This was a great read from an author that is new to me. I will have to start checking out her other books after reading this one. The story line was great and nothing felt rushed or unresolved. There is an element of romance in the story but it definitely takes a back seat to the story line itself. I really liked the fact that the main heroine is a strong, self-sufficient woman who sticks to her goal of joining the guild in spite of the fact that almost no one she has contact with wants her to do it. In fact some of the characters in the book go so far as to sabotage her to try and make her fail but she triumphs in spite of all the people against her. An excellent book that will go on my keeper shelf to read again in the future.