Imager

January 5, 2009
Modesitt (The Lord Protector’s Daughter
) launches a trilogy set in a brand new world with this straightforward, exposition-heavy story. Apprentice portraitist Rhennthyl finds out the hard way that he has the magical ability called Imaging: an explosion kills his master right after Rhenn wishes for just such an event. Rhenn’s ability, which allows him to form objects from thin air and slay with a glance, appears to be quite strong, and he begins training as a covert operative. Just when he starts to relax into his new career, an unknown assassin tries to kill him. This uncomplicated narrative feels like a prequel, with plenty of setup but not much action. Readers will look to future installments for the derring-do promised by Rhenn’s martial studies and frequent mentions of stormy international politics.

Young Rhenn thinks his life is over when the master portrait artist with whom he is serving as journeyman is killed in a fire and he is unsuccessful in finding a new position. But as he faces the fact that he is an "imager"--one who can visualize things that then materialize--he begins a new life of exciting opportunities. William Dufris is an engaging storyteller who gets inside his protagonist. He follows the ups and downs of the plot as if the events were happening to him. He presents a convincing young man with an attitude of invulnerability. In the dialogue between Rhenn and his father, Dufris reflects the youth's mild condescension and contrasts it with the father's weary impatience. J.E.M. (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine