93rd out of 1,560 books
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10,557 voters
Daughter of the Empire (The Empire Trilogy #1)
by
Raymond E. Feist,
Janny Wurts (Goodreads Author)
Magic and murder engulf the realm of Kelewan.Fierce warlords ignite a bitter blood feud to enslave the empire of Tsuranuanni.While in the opulent Imperial courts, assassins and spy-master plot cunning and devious intrigues against the rightful heir.Now Mara, a young, untested Ruling lady, is called upon to lead her people in a heroic struggle for survival.But first she mus...more
Paperback, 421 pages
Published
May 1st 1988
by Spectra
(first published 1987)
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I re-read this for the 3d or 5th time, but it's been at least a decade, so it was very fresh to me. Too fresh & interesting. Dann Janny & Ray, but I hit the 1/3 point yesterday & then couldn't put it down. I stayed up until midnight reading (I never go to bed after 10pm & always wake up by 6 at the latest.) so I've been dragging all morning. I wanted to take a nap on the hay rather than move it.
The story is on the other side of the gate & we get a much better look at the 'Gam...more
The story is on the other side of the gate & we get a much better look at the 'Gam...more
It's been a while since I've read a story with such complex political intrigue, and I enjoyed every word of it!
Plot Summary
Set in a Japanese-style setting and culture, Mara of the Acoma is but a few minutes away from being initiated into the service of the goddess Lashima. She is, however, rudely jerked from her chosen path when news of her father's and brother's death reaches her household. In Mara's world, power is determined by the Game of the Council, the neverending power struggle masked...more
Plot Summary
Set in a Japanese-style setting and culture, Mara of the Acoma is but a few minutes away from being initiated into the service of the goddess Lashima. She is, however, rudely jerked from her chosen path when news of her father's and brother's death reaches her household. In Mara's world, power is determined by the Game of the Council, the neverending power struggle masked...more
WOW.
WOOOOOOOOOOOW.
I REALLY LIKED THIS ONE!

Mara is positively magnificent. Highly recommended to feminists and fantasy-lovers alike!
I'll go into more detail tomorrow, I need some SLEEP...
--
Ookay, two days later and not quite fully rested up, let's do this.
So. Daughter of the Empire. Yes. Very good book. Highly recommended.
The characters were excellent, really. The setting was vaguely oriental, (though as Wastrel tells me, Wurts drew a lot from Korea) so a large part of this book is political intr...more
WOOOOOOOOOOOW.
I REALLY LIKED THIS ONE!

Mara is positively magnificent. Highly recommended to feminists and fantasy-lovers alike!
I'll go into more detail tomorrow, I need some SLEEP...
--
Ookay, two days later and not quite fully rested up, let's do this.
So. Daughter of the Empire. Yes. Very good book. Highly recommended.
The characters were excellent, really. The setting was vaguely oriental, (though as Wastrel tells me, Wurts drew a lot from Korea) so a large part of this book is political intr...more
I could never see myself becoming a Mara, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading of her struggles and setbacks, her uncanny ability to turn even the most desperate tragedy into a resounding triumph. Daughter of Empire occurs on Kelewan, the home world of the Tsuranuanni, the flip-side of the coin that embodies the Riftwar Saga (as told mostly from Midkemia through Magician, Silverthorn and A Darkness at Sethanon).
Despite a near complete lack of traditional fantasy elements, this novel delivers an ast...more
Despite a near complete lack of traditional fantasy elements, this novel delivers an ast...more
A nice (welcome) twist from the Western-inspired fantasy that floods the sci-fi/fantasy shelves, this first instalment of a trilogy about Mara, a lady of the Acoma, contains many ideas about face and honour reminiscent of Oriental cultures.
Raymond E Feist and Janny Wurts, I think, have created a well balanced character, complete with weaknesses and faults, who gets tried, tested and bests all the obstacles sent in her path. Ultimately, though, it's about a woman who learns how to think and act l...more
Raymond E Feist and Janny Wurts, I think, have created a well balanced character, complete with weaknesses and faults, who gets tried, tested and bests all the obstacles sent in her path. Ultimately, though, it's about a woman who learns how to think and act l...more
I picked this up many years ago after reading Raymond Feist's RIftwar Saga. Within the first thirty pages or so, I was hooked. I had read Janny Wurtz before, and I had read Feist. I enjoyed both of their works, but the combination of the two of them was better. They created a magnificent world with a great culture, borrowing heavily from Japanese/Oriental cultures of old. It was refreshing after so many fantasies, especially in those days, were based on medieval European cultures.
