While the TV series did not follow the books exactly, which is to be expected, and it can't be true to the final 2 books in the series because they haven't been published to this day, I'd say the series is indeed true to the spirit of the books.
The series is great and well worth watching unless you have a problem with:
Sex
Nudity
Blood
Violence
Gore
Torture
Rape
or Foul Language
Me? I though it was must watch TV.
The first book, A Game of Thrones was published in 1996.
A Clash of Kings (1999)
A Storm of Swords (2000)
A Feast for Crows (2005)
A Dance with Dragons (2011)
The Winds of Winter 9 years later we're still waiting. No firm release date.
A Dream of Spring Publication date is anybody's guess.
I just hope he lives long enough to finish.
Never again will I buy the first book in a series until the final book is published. 5 years between books 3 and 4. 6 years between books 4 and 5. 9 years later still waiting for book 6. Book 7, God only knows.
I'm never falling for this again.
Thank you so much, covfefe, and good night!
-- Anna Kendrick