Anyone read Empriss?

It's about an young girl sold into slavery in the country of Majik, who defies everything/everyone and becomes Empress of the country.

I found the book to be increadibly bloody. The people of Majik follow an Aztec-like God and there's an increadible amount of sacrificing to the God.

The second book, The Riven Kingdom, I'm enjoying much better.

Anyone else read these books?