OT: Any reccomendations for good fanatasy books

[djo]

I've just come across Joe Abercrombie's name in a positive review of "The Blade Itself" and its sequels. Could some of the posters above give their impression not so much in terms of how much they like his work, but rather a general impression of the kind of books they are? What they're like, their strong points?

[WraithLord]

Wow. So many good suggestions. It may take years to read all the good stuff brought here.
Thank you all!

As for me, I figure I could cover some "holes", starting by going back to the Conan series. Is there a one paper book compilation of Conan BTW (like the one for Amber)?

Oh and I've read song of ice&fire. I think it kind of lost momentum towards the end and it kinda reminds me of lost series - with mysteries that would probably never get solved. I don't like this approach all that much...

Oh, and if I were to put something on the table I'd recommend Dan Simmons - Hypperion series is good SF while carrion comfort for example is good horror fantasy.

Forgotten realms is usually childish and not well written but one series that rose above that usually low level is war of the spider queen. It actually makes for a fun read, not deep or taxing, just fun pass time.

Last good read is dom-III manual