Servant Of The Empire (The Empire Trilogy #2)
by
Raymond E. Feist,
Janny Wurts (Goodreads Author)
PLAY THE GAME
Mara of Acoma, Ruling Lady of her house, is a force to be reckoned with when playing the bloody politics of the Game of the Council.
She's made great gains for her followers within the Empire, including valuable new lands. But they need cultivating, and slaves are in short supply due to the incessant war effort against Midkemia.
PLAY TO WIN
Mara knows you don't g...more
Mara of Acoma, Ruling Lady of her house, is a force to be reckoned with when playing the bloody politics of the Game of the Council.
She's made great gains for her followers within the Empire, including valuable new lands. But they need cultivating, and slaves are in short supply due to the incessant war effort against Midkemia.
PLAY TO WIN
Mara knows you don't g...more
Paperback, 827 pages
Published
by Harper Voyager
(first published 1990)
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The second in the series was definitely a page-turner, even more than the first. It saddened me to see that only this trilogy was made by the two. If the potential of Feist-Wurts could be explored further, I believed that they could match the partnership of Weis-Hickman.
It was alike and different from the first in many ways. All the main characters in the book returned, a great addition was Kevin, a prisoner of war turned slave by tradition of the Kelewanese.
I felt a great influence of James Cla...more
It was alike and different from the first in many ways. All the main characters in the book returned, a great addition was Kevin, a prisoner of war turned slave by tradition of the Kelewanese.
I felt a great influence of James Cla...more
Wat een karakters, wat een plot! Op meerdere momenten in dit boek heb ik tranen over mijn wangen voelen glijden. Tranen van vreugde en verdriet. De plot is zo enorm meeslepend en absoluut uniek. De wereld is zo geloofwaardig en de verhaallijnen enorm goed uitgewerkt. Ik ben nog helemaal in extase. In dit boek speelt Kevin, een slaaf uit Midkemia een belangrijke rol en door zijn aanwezigheid worden de verschillen tussen de Tsurani en de Midkemiërs duidelijk gemaakt zonder dat het droog vertelt wo...more
The second book of the Empire trilogy failed to hold a candle to the first one. While most of the characters remain interesting and the writing style has not changed, the plot has gone from mildly ponderous to thin, irrelevant, and suffering from way too much padding. It makes reading the second book right after the first one a disappointment, which is the reason why I've only given Servant of the Empire a rating of two stars.
The largest gripe I have with this book is the introduction of Kevin....more
The largest gripe I have with this book is the introduction of Kevin....more
Following on from Daughter of the Empire, this book expands on Mara's task of consolidating the position of House Acoma.
with the wealth gained from the silk trade she buys Midkemian slaves to cultivate her land and further increase her wealth.
One of them is , unknown to her, a noble in his own land. Naturally she falls in love with him etc, etc, etc.
I'm afraid that I found the love story between these two contrived and a little embarrassing . Kevin struck me as incredibly shallow. He falls in...more
with the wealth gained from the silk trade she buys Midkemian slaves to cultivate her land and further increase her wealth.
One of them is , unknown to her, a noble in his own land. Naturally she falls in love with him etc, etc, etc.
I'm afraid that I found the love story between these two contrived and a little embarrassing . Kevin struck me as incredibly shallow. He falls in...more
I couldn’t finish this sequel because I found it slow, predictable, and boring.
One hundred pages into its predecessor, Daughter of the Empire, Mara had survived an assassination attempt, saved the life of a trusted family retainer, and pulled off a plan to recruit gray warriors to her house. By the same point in this book, however, Mara has just kind of shuffled around the house and fell in love with a barbarian slave. I saw the romance coming from the very first scene, where Mara purchases him,...more
One hundred pages into its predecessor, Daughter of the Empire, Mara had survived an assassination attempt, saved the life of a trusted family retainer, and pulled off a plan to recruit gray warriors to her house. By the same point in this book, however, Mara has just kind of shuffled around the house and fell in love with a barbarian slave. I saw the romance coming from the very first scene, where Mara purchases him,...more
Jan 28, 2011
Jelis
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
fantasy-and-science-fiction-m-to-s
Often in trilogies, there occurs what is known as the "second book" syndrome, where the universe is no longer shiny and new as it was in the first book, but not as exciting as the climatic third book, and mostly exists as a bridge between those two, providing important set-up, but not feeling as exciting. Servant of the Empire, I am glad to say, does not have this problem. Despite having crossed the first hurdles to her rule, Mara still has many threats to deal with, for while her position may h...more
Apr 26, 2010
Bertrand
rated it
4 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
"A sweeping drama unveiling a tale of love, hate and sacrifice against the panorama of an alien yet familiar society."--Publishers Weekly.
