I can remember Tarma and Kethry's introduction in a short story in the Sword and Sorceress III anthology, and they stood out to me even then. This particular book is more a collection of those early short stories, rather than an integrated novel like the sequel Oathbreakers, but it's not any less of a good read for that. This starts out as one of those hoary rape and revenge plots, but the characterizations lift this book beyond that. These are two of Lackey's most appealing characters, not just individually, but because the books featuring them show them as partners and friends rather than a focus on romance. It's also just plain fun action adventure in the classic sword and sorcery vein. Go read. Makes for a strong introduction to Lackey's works.
