I've really enjoyed this series, even with the fear of it being left unfinished. Martin's characters remind me of the characters of Glen Cook's writing - also some kick-ass dark fantasy. Check out his Dread Empire series: http://www.amazon.com/Dread-Empire-Glen-Cook/lm/R1423C8TEEUL...
Also along this line of epic fantasy are the Malazan Empire books by Steven Erikson - http://www.amazon.com/Gardens-Moon-Malazan-Book-Fallen/dp/07...