George R.R. Martin's The Winds of Winter, the highly anticipated sixth installment in A Song of Ice and Fire, remains shrouded in mystery regarding its release date. While initially projected for completion by late 2015, the manuscript's progress has been slower than anticipated. In October 2022, Martin reported being approximately 75% finished, and as of November 2023, he's completed 1,100 pages – a figure unchanged from December 2022. Recent statements suggest the book may never be completed within his lifetime.
Anticipated Length and Story Details:
The novel is projected to be around 1,500 pages, surpassing the length of its predecessors. Martin has indicated the book will open with major battles, resolving cliffhangers from A Dance with Dragons. Key characters like Daenerys Targaryen and Tyrion Lannister will have significant roles, their paths converging in unexpected ways. The Dothraki will return prominently, and significant events will unfold at The Wall. Expect a darker tone, with Martin describing "dark chapters" and a story that "gets worse before it gets better." The inclusion of an "interesting take on unicorns" has also been teased.
Confirmed POV Characters:
Martin has confirmed the following characters will have chapters from their perspectives:
- Tyrion Lannister
- Cersei Lannister
- Jaime Lannister and/or Brienne of Tarth
- Arya Stark
- Sansa Stark
- Bran Stark
- Theon Greyjoy
- Asha Greyjoy
- Victarion Greyjoy
- Aeron Greyjoy/Damphair
- Barristan Selmy
- Arianne Martell
- Areo Hotah
- Jon Connington
Daenerys Targaryen's return as a POV character is highly likely. Others potentially included are Davos Seaworth, Samwell Tarly, and Melisandre. Jeyne Westerling's appearance in the prologue has been confirmed.
Book vs. TV Series Differences:
Significant deviations from the Game of Thrones television series are expected. Characters' fates will diverge, with some surviving in the books who died in the show, and vice versa. New characters and those absent from the show will play crucial roles. Martin emphasizes the expanded scope and complexity of the books, leading to inevitable differences.
A major twist involving a character deceased in the show but alive in the books is also promised.
A Dream of Spring and Beyond:
The final book, A Dream of Spring, is anticipated to be similarly lengthy and offer a bittersweet conclusion. Martin's other projects include a second volume of Blood & Fire, additional Dunk and Egg stories, and continued work on Wild Cards and various television productions.
