#15 Daughter of the Empire by Janny Wurts and Raymond E. Feist

I read Fiest’s Magician Apprentice and Master books when I was younger. I enjoyed them, and even got a few more books into the series. Eventually In the 90s I grabbed Daughter of the empire and was completely blown away.

I think it was rare to see a book written entirely from the view of a young lady. At least it was rare at that time. A time when so many books were being tossed around with only heroes that were young men. A fantasy built in Fiest’s world. It has that fantasy element, but even more, a medieval political intrigue, mixed with some spy book.

The opening scene is what blew me away, and had be hooked. Mara is in the temple in prayer. When she completes the ritual, she will be a servant of the goddess. As it nears completion, a battered and weary guard runs into the room while temple servants and priests try and stop him. He cries out that he has come for the Lady of the Acoma.

That is not just a phrase. it is based on what I assume is a oriental honor based culture, and their own imagination. Only the ruler of the family is called the Lord or Lady. So he is crying out to stop her, her father and brothers are dead/ The unusual has happened, and a woman will lead a house. Mara recognizes the cry and stands. She sets aside her things and moves on.

Had he been too late, the house would have fallen. No heirs and the house would be considered forfeit, and cursed by the gods. The soldiers moving on to banditry , and the history of the house destroyed. Her father and brother had been killed in a battle in Midkemia, another dimension (see Magician: Apprentice and Master). Most of the soldiers of the family were destroyed in the process.

She must find a way to protect what is hers, then slowly gain allies, and go after those who betrayed her family and brought about their death. Written masterfully and making me wonder what was next. At first everyone assumes she will be killed quickly and no one really puts pressure on her because she was not a threat.

By the time her enemies begin to strike, she is getting too powerful, more than they expected. Eventually, she will become a force that will reshape the empire.

Each book adds more depth, and the young teen that takes control of the house, defeats enemy after enemy and makes more and more powerful friends on her rise. Yet it is not for power. Power is not a club to be used, but a silent knife. Working in shadows, and to help support the Emperor, and live in peace is her goal. Striking only when others threaten that peace.

Still a great book. I wondered if I should move it up, it dropped only a place or two from my last book list. However, it is because new books have come out and slipped in. If I read it a few months ago, I bet I would have moved it up 4-5 spots, but maybe not, there are some incredible books to come.