More Game of Thrones on the Way? George R.R. Martin's Editor Hints at Another Book

Though Martin's epic saga, "A Song of Ice and Fire," was intended to be seven books, Anne Groell revealed that they have discussed the possibility of an eighth installment

By Tierney Bricker Jun 03, 2014 10:35 PMTags
Game Of Thrones, The Mountain and the ViperHBO

Prepare for even more death, dragons and Dothraki, Game of Thrones fans.

Though George R. R. Martin's epic series, A Song of Ice and Fire, is intended to be seven books, his book editor Anne Groell revealed that fans may be treated to an additional installment during a Q&A on Suvudu.

But wait, the HBO fantasy hit is already on track to outpace Martin's writing and you're telling us he's going to need another book?! (Somewhere out there, executive producers David Benioff and D.B. Weiss are praying to the Old Gods.)

When asked by a fan if she thinks it will take Martin more than seven books to finish the series, Groell said, "I begin to wonder—though 7 is what we currently have under contract."

She continued, "I remember when he called me, years and years back, to confess that his little trilogy was…well…no longer a trilogy. He predicted four books. I said Seven Books for Seven Kingdoms. Then he said five books. I said Seven Books for Seven Kingdoms. Then he went to six. I said… Well, you get it. Finally, we were on the same page. Seven Books for Seven Kingdoms. Good."

However, it seems like the author may need an additional book to properly end ASOIAF, seeing as there are actually eight kingdoms. "Only, as I recently learned while editing THE WORLD OF ICE AND FIRE (another awesome thing you must buy when it comes out!), there are really technically eight kingdoms, all having to do with who has annexed what when Aegon the Conqueror landed in Westeros," Groell explained. "So, maybe eight books for Seven Kingdoms would be okay. Also, he has promised me that, when he finally wraps this great beast us, I can publish the five page letter outlining the bare bones of the ‘trilogy.'"

Helen Sloan/courtesy of HBO

Of course, before focusing on a potential eighth book, Martin still needs to finish the sixth installment, The Winds of Winter. (The show, currently in its fourth season, is largely adapting the second half of A Storm of Swords, the third novel.) 

"I currently have 168 pages that he submitted back in Feb 2013 in order to receive a contracted payment, but I know more exists, because he keeps talking about chapter he hasn't yet sent me," Groell said when asked for an update on the sixth book's release date.

Write like the wind, Martin. Write like the wind.

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