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[Torraz]

Hello,

Currently finishing up a last amazon order before christmas and I thought I could add some books for myself to the last few gifts...

I have read (and mostly enjoyed)(in no particular order):

- a song of ice and fire (Martin)
- mistborn trilogy + several standalone books from the same author (Sanderson)
- kingkiller chronicles (Rothfuss)
- black company series (Cook)
- garrett series (Cook)
- prince of nothing (Bakker)
- first law trilogy + the standalone follow ups (Abercrombie)
- malazan (recently bought, not yet very far in)
- first locke lamorra book

Generally speaking I've also read a bunch of Dragonlance (Weiss and Hickman) and Forgotten Realms novels (the yearly R.A Salvatore book is a guilty pleasure...).

Things I generally like:
- unpredictable plots
- interesting characters that evolve
- no clear good and evil
- not all characters having seemingly 9 lives
- low - mid magic settings although I'll go for a setting with lots of fireballs, lightning n shit if it's good enough.

Things I generally dislike:
- "forced" grittiness
- throwing characters into a meatgrinder only to later retcon / resurrect / bring them back
- ridiculous plot armor on all characters

Thanks for any recommendations.

:edit:
Thanks so much for all the recommendations so far. I have pasted them all here: [http://pastebin.com/Q67SsTb1.

 

[Switters]

Fafrd and the Grey Mouser series by Fritz Leiber

 

[Verdre]

The Last Unicorn - Peter S Beagle
Dragonsbane - Barbara Hambly
His Majesty's Dragon - Naomi Novik
Fire Logic - Laurie J Marks
Through Wolf's Eyes - Jane Lindskold
Twelve - Jasper Kent
A Fine and Private Place - Peter S Beagle

 

[Ghizz]

My personal favorite: "The Night Angel Trilogy" by Brent Weeks.

I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend it. PM me your thoughts as you read!

 

[Antiwhippy]

Discworld series.

Specifically the city watch series.

 

[GrandHarrier]

Belgariad and Mallorean by David/Leigh Eddings. Characters like Belgarath the Sorcerer and Polgara the Sorceress are some of the most memorable characters in fantasy literature. It has "magic" but the restrictions are such that it's often better to do things the hard way. It's a little formulaic but that is actually part of the plot.

Book one is called Pawn of Prophecy. Easy to find the rest.

 

[Staab]

Get The Royal assassin by Robin Hobb
Best fantasy series ever!

 

[Lanark]

Get The Royal assassin by Robin Hobb
Best fantasy series ever!

Yes, Hobb comes highly recommended.

Although it's very different than the fantasy books you've listed, The Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe is probably the best fantasy series ever written, although it can be a bit slow and confusing for first time readers.

 

[Salazar]

Gratch . . . luuuuurgh . . . . Raaatch . . . argh ?

 

[gdt]

Prince of Thorns

 

[Monocle]

Yes, Hobb comes highly recommended.

Although it's very different than the fantasy books you've listed, The Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe is probably the best fantasy series ever written, although it can be a bit slow and confusing for first time readers.

Good choice. Let me add that Urth of the New Sun is required reading after you've finished the four volumes of The Book of the New Sun. Minds will be blown. It's an incredible payoff.

 

[Mington]

My personal favorite: "The Night Angel Trilogy" by Brent Weeks.

I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend it. PM me your thoughts as you read!

This!

 

[i_am_ben]

Things I generally like:
- unpredictable plots
- interesting characters that evolve
- no clear good and evil
- not all characters having seemingly 9 lives
- low - mid magic settings although I'll go for a setting with lots of fireballs, lightning n shit if it's good enough.

Sounds to me like you should read the Wheel of Time

trollface.jpg

 

[Torraz]

Fafrd and the Grey Mouser series by Fritz Leiber

After a pretty confusing search I found on wikipedia that this series is quite old. Not sure if I can get my hands on the early volumes, unless there are some more recent anthologies. Thanks, though.

