We independently review all recommendations. Purchases made through our links may earn us an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
George R.R. Martin Knows You’re Doubting ‘The Winds of Winter’
Alright, let’s be real, if you’re a fan of A Song of Ice and Fire, you’ve been waiting for The Winds of Winter for what feels like an eternity. Thirteen years, to be exact. And guess what? George R.R. Martin knows it. In a recent chat with The Hollywood Reporter, he admitted that the delay frustrates him just as much as it frustrates us.
“I’m 13 years late,” he said. “Whenever I say that, I’m like, ‘How could I be 13 years late?’ I don’t know; it happens a day at a time.” Yeah, George, we feel that. At this point, fans have gone through every stage of grief waiting for the next book—denial, anger, bargaining, meme-making. And naturally, some are wondering if it’ll ever actually happen.
Still Chipping Away at It
But don’t lose all hope just yet. Martin insists he’s still working on The Winds of Winter, even if his ever-growing list of side projects keeps getting in the way. He calls finishing the book “a priority” but also acknowledges the lingering skepticism. “Many people are already writing obituaries for me,” he joked. “They’re saying, ‘Oh, he’ll never finish.’ Maybe they’re right. I don’t know. I’m alive right now! I seem pretty vital!”
Classic George—half self-deprecating, half reassuring. He knows the pressure is intense, and it’s not just about writing a book; it’s about delivering something worthy of the years of anticipation. That’s no small task. And with TV shows, spin-offs, and other projects keeping him busy, the wait isn’t exactly surprising at this point.
Need something to tide you over in the meantime? Audiobooks might be your best bet. Platforms like Audible even have special deals to help you binge some new stories while you wait.
Frustration, Theories, and a Little Hope
Ever since A Dance with Dragons came out in 2011, fans have been dissecting every rumor, every cryptic blog post, and every possible leak about The Winds of Winter. Theories have run wild, but one thing remains constant—people just want to get back to Westeros. Despite all the delays, Martin insists the book isn’t abandoned. He’s still in the trenches, making progress… however slow that may be.
If you’re juggling multiple series while waiting, you’re not alone. Thankfully, services like Kindle Unlimited sometimes offer good subscription deals, so you can explore other epic sagas while keeping one eye on Martin’s progress.
The Legacy of A Song of Ice and Fire
It’s wild to think about how much the world has changed since A Game of Thrones first hit shelves in 1996. The HBO show skyrocketed the series into mainstream fame, but let’s be honest—the way it wrapped up left a lot of people hoping Martin’s books would take the story in a different direction.
The ongoing wait for “The Winds of Winter” leads to a bigger topic about creative goals and realistic timelines. Martin’s work is rich, detailed, and very complex, which may explain the long wait. Still, it’s tough not to feel impatient. It feels like waiting for a package that keeps getting delayed, similar to those extra Kindle shipping delays, what’s going on with that?
Will It Be Worth the Wait?
At this point, The Winds of Winter is one of the most anticipated books of the century. And Martin knows it. He’s talked openly about the struggles of getting it done, but at least he still considers it a priority. Will it live up to the hype? Who knows. But when (if?) it finally drops, it’s going to be an event.
So, for now, we can only wait. We can read the series again. We can also search for new stories. Maybe we will go on Spotify and check their audiobook choices to pass the time. And, just maybe, 2025 will be the year we go back to Westeros. Fingers crossed.
