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The Empire Trilogy #1-3
The Complete Empire Trilogy: Daughter of the Empire, Mistress of the Empire, Servant of the Empire
At age 17, Mara's ceremonial pledge of servantship to the goddess Lashima is interrupted by the news that her father and brother have been killed in battle on Trigia, the world through the rift.
Now Ruling Lady of the Acoma, Mara finds that not only are her family's ancient enemies, the Minwanabi, responsible for the deaths of her loved ones, but her military forces have been decimated by the betrayal and House Acoma is now vulnerable to complete destruction…
The bundle includes Daughter of the Empire (1), Servant of the Empire (2), and Mistress of the Empire (3).
Now Ruling Lady of the Acoma, Mara finds that not only are her family's ancient enemies, the Minwanabi, responsible for the deaths of her loved ones, but her military forces have been decimated by the betrayal and House Acoma is now vulnerable to complete destruction…
The bundle includes Daughter of the Empire (1), Servant of the Empire (2), and Mistress of the Empire (3).
2201 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2013
273 people are currently reading
1032 people want to read
About the author
Raymond E. Feist
289 books9,535 followersRaymond E. Feist was born Raymond E. Gonzales III, but took his adoptive step-father's surname when his mother remarried Felix E. Feist. He graduated with a B.A. in Communication Arts with Honors in 1977 from the University of California at San Diego. During that year Feist had some ideas for a novel about a boy who would be a magician. He wrote the novel two years later, and it was published in 1982 by Doubleday. Feist currently lives in San Diego with his children, where he collects fine wine, DVDs, and books on a variety of topics of personal interest: wine, biographies, history, and, especially, the history of American Professional Football.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
September 20, 2015
The Empire Trilogy has to be my absolute favorite series. There is non better on the entire world. Period.
I cannot say how many times I have re-read the books. Everything I love them more.
Raymond E. Feist and Janny Wurtz created an absolute masterpiece.
Throughout the series, we follow Mara from the age of 17 to her forties. Planning to enter a convent that would cut all ties to her family, she is ripped out of the ceremony last minute, only to learn that her beloved father and brother have been killed and the duties of her house as well the responsibilities for the entire household lies upon her shoulders. If she dies or fails hundreds of people will become houseless, worse than slaves.
This series is sent in the fantasy world of Kelewan, ruled by traditions and believes that are close to Asian culture. Honor is the highest ideal Damage it just a tiny bit, it might cost you your life and the lives of all that serve you.
Almost constantly accompanying her in her attempts to secure her house and save the people that rely on her, we also met her enemies, the ones who allegedly, but without proof, have killed her family.
With her wit and different perspective on rules, laws and culture, Mara maneuvers herself through a patriarchy in which she would have been married off like property.
We see her win, we see her lose, but learn and eventually conquer.
I cannot say how many times I have re-read the books. Everything I love them more.
Raymond E. Feist and Janny Wurtz created an absolute masterpiece.
Throughout the series, we follow Mara from the age of 17 to her forties. Planning to enter a convent that would cut all ties to her family, she is ripped out of the ceremony last minute, only to learn that her beloved father and brother have been killed and the duties of her house as well the responsibilities for the entire household lies upon her shoulders. If she dies or fails hundreds of people will become houseless, worse than slaves.
This series is sent in the fantasy world of Kelewan, ruled by traditions and believes that are close to Asian culture. Honor is the highest ideal Damage it just a tiny bit, it might cost you your life and the lives of all that serve you.
Almost constantly accompanying her in her attempts to secure her house and save the people that rely on her, we also met her enemies, the ones who allegedly, but without proof, have killed her family.
With her wit and different perspective on rules, laws and culture, Mara maneuvers herself through a patriarchy in which she would have been married off like property.
We see her win, we see her lose, but learn and eventually conquer.
October 13, 2014
I can only agree with the other reviewer who said:
"Such a great collaboration, in my opinion far superior to their
independant works."
