Nice write up of some good (and not so good IMO) books. I will toss out my thoughts on them because, well, I suppose I am that arrogant.
1) Wheel of Time series-You are at a good point. The books are still interesting, things are actually still happening. I liked it around book 4, even book 5. By the time I got to book 6 I was getting bored and 7-9 were a complete waste of time. I haven't read 10 yet and refuse to read anything else Jordan writes until the series is done. Once he started milking the cash cow I started losing respect.
2) Dune-Some great ideas coupled with some so-so writing. It still stands the test of time as a seminal work of sci-fi and one day I hope to read more than the just the first book one of these days. As far as the connections between Dune and The Wheel of Time I always saw them more as blatant rip-offs. Yet another reason I lost respect for Jordan.
3) LOTR-Classics. While I don't find Tolkien's style to be the most readable, his skill of crafting a world is unparalleled and worth every bit of respect this trilogy is offered.
4) Ender's Quartet-Really Ender's Game the the Ender Trilogy if you ask me. Ender's Game is quite possibly my favorite piece of sci-fi ever written. And in Brad's article about it I mentioned that I vehemently disagree with anyone who thinks Speaker, Xenocide and Children of the Mind are not as good as Ender's Game. They are superb and sublime character studies. Oh, and the Shadow quartet (trilogy right now with the conclusion on the way) is great as well. I loved to read Ender's Game and then immediately Ender's Shadow. Really opens the story up.
5) 1984/BNW-Read 1984 so long ago I don't really remember. Maybe I only think I read it. Yeah, nothing to say.
6) Alice in Wonderland-Got really sick reading/listening to the AiW Disney book/tape in the car when I was a kid. Ever since then I can't think of this in any way without feeling a little queasy. Not read.
7) Hitchhiker-Despite many assurances that I need to read this I haven't yet gotten around to it. Plan to though.
8) Wrinkle in Time-Have only read the first, but have read it many times. Great book.
9) "Drizzt" books-I really love R.A. Salvatore's style. Yes, it is missing some of the depth of Tolkien, but it is fun, fast, and has a lot of heart. His Dark Elf work is no different. Good read.
10) Mutiny on the Bounty-Not read.
Okay, I have to toss out the series I am currently reading as a recommendation to anyone wanting some epic fantasy. "Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn" by Tad Williams is quite possibly my favorite fantasy ever. It is rich, moving, and wonderful every page. His "Otherland" series is great as well. Sure, he has admitted they are self-indulgent, but I love them.
