First off, let me say that I do, overall, like the "Empire" series. It is a fascinating story told in a setting that is very heavily based on feudal Japan.

But with that I mind, I have to say that this book felt entirely unnecessary. A lot of this has to do with the fact that Mara ended up in a very strong position at the end of the second book, so that most of the challenges she undergoes in the third book just feel like "yet another milestone" in her rise to the top.

Plus (and this may be just a personal feeling), the main character lost much of what was interesting about her after the second book. You know that she obviously can't die (since she's the main viewpoint), and the pattern of the books suggests that she can't end up significantly worse at the ending than she did at the beginning, so it leaves you thinking, "Okay, now that she's Servant, where is she headed up the ranks now?" All of that resulted in an ending that was irritatingly trite, and which undoes one of the major sacrifices she had to make in the series.

Overall, a weak book.

This book is a great ending to the best series ever (in my opinion, anyway). It ties up all the loose ends left from the previous two books. I'm not going to give anything away - but the ending is excellent. Being an avid reader/writer I knew from the title of the epilouge what would happen, but it was still a great surprise. Please go out and read these books, I totally recommend them to everyone. Thanx for reading my review!

~*Kyla*~

The very best book of the whole Empire Trilogy in my own opinion - This time, as Servant of the Empire, Mara of the Acoma faces graver danger than she once had. Instead of mere danger from rival houses, the brotherhood of asassins - the Hamoi Tong - seeks for her death, and, the Assembly of Magicians sees her as an ultimate threat to their ancient power.

Her great source to information - her spy network lead by Arakasi, her Spy Master - was found being compromised by cunning spies of the House Anasati.

The Assembly of Magicians, the Great Ones, who wield power and was not bound within the laws of the Empire, were feared by all. To defy them is cruel death by agony. How would Mara be able to overcome their threats? The brotherhood of asassins - known as asassins who would sacrifice their own lives to kill another - seeks for her death. Would Mara survive?

These questions intrigues the mind of the reader throughout the book, answered as we follow Mara along with her experiences and adventures. We share her sorrow through the death of her firstborn son, Ayaki, and triumph at sucessions, rise to position and gain the title she would finally be given...Mistress of the Empire.

I truly loved this book. Hope you will, too.