Terry Goodkind and the Sword of Truth.

[Fredd]

Bah, Dorion has always been a realist, urk,thats sad too

[dermatolith]

If you like Martin and superhero fantasy lines you should check out the old series Wild Cards. Martin wrote some of the stories but he edits the series (they're called mosaic novels because multiple authors contribute portions of them).... and I just realized how off topic this post was. sorry!

[Narhalles]

I have never read any of these books. Though my sister and I both love the War God's own serries by David Weber.

[Veroule]

Wow this is an old topic that I never noticed. It must have been started and run during my defenestration period.

In any case, for those still around I consider myself decently well versed in fantasy writing. I personally class Mr. Goodkind's writing in the region of social commentary rather then fantasy. There are quite a few authors that use a fantasy world to make statements regarding human social interactions, as well larger global issues. As is often the case, those that aren't quite up to understanding the first rule, see only the fantasy world.

I you like the social commentary in a fantasy setting then read everything by L.E. Modesitt, JR. All of his books have interesting nuggets.

If you want some very blunt social commentary then read the Isle of Man series by Piers Anthony, also you can find a few interesting tidbits in his Incarnations of Immortality series.

For a more pure form of fantasy check out David Eddings, Mercedes Lackey, and Patricia McKillip.