My thoughts on this series have not really changed. I appreciate what MRK is doing with the world, I think her choices involving magic and, in particular, a kind of coded-feminine magic (as a way of also thinking through gender politics in the Regency) shows both ingenuity and an execution I can appreciate.
The language continues to throw me off and the more time we spend with the characters in familiar (especially to Austen readers) England, the more frustrating the experience is. I'm please that Kowal has moved beyond the Austenian plot into stories that take place on the larger stage of the world if only because I find that her evocations of Austen just don't work for me.
It's as though the early 19th century is her second language. She gets all the words right, but lacks the fluidity either of a native or of a truly exceptional student. It's the difference between having the dictionary and being able to think or dream in a second language. The words are all there, but the dream does not take hold.
Still, you know, fascinating series, glad it exists, will be putting the 4th one on hold at the library to read it soon.