The HBO series is pretty bad ass. I mean, they just stabbed a pregnant lady in the stomach on TV? That is some gangsta shit, and HBO will always push the envelope.
As for Martin and the book, people are rightfully concerned as to whether he will even live to complete the series. He's 65 and morbidly obese. Considering it takes him 3-5 years to write a book, there is a very real possibility that "the game" won't even be done before he dies. I wonder if he already has a writer penned if he dies.
As for the storyline, it is great, and it isn't all that complicated if you are a student of history. Martin is good, but he shamelessly steals from history, i.e., the War of the Roses. I mean, ever major event is basically a real life event that happen during the War of Roses, with slight variations. The princes in the tower, bastard kids trying to take the throne, and even the red wedding are all events that occurred during the War of Roses. Martin isn't really a "visionary" in that he simply converted Norman/British/Irish history into fiction (and added some dragons). I still enjoy the series though.
Daenarys is gonna win the throne IMHO -- Dragons FTW (only people who know are HBO and Martin). I think Stannis is gonna be close (he's my second favorite character, though he's pussy whipped). I also think Tyrion (my favorite) is gonna end up ruling Casterly Rock someday, which would rock.
And can't wait for Stoneheart. Be afraid. Be very afraid....
To bad Robert Baratheon got fat and died from a boar wound. He was a bad ass when he was young (against Rhaegar with his warhammer)
