favorite science fiction/ffantasy authors - what are yours?

[Andromeda]

--- In HPFGU-OTChatter at yahoogroups.com, "susanmcgee48176" <Schlobin at ...> wrote:
>
> > Alla:
> > 
> > Hm, I think the only one I would cross out from your top picks list is Mercedes Lackey or at least limit myself to her earlier books - goodness love Herald Mage trilogy, I vented more than once here as to how much in my opinion her books went down in quality since she started publishing several books a year in great details. Everybody else you listed I love, I mean no wait, I have not read McKinley.
> ******
> McKinley's writing is for juveniles, but they are good for totally hopeless, simple romantics like me...my spouse and I had not only BOTH read The Blue Sword but liked the SAME PASSAGE in it...(discovered in our early courtship; the rest is history)..
> 
>

Oooh, which passage?  The Blue Sword is definitely one of my all time favorites.   I have to disagree a little though - McKinley's writing isn't just for juveniles. More like Rowling in being for all ages.  She also has truly adult novels. But Blue Sword is definitely for romantics at heart.

I don't think anyone has mentioned Juliet Marillier yet, she's very good. Sort of historical fantasy (Celtic, Gaelic or Pictish with a twist of magic & Faerie).
Patricia McKillip's books are classics.  Gorgeous language. I love the Riddlemaster series.
Otherwise, I second most of the other recs! 

Oh, and Katherine Kerr - I love her Deverry books.

Cheers,
Cheryl