The DRAGONS are coming…
Great news for fans of epic fantasy today: The great George R. R. Martin has announced on his web page that the long, long-awaited 5th book in his SONG OF ICE AND FIRE series is almost done. No kidding this time.
A DANCE WITH DRAGONS will be hitting stories on July 12, 2011. Although previous dates have been set and then cancelled, Martin says this one is “for real.”
In the author’s own words: “Barring tsunamis, general strikes, world wars, or asteroid strikes, you will have the novel in your hands on July 12. I hope you like it.”
He goes on to add: “The dragons are coming. Prepare to dance.”
Quite possibly THE “big adult fantasy series” of our time, Martin’s SONG series has been a slow build with plenty of thrilling lesser climaxes along the way. We’ve seen the rebirth of three infant dragons into a world where they were thought extinct. We’ve seen the displaced queen whose power is rising and whose sympathetic magic hatched the eggs. We’ve seen them on her shoulder, belching tiny fires. Now it seems we will at last see the great war that has been building so steadily across the four books.
Martin’s characters are so pleasurable to read—even the villains—that returning to his world of Westeros is always an extreme pleasure. This summer just got a whole lot more interesting…
For more info visit Martin’s official site: www.georgerrmartin.com
Woot!
Now I feel bad for making fun of this series in my Erickson post this morning.
Any idea how many books in this series are left?
Supposed to be 7 total…that’s what he said in November 2005.
“almost done” and “for real” have also been said before, so I ain’t holding my breath nor fanning these flames until I am actually holding the novel in my hands.
And John? Never feel bad for finding fault or flaw in anything when compared to Erikson’s books of Malaz. It’s guaranteed so just accept it 🙂
Ha! I’ve heard Martin plans to do seven altogether…but he may not live long enough to produce books six and/or seven. That’s only partially a joke. Personally, I hope he keeps the SONG books coming…they’re great. Really looking forward to DRAGONS…few authors bring characters to life with such skill and depth. Inspiring stuff.
As for you, John R. Fultz, how dare you!
‘THE “big adult fantasy series” of our time’ belongs solely to The Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson – hands down!
Hmmmm…I’ve really got to get around to reading “Gardens of the Moon”…
Tell ya what: Right after I finish “The Desert of Souls,” I’m taking a trip to this Garden… 🙂
I can’t wait. This will be amazing.
JRF: ‘Tell ya what: Right after I finish “The Desert of Souls,” I’m taking a trip to this Garden…’
And you’re not allowed to leave it until after finishing it and #2 Deadhouse Gates. I insist – and I shall hold you to it!
If after reading both you simply cannot continue, well then fair-is-fair and I’ll let you slide 🙂
I’m now reading A game of thrones and is a very interesting and character driven story
some people in Spain compare it to tv shows like Lost or Heroes, I think by the structure or the viewpoint not by the theme or genre
what’s the problem with George RR Martin health? in Spain people are afraid about the unconclusion of the story, but GRRM isn’t so old and althought he is a great, great man he doesn’t look ill
they speak, I think in USA and UK too, about ending the story with comics, books by other authors or the tv series if Martin can’t end it
what are the differences between Gardens of the moon and A song of ice and fire? are Gardens of the moon so complex and psycological as some poeple say?
Hey Francisco, A GAME OF THRONES absolutely rocks! I rank it a 9.5 out of 10 and it’s a favorite of mine. Books 2 & 3 are pretty darn good too. I just think the story Erikson is telling is much better. And Erikson writes very deep very analytical very current and very emotional. He delivers what only the best literature and the best storytelling does: intellectual AND emotional appeal.
Is GARDENS OF THE MOON complex and psychological? Hell yes! But it’s very very worth it and the reward follows right away in book 2.
And there is the little fact that Erikson does finish what he begins, writing and delivering 10 tomes equal to any GRRM tome in less time than it’s taken A Song of Ice and Fire tot trudge 4 books…and still not be wrapped.