As a young man my parents could not keep a good book out of my hands. I read a wide variety of books, but the fantasy genre grabbed me and wouldn't let go. I have to thank my older brothers for this, as they introduced me to Tolkein. I remember in middle school, while all my friends were checking out their latest and favorite comic gallery books, I checked out the tomb of 'The Hobbit'. While not a large book, it was the longest book I had read, and I was enraptured. I snarfed up Anthony, Brooks, McCaffrey, Eddings, and all the Dragonlance I could get my hands on. Later in life I grabbed the epics of Jordan, Goodkind, and Martin. I hope my offering into the fantasy realm is met with favor and in deference to my formative readings, and I hope you enjoy it.