as an avid reader of anything and everything i have found myself reading more and more fantasy, as it gives a great escape route to your imagination, and lets you lose yourself in somebody else world for hours at a time. thankfully mark cooper has not copied the things i detest, over explaining characters to the extent, where it puts you to sleep (tolkein)and wanderers about aimlessly and pads shamelessly(jordan)to sell more books,(which has failed miserable with me as i refuse to buy another one)and am starting to feel the same way about goodkind.it is nice to know julia has a temper and use it well, when required, she is also determined to go her own way and if she can help other women in a medievil society she does. i hope this encourages you to buy this book as i throughly enjoyed it and hope you will too