The game is really too easy: the developers seem to have no concept of game balance. I played Path of the Damned from the get-go, didn't have much trouble.
Ghost people: I ignored them for the most part.
Stronghold: I hated the stronghold, it's bad.
Story: was OK. A bit stereotypical, but it's what I expected from a fantasy RPG.
Really the only good reason to play is if you are a hardcore lover of the classic CRPGs like Baldur's Gate. But Baldur's Gate is much better than PoE. Also Dragon Age Origins.