I can count the number of times I die during a playthrough on both hands (aside from voluntary PvP, which I enjoy); bosses are the only immediate threat, and I'll die once at most in order to beat them, if at all. That's not to say I'm amazing at the game, as a lucky strike or a horde of enemies will still overwhelm me - it's more that I'm careful and rarely pull stupid stunts.
So yes, it's really fun, even though I didn't get into the game immediately.
I was terrible at dark souls.
I didn't know how to properly aim a bow until about 6 hours into the game when I tried to get the Drake sword (yes I was stuck in Undead Burg that long)
Untill I learned how to parry.
Then all fell before me and Gwyn was a cakewalk.