Neal Stephenson, esp The Diamond Age and Cryptonomicon



FWIW Robert Jordan is dead but supposedly he got notes and outlines down so people can finish WoT for him (he knew he was dying), final book is supposed to be out in early 09. If you gave up during/after book 10 you should really go get 11 because it was way better. If you gave up before that I'd wait and make sure 12 really comes out.