If you want to read a story with engaging characters, with a deep and comprehensive world - complete with its own history (both the good and the bad - mostly bad -> Eddings understood history and what have been done in the name of religion!). This is the story you should be reading!
Sparhawk is truly fleshed out character - with all the foibles, idiosyncrasies, manners, hopes and desires you would find in a live person! He is not perfect, sometimes he is a downright bastard, but you can always relate to his struggles and his reactions - he is what you need a black knight to be - the bastard who does the right thing! Damn the consequences, the pain and the personnel costs!
Probably one of the best written characters ever - across all genres!