A review by marimoose
Servant of the Empire by Janny Wurts, Raymond E. Feist
3.0
I think the Great Game was perhaps the most fascinating and most refreshing change away from the usual westernized fantasy I've read. Granted, it had its kinks and obviously it had its foundations steeped in violent and unrelenting traditions. But it was different, and it was, dare I say, fresh?
So when the Great Game was put to a perilous change by the end of this second book, I was just a little miffed. I'm not sure which annoyed me more: Mara's staunch infatuation with the first exotic stranger to give her a good time (what kind of a name is Kevin?!), or the fact that I didn't see the brilliance of the Great Game being put to play in the vast expanse of this book (not to mention Arakasi being half-ignored!).
That said, I forgive Mara because even amidst the distractions of love and the eventual mistakes she faces upon her challenges, she somehow manages to pull through, and she somehow manages to sway just the right kind of influence to bring her status further up. Also, there's nothing like seeing various characters--old and new--come into play and interact within the confines--and lack thereof--of their Tsurani culture.
I do miss Mara as the Daughter of the Empire, as opposed to being the Servant.
So when the Great Game was put to a perilous change by the end of this second book, I was just a little miffed. I'm not sure which annoyed me more: Mara's staunch infatuation with the first exotic stranger to give her a good time (what kind of a name is Kevin?!), or the fact that I didn't see the brilliance of the Great Game being put to play in the vast expanse of this book (not to mention Arakasi being half-ignored!).
That said, I forgive Mara because even amidst the distractions of love and the eventual mistakes she faces upon her challenges, she somehow manages to pull through, and she somehow manages to sway just the right kind of influence to bring her status further up. Also, there's nothing like seeing various characters--old and new--come into play and interact within the confines--and lack thereof--of their Tsurani culture.
I do miss Mara as the Daughter of the Empire, as opposed to being the Servant.