Blue - a 30-something American who enjoys reading mysteries, suspense, young adult fantasy and anything about the Knights Templar. But if someone recommends a book, she's not close minded about it. Unless it's a bloody romance!
Sea - a 40-something Brit who enjoys reading just about anything. But woe to any writer who can't be bothered with doing a bit of research for their story.
Empress by Karen Miller. I know I said I didn't like the main character, but as I am reading The Riven Kingdom currently, I can see why Miller made Hekat such a strong character. The Riven Kingdom is the second in a trilogy, it flows much more easily.