Odlicna druga knjiga Empire trilogije! This is truly an excellent second book in the Empire Trilogy.
Krvlju zakleti neprijatelji sve su blize unistenju kuce Akoma. The blood-sworn enemies are all getting closer to the destruction of the Akoma house.
Politicka arena odnosno igra saveta ne prasta greske. The political arena, that is, the game of councils, does not tolerate mistakes.
Dok imalo spusten gard moze znaciti veliku nesrecu. While having a lowered guard can mean a great misfortune.
I sve se to desava dok carstvo Tsuranuranija na Kelewanu trpi najvece tektonske potrese od svog nastanka. And all this is happening while the Tsuranuranian Empire on Kelewan is suffering the greatest tectonic tremors since its creation.
Ko moze dovoljno dobro da oseti zov sudbine i da tradiciju duzu od dve hiljade godina okrene naglavacke u trenutku kada plime promena nemilosrdno gutaju sve ono sto je istorija smatrala nedodirljivim. Who can feel the call of fate well enough and turn a tradition over two thousand years old upside down at the moment when the storm of change mercilessly swallows everything that history has considered untouchable.

The book is undoubtedly excellent, but it is a bit raw!

The story is captivating, but some moments are given overly meticulous attention, while others (no less important) are only mentioned in passing. As I see it, in this case, it's just bad luck with the editor. Otherwise, it could have been something on the level of A Game of Thrones, but as it is, it's just on the level of "The Game of the Council"!

P.S. And these Omnipotent ones are overly Omnipotent!!!

We should never underestimate the human capacity for being stupid, illogical, and petty. This statement holds a great deal of truth. Throughout history, we have witnessed countless examples of people making decisions that are completely senseless and lack any rational thought. Whether it's in personal relationships, business dealings, or even on a larger scale in society and politics, the human tendency to act in a stupid, illogical, and petty manner seems to be ever-present.

The book that contains this profound observation is truly amazing and excellent. It offers valuable insights into the flaws and foibles of human nature. By recognizing and understanding these aspects of ourselves, we can strive to overcome them and make better choices. It serves as a reminder that we should always be vigilant and not let our baser instincts take over.

Overall, the message in this book is both eye-opening and thought-provoking. It challenges us to look within ourselves and question our actions and decisions. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the human condition and how we can improve ourselves and the world around us.

The first novel in this trilogy, "Daughter of the Empire", presented Mara as a remarkable character. She proved herself capable of competing with the leaders of other houses, demonstrating her ability to gain resources while safeguarding the crucial honor that holds great value in this world. By the conclusion of the book, she had successfully achieved the fundamental objective of ensuring a stable future for House Acoma. However, the question remained: how far could her innovation and verbal skills carry her on the path to power?

The answer, as expected, was quite far. This novel is once again filled with political intrigue and one-upmanship. Mara is a formidable woman, possessing a strong will, being a creative thinker, and having the courage to attempt unheard-of methods to achieve the seemingly impossible.

This is a lengthy book. My copy consists of almost 700 pages with very small print and narrow margins. Just when it appeared that it might become burdensome due to its length, a new twist would emerge or a major plot upheaval would occur, keeping me engaged and turning the pages. Nevertheless, it seemed that there was just a little too much detail crammed in, which is the sole reason I'm awarding it 4 stars instead of 5. Fortunately, this novel ties in with the original Riftwar books with the inclusion of Pug/Milander and a few other characters. We are now seeing events from the Kelewan side of the Riftwar, which makes for an especially captivating story, considering we already know some of the major events that are即将到来.

Despite its length, I truly enjoyed this novel and eagerly anticipate the final installment in the trilogy, "Mistress of the Empire".

Mara is a truly remarkable character. What makes her so special is that her femininity is not a weakness but a source of strength.

She has the courage to show her emotions, whether it's joy, sadness, or anger. This vulnerability allows her to connect with others on a deeper level and form meaningful relationships.

Moreover, Mara is not afraid to fail. She understands that failure is a part of life and that it provides valuable lessons for growth. Instead of giving up when faced with setbacks, she uses them as an opportunity to learn and come back even stronger.