The Last Unicorn - Peter S Beagle
Dragonsbane - Barbara Hambly
His Majesty's Dragon - Naomi Novik
Fire Logic - Laurie J Marks
Through Wolf's Eyes - Jane Lindskold
Twelve - Jasper Kent
A Fine and Private Place - Peter S Beagle

Will check out reviews for these / put them on a list for later. Thanks.

My personal favorite: "The Night Angel Trilogy" by Brent Weeks.

I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend it. PM me your thoughts as you read!

Will probably one of the series I'll order now. Also has other recommendations in the thread. Thank you.

Discworld series.

Specifically the city watch series.

Will have to check it out. I've heard the name "discworld" a lot but honestly have no clue as to any specifics.

Belgariad and Mallorean by David/Leigh Eddings. Characters like Belgarath the Sorcerer and Polgara the Sorceress are some of the most memorable characters in fantasy literature. It has "magic" but the restrictions are such that it's often better to do things the hard way. It's a little formulaic but that is actually part of the plot.

Book one is called Pawn of Prophecy. Easy to find the rest.

Looks mighty interesting.

Get The Royal assassin by Robin Hobb
Best fantasy series ever!

Have heard the name "Hobb" a lot, but haven't read any of her works. Perhaps a good idea to start one of her series.

Yes, Hobb comes highly recommended.

Although it's very different than the fantasy books you've listed, The Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe is probably the best fantasy series ever written, although it can be a bit slow and confusing for first time readers.

Well, that confirms it.

Prince of Thorns

Am I mistaken or has only the first book of this trilogy been publishd? I may as well wait for the others then. Will put it on a list in the meantime.

This!

Thanks.

 

[Victarion]

Am I mistaken or has only the first book of this trilogy been publishd? I may as well wait for the others then. Will put it on a list in the meantime.

Nope, King of Thorns is also published, and the last book will be out by August 2013.

 

[Fjordson]

Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe

One of the most unique things I've ever read. Really nothing else quite like it. Not purely fantasy since it has some sci-fi elements, but as to not spoil anything I'll just say that they aren't terribly prominent.

I'll also echo the Robin Hobb recommendations. Enjoyed the Farseer trilogy a lot.

 

[Torraz]

Nope, King of Thorns is also published, and the last book will be out by August 2013.

Thanks for the clarification. Definitely waiting until the entire trilogy is released then.

Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe

One of the most unique things I've ever read. Really nothing else quite like it. Not purely fantasy since it has some sci-fi elements, but as to not spoil anything I'll just say that they aren't terribly prominent.

I'll also echo the Robin Hobb recommendations. Enjoyed the Farseer trilogy a lot.

Thanks. Those books are going right on the list of books I'll check out / keep an eye on.

 

[Neffarias_Bredd]

The Long Price Quartet series by Daniel Abraham

I also really enjoyed the Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks and the Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb. Also, the second Locke Lamora book is worth reading

 

[Vestal]

Umm. Lord of the Rings???
Wheel of time would be good as well.

 

[Divius]

Lord of the Rings?

edit: ffs beaten.

 

[Karsticles]

It's more science fiction than fantasy, but I always recommend the Dune series (all 6 books). Don't read one unless you want to read them all, though.

 

[Neffarias_Bredd]

It's more science fiction than fantasy, but I always recommend the Dune series (all 6 books). Don't read one unless you want to read them all, though.

What, why? I read the first book, loved it, and really had no desire to read the rest of the series after what people told me about it.

 

[GrandHarrier]

I've only read the first six books but I'd also recommend Chronicles of Thomas Covenant by Stephen R. Donaldson. Very surreal series. Has some graphic content in the non traditional sense.

 

[Manmademan]

Brandon Sanderson's The Way Of Kings And Dan Abrahams "The Dragons Path" Are Both Really Good. Both Authors Are Pretty Prolific

 

[Antiwhippy]

Will have to check it out. I've heard the name "discworld" a lot but honestly have no clue as to any specifics.

Disc world is fantastic man, mostly because of how many flavours of it there are, from absurdist high fantasy humour to a somewhat gritty crime drama. I recommend the city watch parts of the disc world because they seem to fit your criteria. There's no real need to read it in chronological order, though doing so will give you a better understanding of the characters. Every book is a self contained story though.