I wonder why they never did another collaboration since this was such an acclaimed success.
There has been many other writers that have copied the shogun concept but when I compare them to this work I always find their story lacking.
"Such a great collaboration, in my opinion far superior to their
independant works."
I wonder why they never did another collaboration since this was such an acclaimed success.
There has been many other writers that have copied the shogun concept but when I compare them to this work I always find their story lacking.
July 29, 2016
Such a great collaboration, in my opinion far superior to their independant works.
October 7, 2022
'The Empire Trilogy' by Raymond E. Feist and Janny Wurts.
1) Daughter of the Empire: 4.75/5.
2) Servant of the Empire: 4.0/5.
3) Mistress of the Empire: 4.5/5.
Overall Rating for the Trilogy: 8.75/10.
PS: For detailed reviews, check out my reviews of the individual books in the trilogy.
1) Daughter of the Empire: 4.75/5.
2) Servant of the Empire: 4.0/5.
3) Mistress of the Empire: 4.5/5.
Overall Rating for the Trilogy: 8.75/10.
PS: For detailed reviews, check out my reviews of the individual books in the trilogy.
November 9, 2017
I'd like to give this 4.5 to be honest. I really enjoyed it and will miss the characters and setting now that it is over, something I remember feeling at the end of other Feist series (I have not read other works by Janny Wurtz). Altogether I found it very enjoyable and Kelewan has been a great, fantastical place to escape to during a not-so-fantastical period in my own everyday life.
I can't give it 5 stars as the story does get a little repetitive at times, the writing is a bit unsophisticated sometimes and some events seem too convenient and artificial. There is an odd inconsistency in the behaviour of the characters at points as well - they break ancient tradition, but then are sticklers for it the next second; they are great, merciful reformers then bloodthirsty killers that ignore the suffering of those around them. Sometimes I got a little tired of the underlining of the "Akoma honour" and (as with all of Feist) I find the fact that almost every single character excels in usually more than one thing gets a bit fatiguing after a bit. Contrasting it with the Abercrombie books I have read alongside, it underlined to me that this is a fantasy and I treat it as such, but sometimes it would make the story easier to swallow if some of the characters occasionally did a slap-dash job or things felt a little less perfectly set up.
That said, accepting it as a fantasy placed in an unorthodox setting and it hit the mark for me. Mara is a strong heroine without ever being obnoxious (although sometimes a little perplexing) and the other characters and their adventures are engaging. It's fun seeing the events of Magician from another point of view as well.
[BTW I listened to this on audio book and found myself "audience participating" after a while. Every time "honour" is mentioned I felt compelled to repeat it in best Tsurani accent, Sulan-qu was another one etc. Then there was the magician with the Scissor Sisters song title for a name...]
I can't give it 5 stars as the story does get a little repetitive at times, the writing is a bit unsophisticated sometimes and some events seem too convenient and artificial. There is an odd inconsistency in the behaviour of the characters at points as well - they break ancient tradition, but then are sticklers for it the next second; they are great, merciful reformers then bloodthirsty killers that ignore the suffering of those around them. Sometimes I got a little tired of the underlining of the "Akoma honour" and (as with all of Feist) I find the fact that almost every single character excels in usually more than one thing gets a bit fatiguing after a bit. Contrasting it with the Abercrombie books I have read alongside, it underlined to me that this is a fantasy and I treat it as such, but sometimes it would make the story easier to swallow if some of the characters occasionally did a slap-dash job or things felt a little less perfectly set up.
That said, accepting it as a fantasy placed in an unorthodox setting and it hit the mark for me. Mara is a strong heroine without ever being obnoxious (although sometimes a little perplexing) and the other characters and their adventures are engaging. It's fun seeing the events of Magician from another point of view as well.
[BTW I listened to this on audio book and found myself "audience participating" after a while. Every time "honour" is mentioned I felt compelled to repeat it in best Tsurani accent, Sulan-qu was another one etc. Then there was the magician with the Scissor Sisters song title for a name...]
