OT: good fantasy books

[Velusion]

Lingchih said:
Gene Wolfe is the pre-eminent fantasy/sci-fi author of our day, and the Wizard Knight duology is an excellent example of his craft. I would recommend it heartily.

A very good *writer* but not really a "storyteller". I liken his books to fantasy version of the later Melville. Symbolism out the wazoo. I haven't read the Wizard Knight though, just the Torturer and Latero books.

Lingchih said:
I don't know if he has been mentioned here, but the old grand master of fantasy is Jack Vance. His Tales of the Dying Earth is a classic (especially Cujel's Saga). It's the basis of much of the AD&D magic system. And his Lyonesse trilogy is pure greatness. His books are mostly out of print and a bit hard to find, but you can usually find used copies on Amazon.

Vance is one of my top three favorite writers. Amazing stories/charactors. Hard to find his books though (which is a shame). George RR Martin has stated that Vance is HIS favorite fantasy/sci-fi author.