The early parts of the city watch series has quite a bit of the absurdist humour of the early discworld. If you want to go from the start read "Guards! Guards!". If you want something grittier read "Thud!".

 

[WolfForager]

Belgariad and Mallorean by David/Leigh Eddings.

David Eddings works are fantastic, definitely give them a shot!

Would also suggest:

Raymond E Feist
Magician - One of the best fantasy books around and has countless sequels which are also fantastic (some of the latter ones begin to degrade in quality but still worth a read!

Stephen Donaldson
The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant - Fantastic story, think he's on his 3rd series of Chronicles now.

Robert Jordan
The Wheel of Time - Great series also, drags in the middle for a bit but is brilliant all round.

David Gemmel
Legend - Easily one of my favourite fantasy novels. Once again has a number of sequels/spin offs, all of them quality.

Waylander Series - Can't really remember, but may be loosely set in the same Universe as "Legend", brilliant story.

Troy Series - Gemmels take on the legend of Troy is utterly fantastic.




That's all I could think of off the top of my head, but should keep you going!

 

[Creamium]

My personal favorite: "The Night Angel Trilogy" by Brent Weeks.

I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend it. PM me your thoughts as you read!

Some people here seem to really like this, but man was I disappointed with it. Read through the first book and part of the second before giving up. His writing in particular just rubbed me the wrong way (nice way of saying I thought it was laughably bad). He also focused way too much on keeping the fast pace going, and too little on the world and the different characters. It felt like Weeks kept running, but never took a breather to give us a better idea of the world. Even minor characters get a pov at some point, but it's all pretty meaningless since he only fleshes a couple of characters out. Even then I felt I didn't get to 'know' most of the major players. Result is a very forgettable and chaotic book, a cheap thrill ride. I don't know, maybe it gets better in the next parts.

In the end though, it's mostly the writing that did it for me. If you want to read a great Assassin story that gets plot and characters right (and has decent writing), read Hobb's Farseer trilogy.

 

[Aselith]

The Deathgate Cycle - Margaret Weis

Great, great story and world.

 

[Salvor.Hardin]

I'm thinking of starting the Discworld series. I've been told that I can really start with any book without missing out on too much. Is that true? I'm concerned about this because I'm in a city where I'll probably find a couple of books from the series, and likely not to be in any chronological order.

 

[bengraven]

Yeah, you totally need to read this now:

Don't let the space station turn you off: it's in one scene in just one short story within the book. The rest is pure fantasy with some tiny sci fi elements.

The stories of the Dying Earth series are set in the distant future, at a point when the sun is almost exhausted and magic has reasserted itself as a dominant force. The Moon has disappeared and the Sun is in danger of burning out at any time, often flickering as if about to go out, before shining again. The various civilizations of Earth have collapsed for the most part into decadence and its inhabitants overcome with a fatalistic outlook. The Earth is mostly barren and cold, and has become infested with various predatory monsters (possibly created by a magician in a former age).

- moral-less heroes (not even anti-heroes, some "heroes" are truly bad. Imagine Dungeons and Dragons but where you completely wipe out the "lawful" and "good" settings and just leave evil, chaos, and neutral).

- dark setting: the world is literally going dark and is full of creatures that regularly kill and eat people. Soon the sun will go out and everyone will die.

- characters die left and right, including the stars of one story going into another.

- fantastic magic system that obviously inspired future RPGs. (they have to memorize a spell every single day and can only fit so many inside their mind at a time) Speaking of future games, Vance created "grues" which became famous in DnD and Zork.

- unpredictable plots? In spades. Each of the short stories and many times in the novellas there are twists you didn't see coming. Imagine reading a Choose Your Own Adventure but where you were forced to follow someone else's path through the book which leads to a pit of snakes and death.

- the best names ever.

