He says he will, or at least last time I saw anything official he said that.
The consensus of opinion is he never will.
It’s been stated, years ago, that the last 2 books were already written and just needed editing.
It’s also been stated that neither book has even been begun.
There was also a report that he couldn’t decide how to end things.
It really doesn’t matter now. It’s been well over a decade now since the last book, and the TV series made up it’s own ending, which was largely panned.
I long ago accepted that the story would never be completed, and binned it.
The fact it was left on one of the most major cliffhangers ever, puts it in the same category as tv series cancelled on major cliffhangers.
as an author myself, he is the example of what NOT to do with a long series.
As a reader, I refuse to read anything else he wrote.
He broke his covenant with his readers to complete the series, and that’s just
by Y_marj
12 Comments
It’s been twelve years since the last book, with no release in sight for the next one. Even if he manages to release it, he won’t live another twelve years to finish the series. He’s 75 and won’t be writing professionally for long enough to complete the work before he retires and/or dies. Sad but true.
I’ve accepted the books will never come. It’s a shame, he has a chance for a really cool redemption arc for the series after the show ended so catastrophically. I’d be elated if he finished the books, but I’m just not getting my hopes up.
There is no covenant between writers and readers. It’s morally neutral at worst for him to just fuck off with his millions and never finish it on purpose.
Whenever he does pass away, presumably with at least one book to go, I expect his publisher will hire someone else to finish the job.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again:
Practically, he doesn’t have any reason/motivation to finish the series. Considering efforts he has to put in for other side projects (e.g. backstories and novellas) and returns he is getting out of those, from his perspective, writing another two thousand pages or so may not be worth it.
Of course, that’s not a good scenario for the readers/fans. But looking at past release dates and latest updates, I wouldn’t be surprised if the series is never finished, or it is handed over to someone else to finish.
Said that, I waited long enough (waiting for all books to be released) to start reading the books. The idea was to get hold of all 7 books and read them back to back. And then start watching the TV series (no, I haven’t seen it yet).
But I’m glad I didn’t wait because after struggling with first book for almost 2 months and 600 pages (which brings my daily average reading to measly 10 pages), I did not find the book interesting at all and I gave up. I tried hard to actually like those books, but I didn’t/couldn’t.
Brandon Sanderson will be contracted to, and publish, a final draft of each of the remaining books approximately 36 seconds after GRRM’s death based solely on ‘notes’ obtained from half finished pop-tarts left around G’s house..
Personally I just don’t care, and I haven’t in a long time. I could worry about those last 2 books (and I doubt it would be 2 books anyway), or I can look at the never-ending TBR pile I’ve been accumulating, and read those instead.
Personally I think he’s had some really bad writer’s block. He meant to have it done before the HBO series ended. I think he did a few other projects to feel productive and hope it might spark something that might help lift his block. I don’t think he’ll finish them. Or if he does, it’ll be winds of winter only. Dreams of spring will likely have to be another writer after GRRM passes.
Take your time.
It’d be cool if he did, but he’s under no obligation to do so, and I don’t blame him if he doesn’t. He’s got lots of things he wants to work on and frankly, doesn’t have that many years left realistically in which to accomplish them.
At this point, does anybody care anymore?
Of course he won’t. Not a chance. I lost all hope years ago, now I’ve even lost interest.