Modesitt, L.E., Jr. Wellspring of chaos.

MODESITT, L.E., Jr. Wellspring of chaos. (Book 12 in the Saga of Recluse Series.) Tor. 448p. map. c2004. 0-765-34808-X. $7.99. JSA 

This will hook new readers even if they don't have prior knowledge of the series. Middle-aged Kharl, the best cooper (barrel maker) in Brysta, stops two men from molesting his neighbor's daughter, not knowing that one is the son of a local official. Thus begin his trials and tribulations. He is charged with murder; found not guilty but whipped and taxed out of his shop, and ends up on the streets of Brysta trying to evade the local officials. His consort is found guilty of the murder and hanged; his sons abandon him; his neighbor is assassinated. Kharl eventually signs on as a ship's carpenter, and when he tries to return a black staff left by a woman from Recluse he is told it belongs to him now. He reads The Basis of Order (also left behind) and begins to develop his own latent powers of order to combat the chaos around him.

Not only an engrossing story, this is also a morality tale about the roles order and chaos play in life and the importance of all the choices we make. YAs used to dewy-faced young protagonists may be surprised at the draw of middle-aged Kharl. Solid characters, great action, and deep thought all in one. Sherry Hoy, Media Spec., Tuscarora JHS, Mifflintown, PA

J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools where are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.