I thought his characters were superb. Luthar, Bayaz and especially Glokta were the reasons I read First Law. However I did feel the plot to be quite weak with no true resolution at the end. It made me quite divided in my opinion on the trilogy. I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about it. I...
22 for me, but I've got about 20 more of those authors on my shelf and intend to be reading many of them very soon. I don't tend to read just Fantasy though, hence my smaller number. Also when I come across one I tend to read a lot of their novels and nothing else, which has led me to months of...
Oh you did not, good sir! But I do agree, FF8 had it's fair share of shabby plots. My story was more based on the whole concept of students being trained to be mercenaries and then fighting a sorceress. It's very different now, thankfully, but the initial influence will always be the same.
My story began as a Final Fantasy VIII rip-off. Now, it is truly it's own entity and I am proud that it no longer borrows so heavily. Themes are also slightly inspired by A Song of Ice and Fire. :p