Lots of books here that I haven\'t read...I\'ll pick up some suggestions myself
I read a lot of Fantasy. I tend to like \'grown up\' fantasy though, not the hokey stuff. I like my fantasy gritty and edgy. In my opinion, here are the best:
George RR Martin\'s Song of Ice and Fire series: As I mentioned above, for my money, they are the best books ever written. Even better than LOTR. Yeah, I said it.
Stephen Erickson\'s Malazan Book of the Fallen series: There are three possible entry points, but I\'d suggest Gardens of the Moon. Character driven stories, very gritty, FANTASTIC world-building.
Greg Keyes\' Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone series: Another great author who can be a bit edgy. Again, character-driven. First book in the series is The Briar King and the series is complete at only four books so it\'s a comparatively quick read.
Robin Hobb\'s Farseer Trilogy: Really great books by a really great author. First book is Assassin\'s Apprentice.
Scott Bakker\'s Prince of Nothing Series: Maybe one of the best series out there next to GRRM\'s ASOIAF. Kinda has an eastern feel to it, but rife with political intrigue and games of warfare. Only three books in this one, beginning with The Darkness That Comes Before.
These books break the Tolkeinian mold rather than trying to copy that work with different players. LOTR will always be a fantastic work and is a must read, but it has almost been TOO influential in the fantasy community. These books take their own route to greatness. If you like an edge, you will not be disappointed, I assure you.