- incredibly clever plots. Sometimes he creates a dozen different towns with their own cultures, cults, political systems, diets, etc. Each time is like it's own fairy tale, or like you stepped into Wonderland and are about to hear the political ramblings by a mad populace. And there are heroes who manipulate these, and you almost feel bad for the people. Especially when it's Cudgel doing it. My god, Cudgel, you're a fucking bastard. Why do I keep reading you fascinated though...

- know that this is one of, if not THE favorite fantasy series of GRRM. So if you like him, don't listen to MY recommendation, listen to his:

GRRM: Jack Vance is the greatest living SF writer, in my opinion, and one of the few who is also a master of Fantasy. His The Dying Earth (1950) was one of the seminal books in the history of modern Fantasy, and I would rank him right up there with Tolkien, Dunsany, Leiber, and T.H. White as one of the fathers of the genre.

All that being said, I don't think A Song of Ice and Fire is particularly Vancean. Vance has his voice and I have mine. I couldn't write like Vance even if I tried... and I did try, once. The first Haviland Tuf story, "A Beast for Norn," was my attempt to capture some of Vance's effects, and Tuf is a very Vancean hero, a distant cousin to Magnus Ridolph, perhaps. But what that experiment taught me was that only Jack Vance can write like Jack Vance.

No one ever mentions Vance in these threads. Don't fucking make me make a thread.

 

[Fjordson]

I'll second that. The Dying Earth stories are amazing.

 

[Antiwhippy]

I'm thinking of starting the Discworld series. I've been told that I can really start with any book without missing out on too much. Is that true? I'm concerned about this because I'm in a city where I'll probably find a couple of books from the series, and likely not to be in any chronological order.

The early books establishes the world really well, but each book is pretty self contained. You'll be missing out on some of the fantastic character and world building though.

I'd say if you want to get invested in the discworld universe start with "the colour of magic", "Mort" and "guards! Guards!" And just work your way from there. Oldies but still fantastic.

For personal favorites of each storyline though, I'd say it's "Reaper man" for Death, "Interesting times" for Rincewind, "Night watch" for City Watch, and "Lords and ladies" for the witches.

Small gods is also fantastic as something that's more self contained.

 

[ashrafazlan]

Brandon Sanderson's The Way of Kings is incredible, and it's pretty thick too.

Too bad you're left craving for the next book once you're done, and no one know when that'll be released.

 

[Manmademan]

Brandon Sanderson's The Way of Kings is incredible, and it's pretty thick too.

Too bad you're left craving for the next book once you're done, and no one know when that'll be released.

after the wheel of time is done I imagine. Sanderson is REALLY talented though. I really enjoy everything he does.

 

[Torraz]

Umm. Lord of the Rings???
Wheel of time would be good as well.

Lord of the Rings?

edit: ffs beaten.

I watched the LOTR film trilogy. Is it still worth it to read the books?

The Long Price Quartet series by Daniel Abraham

I also really enjoyed the Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks and the Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb. Also, the second Locke Lamora book is worth reading

Thanks. Will check those books out / add them to the ever increasing list.

It's more science fiction than fantasy, but I always recommend the Dune series (all 6 books). Don't read one unless you want to read them all, though.

Sounds interesting enough. I remember the a Dune game being one of the first PC RTS games I played.

after the wheel of time is done I imagine. Sanderson is REALLY talented though. I really enjoy everything he does.

Indeed, I have very much liked all that I have read of Sanderson.

Brandon Sanderson's The Way of Kings is incredible, and it's pretty thick too.

Too bad you're left craving for the next book once you're done, and no one know when that'll be released.

Yeah. I know of Sanderson. The long wait for the next book, as he is apparently jumping from one "project" to the next is what's keeping me from the Way of the Kings at the moment. Nothing like a several-year long gap between books in which one can forget everything...

Brandon Sanderson's The Way Of Kings And Dan Abrahams "The Dragons Path" Are Both Really Good. Both Authors Are Pretty Prolific

I'll add Dragon's Path to the list. Getting to know the work of some new authors is always fun. Also, more books / future works to look forward to, thanks.

The Deathgate Cycle - Margaret Weis

Great, great story and world.

