The Well of Ascension

As great as Star Wars is The Empire Strikes Back is better. Godfather or Godfather part II? Part II. The Well of Ascension is yet another example of the sequel outperforming its precursor.

Espionage and political intrigue drive the plot as a city anticipates its demise. Throw in a love story between an assassin and a king; another love story between a eunuch and a matron who had been forced to breed babies throughout most of her life; then add an insane man who allows his father to believe he is trying to kill him.