Because I’m a sucker for L.E. Modesitt, Jr’s fantasy novels and I am all in on how he writes a slow burn narrative that is as much focused on the day to day mundanity of life as it is on the exciting large set piece action sequences, Councilor scratches the exact itch that I have for this sort of fantasy.

Councilor is the second novel in L.E. Modesitt, Jr’s Grand Illusion sequence, following 2021’s Isolate. It is set in a somewhat more technologically advanced fantasy world with coal power and cars (but not electricity) and that is set even deeper in the middle of a fairly democratic political structure.

Most of Modesitt’s fantasy work involves political and philosophical discourse wrapped around the day to day as tension and potential large scale conflict builds from small incidents. Councilor takes that to the next level by living in the political. Now elected to the council which he once defended as a security aide, Steffan Dekkard is settling into this new role with the seriousness he undertook his previous.

Councilor, the latest installment in L. E. Modesitt, Jr.'s expansive science fiction/fantasy ****Grand Illusion**** series, is a captivating and thought-provoking addition to the author's impressive body of work. Known for his meticulous world-building and compelling characters, Modesitt once again delivers a rich and immersive reading experience.

Set in a meticulously crafted universe, Councilor follows the story of Steffan Dekkard, a young man who unexpectedly finds himself thrust into a position of power and responsibility. As a newly appointed councilor, Steffan must navigate the intricate political landscape, making difficult decisions that have far-reaching consequences.

Modesitt's strength lies in his ability to create complex and relatable characters, and Councilor is no exception. Steffan is a flawed yet sympathetic protagonist, struggling with the weight of his newfound authority and the ethical dilemmas that come with it. His journey is filled with moral choices and ethical quandaries, allowing readers to delve into the complexities of power and governance.

The author's attention to detail is evident throughout the book. Modesitt expertly weaves together political intrigue, social dynamics, and magical elements, creating a believable and engrossing world. The pacing is deliberate, allowing for a gradual exploration of the story's various layers and the development of its multifaceted characters.

One of the notable aspects of Councilor is Modesitt's exploration of the consequences of power and the delicate balance between leadership and personal sacrifices. The author delves into the ramifications of Steffan's decisions, highlighting the impact they have on the lives of individuals and the broader society. This thematic depth adds an additional layer of complexity to the narrative, elevating it beyond a mere adventure tale.

While Councilor shines in its character development and world-building, some readers may find the pacing to be slow at times. Modesitt's deliberate approach to storytelling may not appeal to those seeking fast-paced action. However, for readers who appreciate a more introspective and contemplative narrative, the measured pacing contributes to the overall immersive experience.

In conclusion, Councilor is a skillfully crafted science fiction/fantasy novel that delves into the complexities of power, morality, and personal growth. L. E. Modesitt, Jr.'s expertise in creating intricate worlds and compelling characters is on full display, providing readers with a thought-provoking and engaging reading experience. Fans of the author's previous works will undoubtedly appreciate this latest addition to the series, while newcomers will find themselves immersed in a rich and captivating universe.

L. E. Modesitt Jr. https://www.lemodesittjr.com is the author of more than 80 novels. Councilor: A Novel in the Grand Illusion was published in 2022. It is the second book in the Grand Illusion series and the 62nd book I’ve completed in 2022.

Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own! Due to some scenes of violence, I categorize this novel as R. Steffan Dekkard continues as the main character.

Dekkard, now married, has been appointed to the Council of Sixty-Six as a member of the Craft party. The Commercers had dominated the Council for decades. They are not taking the rise of the Craft party well. It is well that both he and his wife are former security aids. More than one assassination attempt must be averted.

The controversy around him is intensified by his stand on unpopular issues to the Commercer party. Most important is his introduction of legislation to reform Security. His position on women’s rights has also stirred controversy.

Making matters worse is the growing threat from the New Meritorists.

I enjoyed the 23.5+ hours I spent reading this 521-page fantasy. The novel contains action and a lot of political intrigues. I have read six other novels by Modesitt, and they have been consistently excellent. Those books are Endgames, The Mongrel Mage, Outcasts of Order, The Fire-Mage War, Fairhaven Rising, and, most recently, Isolate. The cover art for this novel is a bit dark but fits the story. I give this novel a rating of 5 out of 5.