"Uncommonly satisfying."--Locus
From Library JournalAs leader of her noble house, the Lady Mara must contend with battles on two fronts: in the hotbed of intrigue and treachery that is the court of Tsurani, and in her heart, where her affections for a barbarian slave from the enemy world of Midkemis lead her to question the principles by which she lives. The
...more
The intertwining of events from Magician into this book is what makes it so brilliant. Mara's acquisition of Midkemian slaves, including one Kevin changes her life and her way of thinking. Kevin's view of what to him is inexplicable and sometimes downright bizarre Tsurani culture allows Mara to break out of the strictures imposed by her upbringing and gives her a definite advantage in the Great Game.
The politics of this book are fantastically intricate and simultaneously awfully bloody. The afte...more
The politics of this book are fantastically intricate and simultaneously awfully bloody. The afte...more
This is the second book in the Empire Trilogy by Raymond E. Feist and Janny Wurts. I really enjoyed the first book. I loved how a young and innocent girl was thrust into the deadly games of politics where any wrong move could be met with her death as well as the death of her loved ones and shame for anyone associated with the name of her family the Acoma. In book one Mara is 17, becomes Ruling Lady of the Acoma facing powerful enemies with only 37 warriors to protect her and her hard to defend e...more
The 2nd book in the greatest trilogy ever written, this one manages to avoid some of the pitfalls of the first novel, while not compromising the strengths. I was afraid that after securing her place a little in the world, the stakes and urgency of this book would be less compelling. In some ways they are, but at the same time I enjoyed the new stakes even more. If you actually have something there is more reason to worry about losing it.
One of the best set pieces of the series takes place in thi...more
One of the best set pieces of the series takes place in thi...more
I think the Great Game was perhaps the most fascinating and most refreshing change away from the usual westernized fantasy I've read. Granted, it had its kinks and obviously it had its foundations steeped in violent and unrelenting traditions. But it was different, and it was, dare I say, fresh?
So when the Great Game was put to a perilous change by the end of this second book, I was just a little miffed. I'm not sure which annoyed me more: Mara's staunch infatuation with the first exotic strange...more
So when the Great Game was put to a perilous change by the end of this second book, I was just a little miffed. I'm not sure which annoyed me more: Mara's staunch infatuation with the first exotic strange...more
I enjoyed this book. It was similar to the first in this trilogy in that there was more political intrigue than a traditional quest or adventure like in the Riftwar saga. It was interesting because it approached some of the storyline from book II of the Riftwar Saga from the Tsurani side of things. I did think that the "Kevin" storyline was a little overdone, but its inclusion was definitely necessary for the plot to progress. I probably would have just preferred a toned down version... a little...more
There were a few parts of this I found a little irritating but they are overshadowed by much that I enjoyed. I was actually in two minds as to whether to give this 4 or 5 stars.
I can't remember who was who apart from the main characters - their titles and relationships to each other I found too confusing to attempt to remember. I understood the concept and was happy to ignore the details on this. I reminded me of my aborted attempt to read War & Peace, where the sheer numbers of characters...more
I can't remember who was who apart from the main characters - their titles and relationships to each other I found too confusing to attempt to remember. I understood the concept and was happy to ignore the details on this. I reminded me of my aborted attempt to read War & Peace, where the sheer numbers of characters...more
Intriguing plot, but overdone with the Kevin / Mara relationship, this second instalment develops Mara's personality away from her traditions.
