I use to make DragonLance threads here semi-regularly, but I haven't read the books myself in many years, so I figured I'd do this instead.

Like many here, I enjoy reading fantasy novels. So what fantasy series are your favorites and why?

I am obviously a big fan of the DragonLance series by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman. The characters, plot, and writing are all extremely well done, especially in the second trilogy (Legends). Raistlin Majere remains one of my favorite fictional characters.

Also by Weis/Hickman (and arguably better than DL) is the Death Gate Cycle series, which is phenomenal, and probably the best writing I've seen in any fantasy series. It also includes endearing characters, with Haplo, Alfred, and the ever-lovable dog. Weis/Hickman are also experts at injecting almost ridiculous humor into a serious story (see: Zifnab, a blatant and intentional ripoff of DL's Fizban).

A series Bunny recommended to me that I really liked is The First Law series by Joe Abercrombie. It emphasizes stark realism, and is strikingly different from any other books I've read. None of the characters are good. Some of the characters are sympathetic and yet go on to do terrible things; some of the characters die ignobly; some of the bad guys seem to win. It is a very mature series that I found refreshing.

Discuss your favorite fantasy series.