January 1, 2015
I reread this again this year, having gone on a bit of a retro trip. I remember what I liked about it when I first read it - seeing the events from Magician from the 'other side' was curiously satisfying - you'd think that suspense might be reduced, but instead both series are made richer. I like it as a technique. Of course, there's a huge amount of writing which needs to make two viewpoints, and the pace of the first book feels pretty ponderous, with a lot of exposition and culture-building. The backdrop, and the events of the second book, are reminiscent of Japan and the Shogun series by James Clavell, but the story - a culture being changed by contact with another world - is well done. At heart, though, it's the growth of Mara from isolated and precariously weak Ruling Lady to the power in the land, that drives the narrative. It does seem a bit like an RPG at times - Mara 'levels up' as she overcomes challenges, and her next enemy becomes correspondingly stronger - but it's not as out-of-control as Pug and company over in Midkemia. On the whole, really enjoyable read, although it didn't really offer anything that I don't remember from the first time I read it all those years ago.
January 28, 2018
This is my all time favourite series!!!
Mara is incredible, strong, smart, loving and forward thinking.
Supported by the best characters possible, from the loyal mother and father figures to the slaves every character in this series adds to and moves the story. Connecting the lives and actions soo naturally you don't notice till the twists take you by surprise.
I would have happily finished the series at the end of the second book for a happy ever after but the third takes you on a adventure that makes you feel like you have grown with the story.
I recommend this series to everyone even if the themes or genre of these books isn't your thing because the world your introduced to is soo believable and lessons learnt are soo relatable that i feel everyone should give it a go.
Mara is incredible, strong, smart, loving and forward thinking.
Supported by the best characters possible, from the loyal mother and father figures to the slaves every character in this series adds to and moves the story. Connecting the lives and actions soo naturally you don't notice till the twists take you by surprise.
I would have happily finished the series at the end of the second book for a happy ever after but the third takes you on a adventure that makes you feel like you have grown with the story.
I recommend this series to everyone even if the themes or genre of these books isn't your thing because the world your introduced to is soo believable and lessons learnt are soo relatable that i feel everyone should give it a go.
October 16, 2023
Magician was my first paranormal fantasy read. I fell in love instantly and the rest as they say is history. I have each and every book in this series and they are so old the pages are yellow but that doesn't stop me from re reading them all the time.
Raymond E Feist is an author like no other. This is how I was introduced to Janny and I love her work too.
Do yourself a favour and get stuck into this series now. You will love the many other characters.
Raymond E Feist is an author like no other. This is how I was introduced to Janny and I love her work too.
Do yourself a favour and get stuck into this series now. You will love the many other characters.
October 7, 2014
Superb!!! It rivalled the RiftWar trilogy in quality and memorability, inspiring characters in a rich and complex world. Loved the Asian culture allusions. The only series that I liked from Janny Wurts although I loved the best of Raymond E Feist's novels before he churned them out.
June 29, 2021
One of the best trilogies on the planet, highly recommend. Read this trilogy after reading Feists Magician trilogy and fell in love with it. The 2 authors spin a fantastic world with excellent characters and plot twists.
November 11, 2014
One of the first adult fantasy books I read as a teenager and I found it captivating. Totally agree that these authors together highly compliment each creating a truly enthralling story. I would recommend these to anyone and frequently do.
January 11, 2014
Really good read.
August 19, 2014
Couldn't put it down!
August 30, 2018
I reviewed The Empire Trilogy as part of my Throwback Thursday series, where I republish old reviews, review books I have read before or review older books I have only just had a chance to read.
Set in the same universe as fantasy author Raymond E. Feist’s legendary Riftwar Cycle is The Empire Trilogy, which serves as a fantastic companion series to his main body of work. This trilogy, made up of Daughter of the Empire, Servant of the Empire and Mistress of the Empire was written in collaboration with fellow fantasy author Janny Wurst and represents an intriguing piece of literature that shines not only as a side series to Feist’s first two books but also as a substantial and powerful standalone series.
