I felt like it was time to read this since I never did as a kid. 
 I don't really know what to say about this that hasn't already been said. The premise was really interesting and the writing was so... 1968? Man. I just struggle with classic sci-fi and fantasy a lot, it seems. The style and tone and pacing are all different from what I'm used to. I mean, I found the rhythm of the writing eventually, but wow it was just not my favourite thing. 
 That said, by the end I was pretty into what was happening. Which is interesting because up until then I had no real strong emotions for the the story at all. It was satisfying to see the problems solved, even if it was bafflingly convenient. 
 Still, I had no real attachment to any of the characters, except maybe Lessa. And, okay, the dragons. Dragons are awesome man. I just. 
 Ahem. 
 I'm sold enough on the concept and pleased enough with how things turned out at the end to be interested in picking up book 2. Which is saying something, because I was like 50/50 on that even after reading 3/4 of the book. So. 
 And I can't decide if I'm sorry or not that I didn't pick this up as a teen.