Seemingly the final of the Imager novels, this one, like the previous one centers on the young Rex who like all Modesitt's protagonists is way beyond mature and controlled and has women who also are improbably good for him as support. I liked the Imager world, but its preaching has pretty much lost all novelty. ( )

The 12th volume of The Imager Portfolio is just as good as the first eleven. In this book the hero is not an Imager but Charyn, Rex of Solidar. A good leader, he tries hard to balance the needs of everyone in his country but the factions only look out for themselves. High Holders, Factors, Craftsmen and others are dissatisfied with his rule and there are even assassins. His brother Bharyn is the heir but not fit to rule so Charyn is keen to get married. This is a very political book about how to run a country and there's not much magic in it. I thoroughly enjoyed it as usual. For full review see https://www.sfcrowsnest.info/endgames-imager-portfolio-book-12-by-l-e-modesitt-j... ( )

Imager Portfolio draws to a fascinating conclusion!

The culminating volume in The Imager Portfolio, and the final story of a sub series of three, when Solidar was under Charyn's rule. An historical note if you like on the life of the last Rex.
Charyn continues to struggle with the personal, social and political threads that threaten the well being of Soldar. I love the thought and soul searching he displays as he brings his considerable intellect to the problem of ruling and how to change things politically for the better. His is a visionary's view for what Solidar has the potential to become if he can only break the stranglehold of the High Holders.
As he looks towards a more democratic way of being, that vision puts him at odds with many. For the traditionalists the idea of power is a seductive notion. For Charyn's it's a burden.
Charyn has survived one assassination attempt, and how to move forward and stay alive in order to bring about the changes he contemplates will be a challenge. He is like a chess master, steps ahead of others, seeing the long term consequences. Although sometimes he falters. At the same time he looks to his personal life and searches for a companion who will be his mainstay.
As always Modesitt provides us with a dense, deeply personal, and thought provoking read. Not to mention the intrigue!

A MacMillan-Tor / Forge ARC via NetGalley ( )