Mara, of the A...more
Mara, of the A...more
Dec 27, 2009
Brian Goodman
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Everyone
Recommended to Brian by:
Stephaine Goodman
This is an very emotional book. After reading a few chapters, I quickly felt very attached to the main character; Mara, Lady of the Acoma noble family of the Tsurani Empire.
At a child’s age, Mara is torn from becoming what is like a monk or a priestess when she learns the news of the death of her father and her brother from the devious hands of a rival family whose had a blood feud with the Acoma for many years. As the only surviving member of the Acoma family, Mara is thrust into the role of Ru...more
At a child’s age, Mara is torn from becoming what is like a monk or a priestess when she learns the news of the death of her father and her brother from the devious hands of a rival family whose had a blood feud with the Acoma for many years. As the only surviving member of the Acoma family, Mara is thrust into the role of Ru...more
Daughter of the Empire is first of a powerful trilogy of books that follow Mara of House Acoma who, upon the death of her father and brother by the machinations her family's arch-enemy, suddenly became the sole heir of the Acoma name and estate.
The first book deals with how she grows from a simple daughter of a noble house, to an intelligent and masterful player of the politics-rife world of Kelewan. She pushes against the stagnant traditions of her people to lead her house out of the danger of...more
The first book deals with how she grows from a simple daughter of a noble house, to an intelligent and masterful player of the politics-rife world of Kelewan. She pushes against the stagnant traditions of her people to lead her house out of the danger of...more
I honestly think this book deserves 5 stars, but I just can't give it that.
(view spoiler)...more
(view spoiler)...more
Riveting book for lovers of fantasy worlds set with political machinations galore.
That's pretty much what this entire book was...stories of how Mara, a young girl who suddenly finds herself in the unexpected role of Lady of her house after her father and older brother are killed by a rival family, struggles to bring her house from the brink of extinction back into the political game as a strong player.
The book was so good I didn't even notice I was at the end until the last couple pages (I was...more
That's pretty much what this entire book was...stories of how Mara, a young girl who suddenly finds herself in the unexpected role of Lady of her house after her father and older brother are killed by a rival family, struggles to bring her house from the brink of extinction back into the political game as a strong player.
The book was so good I didn't even notice I was at the end until the last couple pages (I was...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
A fresh rise-to-power story with the setting of mid-second-millenium East Asia. The main character Mara was faced with multitudes of predicaments and menaces that threatened her very life, but her wits, her strong will, and her dire sacrifices pulled her through. This was written in a convincing manner, and as a reader I grew very sympathetic towards Mara who had to strive to achieve her goals, even if it meant lowering herself below her enemies and being abused by an unloving husband. Her advis...more
This was the first fantasy series I read (at the behest of my wife) since reading Lord of the Rings in high school. It's an interesting departure from what I normally think of as fantasy. This may have not made it the best for my initiation into the genre, but it was a good read nonetheless.
The story is of Lady Mara of House Acoma and her ascent to power after the betrayal and death of her father and brother, leaving her an unlikely heir to rulership over her family. Despite being ostensibly fa...more
The story is of Lady Mara of House Acoma and her ascent to power after the betrayal and death of her father and brother, leaving her an unlikely heir to rulership over her family. Despite being ostensibly fa...more
This is the first book in a trilogy that explores the Riftwar saga from the other side of the rift. Honestly, I wouldn't have read any of these books if a coworker hadn't sort of dumped them on me when he learned that I like fantasy novels. This one is actually better than the 4 books from the original series, and the huge leap forward that Feist makes is that the main character is a very capable woman, whereas the women in the original series were all girlfriends, wives, and mothers, and nothin...more
Jan 12, 2011
Jelis
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
fantasy-and-science-fiction-m-to-s
I've actually read this before, but that was ages ago, and this book definitely stands up well to a re-read. I didn't give it a five-star rating because I felt that there were areas where the writing could have been tighter, as there were several spots with repeated sentiments. Other than that though, this was an excellent book that, while set in a pre-established fantasy universe, stood very well on its own without need for reference to any of Raymond E. Feist's other Riftwar/Midkemia works.
