Lacey doesn't know what he's talking about
The three authors out on their own by a country mile at the head of fantasy at the moment are Martin, Steven Erikson and China Mieville, without a shadow of a doubt. Erikson's "Malazan Book of the Fallen" is epic fantasy at its very best, but without the political intrigue of Martin's writing. Probably harder to read, but infinately more satisfying, IMHO. Mieville's "Urban Steampunk" Fantasy is almost unique, and certainly a cut above most other books out there at the moment. A brilliant writer.