Not mentioned yet - Edit 1
Before modification by NaClH2O at 31/03/2011 04:33:49 PM
Sun Sword Series by Michelle West.
True epic fantasy, excellent characterization. Decent plotting (tho some find it slow) best demons I've ever read. Starts with "The Broken Crown". Don't let the covers put you off. I basically feel the same way you do about WoT and this is easily my second most favorite epic fantasy series of all time. (And I've read a bunch of them)
by the same author
House Wars,/u>, new series, same universe and some of the same characters. "The Hidden City" is the first book
Chronicles of Elantra Same author but goes by her maiden name of Michelle Sagara. Not really epic fantasy, more a collection of stand alone novels with the same characters, along the same lines as a mystery series. Faster paced than the two above, but still good characterization and lots of cool alien races. "Cast in Shadow" is the first book.
E.E. Knight
Vampire Earth series Aliens invade earth in the near future. No real vampires, tho there are 'enforcer' type aliens that do drain your blood after killing you. Good characterization and fast paced plotting in the earlier books, has slowed down somewhat lately. I think it's up to 7 volumes.
"Way of the Wolf" is the first book
Eric Flint
Ring of Fire series Alternative history series, West Virginia coal mining town gets transplanted back to Germany during the 30 years war (1630-1660) It is particularly interesting as Flint has opened up his universe to any and all who want to contribute, but you gotta follow his rules. Much online material, and a handful + of novels, most are collaborations. So work really well, some not so much but the whole series is pretty interesting, especially if you like 17th century Europe. edit: "1632" is the first book
NaCl(those three will keep you reading for a while)H2O
True epic fantasy, excellent characterization. Decent plotting (tho some find it slow) best demons I've ever read. Starts with "The Broken Crown". Don't let the covers put you off. I basically feel the same way you do about WoT and this is easily my second most favorite epic fantasy series of all time. (And I've read a bunch of them)
by the same author
House Wars,/u>, new series, same universe and some of the same characters. "The Hidden City" is the first book
Chronicles of Elantra Same author but goes by her maiden name of Michelle Sagara. Not really epic fantasy, more a collection of stand alone novels with the same characters, along the same lines as a mystery series. Faster paced than the two above, but still good characterization and lots of cool alien races. "Cast in Shadow" is the first book.
E.E. Knight
Vampire Earth series Aliens invade earth in the near future. No real vampires, tho there are 'enforcer' type aliens that do drain your blood after killing you. Good characterization and fast paced plotting in the earlier books, has slowed down somewhat lately. I think it's up to 7 volumes.
"Way of the Wolf" is the first book
Eric Flint
Ring of Fire series Alternative history series, West Virginia coal mining town gets transplanted back to Germany during the 30 years war (1630-1660) It is particularly interesting as Flint has opened up his universe to any and all who want to contribute, but you gotta follow his rules. Much online material, and a handful + of novels, most are collaborations. So work really well, some not so much but the whole series is pretty interesting, especially if you like 17th century Europe. edit: "1632" is the first book
NaCl(those three will keep you reading for a while)H2O