By the Sword is something of an oddity, because it is a character-driven novel without real depth of characterization. Kerowyn is easy to identify with and like, even for readers who may have no innate interest in a mercenary soldier's life in any world. But she is largely so because in a sense she represents Everywoman, or at any rate the new Everywoman who wants to determine her own life but is subject to doubts and regrets. Her endurance and skills are exceptional, but they are the result of training and determination.

She has the gift of mindspeech, but for various reasons does not use it much.

Despite the wealth of detail on her life as Skybolt member and captain, somehow she does not seem like a typical mercenary. This is not because of gender as much as personality and heritage; in a sense, she was chosen for...