Submitted by Joshua Lyndon  (Feb 15, 2004)This magnificent series opener brings together two of the great living authors of epic fantasy. Drawing from the glimpses of Tsuranuanni in Feist's Riftwar series and incorporating Wurts genius for intricate plots and culture, this book follows the rise and rise of Mara, daughter of Sezu, Lord of the Acoma.
Pledged to become a priestess of the Goddess Lashima, Mara is abruptly thrust into the cutthroat intrigue of the Great Game of the Council upon the death of her father and brother. Unprepared and untried, Mara, now Lady of the Acoma, must take a House mighty in honor but bereft of manpower and prevent its destruction. Through a series of brave yet incredibly dangerous political and military moves she manages to turn some enemies into reluctant allies, weaken others and gains the respect of an Empire in the process.
This book makes for compelling reading, and only gets a rating of 4 because the sequels both deserve a 5. Highly recommended.
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