I love L.E. Modessit, Jr.

[Fire Walk With Me]

His latest science fiction/social critique, "Haze", is as good as any of his others (Adiamante, Etc.)His depiction of a society "done right" will raise as many hackles as smiles of approval.

Visiting this unique planet, Haze, the main character remarks upon a woman playing her violin in the town square. Her social guide remarks that only the most excellent may do so. He calls the situation elitist. She replies that elitism is good, "so long as it's only a barrier to incompetence and not to ability".

There is much, much more, and I just love his drive to present logical and ethical drama and social structures, that we may, if interested, demand more of ourselves, when all around us become somehow acceptable in its mediocrity.

Great stuff, and he does a lot of fantasy which I haven't read, but if it's as good as his SF and you like fantasy, I'd have to recommend it.