Imager
Rhennthyl, an apprentice portraitist, discovers he possesses a rare magical ability called Imaging. His life takes a dramatic turn as he begins training as a covert operative to hone his newfound powers. However, as his martial skills develop, an unknown assassin emerges, determined to end his life.
While Imager introduces the world and main character, the subsequent books in the Imager Portfolio series often feature different protagonists and explore various aspects of the magic system and world. Each book can largely be enjoyed as a standalone story, though reading them in publication order provides a richer understanding of the overarching lore.
Imager stands out from Modesitt's Recluce series by focusing on a more individual journey of magical discovery and political intrigue, rather than the broader societal and philosophical conflicts often found in Recluce. The magic system in Imager is also distinct, centered on the visual and creative aspects of 'imaging' rather than the order/chaos dichotomy.