Sounds cool. If it is the same Maragaret Weis that has cooperated with Hicksman in the past then I am already a fan of her work, thanks.

David Eddings works are fantastic, definitely give them a shot!

Would also suggest:

Raymond E Feist
Magician - One of the best fantasy books around and has countless sequels which are also fantastic (some of the latter ones begin to degrade in quality but still worth a read!

Stephen Donaldson
The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant - Fantastic story, think he's on his 3rd series of Chronicles now.

Robert Jordan
The Wheel of Time - Great series also, drags in the middle for a bit but is brilliant all round.

David Gemmel
Legend - Easily one of my favourite fantasy novels. Once again has a number of sequels/spin offs, all of them quality.

Waylander Series - Can't really remember, but may be loosely set in the same Universe as "Legend", brilliant story.

Troy Series - Gemmels take on the legend of Troy is utterly fantastic.




That's all I could think of off the top of my head, but should keep you going!

Thanks a lot for the big list. That will indeed keep me going .

I've only read the first six books but I'd also recommend Chronicles of Thomas Covenant by Stephen R. Donaldson. Very surreal series. Has some graphic content in the non traditional sense.

Another mention of Donaldson. I'll read up on the series.

Disc world is fantastic man, mostly because of how many flavours of it there are, from absurdist high fantasy humour to a somewhat gritty crime drama. I recommend the city watch parts of the disc world because they seem to fit your criteria. There's no real need to read it in chronological order, though doing so will give you a better understanding of the characters. Every book is a self contained story though.

The early parts of the city watch series has quite a bit of the absurdist humour of the early discworld. If you want to go from the start read "Guards! Guards!". If you want something grittier read "Thud!".

The early books establishes the world really well, but each book is pretty self contained. You'll be missing out on some of the fantastic character and world building though.

I'd say if you want to get invested in the discworld universe start with "the colour of magic", "Mort" and "guards! Guards!" And just work your way from there. Oldies but still fantastic.

For personal favorites of each storyline though, I'd say it's "Reaper man" for Death, "Interesting times" for Rincewind, "Night watch" for City Watch, and "Lords and ladies" for the witches.

Small gods is also fantastic as something that's more self contained.

That sounds really interesting, a bit like the Garrett Files series by Glen Cook. That series is also a bit different from all the others I mentioned, being a private detective in a fantasy-esque world with lots of humor, gritty moments etc. Thanks .

/snip
No one ever mentions Vance in these threads. Don't fucking make me make a thread.

I'll second that. The Dying Earth stories are amazing.

Thank you for taking the time to type of all of out. I will definitely read it, sooner or later.

Some people here seem to really like this, but man was I disappointed with it. Read through the first book and part of the second before giving up. His writing in particular just rubbed me the wrong way (nice way of saying I thought it was laughably bad). He also focused way too much on keeping the fast pace going, and too little on the world and the different characters. It felt like Weeks kept running, but never took a breather to give us a better idea of the world. Even minor characters get a pov at some point, but it's all pretty meaningless since he only fleshes a couple of characters out. Even then I felt I didn't get to 'know' most of the major players. Result is a very forgettable and chaotic book, a cheap thrill ride. I don't know, maybe it gets better in the next parts.

In the end though, it's mostly the writing that did it for me. If you want to read a great Assassin story that gets plot and characters right (and has decent writing), read Hobb's Farseer trilogy.

Thanks for your perspective on those books.

 

[blainethemono]

The Gunslinger by Stephen King

The Dark Tower. Some will say not to do it because of the last 3 books, but the first 4 are still some of the best books i've ever read. The fourth especially.

Fantasy + Western + Sci Fi + Horror + Adventure + Post apocalyptic world, with the coolest fantasy protagonist ever. I think it also fits all of your "things you like" too.

 

[Divius]

I watched the LOTR film trilogy. Is it still worth it to read the books?

Yes.

 

[Piecake]

DISCWORLD!!!

Amazing, quirky characters, hugely entertaining and really really funny

The Long Price Quartet is also amazing if you want something more 'serious' (It is much better than the Dragon's Path)

I also agree on Way of Kings. I think its a much better book than Mistborn

 

[Mumei]

Yes, Hobb comes highly recommended.

