In the course of this vast and complex novel, there is enough intrigue, magic and warfare to keep even the most hard-core fantasy fans salivating, and enough solid characterization to make sure we care. This is very memorable fantasy fare, with some way-cool ideas and imagery, although it is certainly not a light-reading beach book. Sit up and pay attention. You'll be glad you did.

In a review of a previous volume in the series, SF Site Reviewer Jim Seidman praised Jordan for his excellent writing. His main complaint -- and a common one at that -- was that the book left you wanting more, and having to wait. (It does, after all, take rather longer to write a book than to read it.) The same could be said for Winter's Heart, and there are still at least 3 more volumes to follow. For a series that was originally projected to span 8 volumes, we're now at volume 9, and the end of the story is not yet in sight!

In The Truth, William de Worde uses the printing press to present Ankh-Morpork with its very first daily newspaper. The results, as we have come to expect from this author, are nothing less than tremendously entertaining. SF Site's Steven H Silver says: "Pratchett has indicated that he is interested in exploring new areas of the Disc through different characters and settings. If The Truth is any indication of how he intends to make these explorations, the Disc is going to become a stronger and more vibrant setting, which should be able to garner legions of new fans in addition to the hordes Pratchett already commands."

In this book, the city of Galveston, Texas, is as an oasis of sanity in a world gone mad. Well, mostly. As SF Site reviewer David Soyka explains: "Occult forces have been confined in an eternal Mardi Gras carnival celebration segregated from the 'real' city, which has contrived to maintain a sense of 'normalcy' using jury-rigged technology and an oligarchic government."

One central theme or concept of this novel is the game of poker -- a game which, like life, is anything but fair. It's a truth that sometimes, no matter how good a player you might be, you still lose. But in the case of Galveston, the only way you'll lose is if you don't read it. This is a truly remarkable novel, brutally told and peopled by solidly real characters.

Victoria Strauss said of the first volume: "Readers will be left satisfied for the moment, while still eagerly anticipating the further adventures of Rhapsody and her friends." Obviously Victoria was correct, and many readers have made the commitment to follow this new series from a strong new fantasy writer.

At any rate, I expect the Harry Potter series and its Wizard school at Hogwarts need no introduction at this point in time. It's a particularly clever young adult fantasy series in that the succeeding volumes become increasingly more sophisticated, with the result that a young reader who follows the series will find more depth and more challenge as she or he increases in reading ability. It's also particularly clever because it's thoroughly enjoyable to adults as well.

As SF Site's Wayne MacLaurin says, "Robin Hobb just keeps getting better and better." Looks like there are quite a few of us now who are anxious to see what she'll bring us next.

In the words of SF Site's David Soyka: "An incredible book that, if there were any justice, should be #1 on everyone's list. I fear people might be put off from reading this book by its size -- but it truly is a page-turner, even with all the pages there are to turn." Hear! hear! If you haven't already done so, seek this book out, read it, and be amazed.

Personally, I have a healthy respect for a fantasy writer whose hero is a mosaicist who only ever draws a sword once and is greatly relieved that he doesn't actually have to use it, since he's not really sure how. But even the grand players in this novel -- the Emperor and Empress of Sarantium, for example -- are equally human: real and complex credible characters. And, best of all, what happens is not at all what you expect. A brilliant conclusion to a terrific series.

In his review, Wayne MacLaurin says: "It's particularly impressive that while jumping back and forth amongst the characters, no one character really takes over. Every story is given more or less equal billing (with respect to intensity and importance) and I never found myself dismissing one chapter, hoping to get back to 'something better.' Given how many characters and stories he is juggling, this speaks volumes about Martin's skill as a writer."

And speaking of volumes, there are more coming in this series, which is now only halfway done. No doubt the next one, A Dance with Dragons, will be appearing on a future Best Of list...

I could go on, but I really do have to stop somewhere. So let me end here by saying thank you, once again, to everyone who participated. I think there are quite a few who will be reading this feature looking for the recommendations of readers like themselves. I hope this list leads you to find something new to enjoy!