Actually, Icewind Dale isn't really 'based' on Robert Salvatore's books; it is set 30 years before the Icewind Dale trilogy, and uses a single element from it, and only in the last chapter of the game (out of six chapters). Average Net score: 80-85%. Time to beat: about 20-30 hours. Replay value: very little. The only thing random in the game is the distribution of magic items. You might want to play it with a different party, but there is really no need. But it is pretty fun the first time through.
Unfortunately for you, the reader, I'm such a brainless invertebrate that I'm incapable of giving you any real, specific information. For example, the "single element" mentioned above: WHAT SINGLE ELEMENT? I won't tell you, because I'm an imbecile.