Diskworld runs by its own rules, which sir Pratchett managed to describe and abide by. The whole thing is extremely hilarious and absurd while at the same time managing to be completely logical.
There is an incredible amount of references to books/films/music/pop culture/historical events and figures/whatever else you can think of. Some of them are quite obvious, some you might get only a few years after reading the book - when you learn some small random tidbit of history or watch a particular scene in the movie. It's not only extremely enjoyable but also makes you feel proud when you suddenly connect the dots and figure out some obscure reference.
The book covers topics such as ecology, politics, religion, humanism and war and touches on subjects like artificial intelligence, gender dynamics, nuclear weapons, architecture, engineering, heroism and many many more. All of these aspects are intertwined and executed on a grand scale.
The original author, Frank Herbert, died after finishing the first few books. His son Brian Herbert and co author Kevin J. Anderson have since finished the series based on his scribblings, notes, and voice memos. A gargantuan task. The result can be a bit "weird" at times, but they have done an amazing job finishing the books.
A young scribe's life is about to change,. a small simple story that turns very grand very fast, with epic plot twists along the way. If you haven't read books by Peter V Brett before, I can highly recommend this series.
Stackpole begins with a prelude, The Dark Glory War, very much in the vein of what the Hobbit is to the Lord of the Rings. It is left on a cliffhanger for you to immediately desire to read the trilogy: Fortress Draconis, When Dragons Rage, and The Grand Crusade.
Stackpole has created a world with the breadth and depth of Tolkien, that takes the reader on a world saving adventure that included men, elves, dragons, wizards, and some original fantasy races and creatures that are a breath of fresh air to such a large genre.
Michael A Stackpole is an incredible author that has written books for Star Wars, Battletech, Shadowrun, World of Warcraft and many other licensed IPs. This is one of his original creations and is a fantastic prelude and trilogy that anyone can get into.
The author collects old photos from garage and estate sales which he then used to help illustrate and form the story of the book. Most of the photos feature some odd looking character that is then integrated somehow in the story in an original way.
The book gives the impression that it will tell an enthralling story supplemented with creepy images, but in turn it has creepy pictures and a messy, bland story tagging along.
Robin Hobb has done a great job with this universe, it's very immersive, and has many side stories - each with their own epic three book saga. Must read.
Many different human races are described with each their individual personalities, lots of sub plots and quests. The series is at least 7 books, so it should keep you busy a decent while.
The plot does not surprise. It's straightforward to the point where you can expect certain situations to unfold a certain way a good while before they actually happen in the book.
It's big, and there's 3 movies, as well as a side story (the hobbit, with it's own movies) and plenty of related material to keep you busy reading or watching.
The author originally intended LotR to be a kids book, and it shows in all the gooey happy go lucky, impossible plot and singine that goes along with it.
A young scribe's life is about to change,. a small simple story that turns very grand very fast, with epic plot twists along the way. If you haven't read books by Peter V Brett before, I can highly recommend this series.