My favorite series is the Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks. The first of the series is The Way of Shadows, then Shadow's Edge and Beyond the Shadows. Yes, they all /sound/ very cliche. Not so. The series begins as a bildungsroman with Azoth, a grimy guild rat. His life is worse than hell until he meets the world's greatest wetboy, Durzo Blint. What is a wetboy? Think of it this way. A lizard is to a dragon as an assassin is to a wetboy. Wetboys not only have the classic assassination skills as assassins themselves, but also have mastered the Talent; a form of natural magic that resides within oneself. Azoth begs Durzo to allow him to apprentice with him, and Durzo, hardened by years (or more) of killing, changing identities, and training. Through this book there are more than a few interesting characters, such as Doll Girl and Jarl, two of Azoth's guild rat friends, Momma K, the underground owner of all of the brothels in Cenaria's capital, Viridiana, the only female wetboy, Khali, a goddess of pain and suffering that no one had thought truly existed, and the Godking, a ruler that no one can oppose.
This series is one that can drastically change plots within the matter of 10 pages. Even with so much detail, the series still leaves you guessing and wanting more up until the final chapter. Long read, but very entertaining.
Disclaimer: This is definitely an adult series, and more of a guys' series. The series approaches controversial and taboo subjects such as brothels, murder, rape, incest, child abuse, and slavery. Staged in an era similar to medieval times. Also, this series is very gory, and there are many, many deaths. Strong language, also. The series can become very depressing because of multiple deaths, failed attempts at freedom, and misfortune, yet is thrilling at the same time. There are so many twists and turns, that you could skip a chapter and be completely lost. The ending is bittersweet, but creates a wonderful resolution to all of the issues, plots, and characters in the series.
All in all, a wonderful series.
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