Honestly I have yet to read a book by Tamora Pierce that I haven't absolutely loved. Her strong female protagonists totally kick ass! I love Kel and admire her determination and character. It also just kills me that Kel's hero is Alanna from Pierce's previous series. SO AWESOME! Anyway, this is just the first book in a magical and breathtaking quartet. I've already read it twice and both times I blew through it so fast it was THAT good!