Sorry to everyone for hijacking the thread. Reading fantasy is a huge passion and it's pleasantry surprising how many others in here are into it.
Last point, everyone who has responded about fantasy should read the FitzChivalry Farseer books by Robin Hobb. Follow a royal bastard over 60 years of his life. He can use hereditary abilities that are a type of mental magic along with the ability to sense/communicate with animals, specifically dogs/wolves. He is also a trained assassin as a child and becomes a warrior as he gets into his teens.
On top of all that he is the Catalyst for his age and his closest friend is The Whit Prophet. Together it is their destiny to change the course of time to keep the world from becoming apocalyptic. Beautiful story with characters you grow to love and respect and Fitz is a total badass though he gets hurt a lot physically and emotionally....easily one of the most compelling characters ever.
Start with Assasins Apprentice.