The first book of The Empire Trilogy, Daughter of the Empire, was published in 1987, one year after the final book in The Riftwar Saga, the first trilogy in Feist’s massive Riftwar Cycle. In many ways, Daughter of the Empire and the second book, Servant of the Empire, serve as accompaniments to Feist’s original series, as both plots are set at the same time and events that occur in Magician and Silverthorn have significant impacts within The Empire Trilogy.
The Empire Trilogy follows Mara of the Acoma, a young woman who becomes the Ruling Lady of her house after the sudden death of her male relatives. Through the course of this series, Mara must become a strong ruler to maintain the honour of her family and ensure the survival of all the people pledged to her house. Mara must use all of her cunning to overcome powerful opponents while adapting new methods and viewpoints that are uncommon in her regimented culture in order to survive.
View the full review at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2018/08/30/...
If you are a fan of Raymond E. Feist’s books, check out my review of his latest work, King of Ashes: https://unseenlibrary.com/2018/05/30/...
Or visit my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
Set in the same universe as fantasy author Raymond E. Feist’s legendary Riftwar Cycle is The Empire Trilogy, which serves as a fantastic companion series to his main body of work. This trilogy, made up of Daughter of the Empire, Servant of the Empire and Mistress of the Empire was written in collaboration with fellow fantasy author Janny Wurst and represents an intriguing piece of literature that shines not only as a side series to Feist’s first two books but also as a substantial and powerful standalone series.
The first book of The Empire Trilogy, Daughter of the Empire, was published in 1987, one year after the final book in The Riftwar Saga, the first trilogy in Feist’s massive Riftwar Cycle. In many ways, Daughter of the Empire and the second book, Servant of the Empire, serve as accompaniments to Feist’s original series, as both plots are set at the same time and events that occur in Magician and Silverthorn have significant impacts within The Empire Trilogy.
The Empire Trilogy follows Mara of the Acoma, a young woman who becomes the Ruling Lady of her house after the sudden death of her male relatives. Through the course of this series, Mara must become a strong ruler to maintain the honour of her family and ensure the survival of all the people pledged to her house. Mara must use all of her cunning to overcome powerful opponents while adapting new methods and viewpoints that are uncommon in her regimented culture in order to survive.
View the full review at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2018/08/30/...
If you are a fan of Raymond E. Feist’s books, check out my review of his latest work, King of Ashes: https://unseenlibrary.com/2018/05/30/...
Or visit my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
March 14, 2021
A saga of tradition, tragedy & triumph
This trilogy follows a young girl, Mara, who becomes the ruling lady of her house following the deaths of her father and brother, which came about due to political scheming by another rival house.
Mara has to quickly learn how to play this political game, both to save her life and ensure the survival of her house. However, when she buys some Midkemian slaves she slowly comes to realise the detrimental effect that the political game and her cultures honour code are having on her society.
This spurs her to try and effect change which puts her in direct confrontation with the assembly of magicians.
I found this to be a fascinating and compelling read with characters whose fates pulled at my heartstrings, political schemes that were complex, action pieces that got the heart-pounding, magical battles that are stunning and world-building that is exquisite.
This trilogy follows a young girl, Mara, who becomes the ruling lady of her house following the deaths of her father and brother, which came about due to political scheming by another rival house.
Mara has to quickly learn how to play this political game, both to save her life and ensure the survival of her house. However, when she buys some Midkemian slaves she slowly comes to realise the detrimental effect that the political game and her cultures honour code are having on her society.
This spurs her to try and effect change which puts her in direct confrontation with the assembly of magicians.
I found this to be a fascinating and compelling read with characters whose fates pulled at my heartstrings, political schemes that were complex, action pieces that got the heart-pounding, magical battles that are stunning and world-building that is exquisite.
