Thanks to Terry Goodkind I am pretty burned out on fantasy but maybe I should give these a shot.
I threw that first book down in rage after Richard's obviously evil brother blatantly groped the obvious love interest's ass. Goodkind might as well have written the brother a twirly mustache and monocle. The whole damn opening was paint-by-numbers fantasy, but that brother booty grope was the final straw for me.
Thankfully that offending scene occurred around page 50, so little time and effort was wasted.

As far as the Do'Urden books, they're alright: nothing amazing, but good fast reading with solid Salvatore action. I would suggest borrow or buy used.
Have you tried "Name of the Wind?" It comes highly-recommended.
Van