1) In a tv series like HOTD or GOT, charisma is more important than acting skills. Sophie Turner/ Kit Harington/ Nikolaj Coster-Waldau etc, were not the best actors of the world but they were charismatic and magnetic. They shined on the screen. Peculiar faces/the way they speak and move etc. Of course, it helps if you are both charismatic and great actor. Like Sean Bean or Lena Headey. There are some great and charismatic actors in HOTD too, like Ifans/Smith/ Considine etc. (Considine literally commands the room, there is an episode here which he gives probably the best performance of both GOT and HOTD). However, there are others with Common faces, zero charisma and mediocre acting skills. They shouldn't be here. I don't want to name them, but it's obvious i think.

2) I haven't read the books. I don't care if there are some changes in adapted screenplay, as long as i am being entertained. Some things here don't make much sense, especially during the first four episodes. I didn't like much the first episodes. At times, it's like i was watching a parody of Game of Thrones. There were some positives too. But the sum of it was really flawed.

3) Nevertheless, HOTD keeps getting better and better during the second half. Dialogues are sharper, tension rises, viewer cares more about the characters. To be honest, i would prefer if it was less morally grey, i mean, it's like every character here is a villain. But it doesn't matter much, as long as the show has something to offer. I enjoyed the last 5-6 episodes. HOTD is not as great as GOT, at least up till now. The whole first season is like an introduction/preamble though. Next seasons will be more intense, i am sure.

4) In conclusion, Game of Thrones it is not. And that's ok, GOT is at least top 5 tv series ever. HOTD is promising. This was a good beginning. Let's see what future holds.