Hmm. Good question! I think...I think I was less enthralled with watching Alanna hide her gender for two books, even though it's the sort of plot I usually do enjoy a lot. It just felt a little flat to me. Clearly I didn't dislike them too badly, as I went on with them. But I enjoyed the "Protector of the Small" books a LOT. All I can say is that it's as if her writing has more...depth, now? I liked Keladry's difficulties better than Alanna's. They seemed more original.