Servant of the Empire by Raymond E. Feist, Janny Wurts
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Book Reviews of Servant of the Empire
Book Review: Great!
Summary: 5 Stars
With Servant of the Empire fantasy author Janny Wurts successfully continues her magnificent Kelewan series. Lady Mara of the Acoma not only has succeeded to strengthen her terribly weakened house, but also has managed to strike a severe blow to the House of Minwanabi, her blood-sworn arch-enemies. But the forthcoming events don't give much room to relax, as her enemies rally under a much more deadly leader and occurrences of a much wider scale threaten to upset the very foundations of Tsurani society. But again Mara finds yet another unexpected source of help.Enter Kevin, a captive from Midkemia, the world beyond the Rift. A battle-proven veteran, smart, witty and not willing to accept his place as a will-less slave in a society that is solidified in its own rigid traditions and castes. He wins the heart of Mara (admittedly not that unexpected, but that's okay) and earns the legitimate respect of Mara's most trusted intimates and officers. But most important, he lends Mara new insights to her own society, one of these being an awakened awareness that it's the deeds that define a man's worth and not his social standing.
One may argue now, that constellations like a slave winning his mistress' (or her master's) heart while changing her (his) view to things around her (him) are nothing new, but the way Janny Wurts exploits this setup for the trilogy's overall development is brilliant. One reason is, that in contrary to the first book, where Mara was the absolute main protagonist, she now has to share sympathies with Kevin. The recurring changes between both characters' viewpoints paint a whole new picture of the world of Kelewan.
Additionally Janny Wurts once again delves deep into the fascinations of a complex political and social structure with intricate plots, ambitious rulers and a deadliness that can plunge a mighty House into utter destruction just within a good day's scheming. And of course for all fans of Feist's Midkemia saga, the events involving Mara and Kevin are perfectly woven into the plot preset by Feist.
As a summary, Servant of the Empire is a great fantasy novel, which manages to grab the readers attention for many hours but still has enough room to spin a complex tale with love for detail and many surprising twists.
Book Review: A great work of fiction
Summary: 5 Stars
Now that she has saved the Acoma family name from extinction, Mara might have hoped that it was time to relax. But, her very success has generated new enemies, enemies who are determined to end her life and the Acoma name, no matter what steps they have to take. And, to make matter worse, the Emperor has begun meddling in the Game of the Council. If she is to protect her life, and the lives of those she loves, then she must play the Game of the Council with more skill than any can home.
I have been a big fan of Raymond Feist for many years now, and still remember when this book first came out. Unlike many of Mr. Feist's and Ms. Wurts' other books, magic does not play a large part in this story, only appearing somewhat late in the book. What this book is, is a fascinating story, set in a wonderfully different milieu, having intrigue and suspense at the very heart of it. So, if you are expecting powerful wizards, and dwarven armies, you will be disappointed.
However, if you interesting in a great work of fiction, one that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then this is the book for you. I loved this book - I have read it a number of times, and it still gets better. I can't recommend this book enough.
Book Review: An A+ sequal to the great beginning of a wonderful trilogy!!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a great book! I must say that this book didn't let the intensity change as often seems to happen in the 2nd book of a trilogy! While this book starts off a bit slower than the first. Mara of the Acoma isn't in quiet a tight a situation when the book starts out. She has proved her metal in the great game.As the intensity ramps up, we are informed with great skill on the part of the authors to several key situations to the storyline. And then as if unlocking a brake, the story takes off in a situation that give Mara the chance to make great changes, at the same time bringing her face to face with her family's long time foe.
Again, I can't say enought about this trilogy! Its very well written, the authors portray the culture, the attitudes of the people, the class struction, this new world they have created with great skill. If you enjoyed Raymond E. Feist's Krondor series then I am sure you will enjoy this story as well of a woman who while a lady uses her mind and the soldiers of her house for the good of her house, and of the Empire as whole!
Book Review: The Lady in love with a barbarian slave?
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is a great follow-up to the "Daughter of the Empire". How can it get any better? Add in an envious ally wishing revenge upon his dead brother, a blood pact with the Red God, sneaky enemies, and an intelligent plot to bring down the Lady's house around her feet. If that's not enough, tie in the fact that the Lady finally finds that there is gentle men in the world... even if they might be a simple barbarian slave. Or perhaps the barbarian isn't so simple minded after all?This book continues where The Daughter of the Empire left off, and builds upon the empire of the Acoma and their still growing rise to power. But we all know what happens if a house rises too fast in the eyes of the five most powerful houses...
My ownly complaint with this book is that the chapters are WAY TOO LONG. I like to finish a chapter before bed, but with this book I could be up till dawn working on the 50 to 60 page chapters :)
Book Review: Awesome book
Summary: 5 Stars
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.