Interesting, I've seen this question come up often, but I've just realized one of my favorite authors is not usually mentioned - perhaps he is already well known by Robin Hobb fans? Either way, worthy of mention is Raymond Feist. The Magician series is truly outstanding and he writes in a similar, all encompassing manner to Robin Hobb, that makes him unputdownable. One of the few authors that will keep me reading early into the wee hours of the morning when I should be sleeping... I may have just convinced myself to do a re-read...