The Sword, The Ring, and the Chalice Comments
The Sword, the Ring, and the Chalice (Deborah Chester)
Elves and Dwarfs have become the new byword for unoriginality in a fantasy book. Every time I see the word "Elf" or "Dwarf", I cringe. Chester however does something original. She writes a Sword and Sorcery trilogy, but unlike Conan, the characters actually have emotions and a brain as opposed to pure brawn or thigh. Characterization is very well done. Who ever thought there could be a Sword & Sorcery with depth? Well Chester's done it! Make sure you acquire of all three books in the series before you start on the first, because when you finish the first, you will want to tear through the rest.
Similar recommendations: Jennifer Roberson's Sword Dancer saga. Also try her Realm of Light trilogy, which reads is similar (though not as good) to The Sword, The Ring, and the Chalice.