The first ~50% of this book are rather trite: A typical oppressive empire and a clever, ambitious colonial subject that wants to change it. The second half, the organization of a revolution in a feudal state and the political maneuvering involved, is a lot more fun, but would've only been a 3/5. The ending, however, changes how you view much of the preceding story and expressions and elevates the whole book. No 5/5 because the reading experience of much of this book is still only mediocre.