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ost_uid0]As for fantasy novels... well, there are a lot of those, aren't there...
The first one I always mention is George RR Martin, in his "Song of Ice and Fire" books. The man is AMAZING. Epic, complex and compelling plotlines, dozens of deep and interesting characters, and the best world creation I've seen in my life... Add all that to the dark, threatening mood, including examination of some of the crueler aspects of Knights and Kings and Wars, to the wonderful mood of confusion, danger and suspense... well, I could go on, but it'd get even more tedious. I should note that the books contain a fair amount of sex, and some gore as well - it's a part of the dark, gritty, *real* mood. Just so you know.
Similarly, I can heartily recommend the Farseer Trilogy (Assassin's Apprentice, Royal Assassin, and Assassin's Quest), by Robin Hobb. Also dark fantasy; much less complex than Ice and Fire, and lighter as well - view that as you wish. Really great storytelling. I was disappointed to see that Hobb only has another trilogy and a half printed - but then, to my joy, I discovered that "Robin Hobb" is one of the author's pseudonyms, and I can read more books she's written under the name Megan Lindholm.
Let's get a bit lighter... Pratchett has already been mentioned - he is brilliant, incredibly funny, and writes books that are just impossible to put down. David Eddings writes books that are pretty generic, but fun and well-written. I've been a fan of Weiss and Hickman's Dragonlance for many years, but - A) these are books I liked a lot more when I was 13 than I do today, and B) do not read ANYTHING Beyond the Chronicles and the Legends. Most of the other books stink. Well, actually, there are a few really good ones, but they kind of get lost among the hundred or so stinkers. The Chronicles and the Legends - especially the Legends - are worth reading.
Orson Scott Card weighs in here as well, with his "Alvin Maker" series, which presents an alternate history - the American colonies and the growing American nation, except that people have "knacks" - strange, magical skills, like lighting fires out of thin air or knowing the future. Wonderful characters, story, and themes, and also it's fun to look at the parallels between Alvin's world and history as it really happened.
That's all... for now...[/color
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