The...more
The...more
Jul 13, 2010
Victoria
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommended to Victoria by:
A Neighbor
Shelves:
books-in-a-series,
fantasy-science-fiction
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. In the Riftwar Saga, the Tsurani sections are not among my favorites, so the thought of a whole trilogy set on Kelewan, making only brief mentions of Midkemia, did not overly excite me. But, I ended up really enjoying this book! Though Feist has strong female characters in the Riftwar Sagam they are not main characters by any stretch of the imagination, so this book with Mara, the Ruling Lady of Acoma, as its focal point was a great addition to th...more
Apr 26, 2010
Bertrand
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
fantasy,
high-fantasy
Raymond Feist fait partie sans l’ombre d’un doute des auteurs de fantasy indécrottables, ceux qui se sont inspirés de Tolkien pour créer de longues séries à succès. Tout part de « La Guerre de la Faille » (appelée Chroniques de Krondor par l’éditeur poche) : Feist y met en scène une guerre acharnée entre deux mondes, l’un venant conquérir l’autre pour les richesses en métal dont lui-même est dépourvu. Cet épisode sanglant est décrit par les yeux du peuple agressé et donne quelques-uns des person...more
"Magic and murder engulf the realm of Kelewan. Fierce warlords ignite a bitter blood feud to enslave the empire of Tsuranuanni. While in the opulent Imperial courts, assassins and spy-master plot cunning and devious intrigues against the rightful heir. Now Mara, a young, untested Ruling lady, is called upon to lead her people in a heroic struggle for survival."
4.5! I am a sucker for this kind of story. Mara is 17 and thrust into the role of Ruler of the Acoma. She is an innocent of sorts since s...more
4.5! I am a sucker for this kind of story. Mara is 17 and thrust into the role of Ruler of the Acoma. She is an innocent of sorts since s...more
Having been given this book as a Christmas present from my best friend, and as one of his favourite trilogies, I was intrigued as to what I would think.
Having never read anything from these authors before, I had no real idea what to expect with regards to their styles, or characterisations, etc, so was ready to expect the unexpected.
After the few first chapters in, I was unsure what to make of this book. It is very politically involved within the world that it is set, and contains lots of strong...more
Having never read anything from these authors before, I had no real idea what to expect with regards to their styles, or characterisations, etc, so was ready to expect the unexpected.
After the few first chapters in, I was unsure what to make of this book. It is very politically involved within the world that it is set, and contains lots of strong...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
One of my favourite fantasy novels of all time, I have read this many times over and never cease to enjoy the detail that Feist and Wurts have put into the world and culture. I've read and enjoyed other books by Feist and other books by Wurts alone, but in my opinion neither alone is as good a writer as their collaboration on this trilogy. They seem to supplement each others' weaknesses perfectly.
The trilogy, of which this is the first book (no cliffhanger, it can stand alone) gives us a view o...more
The trilogy, of which this is the first book (no cliffhanger, it can stand alone) gives us a view o...more
Without a doubt, this is my favorite Feist trilogy so far (currently on the 4th series/13th book in order of publishing date).
The best part about this book is the way it puts you on the complete opposite side of the Rift and all the action in Midkemia. Kelewan is a very different world based largely on politics and upholding honor. Understanding the Tsurani perspective and motivation puts a very different spin on our original understanding of the Riftwar. While the Midkeminas have feelings and...more
The best part about this book is the way it puts you on the complete opposite side of the Rift and all the action in Midkemia. Kelewan is a very different world based largely on politics and upholding honor. Understanding the Tsurani perspective and motivation puts a very different spin on our original understanding of the Riftwar. While the Midkeminas have feelings and...more
The fast-paced, feudal-Japan style politicking makes this story a lot of fun.
