This book wasn't quite what I was expecting, although that was more a side effect of not having real expectations and having a tolerate/be-annoyed-at relationship with historical fantasy in America. (There are exceptions, but this is broadly speaking).
Still, I enjoyed what was basically the Oregon Trail mashed up with The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle (oh, hello my elementary school past times) with a hint of magic attached. I'm hoping the magic begins to matter more in future books. Definitely a good series, albeit one I'm reading because of the author rather than the content.