Pages: 528
Published: 1987
Summary
Magic and murder engulf the realm of Kelewan. Fierce warlords ignite a bitter blood feud to enslave the empire of Tsuranuanni. While in the opulent Imperial courts, assassins and spy-masters plot cunning and devious intrigues against the rightful heir.
Now Mara, a young, untested Ruling Lady, is called upon to lead her people in a heroic struggle 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. Only then can Mara face her most dangerous foe of all – in his own impregnable stronghold.
My thoughts
Wow, did this book deliver. Feist and Wurts are fantastic writers individually, so I was nervous to read a collaborative book. I shouldn’t have worried at all because this was fluid and with so much depth.
We follow Mara of the Acoma, a young woman thrust into a position of power after the death of her family. I am a sucker for an underdog and Mara is captivating as our main character. She will not bow to anyone and she is fully driven to protect her people, her lands and her family name. She moulds to the position well, a bit of friction to start with but she soon wastes no time playing the game of the courts.
“If you would engage in the Game of Council, woman, you must know that the pieces you manipulate are flesh and blood. For the future, if you continue it is right that you should remember.”
What makes this book stand out to me is Mara’s character. She is not a warrior with the strength to fight in a battle or defeat her enemies with hidden magic. No, she is a clever strategist who uses her wit and understanding of the intricate social and political landscape to survive and gain the upper hand. She joins the courts and plays them at their own game and it is brilliant to follow along as she plots and plans.
Not to mention the authors don’t tell us much, and that is a brilliant thing. We are not privy to Mara’s workings, no we get to watch it unfold as it happens. We are shown what happens, and the outcomes. We are shown Mara in real time calculating and weighing her options or taking risks. I love a book that shows instead of tells and because of that there were so many moments I was left gasping.
The other aspect of this political landscape is that Mara is one of the first Lady’s of the court. This is a world dominated by Lords with their title being passed down to sons. Unfortunately for Mara she is the only one left of her family so has no choice, but this adds a whole other dynamic to the games that are being played. They do a fantastic job of portraying her struggles and triumphs in a society that often undervalues women.
“Who is to be more feared, one who acts from ambition or one who acts for the needs of survival?”
The world is rich and detailed with a culture that hugely emphasises honour and duty. The political intrigue is gripping, with alliances and betrayals keeping us on our toes. You’ll find yourself immersed in Mara’s world, rooting for her as she navigates the situation she’s found herself in with her most trusted advisors around her.
The plot is incredibly engaging, with a hint of magic. There are times I thought to myself “What are you doing, Mara?/ Why are you letting this happen?” for it to all come together in a planned, meticulous way. She knows what she is doing and she will take the daring risks should she need to.
The supporting characters are also very well established, with their own depth and personalities. Mara’s most trusted advisors – women and men – provide their support and although not always in the know, they support her ambition. The growth of the supporting cast is also wonderfully done. As readers we have to remember that with the death of Mara’s father, he was their Lord and he did things in his own way. Mara is putting her own stamp on her leadership and who she must be and what she must do. The characters have moments of tension, however as the book goes on we see the change in their own attitude and behaviours.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, this is one where I felt utter sadness, anger, frustration as well as resilience, hope and victory. This is a vivid world and as we move through the story, I felt that I was right there next to Mara the whole time. Brilliant writing and storytelling from two very famous names in the fantasy world.
There are moments with more touching subjects, so if you are aware of triggers or themes you don’t want to read about, please do look those up first.
Would I recommend?
Yes! This is a series I will absolutely be continuing with! This is a must-read for fans of political fantasy and those who enjoy stories with strong female leads. Strength comes in many forms, and that even in a patriarchal society, a woman can rise to power through intelligence and determination.