Will George R. R. Martin release The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring together?

The release of George R.R. Martin’s highly anticipated books, The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring has been a topic of fervent discussion among fans for years. As the wait continues, speculation and theories have emerged, including one intriguing possibility theorized by Micheal Walsh on Nerdist.

In this article, we will delve into this theory, dissecting its validity in light of the time that has passed since the last book’s release. Additionally, we will provide updates on the progress of “The Winds of Winter” since the theory went viral and explore the plausibility of Martin releasing both books simultaneously.

As we embark on this exploration, it is important to note that the information presented is based on existing theories and available updates. The intention is to assess the validity of the theory in today’s context and provide readers with a comprehensive analysis of the potential simultaneous release of the final two books in the series. Let us now delve into the theory, assess the time that has passed, and evaluate the plausibility of this much-anticipated event.

Context: Has George R. R. Martin already finished The Winds of Winter but isn’t releasing it?

Revisiting the possibility

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The theory proposes that The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring may be released simultaneously. The main points of the theory are as follows.

Firstly, George R.R. Martin’s notoriously slow writing pace has slowed down even further, leading to speculation that he may not finish “The Winds of Winter” at all. This has raised concerns among fans who have been eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series.

Secondly, if Martin does finish The Winds of Winter, the theory suggests that he may choose to release both books together. This approach would aim to avoid another long wait between installments. Given the extended gaps between previous books, fans have been eagerly anticipating any news about the release of the final two books.

The extended time gap since the release of the last book in the series, A Dance with Dragons, in 2011, and since the advent of this theory, has contributed to the fueling of fan anticipation and speculation. The longer the wait, the more intense the anticipation becomes, and many fans are eager to see how the story concludes in the final two books.

The significance of this theory lies in the possibility of fans finally getting closure on the series without enduring another long wait between books. It also raises questions about Martin’s writing process and the challenges he may be facing in completing the series. Fans are eager to see how Martin will resolve the complex storylines and character arcs, and the simultaneous release of both books could offer a satisfying conclusion to the epic series.

Assessing the time passed

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Credit 2: Bantam Spectra

Since the release of A Dance with Dragons in 2011, fans have eagerly awaited updates on the progress of The Winds of Winter. George R.R. Martin’s slow writing pace has raised concerns about the book’s completion.

In May 2019, Martin jokingly promised fans that they could imprison him in a small cabin on White Island if he didn’t have The Winds of Winter in hand by July 2020. Despite this deadline, Martin admitted in June 2020 that he still had a long way to go with the book, although he assured fans he was making steady progress.

By February 2021, Martin reported having written hundreds of pages in the previous year but acknowledged that he still had hundreds more to write for a satisfactory conclusion. However, in March 2022, Martin conceded that he made less progress in 2021, indicating that his focus had shifted to other projects alongside The Winds of Winter.

Martin’s most recent updates in October 2022 indicate that he is three-quarters of the way through. And in December 2022, he still has 400 or 500 pages to write. 

What’s available from the book? All The Winds of Winter excerpts shared by George R. R. Martin so far

The prospect of a simultaneous release

Credit: Bantam Spectra

The plausibility of a simultaneous release of George R.R. Martin’s The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring has been a subject of speculation among fans. Several factors contribute to the potential validity of this theory.

One significant factor is the extended delays and the considerable time gap since the release of the last book, A Dance with Dragons. Fans have been eagerly awaiting the next installment, and Martin’s involvement in other projects, such as World of Ice & Fire, Tales of Dunk and Egg, and Fire & Blood, may have contributed to the delays.

Additionally, the expectations of fans and the pressure from Martin’s publisher play a role. The anticipation surrounding the conclusion of the series has reached a fervent level, and Martin’s publisher likely has expectations and financial considerations tied to the completion of the series.

Martin’s unpredictable nature as a storyteller adds another layer of possibility to the theory. Throughout the series, he has demonstrated a willingness to surprise readers with unexpected narrative choices. A simultaneous release of the last two books could be seen as a fitting surprise, aligning with Martin’s penchant for unpredictability.

Our take on The Winds of Winter release

While the theory of a simultaneous release of The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring remains speculative, the extended delays, Martin’s statements, fan expectations, and Martin’s unpredictable nature contribute to its plausibility. However, it is important to approach this theory with caution, as Martin’s writing process and intentions are known to be complex and subject to change. Only time will reveal the true outcome, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the resolution of this epic series.

Read Next: When is The Winds of Winter coming out?