Many years ago, a friend of the family lent my wife a book. Pawn of Prophecy, by David Eddings. When she had finished it she suggested I have a go and hence started my journey into fantasy novels.
We both read the Belgariad.
While working in London, I went into a bookshop, near Fenchurch Street Station, and found a book called Magician by Raymond E Feist and a read that I could not put down. I have read every book he has released and feel that he is probably the best fantasy writer.
I read Faerie Tale, which scared the wits out of me, giving me nightmares. I will never read it again.