The fact is that if you come to Hild expecting historical fantasy you will be wrong-footed, and likewise if you expect a straight historical novel. She's done it purposefully in-between but it is a bit disconcerting as a result (regardless of pacing).

I too was not expecting it to turn out to be a first volume, though it became evident as I progressed through it. It's not what I like to happen in a book I am reading, I'd much rather know if it is going to end in the one volume or not. But the writing, as you say, is great.