I took up the notice so I went for this site (clicked on epic fantasy, the genre of the game)
http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?STORE=book&FMT=physical&CAT=292&SRT=SA
Never read that series as I read an interviewer by the guy stating he is trying to emulate the complexity of a saga "Les rois maudits" written by author Maurice Druon. Apparently authored the preface to the english version.
Convinced me not to read his series as I read already "Les rois maudits" Useless to do things twice in this case.
To emulate the complexity isn't the same thing as telling the same story is it? I haven't read "Le rois maudits" so I can't compare, but what I can say is that A song of ice and fire is a totally different beast than LOTR. Much more character depth, many more shades of gray where at one moment you hate the characters and the next you start to sympathize and suddenly you love them. And then they die. What I feel Tolkien did great was world building and scenery, but when it comes down to intrigues and romance, story and depth I feel LOTR is lacking. I love LOTR for what it is, the creation of the Fantasy genre (Yes I know there are earlier examples, but to me Tolkien is the father of modern Fantasy.) But when I read the books today they can't compare to Ericsson, Martin, Kerr or Hamilton (Hamilton is actually more sci-fi but so good he has to mentioned). I realize this is my subjective opinion, and everyone else is entitled to theirs, but I have to agree with Wisdom. I don't think LOTR would be as much of a success if it had been written today.