Makes sense. It's very frustrating to read about a character that seems to be only half-realized. This seems to happen the most--in my experience--with female characters written by male authors. (I've also read some brilliant female characters written by male authors, too, though.)

Tamora Pierce makes me happy on the inside. May I ask in what way you're reconciling that impression? I ask only out of curiosity; it's always interesting to hear about how some of my favorite authors have impacted other people, particularly groundbreaking authors like TP.

....Annnnd I have now solved the dilemma of what I should read next.