Martin's book "A Game of Thrones" is probably the best written fantasy novel I've ever read. It almost perfectly depicts politics and relationhips between humans. While combined with a extremely intersting story line I think what sets this book apart are the characters. In most works of fiction the authors tend to over simplify the world into good and evil, with maybe a few characters who lie somwhere in between. It's just easier to imagine glorious kings sallying forth with armies of virtueous supporters, to do battle with the ingenious and ruthless forces of evil. While all great authors depart from this simplistic view to some degree, Martin abandons it.
In his books every character, even the protagonists, the Stark family, have strenghts and faults. Ned Stark the head of the family is extremely honorable, but his honor goes so far that it makes hum impotent against forces that may well lead to the destruction of his house. The King is brave and honorable, but he is gluttonous and is blind to his wife's treachery. On and on it goes with each villain and hero having his own list of attributes that are made clear to the read through the course of the book. In the end the outcome of the book is decided by the complex equation of these characteristics along with a good deal of luck. This detail makes "A Game of Thrones" a rather long book, but it is well worth the read.
The long awaited sequel to "A Clash Of Kings" was supposed to be released in May of 1998. Unfortuneatly, for some unknown reason, it was canceled. Amazon.Com says it'll be released in December, but Barnes and Nobles says it's canceled fo good. So who knows, I really hope for our sake that'll it'll be published, this really is one of the most promising series I've read in a long time.