This series was so engrossing that I found myself swearing "Tir's guts" when I accidentally hammered my finger. The main character, Paks, starts off as an ignorant yet smart and capable sheepfarmer's daughter who signs up for a mercenary company. The first book is heavy on military strategy and the details of campaigns and such, but the characters are strong, especially Paks. I really enjoyed seeing her gain skills and learn about her world.

I also loved that Paks was determined to be a soldier, and this doesn't make her any less of a woman. The muscles and scars from her training are simply a fact of life.

The second book begins to build the world a bit more, and we're introduced to the elves, dwarves, and others - probably the best version of these fantastical creatures that I've read so far.

I liked that Paks wasn't "the chosen one" or at least how that storyline usually goes. She isn't important because of her bloodline or fulfilling a prophecy of some sort but rather she has to work extremely hard to do what she does.

I highly recommend!