Whilst a truly engaging plot line with multi-layered characters, the feverish passion between the protagonists slid from manageable to downright annoying. Together for some five/six years it seems that time and familiarity have no bounds in the teenage romp-fest where a simple knowing look results in mind blowing sex. It was harder to believe the relations...more
Whilst a truly engaging plot line with multi-layered characters, the feverish passion between the protagonists slid from manageable to downright annoying. Together for some five/six years it seems that time and familiarity have no bounds in the teenage romp-fest where a simple knowing look results in mind blowing sex. It was harder to believe the relations...more
Jan 04, 2009
Glitterfairy
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
people who like Tamora Pierce and Jacqueline Carey
Shelves:
fantasy
A thoroughly enjoyable read. Four and a half stars, really.
The addition of Jenny Wurts seems to have tempered Feist's previous weaknesses - compression of time, and a female perspective. There are still a few traces of Feist's "blunt" plotting, but for the most part is a marked improvement to flow and readability. My only serious frustration with this series is the lack of attention paid to signposting the passing of time, which I feel is important if you're going to span a story lasting any mor...more
The addition of Jenny Wurts seems to have tempered Feist's previous weaknesses - compression of time, and a female perspective. There are still a few traces of Feist's "blunt" plotting, but for the most part is a marked improvement to flow and readability. My only serious frustration with this series is the lack of attention paid to signposting the passing of time, which I feel is important if you're going to span a story lasting any mor...more
I think what Canada or even the World is sorely missing is someone with vision. Someone who has the skill to change opinions and long-held views and create something that unites people. These are the qualities I find interesting about the main character Mara in this series. Through humility, passion and many times necessity and threat, Mara seeks to change the way her Empire operates. The steps she takes include some top quality political intrigue, as well as bloody military challenges. The nove...more
While the first book does a good job of keeping the story moving forward through the myriad plots and times, this second book falls short. It seems to jump forward and around, and come to conclusions that need action without taking the reader along. Wurts' and Feist's joint writing brings more characterization, but it's at a low level with nothing deep changing about the main characters without overt statements from the authors. The reader doesn't really get to decide anything for themselves, bu...more
One of three books forming one of the best trilogies I have ever read.
This is what happened on the other side of the rift in Feist's rift war saga.
A society loosely based on feudal Japan, with its intricate politics and beauty captured well
This is by far a series I highly recommend. The characters are deep and the story
Is very good.
The series takes you on a journey with a woman forced to lead her clan. She is young,
Inexperienced, but she is clever and willing to risk all in a game mostly playe...more
This is what happened on the other side of the rift in Feist's rift war saga.
A society loosely based on feudal Japan, with its intricate politics and beauty captured well
This is by far a series I highly recommend. The characters are deep and the story
Is very good.
The series takes you on a journey with a woman forced to lead her clan. She is young,
Inexperienced, but she is clever and willing to risk all in a game mostly playe...more
Back again following Mara of House Acoma in her political struggle with the Great Game. For me this certainly was as good as the first book in the trilogy, although following the same characters along the same storyline it still seemed fresh. It does have a strong political basis, more than I've ever known in fantasy, at times it is very simple and straightforward but the majority of it is cleverly done. Feist certainly has a gift for this kind of world building, allowing the reader an insight...more
Jul 26, 2010
Victoria
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommended to Victoria by:
A Neighbor
Shelves:
books-in-a-series,
fantasy-science-fiction
Though a rather lengthy novel, I greatly enjoyed it! An epic sequel, truly wonderful, with rich details and a terrifically exciting plot, I am thrilled to read the third part of this trilogy. This volume focused more on Mara's personal relationships, both between Hokanu, a key figure in The Riftwar Saga, a Midkemian slave, Kevin of Zun. I hope that they both will play key roles in Mistress of the Empire! Mostly, though, I am curious over who will play the villain in the third volume, because thi...more
Jun 07, 2012
Pauline
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
fantasy,
part-of-series
This fell into the second book slump as I like to call it. Good, but Mara is basically untouchable (I get the feeling that she is venturing ever further into Mary-sue territory). However is it executed quite nicely. There aren't as many crafty political maneuvers in comparison to the first book but it is still an entertaining read.
