I have the advantage of a boyfriend who's read the series, and who has sometimes paused the show to explain who people - like Theon Greyjoy - are, but for the most part, I'm finding it easy enough to follow. It challenges the viewer, it's a show you most definitely have to be concentrating on :D I don't want to spoil myself for the show by reading the book first, so I'm waiting until this series is finished, at least.