October 25, 2023
It's official! I'm hooked on the books by Mr Feist
The fact that the 'Empire Trilogy' has a strong female lead character with a credible arc to her growth certainly helped
After reading the 'Riftwar Saga' Trilogy (my review) and looking for another good read, I dove into 'Empire Trilogy'.
I was not disappointed.
Mr Feist and his co-author Janny Wurts further detailed the Tsuranuanni people, culture and the planet they live on, which appeared first in the 'Riftwar Saga' Trilogy.
Another diverse cast of strong, interesting characters embroiled in a riveting story pulled me along. Having to do such mundane things as eat, sleep, work, and more were really just irritating interruptions.
These books can be read by themselves, but they reference things and people that happened in the 'Riftwar Saga' Trilogy. Having read that saga will certainly enhance one's understanding of certain developments, attitudes of characters as well as the roles of specific characters from that saga in this trilogy.
I love the fact that the hero of this story was a strong female. The arc of her growth more than anything else leads to the eventual spellbinding conclusion in this excellent series of books.
The fact that the 'Empire Trilogy' has a strong female lead character with a credible arc to her growth certainly helped
After reading the 'Riftwar Saga' Trilogy (my review) and looking for another good read, I dove into 'Empire Trilogy'.
I was not disappointed.
Mr Feist and his co-author Janny Wurts further detailed the Tsuranuanni people, culture and the planet they live on, which appeared first in the 'Riftwar Saga' Trilogy.
Another diverse cast of strong, interesting characters embroiled in a riveting story pulled me along. Having to do such mundane things as eat, sleep, work, and more were really just irritating interruptions.
These books can be read by themselves, but they reference things and people that happened in the 'Riftwar Saga' Trilogy. Having read that saga will certainly enhance one's understanding of certain developments, attitudes of characters as well as the roles of specific characters from that saga in this trilogy.
I love the fact that the hero of this story was a strong female. The arc of her growth more than anything else leads to the eventual spellbinding conclusion in this excellent series of books.
June 22, 2020
Raymond E. Feist and Janny Wurts created a masterpiece with this fantasy trilogy. This series can be read as a stand-alone series or read before or after the Riftwar Saga.
Set in a world that is quite similar to feudal Japan, the main protagonist, Mara, must navigate the world of politics or face the extinction of her family’s legacy.
I thoroughly recommend this series and also the Riftwar Saga to all readers who enjoy fantasy fiction and cleverly articulated plots. Mara is a very inspirational character and is not to be underestimated.
Set in a world that is quite similar to feudal Japan, the main protagonist, Mara, must navigate the world of politics or face the extinction of her family’s legacy.
I thoroughly recommend this series and also the Riftwar Saga to all readers who enjoy fantasy fiction and cleverly articulated plots. Mara is a very inspirational character and is not to be underestimated.
March 19, 2022
One of my favourite fantasy series. It's somewhere between history and fantasy and perfectly plausible.
Set in someone else's universe (R.Feist) it works on all levels and unlike many fantasy books the main character is a credible woman (or girl at the beginning) who rather than wielding a sword wields her intellect to outwit her adversaries.
Whilst there are a lot of pages to read, it's well worth the time spent.
Set in someone else's universe (R.Feist) it works on all levels and unlike many fantasy books the main character is a credible woman (or girl at the beginning) who rather than wielding a sword wields her intellect to outwit her adversaries.
Whilst there are a lot of pages to read, it's well worth the time spent.
October 21, 2022
The first two books were very pleasantly surprising and very well written. I would put them at a high 4 or low 5 star books. Very good. The third book was equally well written except that it seemed that they author had characters do things against their nature so that the story could head along the rails to the predetermined ending. I still very much enjoyed it, but I was pulled out of the story multiple times wondering why the author seemed to be shoe horning the story so much.
March 16, 2018
Absolutely phenomenal book series.
At the moment the second best of all time behind only Joe Abercrombie's First Law trilogy.
This puts it on the same level as Robin Hobbs Elderling world series.
Read these books. They far outstrip the individual authors usual offerings. You will not be able to put them down.
