Magic and murder engulf the realm of Kelewan. Fierce warlords ignite a bitter blood feud to enslave the empire of Tsuranuanni. While in the opulent Imperial courts, assassins and spy-master plot cunning and devious intrigues against the rightful heir. Now Mara, a young, untested Ruling lady, is called upon to lead her people in a heroic struggle for survival. But first she must rally an army of rebel warriors, form a pact with the alien cho-ja, and marry the son of a hated enemy. Only then can Mara face her most dangerous foe of all—in his own impregnable stronghold.
The Riftwar books were in the first early sets that got me reading fantasy and while some of the quality varies as the bigger series goes on, the first “trilogy” is still acknowledged to be pretty great. The series that this starts I think rivals that first series for best of the full set.
Some of my first as well. I was gifted a 4 pack including Magician: Apprentice and Master, Silverthorn, and A Darkness at Sethanon. I haven’t dared revisit them; they hold a special place in my heart.
Feel free to do it. I just reread them a year or so ago and they generally hold up really well. Some of the early era fantasy tropes are visible in there, but not so much that it detracts from the overall enjoyment of the story. It definitely aged better than something like Chronicles of Amber or Belgariad.
The empire series holds up particularly well, imho.
Thanks for this. Going to start reading it probably this or next week.
I’d be interested to hear your feelings after if you are open to it.
Sure I will try and do that :).
