This is a bit embarrassing (I know Tristan, you should love all the facets of your personality, even the ones you don't want to) but.....

I have realised that (apart from the ubiquitous Lord of the Rings, which hardly counts) I've never read a fantasy novel before. I think I would like to.

Would anyone give me some recommendations on what's a good one? I'd like something a bit more difficult and complex, but still a page turner. I was thinking about trying the first part of A Song of Fire & Ice by George R.R. Martin, because it's being adapted by HBO soon, which must mean it's good, right?