Game of Thrones has now overtaken the books in terms of plot, taking the characters beyond their literary appearances with George R.R. Martin yet to take his next steps with Winds of Winter. The popular author, often abbreviated to GRRM, has been writing the series since the late 1990s. Since then, he has released a total of 10 books, including offshoots and tie-ins to the series.
The Winds of Winter is expected to be Mr Martin’s penultimate book in the series, and the author has recently admitted he is “struggling” with it.
When is The Winds of Winter released?
The Winds of Winter is the sixth book in the Song of Ice and Fire series, the sequel to A Dance With Dragons.
George R.R. Martin has said both the book and its sequel will be huge in length, both pushing 1,500 pages.
This means the author is taking time and care, and has not spoken of any concrete release dates.
He has confirmed The Winds of Winter will not be releasing this year however.
READ MORE: George RR Martin talks about “complex” Winds of Winter
The author has been “struggling” with the book, meaning it is so far not possible for him to estimate when he will be finished.
Talking to the Guardian, George R.R. Martin spoke of the trouble he has had with writing the next book.
He said: “I’ve been struggling with it for a few years.
“The Winds of Winter is not so much a novel as a dozen novels, each with a different protagonist, each having a different cast of supporting players, antagonists, allies and lovers around them, and all of these weaving together against the march of time in an extremely complex fashion.
“So it’s very, very challenging. Fire and Blood by contrast was very simple.”
READ MORE: TV host DEMANDS George RR Martin finish Winds of Winter
“Not that it’s easy – it still took me years to put together – but it is easier.”
Despite this, the sixth book in the Game of Thrones series is Mr Martin’s core focus.
He said: “The Winds of Winter is next, then I’ll decide what comes after that – whether it’s to go on to A Dream of Spring, the last one, or whether I switch back into Fire and Blood II, do another Dunk and Egg story or two.
“But I’ll worry about that one thing at a time – that’s too far ahead.”
READ MORE: George RR Martin talks aboue “intimidating pressure” for Winds of Winter
When will Game of Thrones season eight release?
Game of Thrones’ final season officially started filming last year, on October 23 2017.
Filming concluded in June this year and the new season is officially scheduled for release come April 2019.
There are no details beyond this, as we know nothing beyond the month, and there are no plot line details yet either.
Fans will have to exercise patience in the run up to next year, as more details will be released closer to the time.