Well, the show has deviated quite considerably from the books (which I've also read), no one can blame them for that, as the author is unforgivably slow. It's by no means true historical fiction, so there have been many surprises...and heartbreaks. I won't say much more lest I spoil for anyone, but tonight's episode was rather epic, frankly I would not be surprised if the dip in communications had something to do with it.