The Complete Empire Trilogy: Daughter of the Empire, Mistress of the Empire, Servant of the Empire

The first and second book does a good job of building a world and society that is engaging, brutal, and different from most fantasy settings. If you have read any of the "Magician" series by Feist, then these books will give you an insight into the society/culture that makes up the primary antagonist for the majority of the series. In this regard, the society and the development of the characters that are introduced, is very engaging and enjoyable. However, at points throughout the second book, "Servant of the Empire" and unfortunately early on and often throughout the last of the trilogy, "Mistress of the Empire", characters whom you have come to like (or even love) begin to make very foolish and uncharacteristic decisions, seemingly in order to drive the plot. Characters that are known for their intelligence and expertise, suddenly begin to make oafish decisions that would have gotten them killed within the first two books. In this regard, I couldn't help but feel betrayed by the obvious subversion of the qualities of these beloved characters. I wouldn't write and build up a "Legolas-esque" character, a master archer, and then within a short span of time (and with no justifiable explanation) cause them to be incapable of putting an arrow to their bowstring . . . I would argue that the first and second book may be worth a read. However, the quality and credibility of the characters drops off in such a precipitous manner, that only partway through the third book, I no longer cared about the main characters, and in fact kind of wanted them to receive the comeuppance they deserved. While the first and second books had consequential moments that were won out of extreme fortuitousness as well as intelligent scheming, the last book saved the protagonist via Deus ex Machina alone.

I absolutely loved this series, I just want more! This quite simply is a very well written story that creates a very real world with very real character. My only complaint would be that the very last chapter of the series happened a bit too fast and kind if out of no where but it is a very minor issue (I'm being vague as I don't want to give away spoilers). I love this series and wish I could read it all for the first time all over again.

I returned to this series after a 10 year absence, just long enough to forget most of the plots. I enjoyed retracing my steps and reliving this journey with The Good Servant. I was so moved by Lady Mara's sacrifices that I was actually brought to tears. So glad to have had this time again. Now I'm heading back to The Magician to start again.