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.