A review by redhead_reader
Daughter of the Empire by Raymond E. Feist, Janny Wurts

adventurous tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

I absolutely loved the Riftwar Saga and thought this was an interesting follow up series as it takes place on Kelewan while the battle is taking place in Midkemia (where the Riftwar Saga takes place). As I have come to expect from Feist’s novels, the world building is wonderful and I really enjoyed reading about the Tsurani people, culture, and society. What kept this from being a 5 star read for me was the timeline. It was hard to follow because it wasn’t ever really called out. It would suddenly mention a year or more had gone by but without that offhand mention in the text there was nothing else to indicate that passage of time. I think the book spans a two year time period but I’m not positive on that timeline. 

I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to read more about Mara and her moves within the Game of the Council. 
She is such a strong female protagonist, and I couldn’t help but compare her plays within the Game of the Council to the strong women in A Song of Ice and Fire. Mara would be a force in the Game of Thrones, akin to the likes of Daenerys Targaryen, Cersei Lannister, Olenna Tyrell, and Sansa Stark.  

You could read this series without having read the Riftwar Saga, but it is highly suggested that you read those books before reading this trilogy. I’m currently following the publication order of books in the Riftwar Cycle which is the recommended order to read the books. 

I highly recommend this book (and the Riftwar Saga) to anyone that loves a good epic high fantasy novel.