Paperback, 528 pages
Published Nov. 11, 1996 by Voyager.
Mara, a young, untested Ruling Lady of Kelewan, is called upon to lead her people in a heroic stuggle for survival. But first she must rally an army of rebel warriors, form a pact with the alien cho-ja and marry the son of a hated enemy. Queen Mara of Acoma vows to avenge the deaths of her brother and father, even if it means killing her own husband.
The world was fascinating and unique, but I found I didn't care much for the characters. Like in mythology, everyone seemed selfish and made nonsensical choices, so when trouble came, I wasn't in suspense because I couldn't care less what happened. Sorry :)
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 of the other side of the war with Midkemia that's first described in Feist's "Magician" series. The vaguely Asian styled culture is very rich, very detailed, and full of political scheming and machinations that keep your interest riveted while the story follows Mara, last remaining daughter of a once powerful house as she tries to restore her family's …
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 of the other side of the war with Midkemia that's first described in Feist's "Magician" series. The vaguely Asian styled culture is very rich, very detailed, and full of political scheming and machinations that keep your interest riveted while the story follows Mara, last remaining daughter of a once powerful house as she tries to restore her family's honor and avenge the murder of her relatives.
I'd recommend this book to pretty much anyone.
