I have to admit I had never read the books till after buying the series on DVD.  I got hooked on the series as I was a avid Battlestar Galactica fan.  Yes both series I am one of the odd balls.  I was very impressed with the series and it looked interesting enough, but then again I miss the sites around Chicago so it does help curb the desire to go visit near home.  When I picked up the DVDs they had a add for the books and since they cancelled the show.  Hell figured might as well read the books and been hooked since.