This book, as well as quite a few others I have read by Tamora Pierce, has all the ingredients to make it a great story. It is interesting, has a point, contains action, and has a growing, changing heroine with both faults and strengths. And yet, it is written in a rather elementary style. The changes in Kel's character seem preplanned and apply only to certain parts of who she is. Her many strengths are just so absolute, and her only fault, a fear of heights, is also so strong as to seem put there for the sole purpose of making her seem less super-human perfect. Overall it was a fairly good book, especially for independent young girls.