From the start, I rooted for Mara. She struggles to rebuild her House after some dirty tricks in the Great Game of the Council leave her father, brother, and most of their army dead in a war against the barbarians. My admiration for her grew as she bent tradition to get what she wants. For example, she recruits “gray warriors” whose Houses have been destroyed and are tradionally supposed to roam the country in social li...more
From the start, I rooted for Mara. She struggles to rebuild her House after some dirty tricks in the Great Game of the Council leave her father, brother, and most of their army dead in a war against the barbarians. My admiration for her grew as she bent tradition to get what she wants. For example, she recruits “gray warriors” whose Houses have been destroyed and are tradionally supposed to roam the country in social li...more
I come across quite a few readers looking for a book with the kind of noblehouse politics of Martin’s Game of Thrones; and I am always surprised that they haven’t read the Empire Trilogy by Feist and Wurts because, when it comes to Machiavellian manipulations and politics, I haven’t found a more enthralling read.
I guess the greatest difference between the two stories (other than the fact this book was written first) is that Martin’s is set amidst a world reminiscent of medieval Europe, while the...more
I guess the greatest difference between the two stories (other than the fact this book was written first) is that Martin’s is set amidst a world reminiscent of medieval Europe, while the...more
There were so many times that I felt myself cheering for Mara. Throughout the book there are events (noted below) which transpire, leaving you with a new respect for Mara's determination, intelligence, and skill at the Game of Council.
(view spoiler)...more
You know, I promised myself that my next review would be kinder, to prove to Shayne that I'm not completely heartless... but then this book blew me away anyway! So I'll have to change my promise to be that the next book that I really don't find interesting will still earn a fairer review. That's probably a better promise.
This was excellent. The oriental influences on this are probably what made me love it so much. The only slight disappointment would be that there was a lot of talk of the cho-ja...more
This was excellent. The oriental influences on this are probably what made me love it so much. The only slight disappointment would be that there was a lot of talk of the cho-ja...more
Mara is thrust into the role of leadership following the death of her father and brother. Difficult choices await if she and her house are to survive.
If you enjoy a well written and fully realised epic fantasy story, then this book is for you.
It is the first part of a trilogy featuring a female protagonist.
If you are a man and are 'put off' this book by the fact that the lead is female, you should know that there are many strong men who would be great lead characters in their own right.
The wor...more
If you enjoy a well written and fully realised epic fantasy story, then this book is for you.
It is the first part of a trilogy featuring a female protagonist.
If you are a man and are 'put off' this book by the fact that the lead is female, you should know that there are many strong men who would be great lead characters in their own right.
The wor...more
Jan 03, 2009
Glitterfairy
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Those who like Feist, but like strong female protagonist writers better
Shelves:
fantasy
Having read Magician/Silverthorn/Darkness at Sethanon/Prince of the Blood/The Prince's Buccaneer (or whatever it was called), with mixed responses, I really enjoyed this book.
This book has a much different tone than it's main 3 'epic' predecessors (actually, it's possible the first and third book are truly epic, although the second is a nice filler). For the first time, we have a female protagonist - one who can actually *think*. For a massive Tamora Pierce/Jacqueline Carey fan, this is bliss!
Th...more
This book has a much different tone than it's main 3 'epic' predecessors (actually, it's possible the first and third book are truly epic, although the second is a nice filler). For the first time, we have a female protagonist - one who can actually *think*. For a massive Tamora Pierce/Jacqueline Carey fan, this is bliss!
Th...more
My review of this book benefits from having read the rest of the greatest trilogy ever written. This book is exceptional, but has far more flaws than the other books in the Empire trilogy.
Where this book really shines is the world. It is new and vivid. It has been compared to medieval Japan, Korea, China, or other eastern places. I can see those comparisons, but in truth, I think this is something of a eastern twist on a medieval Europe. This amalgamation results in something fresh and interest...more
Where this book really shines is the world. It is new and vivid. It has been compared to medieval Japan, Korea, China, or other eastern places. I can see those comparisons, but in truth, I think this is something of a eastern twist on a medieval Europe. This amalgamation results in something fresh and interest...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fantasy Book Club...: Questions for Raymond Feist and Janny Wurts | 11 | 42 | Jul 12, 2011 06:41pm |
Raymond E. Feist was born Raymond E. Gonzales III, but took his adoptive step-fathers surname when his mother remarried Felix E. Feist. He graduated with a B.A. in Communication Arts with Honors in 1977 from the University of California at San Diego. During that year Feist had some ideas for a novel about a boy who would be a magician. He wrote the novel two years later, and it was published in 19...more
More about Raymond E. Feist...
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Jul 08, 2011 05:33am
Jul 08, 2011 06:59am