Ooh I remember Mercedes Lackey from when I was in my teens... I might have to read hers again!

I agree that Eddings is definitely worth the read, but just not his latest books! The Belgariad is just brilliant! (IMO anyway )

I also have a trilogy by Fiona McIntosh which is pretty good.

I have a trilogy by Elizabeth Haydon, but I really wasn't impressed with it at all - very slow moving, and not that much depth...
(sorry I am not at my bookshelf, so can't remember the exact names!)

I think I might try Robin Hobb next....
thanks for the suggestions everyone!