I'll second The Baroque Cycle (or Cryptonomicon: it doesn't matter which). But might I also suggest the works of Terry Pratchett, particularly Discworld? Sir Pterry's work is among the best I've ever read.<p>If you're looking for something a bit fluffier than the above, then I would suggest The Dresden Files. Sure, it's mindless fluff, but <i>man</i>, it's good mindless fluff. The same applies to The Codex Alera (which apparently resulted from a bet that the author couldn't make a good book from an awful idea: the idea given was the lost roman legion crossed with Pokemon).<p>I can also suggest Ready Player one in this category. Ready Player One is essentially geek culture (especially gaming culture) furiously... well, you know. Giving itself one. But it's a fun ride (unlike Armada. But that's another story).<p>Finally, I can reccomend The Laundry Files. Do you like computing? Do you like lovecraftian nightmares? Go buy these now. The first book is okay, but has a rather nasty problem, sort of: It keeps winking at the audience incessantly. I didn't mind too much, myself, but I know others have been put off by it. Don't worry, the winking lessens to a manageable rate (although never quite fully goes away: after all, this is a series about a CS Student turned Sysadmin turned hunter of unspeakable monstrosities named Bob Oliver Francis Howard. Think about that for a second). And it is one of very few horror series that I have enjoyed. Take that as you will.