I've read most of the stuff branded with "Dungeons and Dragons". Salvatore, and Hickman / Weiss do a decent job there. Sanderson's work is good, he was an excellent choice to finish the WoT series, based on writing style. Brooks or Weeks are also pretty good. For something that was free when I read it - Look up Jeff Inlo The Delver series - Its good in that you get to see the writer develop, book one was a struggle, by three he has a rhythm and is doing well, by 6 he is becoming a decent writer. But the story has lost the plot by 6. I like it because I got to see the writer grow. For a word person. That may be enough. ________________The above is all Fantasy._______________ Other topics - Sci-Fi Rudy Ruckers the Ware tetrology was fun. Herbert - Dune - great series. Adams - Those books were great Card - The ender series was a staple as a kid. Ring world and discworld were good stuff too. - Real life topics Where wizards stay up late - The origins of the internet Homicide: A year on the killing Streets The Catherdral and The Bazaar: Musings on linux and Open Source Hackers: Heroes of the Computer revolution. Many more that i cant think of right this second. I wouldn't really say I have favorite books, or authors. I just like books.