I wouldn't notice the similarities, which are very much that the main character could walk out of the plot for most of the first and second act, and suffer virtually no long term repercussions except a slightly broken heart.

Oh! This is so interesting. Given how fraught I remember her books going, this makes me think that some of her characters should walk away. :D

I think I read her first Curseworker book and kind of had the same feeling -- a very passive viewpoint character surrounded by other characters who were much more driven -- but that was ages ago, so all I remember are vibes at this point.

And oh, yay for the iddiness of the ending! :D I'm glad you did enjoy it, even if it wasn't FotA.