Although it's very different than the fantasy books you've listed, The Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe is probably the best fantasy series ever written, although it can be a bit slow and confusing for first time readers.

Good choice. Let me add that Urth of the New Sun is required reading after you've finished the four volumes of The Book of the New Sun. Minds will be blown. It's an incredible payoff.

Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe

One of the most unique things I've ever read. Really nothing else quite like it. Not purely fantasy since it has some sci-fi elements, but as to not spoil anything I'll just say that they aren't terribly prominent.

I'll also echo the Robin Hobb recommendations. Enjoyed the Farseer trilogy a lot.

And let me reiterate my support for this suggestion. The Book of the New Sun is phenomenal and has collectively won the Nebula, Locus, Hugo, and World Fantasy awards, and deservedly so.

I would also recommend (or second recommendations for) Peter S. Beagle's The Last Unicorn, Mary Stewart's Merlin Trilogy, Jeff Vandermeer's City of Saints and Madmen, Ursula LeGuin's Earthsea Cycle (especially books 1 - 3), Catherynne Valente's The Habitation of the Blessed, and T.H. White's The Once and Future King.

I don't know that these all necessarily fit all of your requirements, but give them a look nonetheless; you might decide something looks interesting.

 

[Deleted member 1235]

based on your list of things you like looking almost identical to my list of fantasy that I like, you will probably like the dresden files a lot.

great stories, quick reads and there is about 15 of em. really great series.

about a wizard that puts himself in the phonebook for wizardly detective work.

 

[Krappadizzle]

House of Leaves. Has very light fantasy elements. And is set in a modern time. But is an insane book, that made me feel like I was going crazy(in a good way)

 

[Aselith]

Sounds cool. If it is the same Maragaret Weis that has cooperated with Hicksman in the past then I am already a fan of her work, thanks..

Deathgate is a Weis/Hickman collabo as well actually!

 

[Piecake]

I probably should give Book of the new Sun another (or 3rd) try. Ive just have never been able to get into it.

I really like J.V. Jones Sword of Shadow series. I dont think its better than the ones I mentioned previously, but I think its quality stuff. The only real issue is that it starts out really slow, but picks up once the main character returns home. Very good, and believable characters, interesting setting with well thought out lore/history, and so far, an pretty good plot.

Like i said, i wouldnt call it awesome! But I never see it talked about, and if youve run out of fantasy novels and want a quality series to read (I think its very good) Id check it out.

 

[MushroomSamba]

The Memory of Flames series by Stephen Deas.

I'm on the 3rd book right now. It's been impressing me so far, and matches pretty much all your "likes". It's low magic, despite dragons flying around. Some of the characters feel like they'd fit right into one of Abercrombie's books.

 

[Torraz]

The Dark Tower. Some will say not to do it because of the last 3 books, but the first 4 are still some of the best books i've ever read. The fourth especially.

Fantasy + Western + Sci Fi + Horror + Adventure + Post apocalyptic world, with the coolest fantasy protagonist ever. I think it also fits all of your "things you like" too.

Sounds interesting. Haven't read King in a long while, not since "IT" gave me nightmares as a young teen. I do remember a lot of positive vibes regarding this series. On the list it goes.

Yes.

Roger that.

DISCWORLD!!!

Amazing, quirky characters, hugely entertaining and really really funny

The Long Price Quartet is also amazing if you want something more 'serious' (It is much better than the Dragon's Path)

I also agree on Way of Kings. I think its a much better book than Mistborn

Thanks. My resolve regarding waiting with regard to Way of Kings is deteriorating with each post praising it. I fairly liked Mistborn, except for some segments featuring Vin. But if the Way of Kings is even better then it must be a real treat.

And let me reiterate my support for this suggestion. The Book of the New Sun is phenomenal and has collectively won the Nebula, Locus, Hugo, and World Fantasy awards, and deservedly so.

