Nice, engaging, fairly exciting, well-paced, with a well-built world and magic dynamics, etc. Somehow, though, the only time I was truly emotionally engaged was when the swords spoke (which is rare. They are mainly accessories/tools), and sometimes a few other spirits. I got a bit teary eyed for literally a few sentences in book 3, for a minor side character's sword. 
 Not having any real emotional engagement to the human characters made me knock it down a star. I would say that this author's later works each get better and better, so definitely read her sci-fi Paradox series under the pseudonym Rachel Bach, and most most definitely read her awesome Heartstriker series!