Not quite as good as Jackaroo, the first in the series, but still a decent read. The step down is I think because of the protagonist Birle, who while likeable enough (I enjoyed her determination and hard work and honesty) seemed to fall in instalove with Orien and moon over him for ages for no good reason I could see. I mean he was mildly pleasant, but when the book seemed to end with her getting over him to live her own life I was genuinely pleased. The romance was the least convincing part of the story is what I'm saying. On the other hand, the relationship I really did enjoy was between Birle and her stepmum, with the wicked stepmother not wicked at all, but determined to protect her young daughter from her own foolish choices. More of that, please!