Thoughtful, patient, reasoned, slowly revealing itself bit by bit- the book itself is much like it's protagonist. A steerswoman goes where she wants, observes and asks about anything that piques her curiosity, supplies all people she meets with the fruits of the knowledge that those of her profession have gathered through the years... unless they lie or deny her an answer.

This book is unlike any others I've read. So refreshing to have a female hero who follows her own lights, who is not motivated by love, who is instantly seen as an authority wherever she goes, who experiences the freedom almost every male protagonist takes for granted but uses it to improve the world, not just to wring her own pleasure from it. I loved how many full-fledged female characters there were, and how there were incidental female side and background characters in traditionally male jobs like sailing crews and soldiers. It's understated, but the impact is huge.

The mystery unravels slowly and the pacing is methodical, perhaps a touch slow in parts, but never dragging. The writing is capable, quietly intelligent, with moments of calm beauty. I thought of this book often when I had to put it down, and I'll definitely be reading the next book in the series- I want more of this world!