The mastermind behind Game of Thrones - George R.R. Martin - has promised fans he'll finish writing his famed book series. This news comes despite the fact that Martin had previously discussed his "struggle" to finish The Winds of Winter, the sixth novel in his A Song of Ice and Fire series.
Clamoring fans were offered an olive branch of sorts on November 20 with the release of Martin's newest title: Fire and Blood. Unfortunately the novel was no replacement for The Winds of Winter, as it did not continue the unfinished storylines from Martin's series, and instead focused solely on the history of the Targaryen lineage. This diversion from the original storyline doesn't end with this release, as Fire and Blood is the first of a two-volume story. Some fans found the novel served as a satiating appetizer for The Winds of Winter, while others found the novel's strong historical focus dampened the tantalizing plot lines Martin has become known for.
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In a blog post discussing the publicity tour for his newest release, Martin mentioned his long anticipated final A Song of Ice and Fire novel. While both acknowledging his fanbase's frustration and great patience, he made a promise that The Winds of Winter remains on the horizon:
Me, I am back in my fortress of solitude, and back in Westeros. It won’t be tomorrow, and it won’t be next week, but you will get the end of A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE.
Martin continued his post, attempting to placate fans with unrelated - albeit, exciting - Westeros news, mentioning the final season of Game of Thrones that's set to air in April of next year. A teaser trailer released by HBO spurred the internet into a frenzy just last week, and HBO has no plans of relinquishing Martin's fanbase anytime soon. The Long Night, the working title for Martin's Game of Thrones prequel, also got a nod in his blog post in the hopes that it too could pry his fans attention away from The Winds of Winter.
George R.R. Martin not only created a wildly successful book series and TV show, he created an entire universe. Though fans are seeking the next chapter of Martin's saga, Westeros has provided him with an endless supply of noteworthy content. Though he may be stalling on The Winds of Winter, the universe he created is moving forward, preparing for finales and premieres alike.
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Source: George R.R. Martin