I read this at the recommendation of my father when I was a teen and it stuck with me. Now 20 years later after thinking about it frequently I bought another copy and am so happy I did. This is a truly original story that somehow hasn't been copied by a hundred people or ruined by Hollywood and ranks right up there with other greats like Tolkien, twain, gaiman, and Pratchett. I highly recommend.  - Doombringer6669