The Fantasy Novel Recommendation Thread

[Shaun]

Okay, so the title should be self-explanatory, but if it isn't, here is what this thread is for:

We're going to start up a list of recommended fantasy reading (i.e. books you think people should read if they like fantasy or don't like fantasy...you could probably split those lists up too). This is also not a list of books that you SHOULDN'T read. They should be books you think are great introductions into fantasy, or simply great reads altogether. So no "Oh, read Eragon because it'll teach you what crappy books look like". This is for the books you think are good. So have at it!

So, what do you recommend and maybe could you say why?


(And before Andy and George come in here and start acting like little munchkins, no I'm not going to include Robin Hood or whatever other old book you think I'll include. To be honest, I hate most early-modern writing, especially Old and Middle English texts. I like UNDERSTANDING what I'm reading...)