With all respect to the author, there is little chance any author could write a book on this classic module that trumps the experience of playing it. The module behind this book is classic.

From a content perspective this book might get a PG rating. There is little that would put a parent of a young person off. While there is combat and a few graphic depictions of combat and wounds, scenes are mostly overview.

What really kept me from a better review is the simple fact that although the author does a great job of incorporating elements from the original module, the story itself seems like it is for younger readers. Unlike TOE, we do not see references to the game mechanics.

The hero party is quite large so at times it is difficult to keep all the members straight. The use of the "keep men", while possible, reminds us of what it is like to be a red shirt in Star Trek.

I had a hard time believing that players would play the module the way the story read. A difficult position for the author. ( )