Writing style: 3/5 (Although I hear it gets better in the next books!) 
 Fantasy tropes: 4/5 (I mean that in a good way!) 
 Lovable characters: 100/5 (This is what's making me stick with the series. Tortured half-elf leader? Check. Puckish halfling? Check. Grumpy mage? Check. Interesting dragons? Check. Actual female characters who do stuff and make decisions and grow? Check!)