I really enjoyed reading this book. The fantasy setting is based on feudal japanese society; highly stratified society, rigid social protocols, and mind-bending intrigue. The author does a great job in bringing the world to life. The story is also involving and the characters are well written. I loved all the intrigues and deceptions, the battles and descriptions of the world in general.

I bought this book on impulse, after having been very impressed by the first.

The quality of writing is certainly fairly up to par, but the plot leaves something to be desired. The first two thirds were riveting... I enjoyed the characters, the emotions, the build up and tension (although until they mentioned the barrenness potion I was wondering why on earth hadn't Mara gotten pregnant sooner). The writing style in the first few chapters was a little stilted, though.

But the last third of the book was, although still intresting... it was certainly not written in any kind of the easy to understand politics-guide form. Granted, the book is mainly based around politics, but many of the moves were so complex they just made my head hurt... probably a Tsurani effect. I think I understand Kevin a little better now. -___-;;

And speaking of Kevin, the conclusion to his story is, I think, not wrapped up very well. The authors didn't mention what happened to him after he was tossed on back to Midkemia... a little interlogue at the back there would have done quite a bit of good, as his part, which was quite a main character throughout the entire book (not to mention a fairly likeable, although occasionally a bit Mary-Sueish-- he just seems a bit too smart and observant... not to mention lucky-- character), was ended just like that. Neither were his companions mentioned, a fact I'm rather disappointed in.

The Servant of the Empire title was also a little overrated... when Mara was given the title at the end I went "Wuh? Oh, yeah! They mentioned it earlier.. let's see... er...."

Mara was not as likeable a character in this book as in the first one... I genuinely preferred Kevin over her in terms of character.

However, in general, it was a good book, but I recommend not relying completely on your first time reading it - or spreading your reading times out. Read it in some kind of marathon and if you're a normal person with no head for politics, you'll get a headache, yes precious you will.

(This review is for the Empire Series: Daughter, Servant, & Mistress)

When I first read Daughter of the Empire, I had just finished reading Darkness at Sethanon. I was looking for something more of the Kingdom, and was really just settling for something the Tsurani Empire. I was hooked very quickly and this became one of my favorite series.

Some earlier critiques have suggested that the is excessive repetition of themes and plot in the book, even to the extent that it became boring. I agree with this to some extent, but believe they have missed an important point.

Throughout the books, the idea is that this is a culture steeped in tradition. It is stagnant and rotting with self-inflicted wounds. Mara sees her only route to survival and the only hope for the survival of her people in the evolution of their culture. In addition to the political machinations of those who seel to capitalize on her weakness, she also has to deal with the powerful who resist her revolutionary ideas.

The repetition is intentional, the reader truly sees the problems of the continuous political battling and feels the frustration that is necessary for their joy at the resolution. I would say the Janny and Raymond have truly tapped into the psychology of the READER.

Mara is one of the most well-developed characters I have ever seen in this genre. I can say that I began responding as though I loved her. I felt her pain, wept for her nobility and sacrifice, cheered her successes and mourned her losses. When the stories were over, I actually missed her.

Rarely in this genre are strong female characters allowed to be -female. Usually, strong woman are shown to be strong in the way that they can act like men. Mara is different. She is strong in her femininity and tough as nails as a woman. The fact that so many men (readers that is) fell in love with her, tells me Wurts and Feist put the story together very well.

I am usually a tough sell for emotional involvement in stories, but certainly got caught here. Anybody who loves fantasy and does not read this is missing something. Any Raymond Feist fan who misses this is missing something important. Oh, I know some of the other side tales (Voyager publications: Honoured Enemy, Jimmy the Hand, Murder in Lamut) were not up to Feist (though I still enjoyed them), but the Empire series is at par with Feist or perhaps even better than some of his stories.

Read it for the incredibly strong female character that always remains a woman and never becomes a man to be strong.

Mara of the Acoma, in trying to extend her family's wealth and prestige in the Empire, buys Midkemian slaves at the market. Falling in love with the slave Kevin, opens her eyes to how unstable Tsurani Society really is.
Raymond Feist and Janny Wurts continue to work dynamically together to create a series that is exciting and challenging. Though there is more heart stopping action in conparison to Daughter of the Empire, Servant of the Empire concentrates on the romance between Ruler and slave, leaving it not as gripping as the first. However saying this, Servant of the Empire is still a very recommendable book and had me pursuing Mistress of the Empire.

The death of the Lord of the Minwanabi didn't end the blood feud. In fact, successors intensified it. The rivalry between House Minwanabi and House Acoma would be played out from the estates to the distant lands of Tsubar far across the Southern Sea to the Holy City of Kentosani.

However, the Game of the Council becomes more intense, and even more dangerous when one of the Great Ones loses his temper and the Emperor himself involves himself in the Game.

The Game will return to Kentosani and the result will mean that the Empire will never be the same.

The story is well written and even when one thinks the climax of the story is on the way, there is more coming. This is a book you can't put down and will want to read to the end. Don't miss a word, or you may miss something.

These authors really present a compelling story, something that rivals the best series' of the genre.