One of the biggest complaints I've read about this series is that its taking too long to get anywhere, and the character isn't progressing. There is some truth to this - here we are at book 5 and there is still the issue of Kaylin not knowing what apparently everyone thinks she should. However, there has been progression in the character - her relationship with Severn, and her change in attitude towards Ybelline. Also, an acceptance of what she has been given. In this book too, I got the feeling that one of the things Kaylin has going for her is that she doesn't know, so she has to make it up as she goes along, trust her gut and her companions. In corporate terms - she "thinks outside the box" and the fresh approach is what usually saves the day. 
 For those looking for romance - look elsewhere, you will not find a lot of it in this book, although there is one especially sweet part with Severn. 
 One thing I love about this series is the power that words and stories are given - that is Kaylin's gift and curse, and I like how they are given their own magic. 
 I enjoy the pace, but new readers should realize that it does progress slowly. New readers should also start at book 1, a lot of things would be confusing is you come into the series at a later book. 
 UPDATED: Just to add some thoughts on this series... 
 I think that this is one of those series that people either love or hate. It breaks so many "rules" for me, yet I still find myself drawn in every time. 
 1. I'm 6 books in and Kaylin knows only a tiny bit more now than she did when she first started. That's not to say she hasn't grown as a character, she has, but in other series I would probably not be as happy with how slow everything moves. 
 2. I should hate Severn. I really should. Yet I don't. Hillary from the Amazon boards once said that West has a way of "making the unforgiveable forgivable". Everyone is grey, with their own motives, fears, etc. Lots of layers that are slowly pulled back. Slowly. 
 3. I'm not sure that there will ever really be a resolution. I really don't think we'll get a "send off" or a complete conclusion. And I'm strangely OK with that in this instance. 
 I guess it's because there are exceptions to every rule and this series is one of my exceptions. I'm still invested in the series. I love the worl West has created and I like the characters, and I eagerly await each new book.