I've read the books and found them enjoyable, not amazing in any way, but the main characters were intriguing to follow. I expected too much of this show, I expected it to be more than the books which was very unrealistic and unfair. As it is, I found this show quite painful to watch. The casting choices were surprisingly terrible, the acting forced and amateurish and directing leaves so much more to hope for. It was quite the disaster as a whole and I don't understand how it can have such high ratings. Must be from people who aren't familiar with the books.