[JenB]

Well, I'd recommend the A Song of Ice and Fire series, George R. R. Martin. Starts with A Game of Thrones. However it's not yet finished, and it's got a few graphic scenes that I don't like. Also, Otherland by Tad Williams is one of the best series I've ever read. It's kinda more sci-fi than fantasy, but it has elements of both. The first book is City of Golden Shadow, and the whole thing is finished. Lots of neat homage to Tolkien!

Other than those, hmm... older stuff can be good. Without knowing your tastes I can't recommend anything specific.

[2Jedismom]

Ok, here's a comment about Merry, after Pippin looks into the Palantir. (I talked about this briefly in the NZ Hobbit Hole, but have further thoughts on the matter.)

Pippin lies down to sleep and can't because he is restless from having touched the Palantir, right? He's trying desperately to talk to Merry about it and Merry basically brushes him off because he is tired. Merry doesn't get just how bad the situation is with Pippin. He just wants to sleep. So Pippin quits reaching out to Merry reluctantly (He even says "It doesn't help much to get no more from you than a you-can't-have-it-so-go-to-sleep!")

So, after all Pippin had done for Merry during their abduction by the orcs, Merry doesn't have a moment to give to Pippin.

Alright...on the NZ thread, I mentioned that when everyone else is staring at Pippin after he gave that cry while looking at the Palantir, Merry turns away. I thought at first that he turned away to spare his friend embarrassment. Now, however, I wonder if he didn't turn away out of shame, for having not listened to his friend, that had done so much for him.

[The_Expatriate]

I must admit I've never heard of either of the series you mentioned (a reflection on my limited exposure to the genre), but I look forward to venturing into unknown territory. Thanks!