The premise of the novel series, while not original (how original can we be when speaking about epic fantasy) is well written and envisioned. What Dillinger gives us is not so much a rote version of the "ancient-talisman-carried-by-the-hero" tale, but a polished, dialogue-strewn fantasy story, complete with a rich history and tapestry of terrain descriptions. For those who love fantasy, but dread long, drawn-out descriptive passages, SRTCoG delivers.

The story is original in that it treats the dwarven race with a great deal more respect than many in the fantasy genre. The heros, while wearing dwarven shells and spouting dwarven sayings, are thoughtful and very human. They are lovable and you will be pulling for them at every turn. Unlike his predecessors, Dillinger ensures that the usually two-dimensional, cookie-cutout, fantasy dwarf is as deep as the mithril mines they delve.

Beginning in the capitol city of Acleron, the main character, Thein, discovers an ancient artifact in a fallen heros shrine that links him directly to an even more ancient dwarven throne. The artifact, a plum-sized crystal, has been present in many cities throughout the centuries, each and every one of them reduced to "ruins and dust". These, the ruins of shadow, are what prompts the dwarven elders and king to strongly suggest that Thein take the stone away from Acleron. They enlist the help of three famous dwarves, including Ancor Grelin, one of the legendary troll-slayers of Acleron's past.

With his companions, Thein sets out on a journey to a distant realm, in search of a place called the Lords' Table, a fortress supposedly filled with retired kings, advisors, queens and seers. There, he is told, he will discover what should be done with this item.

Along the way, the group is joined by a human warrior whose entire history has been cut away from him by brigands. As they race from one realm to the next in search of their answers, they are ultimately faced with an important choice: should they travel to the Lords' Table which may or may not even exist anymore? Or should they travel through the dangerous Rill Forest to the ruins of Glath, birthplace of the artifact?

The final four chapters are thrilling and will keep you riveted. Oh, and be prepared for a killer cliffhanger. Can't wait for the next one!