Yeah the branded books are not great -- I'm always struck by contrast between how much I (really, really) like Ed Greenwood's ideas and how badly he expresses them in writing.
But -- Salvatore is good at narrative battle sequences. Also has a talent for honing in the best parts of the rules and making them come to life.
Cunningham's Halruaa books -- The Magehound counselors and kings was fun. YA, story of sorcerer. Young, woman is born an urchin into a world where mages rule and scholarship is highly respected. She quickly finds she can do the same things the elites can but she has to hide her powers because Halruaas consider magic without knowledge dangerous. (can I resist saying I'm annoyed that 4th ed blew up Halruaa? Apparently not)
