It’s no surprise that we at P&B absolutely love George R. R. Martin’s Ice and Fire series. You combine an epic story told in a way that neither talks down to the reader nor makes things too easy over the span of thousands of pages and you pretty much have us hooked. Well it turns out that we’re not the only ones.

I have attempted to try and not get too excited about the potential release of this series since hearing about its mumblings last year. HBO has spearheaded the task force in creating the television series, having already shot a pilot in late 2009. Up until now, however, they’ve kept their secrets tight like so many three hundred foot tall walls covered in ice (THAT’S AN ICE AND FIRE REFERENCE, FYI), allowing but little information to leak out. Luckily, the Chicago Tribune has posted a few tasty bits of news for all to enjoy. In summary, they have a full cast list and a couple of quotes from George himself on the matter:

“From the start of this, I’ve told myself, ‘Don’t get too emotionally invested in this, or you will be devastated if it doesn’t go.’ Wise words, those. I’m a smart guy.

“But easier said than done. I’ve failed. I am totally emotionally invested, and if HBO does indeed decide to pass, for whatever reason, I will be gutted.

“So let’s all hope I am soon doing the happy dance instead.”

You can read the rest here.