I haven't read the books, but I plan to start them this summer. I will say that Dany is my least favorite character and her story line is by far the least interesting to me. As a non-reader I think HBO spent too many precious minutes in the final episode on her. Her meanderings through the house of the undying were very boring and seemed pointless in moving the story forward. But I'm sure it's essential in the books. I really have to say I do not much care what happens to her! Yet I have a feeling that she and her dragons will play a very important role in dealing with the white walkers someday...? So why is HBO making her story line so bland? Otherwise, I give it an 8.