I'm enjoying this series, much as I did Paver's Wolf Brother series before. She really draws the reader into the ancient worlds of her stories, but the appeal isn't limited to those who enjoy historic accuracy. The people - and animals - are real and we care about what happens to them. My only slight criticism is that Issi features so little in these first four books. I hope the fifth and final one will see her reunited with her brother, and let us know what has happened to her all this time.