I have been tempted to run Princes of the Apocalypse a number of times. I think it would require quite a bit of prep, so I haven't done it yet. If this group seems interested in continuing to play after a few sessions, this may be the next step. I do have the full adventure. Are there things in the free version that are not included in the book?
I ran Princes in 2015. I loved it, but it's not an easy one for new DMs. If you are experienced I would say yes try it. I have a thread where I posted all the recaps and lots of people contributed ideas. The module is better if the DM adds/modifies it some, so how much you enjoy it will depend on the amount of effort you want to put it into it.
The free version just looks like a couple scenarios cut out from the book, Red Larch, etc although I noticed the free one has Feathergale Spire which was one of my favorite parts.
This is the thread, it took us 74 sessions to complete. Other people mingle in their own stories so you can see how other groups handled it.
Session #1 - Red Larch https://app.box.com/s/oj0jy718p6wrjxaws8po0ygg0gqnj8ua
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