Shardik was a harder read (or maybe all the dirty bits just made Maia easier for me!) but the two together make much more sense. I especially loved seeing some of the same characters younger - that was interesting.

OK, now I need to read it again because of this conversation. I can see Maia from here but I have a nasty feeling Shardik is at Grimmauld Place - if I even still have a copy, I am not at all certain. Arggh!