Another aspect of Mara that I admire is her ability to admit her mistakes. She takes responsibility for her actions and is not afraid to apologize when she is in the wrong. This honesty and integrity make her a role model for others.

In conclusion, I love this sequel because it features a character like Mara, who defies traditional gender norms and shows that femininity can be a powerful force. She is a reminder that we should all embrace our emotions, learn from our failures, and admit our mistakes in order to become the best versions of ourselves.

Yes, this book did experience a bit of a slump in the second part, but it wasn't overly significant.

I would rate it 4.5 stars. It could have easily received 5 stars if it hadn't dragged a little in some areas and if the names weren't quite so difficult to remember. However, overall, it was a great read.

Once again, Mara was outstanding. The story had me on the verge of tears in certain parts. Alas, the good guy ultimately prevailed, but at a great sacrifice.

This book managed to keep me engaged from start to finish, despite its few flaws. The characters were well-developed, and the plot was both exciting and emotional.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read that will make them feel a range of emotions.

In Servant of the Empire, Mara has undergone a remarkable transformation. No longer the inexperienced teenager we first encountered, she is now a young woman confident in her power, wealthy, and respected by her peers, despite the challenges posed by her gender.

Yet, the specter of the Minwanabi continues to haunt her. Although Jingu, the previous head, has long been laid to rest, the feud persists. His son Desio, joined by his brilliant and devious cousin Taisaio, who was responsible for the death of Mara's family, is determined to seek revenge. It seems inevitable that Mara is headed for trouble.

Taisaio is a formidable adversary. Clever, cunning, and a seasoned soldier, he presents a serious political threat. I found his addition to the cast truly engaging, as he was a more complex and interesting antagonist than Jingu.

Mara owes much of her survival to her Spy Master, Ayakashi. Without his skills and loyalty, she would have surely met her demise on multiple occasions. In order to overcome Taisaio, Mara will once again have to bend the rules and rely on her wits and guile.

The war between Tsuranuanni and The Kingdom of the Isle takes center stage in this book. It's important to note that these two realms exist in different worlds, connected by a magical rift. The conflict has significant implications for the future of both lands.

Slavery is a prevalent practice in Tsuranuanni, and Mara, despite her many admirable qualities, is a slave owner. One of the slaves she hires is Kevin of Zung, a Midkemian from a noble family. Their relationship is complex and fraught with difficulties, given the history of war and enslavement between their two nations.

While I could understand Mara's attraction to Kevin, I struggled to fathom his reasons for falling in love with her. The romance felt somewhat forced and one-sided, and I couldn't help but question its authenticity.

Overall, Servant of the Empire is an interesting book with a solid plot. However, the portrayal of the two worlds and the romance between Mara and Kevin left something to be desired. Nevertheless, it remains a worthy addition to the Empire Trilogy.

Sequels don't often live up to the first book, but this isn't one of those times.

The characters you know and love are all back and embroiled in the delights of the Kelewanese Game of Council. There are genuinely happy moments where you can't help but smile and be happy for the characters. For example, when they succeed in a difficult task or find a moment of joy in the midst of chaos. On the other hand, there are also low moments when all seems hopeless and you feel tense and want them to pull through. Like when they face seemingly insurmountable obstacles or are in danger of losing everything.

This is one of those rare books that enhances what was already a superb story and some great characters with further depth and a truly epic story. The tie-ins with the first Riftwar series are much more noticeable here. It's really great to see the events that seemed fairly glossed over in those books having huge repercussions on the people who live there. The political machinations are intricate and engaging, the friendships and camaraderie are heartwarming, and the love between the characters is so well written you can't help but be gripped as you keep turning the pages.

The ending is bittersweet in many ways. There are losses and sacrifices, but there is also a sense of hope and renewal. As the characters you have learned to love find some peace after the upheaval in this book, you are left with a feeling of warmth.

Can't wait to see how it all ends.