At the moment the second best of all time behind only Joe Abercrombie's First Law trilogy.
This puts it on the same level as Robin Hobbs Elderling world series.
Read these books. They far outstrip the individual authors usual offerings. You will not be able to put them down.
May 3, 2018
The plot was amazing, with so many twists and turns! The world was interesting to discover and remind me of Japan. I found the 2nd book not as good as the others two because it was very frustrating that Mara who is so smart could not see what was coming at all. Some passages in all 3 books were a bit slow but overall a great read.
April 11, 2021
I read these books 30 yrs ago when they first were written. Revisited them again to see if my nostalgia memories held true... Loved them!
Written at a time when female lead characters were very thin on the ground, Mara of the Acoma is a genuine heroine, and does it all without secretly training to be an assassin, or warrior, or mage, or any of the other aggressive tropes that today's female leads normally are.
Brains over brawn and the determination to survive.
A right good story with a right good dose of emotional punch.
Written at a time when female lead characters were very thin on the ground, Mara of the Acoma is a genuine heroine, and does it all without secretly training to be an assassin, or warrior, or mage, or any of the other aggressive tropes that today's female leads normally are.
Brains over brawn and the determination to survive.
A right good story with a right good dose of emotional punch.
July 17, 2022
I loved this trilogy so much. I stopped reading for some years and Daughter of the Empire made me remember how magical it was to be completely immersed in a book.
Although I also loved the Riftwar Saga, there is something special about the world of Kelewan and the way these books are written that makes them my absolute favourite (so far) in the Riftwar Cycle.
Although I also loved the Riftwar Saga, there is something special about the world of Kelewan and the way these books are written that makes them my absolute favourite (so far) in the Riftwar Cycle.
September 6, 2024
This is my 3rd time reading this series, and it will always be my favourite set of novels. I read it every 10 years or so. It's wonderful being thrown into a world and immersed in it. I think this time the ending just felt more bittersweet than previous times. But Mara will always hold a special place in my heart.
January 30, 2018
Fantastic
Love this trilogy. Sweeps you along. Couldn't put it down! Anyone I have recommended it to loves it too. An epic tale. You live and breath it as you read it. Cannot recommend it highly enough. And a great companion to Magician. Feist at his very best
Love this trilogy. Sweeps you along. Couldn't put it down! Anyone I have recommended it to loves it too. An epic tale. You live and breath it as you read it. Cannot recommend it highly enough. And a great companion to Magician. Feist at his very best
January 23, 2020
Excellent insight into feudal Japan. Beautifully written, nice manipulation of the rules of politics. The use of magic in the narrative was a bit lazy, but overall beautifully written, wonderful cultural insights even if this aspect is not deeply explored
Read
December 14, 2020I read and re-read this series, translated to Swedish, as a kid. Now, I don't remember a whole lot other than absolutely loving it. Whether or not I'd still enjoy it as an adult is anyone's guess... Perhaps it's time I picked up a copy in English and gave it a go?
May 3, 2021
Even better
As great as the Riftwar trilogy is, this is even better.
If you haven't read the Riftwar Trilogy, beginning with Magician, start with that then come back and read this, it's not 100% necessary as events overlap, but it is more enjoyable.
As great as the Riftwar trilogy is, this is even better.
If you haven't read the Riftwar Trilogy, beginning with Magician, start with that then come back and read this, it's not 100% necessary as events overlap, but it is more enjoyable.
July 1, 2021
This was a reread inspired by a tweet and the trilogy is as good as my younger self from 10 years ago recalled. Intricate machaevellan plots and counterplots, a great protagonist and rich, alien yet familiar world. Simply glorious. Also, Arakasi is in my top 5 characters from any book.
May 5, 2023
Big fan of this series! The whole Kelewan worldbuilding is just amazing, great plot line that keeps developing and the tie in to the other Riftwar books are seamless. A timeless classic and a personal favourite of mine, the first time I read it in the 90s and again when I just re-read it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews