The Way of Kings by US author Brandon Sanderson was a recent recommendation. This first instalment in The Stormlight Archive series is definitely an epic fantasy not just in the scope of the novel itself but the incredible detail paid to the world-building and the unique characters.
The Way of Kings follows a handful of characters, all very different storylines with protagonists in different social, political and life-stages but linked either directly or indirectly through an event that changed all their lives. The Way of Kings begins with the assassination of King Gavilar at the time of a peaceful pact between the opposing Parshendi and Alethi forces. Many years later, battle continues on the Shattered Plains where Brightlord Dalinar leads armies to avenge his slain brother, King Gavilar, waging war against the Parshendi armies. Years of on Shattered Plains have turned the war-camp into permanent barracks and villages supporting Alethi highprinces and brightlords all competing for the favour of King Gavilar’s son.
The years of war have drained the Alethi kingdoms of men and wealth where Kaladin, forced to abandon his surgeon-apprenticeship and support the war effort finds that the honour of the ruling brightlords is little more than words. Although blessed with power he cannot fathom which sees him survive every calamity while others die, Kaladin soon finds himself a slave on the deadliest battlefields of the Shattered Plains. Only Dalinar Kholin upholds the honour Kaladin expected long-ago from the ruling brightlords and Dalinar‘s influence weakens as his obsession with the mythic past, the mysterious Order of Knights Radiant increases. But Dalinar’s niece, the scholar Jasnah Kholin seems certain the a truth lies behind the Knights Radiant, their defeat at the Last Desolation and terrible ancient beings called the Voidbringers. Jasnah has her own secrets that her ward, a young woman and thief named Shallan is determined to uncover. The connection between these four strengthens as the mysterious assassin who murdered King Gavilar becomes active once more.
The Way of Kings is an epic tale exploring the chain-of-events where a cause-and-effect scenario had multiple ramifications for all levels of society and long into the future. Although The Stormlight Archive are very much still in their infancy after The Way of Kings, it is a masterful piece of storytelling and world-building. I look forward to reading the next instalments. Highly recommended!