Close but no cigar. . .

Hi there!:-)
As promised, here is the list of the runner-ups, those series that almost made it to "La crème de la crème." All of them are great series in their own right, and make for very good reads! I think that there are a few surprises, for some of these series are not as well known. In any event, I strongly recommend them, one and all. So if you are currently looking for something to read, you know what to do!;-)

THE RECLUCE SAGE by L. E. Modesitt, jr.

- The Magic of Recluce (1991)
- The Towers of the Sunset (1992)
- The Magical Engineer (1994)
- The Order War (1995)
- The Death of Chaos (1995)
- Fall of Angels (1996)
- The Chaos Balance (1997)
- The White Order (1998)
- The Colors of Chaos (1999)
- Magi'i of Cyador (2000)
- Scion of Cyador (2000)
- Wellspring of Chaos (2004)
- Ordermaster (2005)

***L. E. Modesitt, jr. has a cult following, and I'm a proud member of that cult! Many believe that this series should have established this author as one of the very best the fantasy genre has to offer. But the problem is that he is not mainstream. Hence, he remains one of fantasy's best kept secrets.

Intriguing and fascinating, exploring mature themes, with an elaborate and intelligent system of magic and technology, a necessary balance between order and chaos, and worldbuilding that is top notch, it is a delight to travel through the different eras of Recluce throughout the different volumes of this series.

Because The Magic of Recluce is a bit slow to get into gear and because it is the first chapter in a two-book cycle, I would suggest that newcomers begin by reading The Towers of the Sunset, which takes place a few centuries prior to the events chronicled in the first volume.

THE FARSEER TRILOGY by Robin Hobb

- Assasin's Apprentice (1995)
- Royal Assassin (1996)
- Assassin's Quest (1997)

***Hmmm. . . After all that's been said about this series, I wonder what I could possibly add. . . Suffice to say that if you haven't read this wonderful trilogy, stop whatever you are presently doing and go get it!:-)

Richly detailed, with characterizations of the first order, intriguing plots and subplots, spellbinding worldbuilding, this series has it all. Highly recommended.

THE COLDFIRE TRILOGY by C. S. Friedman

- Black Sun Rising (1991)
- When True Night Falls (1993)
- Crown of Shadows (1995)

***Oh my God, this is another brilliant one! This is an excellent blend of dark fantasy, horror and science fiction. Dark, complex, totally engrossing, this series is so different than everything that's out there. And C. S. Friedman is a superb and subtle storyteller. Hard to put down. . .

STAR OF THE GUARDIANS by Margaret Weis

- The Lost King (1990)
- King's Test (1991)
- King's Sacrifice (1991)
- Ghost Legion (1993)

***Galactic fantasy at its very best! Dazzling, this one shines more brightly than all the others! With an engaging cast of characters, this is the sort of series you wish there could be more of. . .:-)

THE GAP SERIES by Stephen R. Donaldson

- The Gap into Conflict: The Real Story (1991)
- The Gap into Vision: Forbidden Knowledge (1991)
- The Gap into Power: A Dark and Hungry God Arises (1992)
- The Gap into Madness: Chaos and Order (1994)
- The Gap into Ruin: This Day All Gods Die (1996)

***This dark, complex, violent and intricately detailled science fiction epic lives up to Donaldson's potential and reputation. Much darker in vision than the Covenant books, this one is totally captivating. Although not for everyone. . .

OTHERLAND by Tad Williams

- City of Golden Shadow (1996)
- River of Blue Fire (1998)
- Mountain of Black Glass (1999)
- Sea of Silver Light (2001)

***This series is unique. Nothing compares to it, and it's well nigh impossible to put a label on it. Part fantasy, part scifi, part techno thriller, this virtual reality adventure will keep you coming back for more!:-)

THE SERPENTWAR SAGA by Raymond E. Feist

- Shadow of a Dark Queen (1994)
- Rise of the Merchant Prince (1995)
- Rage of a Demon King (1997)
- Shards of a Broken Crown (1998)

***With his immense popularity firmly established following The Riftwar Saga, Feist could have played it safe and do it all over again. But instead, he took the road less traveled and came up with a very satisfying sequel. Return to the world and the characters that have fascinated millions of readers worldwide. But expect more than a few bumps and surprises along the way. . .;-)