I did manage to finish reading On the edge of the sword which is a lovely historical fiction based on the life of Aethelflaed a noblewoman from 870 England.
While I remember the book differently and enjoyed it more when I was younger I still found the book a good read. There is much more grief and battle mentioned than I remember.
As for the second book I started it is a book that is part of the Tortal word created by Tamara Pierce. I have been waiting for this book to come out since 2012. So far the book is good and I am reserving judgment.
Balancing the Healer and the Human 