I started reading this particular type of genre when I was in the sixth grade ... that was last century ... well, the Ice Age actually. The Lord of the Rings has and always will be a favorite, and it is because of Mr. Tolkien, God rest his soul, that fantasy fiction has flourished. If you pay close attention to the place names, towns, halls, mountains, etc., in Mr. Salvatore's work, you will seem many similarities. MANY.
I am now 27 years old... OY! And I just had the pleasure of reading The Dark Elf trilogy last year, and The Icewind dale books, and the rest of Drizzt's adventures. I was highly entertained, and impressed. My only drawback, is that someone else got to Guen's name before me, so I had to change the spelling. Please forgive me oh gentle creature.
If you have not had the opportunity to read these books, I urge you to do so. Even if you are 10, 30, or 60... everyone could use a great dose of fantasy once in a while. Esp. when it is written with a master's pen...
*Bowing down to Mr. Salvatore, and his liege Mr. Tolkien*