The Fireside

On this blog, I've sometimes stated that due to the wait times for George R.R. Martin's Ice and Fire books, I may prefer more, smaller books that come out more often; as opposed to fewer, larger books that come out less often. On the basis of the UK paperback editions - where A Storm of Swords and A Dance With Dragons got divided into two smaller books each (a good move, as the font size and paper quality don't suffer because of that) - I'm going to examine what the publishing history would be like, if this division had initially occurred. Before I proceed, a few things: a) This on the assumption that the series will end at 7 books total b) This is on the assumption that Books 6 and 7, once published in paperback in the UK, will also be two books each. Ok, let's get to it: Book 1 - A Game of Thrones (1996) This title would be exactly as it really is, and still published in 1996. Book 2 - A Clash of Kings (1999) Again, same as with Book 1. B...

It's not Book 6.....but it's the next-best thing. Before I provide links, here's the relevant really important info: "No, winter is not coming… not in 2018, at least. You’re going to have to keep waiting for THE WINDS OF WINTER." "This first volume covers all the Targaryen kings from Aegon I (the Conquerer) to the regency of Aegon III (the Dragonbane), along with their wives, wars, siblings, children, friends, rivals, laws, travels, and sundry other matters. For those not up on your Westerosi history, that’s Aegon I, Aenys, Maegor the Cruel, Jaehaerys I (the Conciliator), Viserys I, Aegon II (and Rhaenyra), and Aegon III (the regency). Oh, and there are dragons too." "Portions of the book have previously appeared here and there. The chapter about Aegon’s Conquest was published, pretty much as written, in THE WORLD OF ICE & FIRE. The section about the reigns of Aegon’s sons Aenys and Maegor came out last year as “Sons of the Dragon,” in Gardner...

Judging from the preview for Game of Thrones: Season 5 , it looks this will be the final season of the show that is based on books that are already published. Which, basically means that the show 'will pass the books'. The book series, called A Song of Ice and Fire , began in 1996 with A Game of Thrones . A Clash of Kings  followed in 199, then A Storm of Swords  in 2000, followed by A Feast For Crows  in 2005, and most recently with A Dance With Dragons  in 2011. The books are quire large. 3 and 5 are the largest to date, with signs of the final two (at this moment, The Winds of Winter  and A Dream of Spring) being as large . They are so large, inf act that some of the bigger ones are about equal to two or three of another author's book. Plus, they are detailed. Lots going on. Anyway, the author is currently working on The Winds of Winter . He is, thanks mostly to the show, a celebrity author. So he's busy with that kind of thing. He's a person, too, that...

Good news everyone! You can now pre-order A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms , the first three short stories ( The Hedge Knight, The Sworn Sword and The Mystery Knight ), which take place about 100 years before A Song of Ice and Fire  Book One, A Game of Thrones, begins! There is no cover art yet, and this collection / anthology will release October 6, 2015 . It will be illustrated by Gary Gianni. The Winds of Winter is not scheduled for release this year. Bear in mind that A Dance With Dragons  was announced at the end of March, but published in July, way back in 2011. Anyway, here's the info for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms , which collects the first three prequel novellas (with more to come in future anthologies, in sets of three per collection) Taking place nearly a century before the events of  A Game of Thrones, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms compiles the first three official prequel novellas to George R. R. Martin’s ongoing masterwork, A Song of Ice and Fire. ...

Well, there is both good and bad news - George R.R. Martin is about halfway done The Winds of Winter, Book Six of A Song of Ice and Fire .  "..."I'm still in the middle of the book..." http://mashable.com/2014/11/16/george-rr-martin-charity-event/ Of course, he could have more done and is going back to the middle of the book to write or edit extra stuff in regards to the winners.  This is all speculation, of course, and is no indication of how much of  The Winds of Winter is completed. Bear in mind, he began working on the book in January 2012, and he was already about 200 pages in, which were transferred from Book Five, A Dance With Dragons . I think it's safe to say that 2015 release date is hopeful, and 2016 is reasonable and realistic. Also, 2016 marks the 20th anniversary of A Game of Thrones , the first book. Either way, I am looking forward to it.  Those worrying about the show overtaking the books remember this - George has a lot of input on ...

George had a quick trip 'back out East' as he announced back in the summer, I believe. He did some family visits, promo for the newly-released World of Ice and Fire  concordance history book. It can all be detailed here:  http://grrm.livejournal.com/386645.html However, in that entry he mentions a few things: "....had dinner with my editors and publishers at Bantam... " "...breakfasts with friends from DC Comic, Barnes & Noble , and Simon & Schuster..." What do you think they discussed?? Again, I firmly believe that George wants to have the manuscript for Book Six in the hands of those who would need it on the publishing side of things sometime during January. I am of course, guessing that the words 'Book Six' and / or 'The Winds of Winter' had to have come up at least once during these meals.  I remain hopeful and positive that the book will be published next year. 

