[firvulag]

Hi all, this is my first post on this site

I'm thinking of reading the Saga of Recluce novels by L.E. Modesitt Jr. In the past I've read the first two novels and enjoyed them, but that was years ago. Since then Modesitt's published a total of 16 novels in the series with two more planned for next year and at least one more after that. While I enjoyed the books I've read so far I'm not too fussed on the jumping around with regard to the chronology. I've seen plenty of lists on the net for reading the books in a chronological order but I've also read that Modesitt himself strongly recommends reading the books in published order. I was under the impression that the books are pretty much stand alone so wasn't sure what would be the best. Has anyone here read them in chronological vs published order and can recommend one over the other? Unless someone gives really strong reason against chronological I was thinking of going that route just to make things easier for my brain

Thanks in advance!

[QuickTidal]

I'd start with "None", and then go to book "Forget It"

Nah, I'm only teasing.

"Publishing order" was what I was going to do before I stopped reading them.

I'd go with that, as I've never found After-The-Fact prequels and rejigged "chronological" reading order to be beneficial.

[Imperial Historian]

I've read most of them in a random order. Personally I think publishing order works much better than chronological order, a big strength of the books is events from the past referred to in passing, which when you later read the book about the actual, makes them that bit more interesting. Reading chronological takes away the fun of mentally filling in the gaps, and then finding out how wrong you were. Dipping in and out doesn't make much difference though, there are one or two books which are direct sequels which should be read together, but I read most of them in a random order depending on what was in the library at the time, and the books didn't suffer for it.

[Abyss]

Thirding on published order... for the Recluse series Modesitt does a nice job of referring to events in books he's already written, but his look-forward game isn't as strong.

Also, welcome!

Even if you're not a Malazfan, feel free to poke around and participate.

[HoosierDaddy]

Abyss, on 28 November 2013 - 07:32 PM, said:

Thirding on published order... for the Recluse series Modesitt does a nice job of referring to events in books he's already written, but his look-forward game isn't as strong.

Also, welcome!

Even if you're not a Malazfan, feel free to poke around and participate.

Seconding the notion that the world-building was great and Modisett really did well with the origins. His attempt to build on and "conclude" the story don't quite measure up. Good thing is that the vast majority of the books are actually set before The Magic of Recluce.

[Obdigore]

Writing order = reading order.

[firvulag]

Thanks for the replies guys, guess I'll be reading them books in published order

With response to Abyss, I am a huge fan of the malazan books of the fallen series, finished the Crippled God earlier this year. I tend not to start a series until it's complete since I hate waiting in between books, I only just finished the Codex Alera books this week and loved it; was first time I've read Jim Butcher.

Looking forward to the completion of the Malazan Empire series next year, can't wait to get some more Malazan goodness

[Abyss]

firvulag, on 29 November 2013 - 09:48 AM, said:

Thanks for the replies guys, guess I'll be reading them books in published order

Our work here is done. Someone load up the horses and aim them at the sunset.

Quote

With response to Abyss, I am a huge fan of the malazan books of the fallen series, finished the Crippled God earlier this year. I tend not to start a series until it's complete since I hate waiting in between books

,

All good

Quote

I only just finished the Codex Alera books this week and loved it; was first time I've read Jim Butcher.

Oh boy... okay, firv, listen carefully... do NOT start the DRESDEN FILES.
DO NOT.
Whatever you do, do NOT immediately go get STORM FRONT and FOOL MOON and GRAVE PERIL and start that series.
You have been warned.

Quote

Looking forward to the completion of the Malazan Empire series next year, can't wait to get some more Malazan goodness

You'll fit in just fine.

[QuickTidal]

Abyss, on 29 November 2013 - 06:06 PM, said:

Oh boy... okay, firv, listen carefully... do NOT start the DRESDEN FILES.
DO NOT.
Whatever you do, do NOT immediately go get STORM FRONT and FOOL MOON and GRAVE PERIL and start that series.
You have been warned.

By which he of course means that MOST of us are Dresden-crack addicts who not-so-patiently await each new book in Butcher's series with a fervour that can only be described as epic.

He means once you DO embark on the journey that is Dresden...kiss all your free time goodbye, cause you'll be reading constantly.



Welcome to the Pleasuredome!

...wait...that sounded gross.

The Dresden-dome?

The White-Counil-Dome?

Aw hell...sorry, I'll show myself the door.

[Abyss]

QuickTidal, on 29 November 2013 - 06:14 PM, said:

Abyss, on 29 November 2013 - 06:06 PM, said:

Oh boy... okay, firv, listen carefully... do NOT start the DRESDEN FILES.
DO NOT.
Whatever you do, do NOT immediately go get STORM FRONT and FOOL MOON and GRAVE PERIL and start that series.
You have been warned.

By which he of course means that MOST of us are Dresden-crack addicts who not-so-patiently await each new book in Butcher's series with a fervour that can only be described as epic.

He means once you DO embark on the journey that is Dresden...kiss all your free time goodbye, cause you'll be reading constantly.

Until you get to the end of book 14 of wherever we're at. Then you suffer like the rest of us.

Quote

Welcome to the Pleasuredome!

...wait...that sounded gross.

The Dresden-dome?

The White-Counil-Dome?

Aw hell...sorry, I'll show myself the door.

The Dresdencrack House is slightly less weird.

[pat5150]

To help promote Overcaptain, the newest Recluce title that will be released next month, I did an interview with Modesitt that covers a lot of ground. Anyone interested can find it here.