A Google user
I am 52, male, and a Tom Clancy reader. I also hate magical fantasy, melodramatic sci-fi, and unrealistic political thrillers. For instance, I thoroughly enjoyed the "Fablehaven" series, yet can't stand reading LOTR although I enjoyed the movies very much.
I discovered this trilogy ion a Borders about ten years ago. I picked it up and started reading. I could not put it down. I took it home and finished it in about a week. The story is a rollicking adventure that keeps you interested. Moon was NOT an accomplished author when she wrote this, and some of charm is the almost minimalist aspect of her prose. The plot is not burdened with unnecessary description, and while occasionally the reader might like a little more, the characterizations and relationships are cheer-worthy and the pages just fly by. I have read it cover to cover 14 times and look forward to the next time.
I have also picked up the subsequent novels that pick up where the original trilogy left off, and, because they were written 20 years later, there is a definite maturation in Moon's style. But the characters are richer and the plots even more interesting. The one compliment that I would give these books is that the characters are people I would like to know and have fighting by my side. Kudos to Moon! Keep those sequels coming!