Originally posted by mickey You guys recommend the books, then?
How closely related are the books and show?
Pretty close. They've left out some subplots, consolidated some minor characters and simplified a little, but they are very true to the books. There has been a few changes -- for example, who dies in the Season 3 Episode 9 event the OP was talking about, that will eliminate any future subplots around that person or persons.
Since we know GRRM won't finish the book series at a pace for the show, the fact they've been pretty true to the books makes me feel comfortable about the show setting the tone for the final book(s) instead of the other way around.
For Season 4, I am expecting Episode 1 to kill off a major character, followed by another in Episode 2. They might space it out, or it might be Episode 2 & 3, but the producers have said a LOT of action happens right away in season 4. They don't have to set anything up this season, it's already set.
For heavens sake, nobody just start watching with season 4. You'll be utterly lost.