This series is similar to Tolkien's style of fantasy, but since most fantasy is, I don't hold that against Williams. The plot of these is what you'd expect from a fantasy, but not without depth. There are several plot concepts that might not be picked up by all readers and are gems for those who do see them. (When I read through these, I asked my older brother to confirm one such hidden plot gem, and he had missed it altogether!)
And the princess is very cool in these books.