ISBN 9780765329554 Scholar: A Novel in the Imager Portfolio Hardcover ? November 8, 2011 by L. E. Modesitt 5.0 out of 5 stars Leaves you thirsting for more Reviewed in the United States ?? on November 18, 2011 Verified Purchase Not just a back story, but a standalone novel that could be read without first reading the other novels in the Imager Portfolio. Modesitt provides an enjoyable read that seems to end too soon unlike George R. R. Martin whose stories never end. Modesitt focuses on the point of view of only one character, Quaeryt, who is tasked by his King to investigate what is happening in the conquered province of Tibora. Posing as a scholar who is commissioned to write a history of the Province of Tibora, Quaeryt travels to Tibora to try to make sense out of the political-military-social situation. This novel reads like a mystery thriller as we only have the same information available to us as Quaeryt. The concept of a magic wielding 007 superhero actually accomplishing his mission and unearthing clues by spending hours in the library and the military archives is something that only Modesitt could make work this well. There are action and battles a aplenty--it's just that the historical research reveals a much more complex conflict than just the good guys vs the bad guys. Modesitt is a little teachy, after all that is his day job, but I always gain a new insight about life from every book of his. 12 people found this helpful