Born in Cardiff, boyo. I'm a transplant. Proud Canuck and Taffy.
As to Bakker and Erikson, I'd say their writing is somewhat darker than the above, especially Bakker's. A bit harsher, definitely adult reading. Erikson's work -- if memory serves -- is based on an original D&D campaign world. It's heady and complicated stuff. It's also absolutely loaded with characters -- its a dense read with a lot to take in. Well worth it if you have the patience to stick it out.
Cheers, Flynn
(Yeah, and an Irish name. Thanks, great-grandad.)