The paperbacks, at least, have appendices in the back if you get stuck except they're broken down by the various houses so if you don't remember where the character fit in, you still have to hunt. At the rate I'm going with the books, they'll be done with the sixth season before I get through the books and on to the TV show! Still only in the 400s of book 3 (probably roughly about the same as you) so avoiding spoilers. Will be interesting to hear what you think about having done it the other way around.I'm the same. Did the TV show first and now the books. But, I'm glad I am watching at the same time. My pea brain couldn't keep up with all the characters in the books if I didn't have the show to fall back on.