The Hyperion series by Dan Simmons have always drawn me in. Having said that not too sure if I totally “got” them. Nonetheless I found them totally engaging, engrossing and enjoyable. He does need a better editor though. Glances at the books shelf and goes grrrrr at Drood. Crock Factory by the same was enjoyable as well. There was another (title to be added when the cat gets off me) that went into absolute minutiae about a sniper. Wind speed, angles, weights, distance, calibre, but fascinating. Thinking further, Carrion Comfort is rather a cracking on your seat read.
But look no further my friends than the veritable Jack Vance. Science fiction, fantasy, mystery. He has an incredible turn of phrase. Read Vance and in a week your whole speech pattern will change. And it will truly put a smile on your face as these little word structures tumble out without a second thought. Unfortunately for me after a time it wears off. But a quick reread, and he has a whole catalogue, you will be espousing Vancian like a pro. (True story someone came into the bookstore a couple of years ago and in conversation he said something Vancian. Which I said that sounds like Jack Vance to which he replied that he had been reading Cugel’s Saga and it must of rubbed off on him). Jack Vance can’t go wrong. Well except for the Cadwal series. (Maybe that is a little harsh)