Isolate by L. E. Modesitt, Jr.

Isolate (Grand Illusion, #1)

by L. E. Modesitt, Jr.

L. E. Modesitt, Jr., bestselling author of The Mongrel Mage, has a brand new gaslamp political fantasy Isolate.

Industrialization. Social unrest. Underground movements. Government corruption and surveillance.

Something is about to give.

Steffan Dekkard is an isolate, one of the small percentage of people who are immune to the projections of empaths. As an isolate, he has been trained as a security specialist and he and his security partner Avraal Ysella, a highly trained empath are employed by Axel Obreduur, a senior Craft Minister and the de facto political strategist of his party.

When a respected Landor Councilor dies of "heart failure" at a social event, because of his political friendship with Obreduur, Dekkard and Ysella find that not only is their employer a target, but so are they, in a covert and deadly struggle for control of the government and economy.

Steffan is about to understand that everything he believed is an illusion.

Reviewed by Quirky Cat on

4 of 5 stars

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Isolate is the start of L.E. Modesitt Jr.'s latest series. If you're looking for the striking blend that is both science fiction and steampunk elements, with a dash of mystery and fantasy, then this is going to be the perfect read for you.

Steffan Dekkard is what is known as an isolate. This means that he is immune to the projections created by empaths. This unique ability has granted Steffan the security specialist role for Axel Obreduur.

When a friend of Obreduur's dies by suspicious means, Steffan and his partner, Avraal Ysella, get sent in to investigate. In doing so, they will uncover many truths that others would prefer left alone. Soon their investigation will become a fight for their lives.

I'll be the first to admit that I haven't read nearly enough of L.E.Modesitt Jr.'s works. Yet I was delighted to hear about the release of Isolate, his latest novel. I couldn't resist diving into this one, especially as I love nothing more than finding a series as it is starting.

So many elements wove into Isolate that it nearly blew me entirely away. It's political, social, and very human all in one. It has a solid grasp on these foundations and then takes it all a step further by plunging us into a world of science fiction. Better yet! It has a distinct steampunk flare, which I absolutely cherish.

I love the Victorian elements while still getting the chance to see a world that is so very different. At least, there are times where it felt like it couldn't be more different if it tried. That made the world all the more intriguing in my mind.

Then there's Steffan Dekkard (whose name I love to say, don't know why). His story is interesting, as he has unique abilities that put him in a position where he would be set for life. It's also a bit of a dangerous position, forcing him to deal with the psychics of the world.

Long story short, I really enjoyed Isolate and everything it had to bring to the table. I would absolutely recommend this read for anyone looking for a unique steampunk-esque read.

Thanks to Tor Books and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Read more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 31 December, 2021: Finished reading
  • 31 December, 2021: Reviewed