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Councilor by L.E. Modesitt Jr.
Modesitt is a philosopher. His books make you ponder your own reality. I’ve read roughly eighty of his books according to my database. Most had more action than this book but all of them have had some philosophic points to ponder. Who knows if Modesitt is offering commentary on current events with his corporate entities and outside influencers impacting politics? I think this is a political novel.
In college literature, the professor and I were at odds over the interpretation of Robert Frost. I suspect there will be those who question my interpretation of Modesitt’s work.
Dekkard and Avraal are former security aides. Avraal is an empath and is now spending most of her time protecting Dekkard in his new occupation as one of the sixty-six councilors that govern the nation. Dekkard needs protection due to his efforts to reform the government.
There are obvious parallels to current events.
I enjoyed the book and wonder if I am reading more into the book than Modesitt intended.

This book is bureaucratically banal. When the blurb says, "political," it's being truthful. When the blurb says, "thrilling," it is lying.

Here is my video review: https://youtu.be/p9jR6lNil0M?t=613

In this book, Dekkard (a newlywed) has just been forced into being a senator. In this position, he must attend meetings and prepare legal documents. At home, he eats croissants and practices his knife throwing. There are occasional scenes where the villains attack and people die. Then there are more meetings.

I think there are people who will enjoy this book. But you must know what you are getting yourself into, and make an informed decision. I would recommend this book to people who enjoyed book 1.

Here is the thing I liked about this book: the repetition of a breakfast ritual. Every morning, our characters eat the same things and discuss the newspaper. Every Morning. But by the end of the book, I felt like it was my ritual, too. It was like watching the theme song of a tv show and knowing all of the words.

Thanks to Tor Books and Netgalley for a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.

L.E. Modesitt Jr. is a masterful storyteller, jumping right into the plot from Isolate, providing the same level of intrigue and social unrest as the previous novel. In this second book in the series, The Grand Design, author L.E. Modesitt Jr. continues to develop a discussion of political systems and questions that are easily applied to our modern political system and questioning of our legal systems. With strong characters, like Steffan and Avraal, both clever and complex and emotionally charged scenes, this novel flows even better than the previous, Isolate. 

One of the reasons I think I liked this novel is that Modesitt has a unique ability to take what would ordinarily be boring, committee meetings, voting, and political discussion and make it riveting. He adds in intrigue and social unrest, political maneuvering and assassins to create a story impossible to put down. The corruption of the first novel is developed even more in this sequel. And while Steffan and Avraal are far from perfect, I loved the evolution of their characters and their relationship. 

If you love deep, rich complex novels dealing with political intrigue and social unrest, this novel is worth checking out. I do recommend reading the first novel, Isolate, first but that will allow this novel to be even more engrossing and you will fall in love with Steffan, Avraal and those who support them. While this novel is far more emotionally fraught, it is an even more powerful story once you have read both novels.

Gaslight fantasy slowly comes to the boil!

