I'd never really liked fantasy books, but a customer recommended this when i told him i didn't like that genre... said that this would change my mind. WOW.. it was awesome!! Sure, it was easy to read and the words were simple, but there was such strength in the characters, and the never aging story of good and evil. I loved that it took place in the Midwest, and Brooks really had a handle on how stinking HOT it gets out here!!! Great book!