One of my favorite fantasy novels that I have come across recently is Lev Grossman's The Magicians. Although I tend to read more "traditional fantasy" (Tolkein, Jordan, Brooks), I found Grossman's much more realism-influenced approach to be highly engaging. Admittedly, this book was assigned for a class, but I was pleased to find it both of high literary quality, as well as thought-provoking with a gripping narrative. And now that I have my hands on the sequel, you won't see me for a day or two.