One man stands against the tide. Modesitt nails it as far as I can see. Modesitt’s voice is recognisable. As steam powered machinery displaces personnel, social unrest is not very far away. The tone and the belief that things can get better despite, the way things are flies in the face of the ‘what is.’ Corporations are busy gathering power. Self-interest is evident.
Stefan Dekkard and Avraal Ysella are now married and living with Avraal’s sister, Emrelda, a District Patroller, whose husband has gone missing, presumed dead.
“It’s been a long time, if ever, since the council has had an isolate councilor married to a powerful empath from a regal lineage, both of whom are experienced security aides.” People are nervous!
Dekkard, Avraal and Emrelsa go about their business in a regulated way. They have systems that help. The three don’t imbibe to freely. They have breakfast and when possible, dinner together either at home or more infrequently out. They are not lavish. The food is a central part of Modesitt’s novels; the coming together over a meal, the catchup on moments of the day. This says something about the author, this attention to detail.
And always we’re on edge, waiting for that moment when a simple person being on the street is more than that, where a vehicle might be out of place.
Dekkard, now a Councilor, has been given the task of drafting policy to reorganize the Security Ministry—an agency thats grown in power with little or no overriding authority. Deckkard makes changes in that process, but not quickly enough. Always we’re waiting for the other shoe to drop.
By grounding his story in a world where some people are Isolates and Empaths, we have a situation that fluctuates and yet calls for stability.
I found the exercising of steps to uncover who is answerable to whom slowing to a crawl except where it isn’t. Each “brick in the wall” uncovered is another minute move forward. Where have the unaccounted explosives, the dunnite, has gone and who is controlling the movement of assets? As Dekkard moves forward things happen. He’s like a dog with a bone, small moves that flush the aggressor out, never good for those around him, but necessary.
This slow inexorable march forward, of changes coming, is attractive. To stand still will not work. Change is the only way, but that change needs the will to stand against corrupt multinationals in an ordered way. Once again “order” raises its head.
I am puzzled by the book that Ingella Obreduur, Legaist and wife of Axel Obreduur has lent Dekkard and Avraal. I know it has purpose but just what it is I still have to get my head around. (There have been other series where a book has an important part.)
I am glued to Modesitt’s processes. When I came to the ending I immediately wanted more. I thirst for what Dekkard’s actions uncover, even as I mourn the loss of good people. I’m hooked!

A Macmillan-Tor/Forge ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

L.E. Modesitt has created a superb Grand Illusion with Isolate the first chapter and Councilor the second in the story. Steffan Dekkard. former security officer for the new Premier and new Councilor, is finding his feet in Council and avoid political assassination. He represents the crafters and artisans and supports the new Premier in his efforts to bring justice to the ordinary people and rein in the corporations and aristocrats. Some romance, some paranormal notes and lots of politics. Great fantasy.

Words defy me. I loved the first book. Loved the slow burn, the world building, the characters and I feared that the second book would leave me wanting. My fears were unfounded, and I loved this one even more and I didn't think that was possible. The characters and world building were only expounded on and fleshed out further. The story and plotting were amazing and left me amazed. Easy recommendation to a broad spectrum of readers.

This was a great sequel in the Grand Illusion series, it had what I enjoyed from Isolate and other books from L. E. Modesitt, Jr. It was what I was hoping for in this type of book and from the scifi genre, the characters were great and I enjoyed going back to these characters. I was hooked from the very first page and couldn't put it down. I look forward to reading more from L. E. Modesitt, Jr.

"Trujillo shook his head. “You’re known to be good with knives. Deadly, in fact. Someone wanted you to use those knives to kill Hurrek. That way, you’d be in trouble, possibly even be forced to resign, and Hurrek couldn’t say a word.” Trujillo again smiled sardonically. “Whoever set it up didn’t know you well enough. I went over the report of Councilor Aashtaan’s murder."

Steffan Dekkard, now married to his former security partner Avraal, is the newly elected Councilor from Gaarlack. His former boss is now the Premier of the Council. Steffan and Avraal have to adjust to being married, and new jobs. But when assassination attempts occur, they need to take action in figuring out why they are targets and who is pointing the assassins in their direction. Modesitt has created an interesting world for a political drama. Who knew that crafting and passing bills could be so dangerous! It will be interesting to see what happens in the next volume!

Thanks Netgalley for the opportunity to read this volume!

"L. E. Modesitt, Jr., bestselling author of Saga of Recluce and the Imager Portfolio, continues his brand new, gaslamp, political fantasy series with Councilor the thrilling sequel to Isolate. Welcome to the Grand Illusion.

Continued poor harvests and steam-powered industrialization displace and impoverish thousands. Protests grow and gather followers.

Against this rising tide of social unrest, Steffan Dekkard, newly appointed to the Council of Sixty-Six, is the first Councilor who is an Isolate, a man invulnerable to the emotional manipulations and emotional surveillance of empaths.

This makes him dangerous.

As unknown entities seek to assassinate him, Dekkard struggles to master political intrigue and infighting, while introducing radical reforms that threaten entrenched political and corporate interests."

Yes to all things gaslamp fantasy!