I remember teaching some music students, and the discussion around different genres and artists. I was surprised at the vitriol aimed at music styles or bands they did not like. It was actually a visceral hatred of the act or music. I still remember some of the over the top reactions. Disturbing.

Julian May - Saga of Pliocene Exile.
J V Jones - Sword of Shadows Books.
Dan Simmons - Hyperion Cantus
Tad Williams - Otherland
John Scalzi - Old Man's War
Robin Hobb - Farseer Trilogy
Peter F Hamilton - Commonwealth saga
I could go on, but these books spring to mind as world building I have enjoyed