I went into this book fully aware of its reputation as a Tolkien knock-off. That didn't bother me in the least. And it turns out that I find negative comparison to Tolkien unfair and irrelevant.

What actually makes this audiobook unlistenable has nothing to do with its questionable creative origins. It is a combination of gutwrenchingly bad melodrama, death by self-congratulatory exposition, and a narrator who just feels like he's along for the ride.

I read this series years ago. When you read the first book, you feel like it's a Tolkien knockoff. But keep going! The world Terry creates is rich, deep and real. This is a wonderful series for teens that love fantasy. I have many dog-earred paperback copies that made the rounds of my boys friends. Of course, the best way to decide on books for your kids... read them first! Then you have something to talk about.

If you like melodrama. Long winded explanations of everything repeated a thousand times. Then I have the book for you. I know that it takes immense courage to write a book, and here am I ripping it apart. But, it must be done to spare you the expense and the time you will never get back. Also, I do not know if it is the readers fault. But, I wanted to choke my Iphone till the book stopped. I got through the story which is nice but the writing it self killed me. I love fantasy and listen to a ton of books this is one of the worst I have heard. I apologies to all those that love this book. But, I strongly disagree.

Avoid at all costs. Do yourself a favor and read the Lord of the Rings since the book is a poor copy.

This story teller seems to lend him self well to whatever he's reading and reads fantasy with an intensity that leaves the listener craving more. This story is a great escape, typical of the "Lord of the Rings" type genres of a quest of a young lad struggling with himself on the edge of manhood and his struggles with an item of mystical improtance. The plot line is a little dry. The reader is left wishing for more romance or humor in the novel. However, it is made up for in the quests and characters the hero winds up getting involved in.