[Need author/book character suggestions, please!]

If it is American set books, you could try Jonathan Kellerman's Alex Delaware series.

 

If you like UK based ones as well, then Mark Billingham does a series although can get quite dark.

Also Tony Parson's has just started a series (two books so far) or there is of course Robert Galbraith.

[Jack Campbell]

I've read the three series he has done. Enjoyed the Stark's War trilogy. The Jag in Space series is good, but feels just a bit lighter.

However, I really like the Lost Fleet series. Great exploration of what decades of war can do, and how a hero's legend can be corrupted so it becomes both a blessing and a curse, along with what the man behind the legend has to do to restore the dignity and integrity of a profession he loves.

It makes it sound all very worthy! But there are some good battles and I like that he has spent time trying to figure out what battles fought in space would actually be like.

[Which fantasy series to delve into next?]

Hey everyone,  My favourites are: Harry Potter more than anything, dont judge me I grew up with this book and it has shaped who I am, The name of the wind by Patrick Rothfuss, if course the Lord of the rings series, The last unicorn by Peter S. Beagle (yup), the Pricess Bride by S. Morgenstern, The Game of thrones series, His dark materials by Philip Pullman, the Bartimaeus Sequence, and the Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley. I feel like I have asked this a million times before but what are your best fantasy novel recommendations given my taste? Some that are NOT only about fighting? (I am female, so I would prefer a balance of fighting, love, etc). I don't mind violence or gore, just hate when the whole story is a single big battle or if the story is so complex to begin with that you can't even bother to keep up with the names.

Hi. If you like those you might enjoy Robert J Crane's books. He has three series - one modern, urban fantasy called the Girl in the Box, a more traditional fantasy series called the Sanctuary series and modern horror called the Southern Watch series.

I am not a horror fan so haven't read the Southern Watch series, but have read the other two.

For my money he is one of the best writers around. The stories and characters are interesting, with intricate plotting that isn't too heavy to get to grips with.

That combination of characters and story/plotting are what make it for me, plus there is a liberal amount of humour.

And the guy is prolific - he usually has a new book out every two-three months, which if you become a fan, still won't be quick enough!

The first book in each series is usually free if using an e-reader, so you can try them and see if they are for you.