These books are like, Tamora Pierce for adults. << the first review-like sentence I had written in ages, which I just had to note because it had been on the tip of my tongue through all the previous Universe of the White Rat books just why I liked these… So, to whit: these books are like Tamora Pierce, but for adults (i.e., starring adults, with adult scenes–as an adult who still reads Tamora Pierce novels and considers the Circle of Magic series one of her favorites). […]
Tamora Pierce, but with Adult Bits
Paladin's Grace by T. Kingfisher