I can't remember much, as I read this series yonks ago. Is this the one that had a penguin in it? Maybe that was a different book I read around the same time. Anyhow, whilst I can't talk about the characters or the plot, because I'm struggling to remember any of it, I can remember that I very much enjoyed the series. And since there seems to be few written reviews for this series on here, I figured my piss poor review might fill the gap until something better comes along. If I could remember more then I'm sure I'd have given ithis series 5 stars. However If I remember liking it, then I can be sure that, in my opinion, it had good non-cookie cutter characters, an excellent turn of phrase and played well with it's premises. Other authors I like (which may bear no likeness to this writer except that I like their writing). Jim butcher, Steven Erikson, Louis McMaster bujold, Brent weeks, Brandon Sanderson, mark Lawrence. Authors I don't like include Robert j sawyer (he has great ideas, I just wish he'd get someone else to do the writing!), terry brooks, and many others I can't recall the name of unfortunately. Hope this helps in someway at least.