Game of Thrones

 

It was recently announced that a fantasy series, George R. R. Martins’s A Song of Fire and Ice, will be filmed in Belfast later this year.  Being a fan of Sci-Fi and Fantasy (FIJAGH!), I picked up a copy of Game of Thrones, the first book in the series, from my local library.  I've just finished reading it, and I am already a huge fan of the series.  While some reviewers have compared it to Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, it reminded me more of Dune, with the detailed descriptions of the myriad court factions jostling for power.  The book is also quiet brutal, with none of the fantasy escapism that puts some people off the LOTR.  All in all, was an excellent read, and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Clash of Kings.

I’ve just checked the IMDB site for details of the HBO production of Game of Thrones, and it looks to have a pretty impressive cast list.  Sean Bean (LOTR, Red Riding) is in the lead role as Eddard Stark.  It looks like Jennifer Ehle (Pride and Prejudice, Possession) will no longer be appearing as Catelyn Stark, but she is replaced by a local actress, Michelle Fairley.

Unfortunately, the talentless Lena Headey (300, St. Trinian’s) is also appearing.  Thankfully, she is the evil Cersei Lannister, so we can “Boo!” when she appears onscreen to ruin a scene.