The Barnes & Noble Review
Darknesses, the sequel to L. E. Modesitt Jr.'s Legacies, continues the adventures of his epic fantasy series the Corean Chronicles. Reminiscent of Modesitt's popular Recluse saga in scope and ambiance, this sequence also deals with the themes of order and chaos as well as the dualities that exist in nature and humankind.

In a supernatural realm of feuding countries where magic exists in an elite few, those with Talent are highly prized pawns in a ruthless game of world domination. Alucius is a simple sheep herder -- with a powerful, virtually untapped Talent -- serving his time in the military. Try as he might to stay out of danger until he can return home to his wife, Wendra, he winds up being used by the Lord-Protector of Lanachrona in an attempt to try and squash a powerful nomad war leader named Aellyan Edyss. Edyss has managed to open an ancient vault with magical weapons and legendary beasts from a time long before the Cataclysm, and with the arsenal all he wants to do is unify and rule the entire realm of Corus. Alucius is put in a no-win situation. If he defeats the powerful warlord, he will have to draw unwanted attention to his Talent, if the warlord triumphs, Alucius dies.

Modesitt has succeeded in creating a unique, complex world with fascinating supernatural creatures and mysterious histories, prophecies, and folklore. With compelling characters like Alucius, Wendra, and the Lord-Protector, it will be interesting to see where the author takes this story in future installments. Paul Goat Allen