[Rimbaud]

I have one barely thought out theory as to Mr Brooks' sales to some degree; I think fantasy readers, who invariably start young, rarely now if ever start with Tolkien. They may well end up there and then realise that most other sword-and-sorcery fantasy is painfully derivative. But in this age of instant thrills oand three second attentions spans, children are more likely to pick up the slimmer more colourful fantasy books first. Therefore when faced with Brooks who is essentially "Fisherprices 'My First Tolkien Spin-Off'", the grubby hands reach into grubbier pockets.

However to be honest with you, the reason for the man's booming sales still escapes me, in truth.