I have not read the books, My daughters and wife have read them and were anxious for this series.
I really liked the actors and thought they did a decent job. The effects and look of the series were well done.
My problem was the series felt very rushed. After seeing the entire series I feel it could have been 2-5 episodes longer to supply more detail, build the world out, raise the stakes and allow us to get to know what's at stake.
I know books are always better...but remember I have not read the books and I could tell it was rushed.
My wife and daughter overall enjoyed the series, but were let down at how thin it seemed.
I plan to read the series now to see what I missed!