I loved this book when I first read it years ago, but after reading it again recently I was somewhat disapointed. This was one of Terry Brooks very first works and it was a tremendous success. It is a beautiful piece of work with a classic feel. The book has some amazing art work furnished by the finest artists in the realm of fantasy, Greg and Tim Hildebrandt.  Unfortunately, the story itself was less picturesque. I found many parts of the narrative to be a little bland and repetitive. Since this novel Terry Brooks has gotten steadily better at portraying characters and describing the world his story is set in. I guess these are skills that have just improved with time. Of course, I did admit this was a favorite in my youth so maybe it is just my failing imagination which leads me to beg for more descriptive narrative.  The book shows a few other signs of a beginning artist: plots held little suspense and at times the characters seemed more whiny than winesome.  CAM PLEASE DON”T PUBLISH THIS YET I AM NOT DONE WRITING IT!