First time I read this book, I almost didn't finish it. It is in 1st person which hardly ever works for me. It started out the way the main character's life was going. A bit slow, a bit dreary, and with no apparent future for this a bit immature 16 year old.

I am so glad I persevered! It is fun. It is very imaginative. And, it is a refreshingly insightful story.

Claidi is a slave. Claidi is a princess. Claidi is the Wolf's Paw. Claidi is a Hulta.

Is her name even Claidi? Or, is it actually Claidissa?

The book is written in journal style with entries by Claidi who wishes there was someone who takes an interest in her. She writes about her inner thoughts as her life goes from slavery in The House bound so tightly by rules that no one can breathe, much less, enjoy living: to a trek across the Waste not knowing who she is: to being forced to enforce laws to abhorrent to her she feels utterly hopeless; and, finally, to the joy of love, family and community.

But don't think that is all there is to this story.

Along with the rest of the Claidi Journals, Tanith Lee creates an ever broadening and opening world. For Claidi, it is a journey (and she is always on a literal journey) of growing up and of discovering her abilities, power and the type of person she chooses to be . For the reader, it is a description and depiction of moving from tightly defined living; to seemingly breaking out from such limited understanding; to seeing there is even more to life; and, finally, to the ability to see more and more possibilities.

Yeah. This series most excellently illustrated what I believe is at the heart of life worth living.