Robin Hobb
Writes fucking amazing fantasy.

Just absolutely beautifully written. Astonishing character development and very plausible 'magic and dragons' concepts.

If you're not into magic and dragons, don't let that put you off - it's only a small amount of the whole and if you want a good yarn with believable characters, pick up a copy and give it a go.

She writes epic trilogies and generally the first book in each set is a bit slow as it's introducing and setting the scene for the other two. But if you in any way like fantasy, start at the beginning with "Assassin's Apprentice" and get hooked.

The latest book is due out in April! *wiggles in delight*

(sorry for lack of lols, I am a Hobb Evangelist)
( Seventh is somewhat subdued, Sat 7 Jan 2012, 10:37, 3 replies)

Big fan of hers
but the new ones have been sub-par for definite. Very disappointed
( Amberl was stripey and dominated Europe, Sat 7 Jan 2012, 14:02, closed)

Don't forget Megan Lindholm's shorter novels - these are excellent as well and good if you don't fancy starting a long book...
(Slave to Percy, Sat 7 Jan 2012, 15:24, closed)

Actually, this reminds me of a classic put-down I was able to do once. I was in a pub as part of a large group and overheard one or the more feminist women there spouting on about how Robin Hobb was like so many fantasy authors by always writing about sex from the male perspective and generally making it clear that she despised the way men write fantasy.

I really enjoyed the look on her face when I leaned over and said 'Cathy, do you know that Robin Hobb is a pen-name? Her real name is Megan Lindholm...'
(Slave to Percy, Sat 7 Jan 2012, 15:31, closed)