It has been 14 years since George R.R. Martin last released a novel in his A Song of Ice and Fire series. While fans have waited for The Winds of Winter, the Game of Thrones television adaptation has already concluded, leaving many questioning when the highly anticipated book will arrive.
Martin, 76, recently shared a rare progress update, confirming that The Winds of Winter is still in the works but remains unfinished. While the novel is expected to be one of the longest in the series, Martin also revealed his next writing plans—and they might not be what fans hoped for.
‘The Winds of Winter’ Nears Completion but No Release Date in Sight
In a blog post, Martin provided insight into his ongoing projects, including his work on the Game of Thrones prequel series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight. The television adaptation, set to premiere later this year, follows the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire, Egg, who eventually becomes King Aegon V Targaryen.
Amid his excitement for the spin-off, Martin addressed his long-delayed novel. The Winds of Winter is still in progress, but he confirmed that after finishing it, he will immediately begin work on The Village Hero, another novella in his Dunk and Egg series.
“And once I finish The Winds of Winter, I will need to get hopping on The Village Hero, and all the other tales that await the lads,” Martin wrote. “Don’t worry, I am sure you folks will remind me.”
His statement raised eyebrows, as fans have long anticipated A Dream of Spring, the final installment in A Song of Ice and Fire. However, Martin’s comments suggest that he plans to work on The Village Hero first, pushing back the timeline for the series’ ultimate conclusion.
What Comes After ‘The Winds of Winter’?
Martin has previously mentioned that he intends to write The Village Hero and She-Wolves, another Dunk and Egg novella, before tackling A Dream of Spring. He views these smaller projects as a “palate cleanser” between his more significant works.
However, with The Winds of Winter still incomplete and no official release date announced, fans worry that the final book may be further away. Given Martin’s history of extended writing periods, some readers speculate whether A Dream of Spring will ever materialize.
Despite the ongoing delays, Martin remains focused on his creative projects, balancing book writing with television adaptations and spin-offs. Whether this means another long wait for A Song of Ice and Fire’s finale remains to be seen.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Jaja’s career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including Business Times and Brigada. As a news editor, she covered a wide range of beats, including business, economy, cryptocurrency, and personal finance. Additionally, she has successfully managed teams of writers producing content on gaming, technology, and entertainment.
