[Books] The Wheel of Time
If you talk to a lot of fans of fantasy literature, then many of Them will cite the Lord of the Rings as a Major Influence on Their interest in the genre. But I would suggest the many que almost would bring up the Wheel of Time. Written (mostly) by Robert Jordan, the first volume was published in 1990 I say mostly, because Jordan sadly died before the Completing the 12th and final volume, Which was subsequently completed from his notes by Brandon Sanderson Extensive (turning into three volumes in the process). The series is almost the archetypal epic fantasy, with a sprawling storyline, large cast of characters, inventive magic system, and a good-vs-evil storyline.