Rating: 
Summary: An enjoyable read
Review: This was the first McKiernan book I had ever read and I must say it wont be my last. I was pleased with the story (although "simple"-group of characters on quest [tm]) and thoroughly enjoyed McKiernan's style of writing. About the only thing that got to me while reading it was the "land of the Yoda sounding peoples". If you've read it you know what I mean and if you haven't...you will soon. Other then that I found the book, as a whole, very entertaining. If you are new to McKiernan and his wonderful world of Mithgar then start with the Dragonstone. As is said in the forward of another of his novels the Dragonstone is, historically, the "beginning" of the series (though not written in that order).
Sorry for the "simple" review.
Rating: 
Summary: Rambling, mundane adventure tale.
Review: This was the first work I've read by McKiernan and while there is much worse out there, there is also much better. This is your ordinay quest adventure, in which the author moves the reader around as a small heroic band seek out a magical object which will save their world. Sound familiar? The heroes and heroines are humans and elves that all pair up at the end, the enemy is an evil wizard, and the world is populated with trolls and dragons. I could live with all of this if the story offered anything new or was well told. But instead the reader spends a lot of time in tedious travel or recounting plots thread worn by anyone who has ever played D&D or read Tolkien. It's not that McKiernan doesn't know how to write, but simply that he doesn't seem to be able to breath any freshness or life into his story. Look elsewhere unless you're simply looking for a way to pass the time.
Rating: 
Summary: Best Novel ever
Review: Well, I just wanted to say, I fell in love with this book. I am generally a PERN fan, but this book has captivated me so much, that I couldn't put it down... it was just that great. I hope you make a sequel to this novel, and I look forward to buying more of these novels.
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