[Amnorix]

I will definitely give them considerable leeway to divert from the books for several reasons.

1. who the hell knows if the books will be finished before the series, but it seems unlikely at best. As long as they stick to the "big picture" of what Martin has in mind, the details can diverge as seems best for TV, versus print.

2. Books 4 and 5 are pretty long, slow and without nearly as many exciting moments. The drama and tension are building as people position themselves for the final struggle for the Iron Throne, but it'd be pretty boring TV for the most part.

3. Some key characters don't get to do much for quite a while -- most significantly Jaime and Littlefinger/Sansa. Doubt they want to table them for the next two seasons...