SYNOPSIS: In "Daughter of the Empire", the initial installment of the series, Mara of the Acoma triumphed over her most pressing and perilous adversary, thereby safeguarding her family's reputation from annihilation. Nevertheless, the vanquishing of Jingu of the Minwanabi fails to conclude Mara's tribulations. Jingu's son Desio and his nephew Tasaio have simply assumed the family's cause. Moreover, Tasaio was the shrewd mastermind behind the schemes that led to the deaths of Mara's father and brother. A strategic thinker and advocate of the concept of a meticulously crafted plan, Tasaio proves to be a fearsome foe.

Simultaneously, Mara purchases Kevin of Zun and brings him into her household as a slave. As prisoners of war hailing from the land of Midkemia across the rift, Kevin and his "barbarian" countrymen make recalcitrant slaves. They reject the Kelewanese notions of caste and the treatment of slaves. They are rebellious, inclined to escape, and refuse to submit to their masters. Mara becomes captivated by the handsome slave and his peculiar ideas regarding freedom.

REVIEW: The second volume of Wurts' and Feist's Empire series seamlessly combines elements of political fantasy and romance. Mara once again finds herself deeply embroiled in the intrigues and machinations that not only enhance her standing among her contemporaries but also fortify her House against those who seek her downfall. The addition of Kevin provides Mara with a genuine love interest (her abusive husband from the previous book does not count) and offers her an outsider's perspective on her culture's cryptic and often self-destructive way of life. It also marks Mara's transformation from an uncanny survivor to a social reformer.

I had a penchant for the first book in the series, yet I found this one even more captivating. The characters are further developed, we are afforded a more comprehensive view of the countryside, and we encounter additional Tsurani individuals, including the Emperor and the enigmatic Black Robes. The introduction of the outlander Kevin into the narrative serves to drive the plot forward and also functions as a logical conduit for exposition. Kevin can act as a surrogate for the reader, posing the questions "Why" and making sardonic observations about the Tsurani way of life. He splendidly embodies the Outsider who disrupts the status quo and becomes the focal point around which the members of Mara's household begin to question their culture's stance on numerous issues, encompassing honor, death, and slavery.

This is a remarkable book. I wholeheartedly recommend it.

I was really looking forward to reading "Whitey Knows Best" after being so impressed with the imaginative first book. However, after reading about a third of the 800-page sequel, I have to say it was a real letdown.

If you were drawn to the first book because of the Asian, female main character, I would highly recommend avoiding this sequel. The romance between Mara and the white dude was so insipid and obvious that it was actually painful to read. It completely ruined everything that was good about the first book.

It seems like the author was more focused on creating a predictable romance than on developing the story and characters in a meaningful way. The writing felt lazy and the plot lacked the excitement and creativity that made the first book so enjoyable.

Overall, I was very disappointed with "Whitey Knows Best" and would not recommend it to anyone who loved the first book. It's a shame that the sequel couldn't live up to the high standards set by its predecessor.

Servant is a show that takes viewers on an ever-deeper exploration of the politics among the honor-bound peoples beyond the rift.

At the start, it has a painfully slow pace, which might test the patience of some viewers. However, as the story progresses to the middle, it presents some of the best in-universe content.

But then, towards the finish, it turns into a stumbling mess of a race.

The addition of the compelling newcomer, Kevin, brings a necessary layer of complexity to the narrative. However, a question arises: is this at the expense of Feist’s first-ever female lead? I don't know for sure (IDFK), but I'm definitely going to keep reading to find out. #readingrainbow

This book was just okay.

I truly have a passion for epic fantasy and consider it to be one of my all-time favorite genres. However, there are books like this one that, although skillfully written, are rather slow-paced. They present ideas that other fantasy authors have developed more completely and successfully, building upon works like this as a foundation.

The concept of vying for thrones and a murderous group of nobility adhering to a set of predetermined rules has been masterfully explored by George RR Martin, as I'm sure most readers of this book are aware. This particular book approaches it in a slightly different way, due to the unique culture and honor code established by the author within the setting and context.

It was interesting to observe a young girl, who had previously been quite oblivious to the politics of her family, rise to power in the midst of a treacherous and deadly environment. Although the story could be ponderous and plodding at times, the rich texture and intricate interweaving of the plot's complexity made it a worthwhile read.

Overall, I would rate this book three stars.