Quote Originally Posted by Eilathen View Post
R. Scott Bakker - The Prince of Nothing (first book is The Darkness that comes before)
I heartily second this one. Probably among the greatest settings and stories I've seen in 30+ years of reading fantasy.

I've read several books from Pyr publishing recently that are great - they really seem to be trying to make a name for themselves with new and innovative fantasy. Two of my favorites are 'The Barrow' by Mark Smylie (although it's probably not for everyone as it's loaded with some pretty deviant sex), and 'Blackdog' by K.V. Johansen. This second one has a great, seldom-seen central Asian/steppes setting and milleu, really great world-building.