I need more stars! Five is not enough …
Daughter of the Empire is the first in a trilogy that follows Mara of the Acoma. A few gong-beats shy of becoming a Sister in the Order of Lashima, Mara is recalled to her family’s estate as soul heir to the House Acoma after the death of her father and brother in battle. At seventeen, The Lady of the Acoma is thrust into the Game of the Council – the deadliest contest in the Empire. Power, intrigue and treachery are hallmarks of Tsurani politics and if Mara is to rebuild the glory of her House, she must first stay alive.
Mara is a tough, uncompromising character who proves to be a gifted player in the Game of the Council. Her plots are bold, and she is ruthless in her pursuit of political advantage. But despite her sometimes wicked deeds, she is honourable and loyal. An intriguing and inspiring character.
But one of the most wonderful things about this story is the intricate plot. It is deviously clever and there is no guessing the next twist or how Mara rises to the challenges she encounters. The land of Tsuranuanni is not for the faint-hearted though. It hosts a brutal, complex society steeped in ancient traditions, and the depth of the Tsurani culture is revealed as the Game of the Council is played out. Entering it is a risk, but if you can hold your nerve and stay with Mara until the end … you’ll be reaching for the next book in the series!
5 stars