but her antiseptic approach to her characters prevents me from identifying with or caring much about what happens to them

I definitely understand where you're coming from with this. I have similar reactions to many books. I also agree that the books get better as they go. I also remember really disliking Ged the first time I read the book, but coming around to him in later books.

How do you feel about Rose Daughter in comparison with Beauty? I actually love both of them lots.