Just finished reading two standalone books by Brandon Sanderson (who is writing the posthumous Wheel of Time books) named "Elantris" (his first book) & "Warbreaker". Both good books I would recommend to anyone. I really enjoy Brandon's writing style. I started Wheel of Time a few years ago, and couldn't get into it either. Stopped around book 3.
If anyone is interested, you can actually get "Warbreaker" for free right from Brandon's site. Or here's the link to download the full book in PDF (from his site): Warbreaker
Other Fantasy Series I enjoyed immensely:
- Dragonlance books by Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman (see list of specific books below)
+ Chronicles Trilogy (Dragons of Autumn Twilight, Winter Night, Spring Dawning) followed up years later by Dragons of Summer Flame
+ Legends Trilogy (Time, War & Test of the Twins)
+ The Raistlin Chronicles (The Soulforge & Brother in Arms)
- Death Gate Cycle by Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman (EXCELLENT SERIES!!)
+ Dragon Wing, Elven Star, Fire Sea, Serpent Mage, The Hand of Chaos, Into the Labyrinth, The Seventh Gate
- Harry Potter Series (quite good if you get into it. it really is!)