Today is finally the day.  Most likely the most long-awaited of George's 'projects' (not counting the main A Song of Ice and Fire  series, of course) is The World of Ice and Fire . It is a world history book about the realm in which the book series takes place. After many years of George talking about it (and working on it), it is finally out today.  George (or rather, his minions) posted a blog entry entry, in which they describe it better than I could:  The long anticipated release of the official untold history of Westeros happens TODAY. It boasts 300 pages of back story and original artwork by the some of the world's top fantasy illustrators. This one-of-a-kind coffee table book contains maps, folk lore, detailed family histories, and endless insider information dealing with the world of Westeros. Providing vividly constructed accounts of epic battles tackled by famous heroes, and their journies before becoming important figures in the Song of Ice...

George R.R. Martin is finally back after a large amount of time traveling. This is good news for those eager for The Winds of Winter, and here's why....

First of all, I realize that George R.R. Martin is not my bitch.  I am looking forward to The Winds of Winter [Book Six of A Song of Ice and Fire ] patiently and respectfully. I am eager forward it, shall we say. This is a speculative post, so please take it with a grain of salt.  July 3-14, George will be in Europe (France and Switzerland). Then, his next travel appearance will be July 24-27, for the San Diego Comic Con.  I have a feeling that, depending on what he does at the con, he will make an announcement of some kind about The Winds of Winter. Seriously, think about it. What better place to make a big announcement than at the mother of all cons?? That is being being hopeful. Don't expect it...but don't rule it out, either.  If he doesn't say anything about Winds, let's look at his appearances again.  August 14-24 sends him back to the UK (a few months ahead of me). then, nothing until May of 2015. When he's home at Santa Fe, he does th...

The following is an interview by Anne Groell, George R.R. Martin's editor at Bantam.The Q&A was with Suvudu Universe, and is re-transcribed here....

Because next weekend is the season 4 premiere of Game of Thrones, I'd thought I'd get you all excited by recommending some of the merchandise that's come out. This is for mostly the HBO series (because there are simply more items), although I will mention a few book related items listed herein.

Harper Voyager is bringing out new ( additional , not replacement ) covers for George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series.  This time, the imagery is more based on landscapes than the previous styles the series has seen. It doesn't follow fantasy cliches (much like the series itself) and is aimed at the more casual reader than the 'fantasy fan', as evident by the (hopefully it's a) sticker. Here is more info : http://www.waterstones.com/blog/2014/02/winter-is-coming/  Again, they are quite nice but appear to be something put out by National Geographic. I myself prefer these:

Being a fan of A Song of Ice and Fire  is rewarding. However, a lot of patience and faith is required...

By now I am pretty sure that A Song of Ice and Fire Book Five, A Dance With Dragons , is now out in all countries and all formats on the planet. I don't track international or foreign editions, so excuse my ignorance if you're still waiting for the book in some or form where you live.  It exists as an audio book. It exists as an ebook. It exists in hardback. It exists in softcover (in some countries, split into subsequent volumes).  In short, all the editions should be out by now. Since 'winter is coming' in exactly one month (and Christmas shortly after) I should also remind you that the first four books (as well as obviously the most recent one. George is working on the next book) are now out in all formats as well, allowing yourself or whoever you're buying for an easy catch-up in the series. Although, waiting for things can be painful so I don't blame you if you're waiting for the final book to come out before even buying the seri...

It's going to be a Barristan Selmy chapter. Don't know details beyond that at this point. It may be 'titled' ("The Queensguard" or something) rather than 'named' ('Barristan') If you want to get into the series, read past the jump for more.

"The Princess and the Queen is a novella consisting of material written by George R.R. Martin for The World of Ice and Fire but cut when it ran drastically over-length. Rather than lose the material, Martin decided to publish it in his anthology Dangerous Women. It replaces the fourth Dunk and Egg short story, The She-Wolves, which will instead be published later in a different venue. The Dance of Dragons began in 129 AL, one hundred and sixty-nine years before the events of A Game of Thrones. It was the conflict that saw most of the lesser branches of House Targaryen and almost all of its dragons destroyed. The Princess and the Queen is a narrative history, taking place at the outbreak of the Dance of Dragons."  And here is a taste from the version appearing in the Dangerous Women anthology.

Waiting for The Winds of Winter? Yes, me too. Although, patiently and respectfully, while wishing George the best in terms of writer's progress, and wellness overall. Here is a re-post from Neil Gaiman's blog a while ago to any 'naysaying fans'....

I have a feeling that 2014 will be a big year for A Song of Ice and Game of Thrones . Here's why....

There are some updates from George R.R. Martin's Ice and Fire  series. Nothing significant like The Winds of Winter  news, but read on....

...but this  would make a fantastic Birthday gift: http://www.stephenyoull.com/stephenyoull.com/Game_Thrones.html Color prints are 13” X 19”—$65.00 per print plus shipping. Pay by check or Paypal.  You know, in case any readers are feeling generous.... my next post, I'll be giving you something.