I wasn't too fond of the introduction of Kevin and the role that he had in the book. The further along I got, the more I kept seeing aspects of "this is a savage and...more
I wasn't too fond of the introduction of Kevin and the role that he had in the book. The further along I got, the more I kept seeing aspects of "this is a savage and...more
Meeslepend vervolg op Dochter van het Keizerrijk.
Mara's daden hebben gevolgen. Het Huis Minwanabi zet alles in om de rituele zelfmoord van de vorige Heer van het Huis door Mara's toedoen te wreken. Mara krijgt intussen een relatie met een slaaf uit de wereld der barbaren aan de andere kant van de scheuring. Zijn unieke kijk op de Tsurani-samenleving, die slaven houden, moord oogluikend toestaan zolang het maar niet in strijd is met hun gevoel voor Eer en bepaalde vormen van extreme wreedheid vol...more
Mara's daden hebben gevolgen. Het Huis Minwanabi zet alles in om de rituele zelfmoord van de vorige Heer van het Huis door Mara's toedoen te wreken. Mara krijgt intussen een relatie met een slaaf uit de wereld der barbaren aan de andere kant van de scheuring. Zijn unieke kijk op de Tsurani-samenleving, die slaven houden, moord oogluikend toestaan zolang het maar niet in strijd is met hun gevoel voor Eer en bepaalde vormen van extreme wreedheid vol...more
Having re-read this book recently, I am amending my previous review. Whilst I found the book enjoyable, I found that there was a great deal more politics in this book than in the first of the series. Whilst this isn't a problem itself, I found that a lot of names and clans were mentioned that we had only ever been passingly acquainted with, so the significance of the political manoevering that was going on was rather lost on me. There were many points in the story that I wished there had been a...more
SYNOPSIS: In "Daughter of the Empire" the first book of the series, Mara of the Acoma defeated her most immediate and dangerous enemy and saved her family name from obliteration. However, the defeat of Jingu of the Minwanabi doesn't end Mara's problems. Jingu's son Desio and his nephew Tasaio have merely taken up the family cause. And Tasaio was the cunning architect of the plans that killed Mara's father and brother. A long range thinker and a proponent of the idea of a well laid plan, Tasaio i...more
After loving book 1, I'm hating book 2. The story jumps around through too many viewpoints, and it's just not capturing me like the first book. And if I had to read about one more "swelling groin," then I was gonna throw up. :)
That being said, I would highly recommend book 1, Daughter of the Empire, as a stand alone novel.
That being said, I would highly recommend book 1, Daughter of the Empire, as a stand alone novel.
i love it... people who give up after reading the first few chapters, are missing a really good book, especially the end. the first two book from midkemia was good, but nothing really special, the second two was a bit boring :-( but the empire trilogy is fantastic, here we have a real protagonist, and she is loveable. while some part is a bit "predictable" as some people accused the book, mostly it's not, these book are certainly my favorites.
My major objection to "Servant of the Empire" is likely due to second novel syndrome; we're well immersed in the world now, so we're open to getting mired in complex, relatively slow-moving stories. I was glad that I'd recently reread the main series, as "Servant of the Empire," like its companion novels, frequently takes jumps through weeks and months (of supposed inactivity?). But as a serious fan of "Shogun," I still employed the often overt similarities between the two novels.
Having had a bit of a shaky start with the first book in this trilogy, then ending up really enjoying it, I was looking forward to making my way through this. I have to say that I enjoyed this so much more than the first (whether it was just a bit easier to enjoy now I knew the style and characters, I don't know).
This has to be a fantasy series like nothing I've read before, and it's really nice to read something so fresh and different.
My one complaint would be how much the time skips around in...more
This has to be a fantasy series like nothing I've read before, and it's really nice to read something so fresh and different.
My one complaint would be how much the time skips around in...more
Not quite as good as Daughter of the Empire, but still worthwhile. Actually, the first third of the book was kind of a yawner - it just seemed like more plotting, more scheming, more of the same old Game. But once Mara and her army are sent off into battle the book picks up and pulls you along. Again, good solid escapist entertainment, if not terribly original or memorable.
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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
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