Yeah, the "already included" error is the first thing I noticed too.
As far as the module goes:
The story is a typical D&D one, mostly in a good way, in that you follow a fairly linear plot through smaking kobolds, then goblins, then humans, undead, yadda yadda (the threat escelates up the levels in the standard way.)
But keep in mind this about me: In 22 years of runniing D&D I've run modules TWICE because I've NEVER liked the story in ANY module, not even popular ones.
That said, this isn't too bad, if typical plot-wise, there's nothing inherently stupid in it.
What I REALLY like about it is the layout. The encounters are all two-page spreads, with descriptions of where the figures start on the included maps (which I also think are great), a nice simple set-up, good tactics, interesting stat-blocks, and some notes on where to go next. I would say that it is by far the most USEFUL adventure I've ever read. My biggest praise being that I expect you could run it with VERY little prep time, and a new DM would be well-served with it.
My biggest complaint is not very fair: It's too similar to the plot I've been running for the past 4 weeks, in that we only really had stats for kobolds, goblins, and hobgoblins, and so I've already been running them. I've run many 4e encounters very similar to the first few in the book, some with the same group I'll be running it for. I could skip 'em, but I'd like to run it in its entirety, so I hope the players won't find the first few fights repetitive.
If this will be your first foray into 4E, I think it's worth buying, even after the books come out. (Then you can make your own characters). Expecially if you're a DM with limited prep time.
Fitz
