Tortall is a collection of short stories that, for the most part, take place in and around Tortall. 
 Some of the stories tied in with characters or events that the reader had already run into in other books set in Tortall, but still could be appreciated on their own. Same as how those that didn't tie in were still enjoyable. It's difficult to gauge a book like this, but overall Pierce's writing was still wonderful. It was excellent to see her writing things that most likely weren't in her comfort zone, and seeing the research behind those stories. 
 4.5 - 5/5