptain/ #25 Sub-Majer's Challenge


Story Collection: Recluce Tales

Other Series by L.E. Modesitt, Jr.
The Grand Illusion
The Imager Portfolio
The Corean Chronicles
The Spellsong Cycle
The Ghost Books
The Ecolitan Matter


At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
L. E. Modesitt, Jr., New York Times bestselling fantasy author, continues his sweeping Saga of Recluce series with Sub-Majer's Challenge. The epic scope of the world, the intricate magic system, and a reluctant hero, continue the story arc that began with From the Forest and continued with Overca...

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Ratings and reviews

36 reviews
Alfred Reyes
December 16, 2025
This is the third book in the story of Alyaikal. It builds up the narrative to a near crescendo but cuts it off at the most interesting part. I fault not the author but the publisher. Clearly, they are intent on charging more money for what should have been a single book. For this reason, I do not give full ratings for an excellent book and a wonderful story. The plot closes out major questions regarding early years of Alyaikal and what happened with Adayal. It also ends speculation on when he and Saelora will consort in a very satisfying manner. It also clarifies exactly how powerful Alyaikal really is, outlining with his decisive victory over the Duke or Cerlyn that he is a most powerful gray mage (rather than a white or black one). I've read this again before putting out this review. I am impatient for the conclusion. If you wanted more money then at least give us the conclusion at an earlier date.
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Donnie Raibert
January 6, 2026
Since I like his world creation and most of his writing style, I found this book rather enjoyable. The author has some understanding of background machinations and consequences, where even success can cost you your life. If you like his books and style, then well worth it. If you don't, you don't.
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Jon Lindgren
June 25, 2026
The storyline is very similar to the storyline of Lorn and I would not be surprised that is the reason Aliakyl was mentioned so many times in those books. I enjoyed those books immensely and have enjoyed these as much. I look forward to the next book, FIRST OF THE LAST.
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About the author

L. E. MODESITT, JR. is the author of more than seventy books—primarily science fiction and fantasy, including the long-running, bestselling Saga of Recluce and Imager Portfolio, including Fairhaven RIsing and From the Forest and Overcaptatin. He is also the author of the new series The Grand Illusion (Isolate, Councilor, Contrarian).
L. E. MODESITT, JR. is the author of more than seventy books—primarily science fiction and fantasy, including the long-running, bestselling Saga of Recluce and Imager Portfolio, including Fairhaven RIsing and From the Forest and Overcaptatin. He is also the author of the new series The Grand Illu...

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