I haven't read the books yet, so I can't speak to the faithfulness of the show to the original author's creation. I'm planning on ordering some of them today actually. I hadn't even heard of the show until my On Demand channel started advertising it and I ordered the first episode out of curiosity. (vampire movies have always fascinated me anyway)
On the negative side, the show's theme music is interesting but I found the graphics that went with it somewhat off-putting. I suppose you can say that images of death and decay coupled with footage of KKK gatherings and river Baptisms are relevant to the show's material and setting, but I just found it bizarre and a bit repulsive. Also, I agree with another reviewer that the show does come off a tad heavy on the soft core sex scenes. The bodies are certainly pretty enough, particularly the sexually compulsive Jason and the thoroughly entertaining Lafayette. But I could do without yet another scene of Jason banging some girl's head into a wall...or a bedboard...or a mirror. Lastly, some of the acting on the part of the supporting cast is below par. If I have to listen to Diane the cheesy vampiress giggle her way through another scene I may have to mute the TV until it's over.