On Wednesday, renowned American author George R.R. Martin revealed plans for a new book slated for release in November. However, many fans of the Game of Thrones series might find themselves wanting, as this offering is not the eagerly awaited sixth book of the saga.
Titled Fire and Blood, the upcoming work is set in the same fantasy realm of Westeros but takes place several centuries before the events of Game of Thrones. In a post on his blog, Martin clarified that the new book is not a novel, but rather a historical account detailing the legacy of the Targaryen dynasty.
Since 2012, snippets from this upcoming book have been shared by Martin, although publisher Bantam Spectra has not commented on the imminent release. The book is currently available for presale through various online retailers.
Regarding the long-awaited Game of Thrones installment, The Winds of Winter, Martin conveyed a clear message: “No, winter is not coming… not in 2018, at least.”
Martin published five volumes of the Game of Thrones saga between 1996 and 2011, with a notable six-year gap occurring between the fourth and fifth installments.
Following the sixth season of the immensely popular television adaptation, the show’s writers have diverged from relying on Martin’s written works. Additionally, HBO has taken creative liberties with the narrative in earlier seasons.
The series, which has earned a record-breaking 38 Emmy Awards, is set to release its eighth and final season in 2019.
