Rowan is forced to give up her cherished identity as a steerswoman and take on a new one in order to survive. The story is as much about her struggle with identity as it is battling her physical foes.

Kirstein has done a masterful job of world building, characterization, and plot. The world unfolds like an old map, covered with interesting places you might like to visit. Her ensemble cast - Bel the Outskirter, William the Would-be Mage, and Rowan Steerswoman - sparkle and dance across the pages pulling me along the story's twisted path.

I ripped through this book in a couple of days and now face a quandry. Do I follow the steerswoman's path to book 2 or keep working through the big pile of samples I have waiting?

Decisions, decisions. One thing I do know. Rowan is one of those characters who will haunt me for awhile.

Highly recommended.