George R.R. Martin has once again addressed the mounting frustration from fans over the long-delayed The Winds of Winter, and he’s not holding back.
In a new blog post titled Howard Meets Hercules, Martin announced a new animated film project adapting A Dozen Tough Jobs, a novella by his late friend Howard Waldrop.
Martin Addresses Fan Backlash Over Book Delays
The announcement was quickly overshadowed by a lengthy aside in which the Game of Thrones author acknowledged — and pushed back against — the intense backlash surrounding his delayed fantasy novel.
“I know, I know. Some of you will just be pissed off by this,” Martin wrote, referencing fans who criticize anything he works on that isn’t The Winds of Winter.
Frustrated by Accusations, Martin Says He Still Cares
Martin vented frustrations over the assumptions made by fans that he’s given up on the series, that he doesn’t care about the characters, that he’ll never finish the books, or that he’s simply cashing checks and wasting time.
“You’ve told me so often enough,” he said. “Thing is, I do care about them.”
Martin Reaffirms His Commitment to Westeros
Martin made it clear that he hasn’t abandoned the world of Westeros or its sprawling cast of characters, even though it’s been 14 years since the release of the last book, A Dance with Dragons.
“I care about Westeros and WINDS as well. The Starks and Lannisters and Targaryens, Tyrion and Asha, Dany and Daenerys, the dragons and the direwolves — I care about them all. More than you can ever imagine,” he wrote.
No Release Date, but the Wait Continues
While Martin didn’t provide a release date or update on The Winds of Winter, his comments mark another public response to ongoing pressure from fans. It’s been over a decade since the last book in A Song of Ice and Fire was published, and frustration has continued to build.
For now, the book remains unfinished, but Martin says he still cares about the story and its characters.
Back in 2016, Martin also posted an excerpt from The Winds of Winter, a full chapter from Arianne Martell’s point of view as she investigates the claims of a supposed Targaryen heir in the Stormlands.
What is the Winds of Winter about?
The Winds of Winter is the long-awaited sixth book in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series.
The novel continues the sprawling, multi-character story left off in A Dance with Dragons, with Westeros and Essos both on the brink of major upheaval.
In the North, the Boltons hold Winterfell, but challenges from Jon Snow’s allies, the wildlings, and others threaten their grip.
In the east, Daenerys Targaryen has vanished following a chaotic escape from Meereen and must regroup to reclaim her quest for the Iron Throne.
Meanwhile, a young man claiming to be Aegon Targaryen—supposedly Rhaegar’s long-lost son—is invading Westeros with the support of the Golden Company, presenting a new political threat.
Other characters like Arya Stark, Bran Stark, and Arianne Martell pursue their own arcs tied to themes of identity, magic, and power.
Martin has stated the book will be darker than previous entries, with several characters facing tragic or unexpected turns. Though the novel has not yet been released, sample chapters and interviews suggest The Winds of Winter will feature large-scale battles, shifting alliances, and a continued focus on the brutal, complex struggle for control of the Seven Kingdoms.
What’s next for Game of Thrones?
On the TV side of things, HBO is developing House of the Dragon Season 3, which is expected in 2026.
A Knight Of Seven Kingdoms is also expected in early 2026.
A number of projects are also said to be in development, including Aegon’s Conquest, a series about Aegon I Targaryen, a.k.a. Aegon the Conqueror. It’s also said that the works include The Sea Snake /Nine Voyages, following the sea-going adventures of Corlys Velaryon, and Ten Thousand Ships, set 1,000 years before the events of Game of Thrones.
A Game of Thrones movie is also in early development, which was announced last year.
