We all moan about a lot of adaptations to tv, especially SK's, and films too. But I've found, sometimes, the best way with a series of books is to read the books along with the series. With Game of Thrones I've read each book (I've still got the last one on my to read pile) ,just prior to watching the season. Which has worked a treat because the characters faces fit what I 'm reading. Obviously now as I'm reading them I'm seeing the actors in my head. I started watching the Las season the other day, and I quite felt liked already seen that episode.