[GOLLUM]

Not many things it is similar to which is why I like it. It's not a light read and basically studies the psychology of the human condition within a fantasy backdrop. The storyline as far as a basic outline goes has a lot of standard fantasy elements in it BUT it really explores the suffering and ultimate cathartic/redemptive experience of the central character Thomas Covenant who is a leper transported to a magical world known as the Land. Lord Foul's Bane first came out in 1977 and I read it in the early '80s. Since then I've been hooked by this series.

You will find that Donaldson tends to polarise fans. You either hate this series or you love it, there's little in-between. Mainly because of the central character who has a fairly large chip on his shoulder and is tormented both physically and mentally. People either persevere and I believe are finally rewarded by the books OR they throw their hands up in despair and move on. It ranks in my top 5 fantasy series of all time.

Donaldson has written other stuff I can recommend like his Mirror duology, so maybe give Covenant a go and see.

So you know, the final chronicles of TC ae being written as I post. Books 1 & 2 are out now but the final Book 4 won't be out before 2012.