I was a big fan of the books back in the '90s, and I had a lot of reservations about watching the show - Would they highlight the worst of the books, or the best parts?
I'm happy to say they have absolutely taken most of the best parts of the books and given them vibrant life on the screen. My only complaint is to wish they had about 50% more time in this first season to put even more on the screen.
The only negative from this series has been having to deal with the 'fans' who somehow managed to identify with the absolute worst elements of the books - even the parts of the books the author explicitly showed us are evil! - who are now review-bombing and hounding anyone who talks about enjoying the show. Sad, sad lives they lead.