After being in the works for 15 years, fans think George R.R. Martin’s highly anticipated Game of Thrones book, Winds of Winter, may be on the way thanks to a new cryptic post.
On Thursday, June 11, Folio Society released another look at the limited edition leatherbound version of Martin’s first Game of Thrones book on Instagram, set to release on July 14 in celebration of the novel’s 30th anniversary. However, the post’s mysterious caption has fans wondering if a bigger announcement is on the way. “But one secret remains,” concludes the post, “Keep your eyes on the skies… another message is on its way.” Check out the post below.
“Really trying not to go completely delusional over that last part,” said one fan on Twitter, adding, “Maybe Winds, maybe something else. We will have to see.” Another replied, “Announce in the summer. Release in the winter. I saw it in the flames.”
However, other fans are finding it hard to believe that Martin would announce the completion of Winds of Winter in this way. The author started writing the penultimate novel back in 2011, but has had trouble finishing it ever since. Earlier this year, Martin confirmed that rumors stating that the book would be released this fall were false. But the writer is eager to finish it, telling The Hollywood Reporter that “It would feel like a total failure to me. I want to finish.”
But Folio Society is definitely teasing something. In an earlier post, the company teased, “more details still waiting in the shadows.” If the looming announcement is anything to do with Winds of Winter, perhaps the limited edition book will contain an excerpt from Martin’s draft, or even a special letter from the author giving an update on his progress.
Martin has a lot of pressure to finish the story, as Game of Thrones fans were largely not happy with how the show ended. But after Winds of Winter, the author still has the final Game of Thrones book to write. It’s going to be a long winter for Martin, that’s for sure. Alas, the universe’s big screen ventures are in full swing, with House of the Dragon season 3 on the way this summer, and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms season 2 in the works.
For more, check out our guide to upcoming Game of Thrones movies and TV shows
