I'd have to do a reread before starting the next books, I'm sure I've forgotten a lot.

That was what I felt!

Hardinge is really original in the best possible way. She reminds me a bit of Diana Wynne Jones, but much as I love Wynne Jones she had some standard troupes she returned to again and again. Always doing a good job with them, but till. hardine seems to reinvent herself with every new book.

They are! A Civil Campaign is one of my comfort reads.