This was my first read through the entire series and many years since I'd read the first 2. I don't think the 3rd was out at the time, that's how long. 
I really enjoyed how the author tied seemingly insignificant things back around to have big impact. How the stakes kept being raised and the heroines weren't made of Teflon. Their injuries and losses kept building and weren't forgotten. It was a very good series. 
But gosh teenagers and their hormines are annoying!