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George R. R. Martin gives Game of Thrones fans huge update on next book

Game of Thrones author George R. R. Martin has updated fans on The Winds of Winter, revealing the highly anticipated sixth A Song of Ice and Fire book 'continues to get longer' after 15 years

[ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 23: George R.R. Martin attends the 2023 Image Film Awards during the 2023 Atlanta Film Festival at The Fox Theatre on April 23, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)]

The writer seems sick of answering fans burning questions(Image: Paras Griffin, Getty Images)

Celebrated American novelist George R. R. Martin can try to dodge the spotlight all he wants, but devoted readers refuse to let up on pressing questions about the bombshell he dropped - the upcoming instalment in the Game of Thrones saga.

The acclaimed writer has crafted five core books in the A Song of Ice and Fire collection, which became the foundation for what countless viewers regard as television's finest masterpiece, Game of Thrones.

However, he revealed there are destined to be two additional volumes to finally wrap up the epic tale.

The forthcoming one bears the title The Winds of Winter - yet eager readers have already endured a gruelling 15-year vigil for its arrival. It's the burning question dominating every conversation - when exactly will this highly anticipated book materialise?

[George RR Martin]

George RR Martin is the author of the books that were adapted to be Game of Thrones(Image: Nick Briggs)

Martin has masterfully dodged providing concrete answers, instead drip-feeding supporters tidbits about its publication over the years. Rather puzzlingly, he appears to be crafting and penning virtually everything except The Winds of Winter.

In a rediscovered clip from a fan Q&A session, the novelist reveals: "It's the same update I've been giving for a long time. I continue to work on it. It continues to get longer and longer."

Martin confessed to his own dissatisfaction with portions of his manuscript after revisiting them and chose to "rip them apart", which might explain the substantial hold-up.

The previous volume hit shelves in 2011, leaving supporters baffled as to why such an extended period would be necessary, with some questioning whether the book actually exists at this point.

[George RR Martin Fire and Blood]

There are currently 6 books published in the original series(Image: Bantam Books)

Although there's been no progress on book six, Martin confirmed on the Official Game of Thrones Podcast that he's continuing to develop the Tales of Dunk and Egg series, which served as inspiration for the latest show, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, launching today.

He revealed that a detailed "long-term roadmap" has been shared with HBO's Ira Parker. According to Martin, this ambitious plan encompasses an additional 10 or 12 stories that will chronicle Dunk and Egg's complete journey through life.

The saga will ultimately conclude with their demise at Summerhall.

In the same viral clip from a 2024 interview, he disclosed that The Winds of Winter represents both a "big" and "challenging" undertaking, potentially surpassing all previous instalments in terms of length. Since then, he's characterised the project as somewhat of a "curse" whilst his other HBO television ventures have consumed significant portions of his schedule.

This explanation failed to satisfy readers, who quickly inundated the comments section of the TikTok clip.

One user said: "I guarantee the ending to GOT was as close to winds of winter as we would ever get and now he doesn't know how to end it. He's trying to make the ending more likeable, but I don't think he can end it."

Another added: "I stand on my theory that what happened in the GOT show was supposed to be canon, but because of the way it flopped, he has scrapped all of it and is now trying to come up with something better."

Another supporter rallied behind Martin, commenting: "I don't think people truly grasp how much of a monster wrapping up this series is. There is so much that needs to happen while trying to ensure consistency; it's near impossible."

Meanwhile, the hugely influential author has been crafting additional tales within the same universe, including A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. This trio of novels unfolds approximately 90 years before the main series' events, providing extra background.

Whilst Game of Thrones enthusiasts lament the end of their beloved programme, they're now preparing to discover fresh and thrilling characters built upon the same foundations.

The debut episode is scheduled to broadcast on HBO on January 18, with Martin conducting promotional interviews for his latest work.

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