Hmm, wanted to comment on the colonialism thing. While I agree that it wasn't colonialism I disagree on why. I think it was because Cassidy went alone and was surrounded and pretty much at the mercy of. But I think you're glossing over the fact that Kaleer helped a huge huge amount, in the second book, practically everything that she's able to do for the territory and impresses the others comes directly from Kaleer - i.e. money! Which makes it really kind of unfair IMO - Kaleer is giving/lending this money because they like Cassie and withholding it from everyone else for based on personal feelings - not giving a damn about random Warlord Princes, or Warlords or Hearth Witches.

The other thing that bothered me was how helpless Cassie was in a lot of ways. How insecure. While I think it worked and was good for the people of Dena Nehe I was kind of annoyed that even here were her romantic interest was so damaged and had every reason to fear her the man was still the one doing all of the romantic advances! Ugh. I mean yes it might have been a little creepy to have her hitting on Grey but to have Grey make her nervous, same as Daemon did Jaenelle etc. etc.? I just wish I had a seen a little bit of Cassy taking control and pushing the Warlord Princes instead of being insecure and blowing up mostly ineffectually.

But um, I did love the books.