Thabks for all the comments. I guess I might as well add the sequel to the reading queue, though it may be that the style of the series just isn’t really my cup of tea–I generally prefer stuff along the lines of Cabell, Vance, or Dunsany.
Heh, nah, though I have seen them. Just a coincidence, though, as I’ve been using this nickname on and off since before I joined here five years ago.
Well, considering that the OP started this thread to say he’d read the first book and asking if he should continue, I think spoilering bits from books two and three is simply polite (and I spoilered a bit from book one, in case anyone who hasn’t read the series at all wanders in, since spoilers were not indicated in the title). There have been general threads before to discuss the series where spoilers were in open text, and anyone is free to start one.
I’ve read quotes from Martin that indicate he’s a big fan of Vance, particulary The Dying Earth, but yeah, his style is very different. It’s more, hmm, modern I guess, for lack of a better word. Well, less romantic, anyways, in terms of what he depicts, though I do think he does a very good job of capturing the medieval mindset (for instance, he doesn’t shy away from the sexism and classism of the period, which a lot of modern fantasy writers tend to gloss over or ignore completely).
That’s a good point, and I hadn’t considered it.
You didn’t like the first book ? You should be institutionalized ! 
The series does get better… if that will be enough for you I don’t know. Magic and some mystical things do “increase” in the second book. Its all about the characters…