I was never a big fan of Robin Hobb. I have read a number of her books but it just doesn't interest me all that much.

Now don't take offense just my opinion but it also took me 3 tries to get through Joe Ambercrombie's "The Blade Itself". The Bloody Nine is one of the best barbarians ever put down in letter. Love his books now that I have gotten past the first one. "Before They Are Hanged" is even better. Much more well written. He isn't what I consider an epic writer but what he does write is extremely well put and realized. I recommend him too.

Now another author who I have read almost all of his books is Dennis L. McKiernan but lately I just can't get into his newer books. Either my tastes have changed (they have) or his writing has changed. I have four of his newer books that I just can't read, but the "Dragonstone" is a great read.His Mithgar books are epic considering there is a pretty well thought out world with many stories over many timelines.

Now an author I tried on a whim because of the cover and name of his book is "The Electric Church" by Jeff Somers. It is considered a Sci-fi book mainly because it is set in the future but I think it is more closely related to fantasy mainly by the way it was written. Not to much focus on any science really just a darn good read. Be warned though is has warnings because of foul language on the cover. (I think that is kinda silly because you have to read them not just sit down and mindlessly ,listen to some foul language) All his books are great and Avery Cates (main character) is written very well. A normal guy who just has lots of determination and luck. All of his books are great but not really epic.

Now another author I wholly recommend is David Gemmel. I just love his books. They are usually based around traditional fantasy story lines but it is his characters and how he writes them in is what is so great. Probably the best heroic fiction author around. Not really an epic story writer.

Now most of these writers focus on their protagonists and antagonists and a few supporting characters but I should mention Brandon Sanderson again. He hasn't written anything like George R.R. Martin or Steven Erickson but his "The Way of Kings" series is gonna be something hard to ignore. His "Mistborn Trilogy" has one of the best magic systems around and is very unique. This is the best way to describe Mr. Sanderson as someone who takes unique ideas and turns them into great stories. "Elantris" and "Warbreaker" are examples of his creativeness that has been done very well. Too bad they ended rather quickly but still an interesting ride all the same.

Anyways that went on rather long but these guys are great authors. Gonna have to try Robin Hobb's books again as lots of people recommend her.  

I believe you are mistaken.  George R.R. Martin is alive and well.  It's Robert Jordan who left his epic unfinished and Jordan's estate is having Brandon Sanderson take over.

I can understand the confusion though, it's been what, 5 years that GRRM has been working on his latest?

There seems to be some correlation between Hobb and Martin, as most people who like one tend to like the other as well. 

On the flip side, I find them to be the two worst fantasy authors on the planet.  I somehow got through the first two books in the Ice & Fire series, and (even more impressively) forced myself to read Hobb's Farseer trilogy -- and in both cases, I ended up wishing for those wasted hours of my life back. 

"A Feast For Crows" has actually been published for quite some time now - right now he's working on the sixth "A Dance With Dragons" (which I'm sure is the source of the Elemental tech with the same name).  Once that is finished, which should be within a year's time, he'll be working on the seventh and final book, "The Winds of Winter".

Mr. Martin writes every day.  A book is not completed until it is completed.  It takes years to write something if you're goal is quality and not speed.  He is doing it correctly and the books are published on time.  These volumes are for people with intelligence.  Growing up and knowing what you are talking about ahead of time should help.  You don't even know the titles of the series.

GregII is that a personal attack. Maybe you should be the one to grow up and keep your opinions to yourself. I just made an observation that when "A Feast for Crows" was released he said the next would be published within a year and that is definitely not on time. I never said he doesn't write anymore or that he doesn't write everyday. Your fanboyism is uncalled for. Thread isn't about what Mr. Martin may do it is about authors who write like he does. Epic stories. If you have any authors you may recommend that would be great GregII but just writing posts saying I am immature or not intelligent enough is not helpful at all.

There are many writers who are better or at least as good as Mr.Martin. If you have any recommendations of epic authors I would love to hear them. I am an avid reader, maybe a little hard or George but I did enjoy his books along with the comic series based on his world.

Delmoroth I hear what you are saying about authors. Hard to find a competent writer who writes great stories. There are a few out there. I just picked up "The Way of Kings" by Brandon Sanderson but I have yet to read this book. Still reading "The Girl Who Played with Fire" by Stieg Larrson. Try Steven Erikson's series. Some like it some don't but it is epic on a very large scale. Seven and his co-creator Ian Cameron Esslemont are to release 22 books in all counting his series and novellas that have already been printed. I have re-read this series at least 4 times now and I love it every time. Stephen Hunt is also another great author. I know I wrote about these guys earlier in this thread but I like to introduce more people to them so I am able to discuss what is happening.

Some good suggestions here.  I appreciate hearing about good books I have never read and I will be sure to look closer at most of these titles.

I have a few others to offer up as suggestions.  Not all fantasy based but as i am primarily a fantasy lover (Martin, Weiss and Hickman, Jordan (to an extent), Salvatore, Watt-Evans, Duncan) and I loved these books, I'll share:

1. Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson.  An story of two intertwined timelines.  WWII and present.  Very well done.  he has a great way of fleshing out his characters and keeping you interested.  Not fantasy but at least look into it.  i have not been able to get into his other books as well.  Reading Snow Crash now and liking it but the Baroque Cycle was...  a bit more tedious for me.
2. Daemon by Daniel Suarez.  Don't even read any more of this post.  Just go and get this book.  I couldn't do it justice in a blurb.  Actually, I "read" this as an audio book off of Audible.  It was my first book on audio.  I was a bit jaded going in as I really love a physical book - but the narration was great.  I have gone through about five more audio books since.  Pretty much a story about a genius computer programmer (smash-hit success with an incredible AI FPS followed up by a fantasy MMO) who dies.  Over the years before his death he put together a daemon that was set to be activated by scanning news feeds for his own obituary.  What follows is just incredible.  Also - all of the technology that he uses in his books (there is a part 2 - Freedom) are based on reality.  His home page has a nice set of links to all of the prototypes, etc in the world.  Can't say enough.
   
   
3. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss.  The next big name in fantasy.  What a breakthrough book.  A lonely innkeeper with a very intriguing story to tell.  Mr. Rothfuss has a very engrossing writing style. 
   
   
4. The Reluctant Swordsman by Dave Duncan.  I have always loved this book.  It is a trilogy actually (The Seventh Sword).  Not the deepest writing or the most epic story - but a very good read.  I believe it is out of print but I lost my copies years ago and managed to pick them up again at a used book store.

I don't know if any of you are into the Warhammer Fantasy or 40k stuff, but the Black Library has some good writers in their stable.  Might want to check it out.

They have been releasing omnibuses of their stuff.  Some amazing writing there, really.  None of the Legends nor Horus Heresy has been omnibused yet, but soon I hope.  If you want some recommendation in the 40k and fantasy readings let me know. 

Like you, I'm a massive fan of Eriksons Malazan series. By far the most awesome fantasy series I've read (and re-read, several times). I can't wait till the last book comes out early next year. I heartily recommend them to anyone that likes fantasy.

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Red Dwarf

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WAAAAAGHHH!

I was a big fan of the Belgariad series as a kid (by David Eddings, who has since published many others).

I got through 3 books of the Wheel of Time, but I'm giving it another try.  I was also considering GRRM, but had heard the series might never be finished.  Still, I understand the first few books are worth it regardless.