Don't be put off by the authors. Although the first few chapters of
"Magician" by Feist bored me so much I didn't bother with the rest, and I've
heard similarly bad reviews of Wurts' other novels, the Empire trilogy, of
which "Daughter" is the first, are much better.
If you've read the Riftwar books, you'll recognise the name of the world
"Daughter of the Empire" is set in - Kelewan, home of the invaders of
Midkemia, where the Riftwar series is set, and I would imagine that for
those who've enjoyed the Riftwar books, the Empire series is interesting for
portraying the other side of that war.
But this book has interest beyond that. It tells of an ancient and
Machiavellian society which is clearly influenced by ancient Oriental
societies in style and the rigid codes of behaviour enforced upon its
inhabitants. The Empire is made up of many Houses, each headed by a ruling
Lord, or in the case of House Acoma, a ruling Lady: the eponymous heroine,
Mara. After the death of her father and brother, Mara is snatched at the
last minute from her intended service in the temple, made Lady of the Acoma,
and thrust into the Game of the Council - the treacherous politics of
shifting alliances and merciless plots.
When the story begins, the Acoma have fewer than fifty warriors left after
the treachery of House Minwanabi destroyed the greatest part of their
garrrison along with the Lord and his heir, and the new Lady, only 17 years
old, must act to secure her future and the honour of her house.
The plots by which Mara accomplishes her aims - neutralising one enemy and
destroying another, whilst rebuilding the strength of her own house - are
well constructed and gripping, and the portrayal of the society fascinating.
The authors unfortunately feel the need to explain their similes where they
refer to the wildlife of Kelewan, even where the meaning is obvious without
knowledge of the specific animal mentioned, but with that exception, the
writing is evocative and appropriate, drawing intricate pictures of the
landscape and society and keeping the reader interested right up to the last
page.