I would also recommend (or second recommendations for) Peter S. Beagle's The Last Unicorn, Mary Stewart's Merlin Trilogy, Jeff Vandermeer's City of Saints and Madmen, Ursula LeGuin's Earthsea Cycle (especially books 1 - 3), Catherynne Valente's The Habitation of the Blessed, and T.H. White's The Once and Future King.

I don't know that these all necessarily fit all of your requirements, but give them a look nonetheless; you might decide something looks interesting.

Thanks for all of the suggestions and seconds. I'm quite happy to try new things. I just wanted to put some books that I have recently enjoyed in the OP to make the giving of advice easier.

based on your list of things you like looking almost identical to my list of fantasy that I like, you will probably like the dresden files a lot.

great stories, quick reads and there is about 15 of em. really great series.

about a wizard that puts himself in the phonebook for wizardly detective work.

Nice to meet someone with similar taste. Recommendations from such people are often some of the best. Now that I read that name "Dresden files" I think I have also read some praise for those books. Wizardly detective work sounds like something I would be quite interested in and I am again seeing parallels to the Garret File books by Cook.

House of Leaves. Has very light fantasy elements. And is set in a modern time. But is an insane book, that made me feel like I was going crazy(in a good way)

Will check it out, thanks.

Deathgate is a Weis/Hickman collabo as well actually!

Great to hear. I loved their books, especially those containing Raistlinn.

I probably should give Book of the new Sun another (or 3rd) try. Ive just have never been able to get into it.

I really like J.V. Jones Sword of Shadow series. I dont think its better than the ones I mentioned previously, but I think its quality stuff. The only real issue is that it starts out really slow, but picks up once the main character returns home. Very good, and believable characters, interesting setting with well thought out lore/history, and so far, an pretty good plot.

Like i said, i wouldnt call it awesome! But I never see it talked about, and if youve run out of fantasy novels and want a quality series to read (I think its very good) Id check it out.

Thanks for the suggestion. Books don't always need to be special or awesome. Executing something tried and true, but doing it very well, can also make for a riveting read.

The Memory of Flames series by Stephen Deas.

I'm on the 3rd book right now. It's been impressing me so far, and matches pretty much all your "likes". It's low magic, despite dragons flying around. Some of the characters feel like they'd fit right into one of Abercrombie's books.

Sounds good, thanks. Just finished a book by Abercrombie...

 

[Easystride]

Gotta agree with the Way of Kings mentions. Really loved that book, and I cannot wait for the sequel.

As for people recommending Discworld, The Color of Magic is one of the Kindle Daily Deals for $1.99. Worth a buy to get started on Discworld? Or is there a better starting point?

 

[Hellshadow]

Brandon Sanderson's The Way of Kings is incredible, and it's pretty thick too.

Too bad you're left craving for the next book once you're done, and no one know when that'll be released.

He's 30% done with the second book. You can follow his progress on his website.

 

[Piecake]

Gotta agree with the Way of Kings mentions. Really loved that book, and I cannot wait for the sequel.

As for people recommending Discworld, The Color of Magic is one of the Kindle Daily Deals for $1.99. Worth a buy to get started on Discworld? Or is there a better starting point?

I just started from the beginning and I loved it. I'm sure someone will post that reading guide, but I personally enjoyed reading when he published them and skipping around discworld to different stories and characters

So yea, I would totally recommend buying it and start reading from there. There really isnt a bad place to start at all since its so awesome (well, i guess starting in a middle of an arc would be bad)

Oh, and Luggage is the best character in Fantasy literature. No joke

 

[yeildrikk]

The Monster Blood Tattoo trilogy by Australian author D.M. Cornish. Although it's written primarily for teenagers, it still makes an amazing read. What's best about it is the level of thought and effort that have gone into constructing the world itself. It's massive.
The first one is called 'foundling' IIRC. Amazing reads.

 

[Max]

Yes, Hobb comes highly recommended.

Although it's very different than the fantasy books you've listed, The Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe is probably the best fantasy series ever written, although it can be a bit slow and confusing for first time readers.

Would this book be more understandable after reading Tales of The Dying Earth?

I'm interested in ordering them both