Isn't it wierd how once you've read a really good story, the other stories you liked before just aren't as good as they used to be? It's like food(yes, I really am making this reference). Once you've tasted awesome high quality food, your normal favorite foods just don't seem to do it for you. I read this trilogy recently and now every time I read an old fave, I find myself wondering why I ever liked it(compliments to Calm Wind, the author of the trilogy)!