I have been very, very careful in avoiding fantasy books. The few I read after Tolkien let me down horribly, so largely I have left the genre alone.
But the other day I watched the first episode of the TV series, and liked it, but found t confusing, so Mr Ber helpfully bought me the first book in paperback.
I'm hooked!
The thing that clinched it for me was the realisation that this was Dune in a Tolkien-like universe. I'm only halfway through the first book, but I foresee many hours of enjoyment...