I read this trilogy when I was hospitalized for three weeks with pulmonary embolism. It kept me going, kept me fighting, and was my best friend during a difficult time. Yes, it's repetitive. But it's the story of a strong, young woman who confronts difficult and frightening things with courage and conviction. It's fantasy, so it takes you away from things that are too real. I highly recommend it for anyone, particularly a woman, who needs to invoke a fighting spirit. I wrote and thanked Elizabeth Moon for writing this series. It was and is very important to me. I send it to friends.