Oh, thanks for the recommendation!

Umm, I hesitate to recommend Stephen R. Donaldson to women, but if you want fantasy with "meat" to it, try the Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, the Unbeliever, and the following trilogy, the Second Chronicles of Thomas Covenant. Donaldson is currently halfway through the third and final Chronicles. But have a dictionary handy, 'cause Donaldson swallowed one, I think. He likes to show off his BA from Kent State University, I think.

 

I haven't read Martin yet. I need to, heard lot's of good things about the series.


Here are my suggestions:
Raymond Feist: Rift War Saga... has humans, elves, dwarves... it is a goos solid read. The author was big into D&D, so that comes through. Strong characterization with a fast paced plot. Start with Magician Apprentice.


Greg Keyes: series is called Kingdom of Thorn and Bone, the first book is The Briar King. These books are not light reads. They are deep, and, at times, very dark. Definitely NOT for the faint of heart. This series is in my top two. Fast action packed plot without in-your-face magic... the magic is more in the way the world works, than spells and curses.


Jim Butcher: Codex Alera series, the fist book is Furies of Calderon. This series is my favorite. I love the characters and it is action packed. The story is not so dark, but it does have a lot of monsters and fighting, as most fantasy books do. Butcher has a wonderful way with his main character, Tavi. I was hooked in the first chapter.

 

I'm reading the last book from the Margaret Weis/Tracy Hickman series: The Rose of the Prophet....its so much fun.....has an Aladin feel to it....genies, nomads, a tad of romance, adventure and crazy twists...Mucho recomendo....