What are you reading right now? (possible RotE spoilers)

[Valarya]

Goodkind must be one of the most controversial fantasy writers ever. For every person I've heard singing his praises, there are two who totally rip him apart. I suppose I'll have to read his books myself to make any judgment on them, of course. However, I don't like his attitude in the interviews with him I've read, like how he insists he's not writing fantasy but stories with "important human themes". Mr. Goodkind, did it ever occur to you that a fantasy story can have important human themes? And how silly your claim sounds when I can see a friggin' dragon on the book cover?

I feel it's the same way with Robert Jordan & his Wheel of Time series. So many people list it as their favorite fantasy series and I couldn't choke down more than a couple books.

I had no idea Goodkind said that in an interview but it doesn't surprise me. His books are full of Good vs. Evil, political wars, heroes & villains.. and really, that sort of thing does it for me if pulled off a certain way (like Tolkien), but not often. It's one of the reasons I crow Martin as my favorite author, because he doesn't have Heroes and Villains, really. His characters are shades of gray, whilst still set in a wonderful fantasy setting. *shrug*

I am a strong believer of the phrase "to each their own" so I would never look down on someone who enjoyed Jordan or Goodkind. It's just not for me.

I'd be interested to see what you think, as well.