By The Sword

By the Sword is full of kickass women. Kerowyn is the granddaughter of the sorceress Kethry, daughter of a noble house, runs the family keep, loves hunting and training horses. Unfortunate events launch her into a career as a mercenary, aided by Kethry, who introduces her to her magical sword, and her friend Tarma, a retired mercenary. All women. Her mentors are amazing, turning her into a deadly weapon. Kerowyn's mind is as sharp as her sword, and has a need to be self-sufficient and free. While this is technically #9 in the Valdemar universe, it is written as a stand-alone and it really is as self-sufficient as its protagonist is marvelous. It's a great place to introduce yourself to the very prolific Mercedes Lackey.   By the Sword stays true to typical Lackey style including incredibly noble people in an incredibly ignoble land, and intelligent, complicated romance. It is one of the few Valdemar books where the heroine is free of sexual violence. It may be mentioned, but Kerowyn herself experiences some of the most healthy, consensual relations and relationships in the series, which is refreshing.