Things I like in a book? A good story, good drama (not drama for the sake of drama though), and cool action scenes. If it's fantasy a good well thought out magic system. Other than that I can't think of much that a book needs to keep my attention.
First thing coming to mind, since you mention cool action scenes: The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch. Basically a story of action and elaborate schemes, with a rather strong mafia vibe to it, in a fantasy version of Venice (at least, that's how I picture it). It's not what you'd call deep, but it's most definitely entertaining, I've yet to encounter anyone who says otherwise. Technically I believe it's the first book in a series of seven, but the story is stand-alone - a sequel has been released, but it would appear Lynch is having trouble with the third book so that's taking a while. I haven't bothered with the sequel yet.
Then, a somewhat unusual fantasy series, mostly notable for its darkness (one of the protagonists is, well, evil is the only real word for it, even when he's on the good side), called the Coldfire Trilogy by C.S. Friedman (first book Black Sun Rising). Definitely a good magic system, and definitely original, but, as I said, dark, and so quite different from the series you've listed.
And this might be a long shot, but I loved it so much that I'll try anyway. Not fantasy and not much action (at least not in the sense of action as in an action movie - it's certainly not boring), but a story about a prostitute in Victorian London and her attempts to work her way up in the world: The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber. I was hooked pretty much from the start. It's a good book to go a bit outside your comfort zone with, I think.
Reading Suggestions?
16/11/2010 10:15:31 PM
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Call me an opportunist, but this seems like a good moment to recommend our upcoming Book Club book.
16/11/2010 10:40:08 PM
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Agreed. And you should listen to me, because I gave up on Martin at about the same point. *NM*
16/11/2010 10:50:03 PM
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What I like
16/11/2010 11:39:17 PM
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Alright. Some more suggestions, then.
17/11/2010 12:12:44 AM
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How about trying some Robert Stanek? *NM*
16/11/2010 11:01:43 PM
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*cough*
17/11/2010 01:08:12 AM
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It had been a while since you'd mentioned it... admirable self-restraint, really. *NM*
17/11/2010 01:22:30 AM
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I'll have you know I sent my copy of Harkaway off with a rafonaut just the other day. *NM*
17/11/2010 06:12:18 PM
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Re: I'll have you know I sent my copy of Harkaway off with a rafonaut just the other day.
17/11/2010 10:58:13 PM
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