I've been biding my time when it comes to replying to this, because I had no wish to come across as pertentious (hope I spelled it right, I don't have access to my word processor at the moment).
I strongly recommend Outlanders, by James Axler.
First and formost, James Axler is a house name owned by Gold Eagle. It's used on both Outlanders and the horribly written Deathlands.
Why do I recommend it? Several reasons. First, I've been friends with the main author, creator for over 6 years. Mark Ellis is a master wordsmith and a hell of a guy too boot. He has been able to weave a series that mixes in mythology, hard science, and fiction into an intriguing and catching storyline.
Second reason: As I stated above, the writing is exceptional, the characters are believable, and likeable, and they not only change as the series progressed, but they adapted, and became better. They didn't stay stagnant like what happens in a lot of series.
Third reason: Sure, the series has stand alone stories, but like any good series, we have long term story arcs (one which won't be completed until about 2005), they have adventures that take the main characters all over the globe, and even off world, and to alternate realities, and back in time. The main charactes have saved the world on several occasions, to boot.
Forth reason: I have contributed to the series as well. My book, Black Sphinx, comes out next August.
Currently, there are twenty five volumns in the series. and the main author has been contracted out for another six, which means that it will carry the series into no less than two more years.
Now, to the basic premise: The series takes place 200 years after a global holocaust wipes out civilization as we know it. Out of the Anarchy that ruled the planet, especially the states for over 100 years rose a new order. 9 God-King like hybrids. These new rulers have a death-grip on the former United States. Their will is enforced by a group of elite Police-Soldier force known as the Magistrates.
The main characters Kane and Grant are former magistrates who were forced into exile after learning too much about the truth behind the holocaust and the barons they serve.
Joined by Brigid Baptiste, Domi and Lakesh, they fight the barons, using lost technology, striking out from a hidden base.
Through their adventures, they have discovered far more than they ever dreamed possible, and have hurt the barons in ways that can't be fixed.
A great deal of humanities myth's have been explained, as well as the hidden history.
It may be set in a post holocaust environment, but it is far from that. It's a science fiction adventure, that is really worth picking up and reading.
And, I can tell you this, there is a hell of a change coming up in the series, which will shake it to it's foundations.
Please, give it a shot, you won't be disappointed. But, if you are willing to try it out, read the two current novels: Talon and Fang and the sequel Sea of Plague.
The upcoming novel Awakening wasn't written by Mark. It was written by another writer, Victor Milan. His main claim to fame is the old Guardians series from the 80's.
It wouldn't be a good place to pick the series up.
Anyhow, sorry for the long winded post...
Chris