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L.E. Modesitt, Jr. has gathered a large, devoted following with his bestselling Recluce novels. With the Spellsong Cycle he has broadened that following, creating a compelling, innovative fantasy world where music is magic and men rule with an iron fist.

Darksong Rising is the third Spellsong book, and concludes a trilogy featuring Anna Marshall, the music teacher and soprano from the Midwest transported into a fantasy world where magic works according to musical principles -- making her a powerful magician. Now known as Regent of Defalk, Anna must battle men who would destroy her and claim Defalk for their own.

Transported from her home in Iowa to a world where her musical talent makes her a powerful sorcerer, Anna Marshall has risen to the position of Regent of Defalk. When rivals for her position threaten to take her land from her, Anna gathers her loyal supporters together to defend her realm. Modesitt's deceptively simple prose and true-to-life characters add a realistic touch to an epic tale of magic, love, and war. Suitable for most fantasy collections. Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

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The third volume of Modesitt's popular Spellsong Cycle may be its conclusion, but enough loose ends remain to both create realism and allow another trilogy--a felicitous combination for a saga in which music is a source of magic and a bereaved voice teacher from Iowa becomes a mighty ruler. Anna Marshall is now undisputed regent of the fantastic realm of Defalk. Everyone there seems to want their own way in spite of her authority, however, starting with Jimbob, the youthful heir to Defalk who is now well into his teens and suffering from an excess of male pride and adolescent enthusiasm. Keeping him out of trouble creates numerous diverting episodes, as do the intrigues of various nobles, local and foreign, who cannot deny either Anna's power as a wizard or their own distaste for obeying a woman. The Defalkan musicians, the accompanists to Anna's magic, are loyal--but small-group politics afflict even their ranks. Indeed, the suspense and tension in Anna's situation is created largely by her having more to do than any three people could, even without opposition--and she meets resistance at every turn. Modesitt's knowledge of academic politics is also a fruitful source of plot complications. Despite a somewhat episodic treatment and occasional plot lags, this novel is yet further evidence that Modesitt can tell an entertaining story, with panache. Author tour. (Jan.) Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.