Introduction
The long-anticipated Game of Thrones final season has generated unparalleled excitement among fans. With this in mind, many are eagerly awaiting the release of the next books in George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, hoping they might coincide with the TV show. However, based on Martin's current work pace and the sheer complexity of the narrative, it is highly unlikely that these books will see the light of day before the final season premieres.
Current Status of the Book Series
Currently, the book The Winds of Winter remains unfinished, with no set release date in sight. Even if this particular book were completed, it is probable that it would be allowed to sit on the shelves for an appropriate amount of time to coincide with the final season premiere. Similarly, the next book in the series, The Song of Spring, is next in line, but its release is even more uncertain.
Production and Marketing Strategies
HBO has explicitly stated that the final season of Game of Thrones will not be used to promote a prequel series. Instead, they want the final season to stand on its own, free from any cross-marketing material. This decision, coupled with Martin's close relationship with HBO and the show's producers, makes it highly unlikely that he would rush to publish a book that might detract from the franchise's final season. George R. R. Martin has a history of prioritizing the quality and storyline of the books, ensuring that they do not interfere with the TV show's narrative.
Implications of Timing
Even if the sixth book were miraculously finished, sitting on it for an appropriate period to align with the final season premiere is a realistic expectation. There is no precedent for hastily releasing books that could potentially overshadow the TV show's climax. Given the complex nature of the narrative and the need for thorough editing, it is challenging to see Martin completing even a single book in the coming nine months. HBO's finale is anticipated to premiere in April 2019, around the same time as the release of the books in the past. However, with the current pace of work, it seems improbable that the books will be completed and released in time.
One possible scenario is a "go/no go" cutoff date for the book's publication. If the series were to premiere on Sunday, April 14, 2019, the fifth book of the series, The Winds of Winter, was completed and released in about two and a half months. Based on this timeline, the book could realistically be finished and submitted around February 2019. However, given the complexity and Martin's tendency to work slowly, it is more likely that the books will remain unpublished until after the final season's conclusion.
Conclusion
While it is an extremely pessimistic and bitter thought, the reality is that the release of the next books in the A Song of Ice and Fire series is highly unlikely before the final season of Game of Thrones. The combination of the book's complexity, Martin's work pace, and HBO's marketing strategy makes any assumption of a close release date purely speculative. The best hope for fans is that they are proven wrong and the books will be released to coincide with the final season, allowing for a seamless connection between the two mediums.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much time is required to publish a book in the A Song of Ice and Fire series?
A: Based on past experience, the average turnaround time from completion of a book to its release is about two and a half months. This means that if the final season were to premiere in April 2019, the next book would need to be completed and submitted around February of the same year.
Q: What is the likelihood of the next book being published in time for the final season?
A: Given George R. R. Martin's work pace and the amounts of editing and revisions typically required, the likelihood of a book being published before the final season is extremely low. It is more probable that the books will be released after the show concludes, ensuring their quality and integrity remain intact.
Q: Why won't HBO use the final season to promote a prequel series?
A: HBO's primary goal is to maintain franchise solidarity for the final season. By limiting cross-marketing, they ensure the show has its own narrative space and does not overshadow potential prequels. This strategy also helps in building a seamless and coherent ending to the series without external distractions.