More than a decade after A Dance with Dragons, The Winds of Winter remains one of the most anticipated fantasy novels ever written. George R.R. Martin’s sixth A Song of Ice and Fire book has become almost mythical among fans, with years of delays, countless updates, and endless speculation about when—or if—it will finally arrive.
While HBO has continued expanding the Game of Thrones universe through House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Martin insists the next novel is still a priority. Here’s everything we know so far.
Is The Winds of Winter releasing in 2026?
Unfortunately, there’s still no confirmed release date.
Martin originally planned to finish the novel before Game of Thrones season six aired in 2016, but multiple self-imposed deadlines have passed since then. Despite regular progress updates, he has repeatedly stated that the book will be released only when he’s satisfied with it.
As of early 2026, fans shouldn’t expect a release announcement until Martin officially confirms the manuscript is complete.
Is the book finished?
Not yet.
Martin has revealed that he has written around 1,100 manuscript pages, making it one of the biggest books in the series. However, he frequently revises chapters, rewrites entire sections, and shifts between different character viewpoints whenever he gets stuck.
Given the size of previous novels, many fans believe The Winds of Winter could exceed 1,500 pages and may even be published in two volumes in some countries.
Why is it taking so long?
The biggest reason is Martin’s writing process.
Unlike many authors, Martin doesn’t strictly outline every chapter beforehand. He often rewrites scenes multiple times until they’re exactly how he wants them.
Alongside writing, Martin has also spent recent years working on:
- HBO’s expanding Game of Thrones universe
- House of the Dragon
- A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
- Multiple new Westeros spin-offs
- Other television and film projects
Despite concerns from fans, Martin has repeatedly said that The Winds of Winter remains his highest writing priority.
What happens after The Winds of Winter?
The sixth novel is expected to be followed by A Dream of Spring, which remains planned as the final book in A Song of Ice and Fire.
Although fans have speculated Martin could secretly be writing both novels together, there’s been no evidence to support those theories.
Which characters return?
Nearly every surviving major character is expected to play an important role, including:
- Jon Snow
- Daenerys Targaryen
- Tyrion Lannister
- Arya Stark
- Sansa Stark
- Bran Stark
- Cersei Lannister
- Jaime Lannister
- Brienne of Tarth
- Davos Seaworth
- Victarion Greyjoy
- Arianne Martell
- Barristan Selmy
- Theon and Asha Greyjoy
Martin has also teased larger roles for several supporting characters, including the Sand Snakes, Osha, Marillion and Khal Drogo’s former bloodrider Mago.
What do the preview chapters reveal?
Over the years, Martin has released or publicly read 11 preview chapters, giving fans an early glimpse into the novel.
Some of the biggest developments include:
The Battle of Meereen
Several preview chapters focus on Barristan Selmy, Tyrion and Victarion Greyjoy as the massive battle outside Meereen begins. Victarion also prepares to use the mysterious Dragonbinder horn, which supposedly allows someone to control dragons—at a deadly cost.
Stannis vs Winterfell
Theon Greyjoy’s chapters reveal Stannis preparing for his assault on Winterfell while awaiting a decisive confrontation with the Boltons. The preview also hints that Stannis may have a clever strategy hidden beneath the frozen battlefield.
Arya’s mission
Operating under the identity of “Mercy” in Braavos, Arya abandons her training long enough to assassinate Raff the Sweetling, another name crossed off her revenge list.
Sansa in the Vale
Still disguised as Alayne Stone, Sansa begins Littlefinger’s plan to secure her marriage to Harry the Heir, though she already appears to be playing her own political game.
Arianne Martell
The Dornish princess travels to meet Young Griff—who claims to be Aegon Targaryen—setting up one of the novel’s biggest political storylines.
Aeron Greyjoy
One of the darkest preview chapters follows Aeron Greyjoy as a prisoner aboard Euron’s fleet, revealing the terrifying ambitions of the Crow’s Eye before a major naval conflict.
Biggest questions the novel must answer
Even with the preview chapters available, several mysteries remain unresolved:
- Will Jon Snow survive his stabbing?
- Can Daenerys finally return to Westeros?
- Is Young Griff truly Aegon Targaryen?
- Will Stannis defeat the Boltons?
- Can Victarion control a dragon?
- What role will Lady Stoneheart play?
- Will Jaime survive meeting her?
- Can Davos rescue Rickon Stark from Skagos?
- Will Sansa outsmart Littlefinger?
- Who ultimately controls the Iron Throne?
Final thoughts
Few books have carried the weight of expectation that The Winds of Winter now faces. After more than fifteen years of anticipation, the novel has become one of fantasy’s biggest unanswered questions.
While George R.R. Martin continues to make progress, there’s still no guarantee of when readers will finally hold the book in their hands. Until then, the preview chapters, theories and countless fan discussions remain the closest glimpse into the next chapter of Westeros—and the long-awaited continuation of one of fantasy’s greatest stories.
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