I would say that this series is probably not for readers who don't really like fantasy or who read page-turners. Both of these books are rather slowly paced with some climatic points here and there. There also isn't a lot of romance. The chemistry is there when the two main characters are together, but they take a while to figure things out and when they do, they aren't together very much. 
 I've been going back and forth on what to say. I really liked Neryn, but did think she should be a little older. I also really liked Flint. He is just about my ideal fierce protector, commander, lethal assassin kind of guy. I also liked the strange, but interesting Good Folk. They play a major role and take part in much of the story. Human interactions are actually at a minimum for Neryn during her journey. I also liked the chemistry between Neryn and Flint. 
 I really liked the plot. They live in a country that has gone to ruin because of a powerful and wicked king. Neryn holds a magical power that is ancient and has the posibility to be a great influence. I liked the different forces at work here and how the characters fit in the story. I do wish that it would have been a little more engaging, but I do understand that this was the first book and that the story was being set up.