Books like The Masters of Solitude

I rarely talk to anyone who has read this book. I think it must be one of those undiscovered jewels I come across too rarely. A post apocalyptic novel that is different from the rest. There is a sequel, "Wintermind" which I haven't read yet. This book stands on its own.The rural communities are low tech & have some psi powers, organized into covens. High tech is left in the world, but is all but inaccessible to most. A young man, in good standing, is sent on a quest to gain the city's support for his community. The politics, setting & results are very interesting, twisted & full of more than a few surprises.It's one of those books that is good to re-read occasionally. It's a journey of discovery, not just for the young man on the quest, but for the reader, as it brings up some interesting contrasts between what we have now, city vs rural living & what could happen in the future. I wore out my paperback copy years ago & got a hardback. Re-reading as of 8Sep09 in preparation to finally read "Wintermind". It's been too long since I last read it. Many details have departed the sieve I call a memory.It was good. Very well written & interesting, but I knocked it back to 4 stars. It's not quite a 5 star book like "The Hobbit" or "Lord of Light". Close though. Well worth the read. On to "Wintermind"!