As a true novice at putting furniture together, I definitely wouldn't say this was easy. The instructions were not descriptive or clear. After about 3 hours (and taking it apart once) I finally got the desk sturdily together, but there is still a small gap between one desk side and the top, which I'll have to live with because, with the design, I can't access the cam lock. 
Overall, the desk is both sturdy in material and for just under $100 worth the price. I didn't experience dents or nicks like others report. Now that it's together I'm pleased and it looks like the photos online.
Recommendations:
The instructions don't mention the thread screws at all and this is where I struggled. Make SURE you screw these into the desk sides before attaching to the top. This may be common knowledge but as a novice with unclear instructions I didn't realize I couldn't screw it in once the pieces were together.