Fulsome (and inaccurate) blurbs to the contrary, this is definitely not one of Norton's better books. Many of her books recycle common settings, themes, etc--this is one. That said, it's the only real novel set during the settlement of the Dales of High Hallack, and provides necessary prequel information for works set in later times, though written earlier.Fair warning, however: this book essentially condones rape. The female hero is not technically forced into a sexual relationship despite a commitment to celibacy--but she's psychologically manipulated (by Gunnora, of all people) to believe that a celibate life is essentially perverse. It'd be easier for all concerned if the gods would stop meddling in people's love lives.