Ok so I tried. I really did. I wanted to fall into a story where I could sit back and just enjoy the flow and the depth. I do think that The Mirror Empire has a nice flow and probably a wonderfully deep story. But unfortunately, it isn't the sotry for me. 
 I feel like I have fallen into a side story from Wheel of Time and I admit to not enjoying that series at all. (well the 6 books i read anyway). The characters, the way the story was told, the bloody narrator.... honestly it was a cousins of the Aes Sedia. Exactly the same character traits with a little less braid tugging and clothing discussion. 
 I couldn't see past it, i know, i know, the fault is with my attention span, but hey, 100 books on tbr and time is ticking. 
 I gave it 35% of the story and I have to quit. Just like Mistwraith by Janny Wurts, one of those books I give up on, because I have other things I could be reading. 
 I am giving it two stars not one, because I think the writing was fine, but the story wasn't for me.