Although it's probably been probably twelve years or more since I first found this book and devoured it in the junior high library, it's still one of my favorite fantasies. The world isn't terribly immersive and the plot is a bit lacking in a couple of aspects. Description is lacking in some of the more important moments. Still, it's the characters that make this story. They easily cover all the book's flaws and this particular novel paves the way for an amazing fantasy series that does become immersive over time and does develop into a fantastic plot with amazing detail. Perhaps the series grew with its target audience or perhaps my nostalgia keeps me blind to any shortcomings; but isn't that the mark of a great book anyway?