It would've been, I think, more than 20 years ago that I previously read this, and I remember being fascinated by it. It was one of the first 'adult' fantasy books I came across, and its primary focus on politics - rather than war or quests - made an impression, as did the Japanese-feeling setting. Re-reading it over the last few days, its flaws are difficult to ignore: the linear story-telling, the shifts between characters' perspectives (a pet hate of mine when done in a way that isn't thoughtful), the way that all of Mara's retainers are outstanding at whatever their jobs are, the simple progression from one successfully conceived and executed plan to the next, almost chapter by chapter. Which isn't to say that it doesn't have good points - but the simplicity of it means that it doesn't satisfy any more.
