George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire does not yet have a definitive “next song” because the series remains unfinished. The published books include A Game of Thrones through A Dance with Dragons, while planned future volumes—most notably The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring—are still in development. This article explains the confirmed and speculative outline, current writing status, remaining major plot threads, and reliable sources, providing a durable reference for readers seeking clarity on where the saga may go next.
Current published books
As of 2025, five main series novels are complete and available. These establish the world, major houses, and central conflicts, but they do not resolve many arcs. Understanding this foundation is essential before discussing what comes next.
| Book | First Edition Year | Point-of-View Characters | Key Resolution Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Game of Thrones | 1996 | Eddard, Catelyn, Daenerys, Tyrion, Jon | Major deaths and northern conflict established |
| A Clash of Kings | 1998 | Robb, Bran, Arya, Jaime, Davos | War of the Five Kings concludes; Red Wedding |
| A Storm of Swords | |||
| A Feast for Crows | 2005 | Cersei, Jaime, Brienne, Arya, Sam | Shifts focus to Crownlands and Iron Islands |
| A Dance with Dragons | 2011 | Tyrion, Jon, Daenerys, Arya | Essos-focused arcs; unresolved Westerosi threads |
Confirmed upcoming books
Martin and his team have confirmed the sequence and working titles of the next two major volumes. While publication dates are not fixed, these books represent the immediate next steps in the series.
The Winds of Winter
This volume will directly follow the events of A Dance with Dragons and is expected to address multiple open threads in Westeros and Essos. Martin has described it as a bridge book that advances the timeline toward the apocalyptic threats hinted at in earlier volumes.
A Dream of Spring
Intended as the series finale, A Dream of Spring will resolve the overarching conflict with the White Walkers, handle the fates of major characters, and explore the aftermath of the Iron Throne’s destruction. No firm release timeline exists.
Incomplete story arcs and unresolved questions
Several major narrative lines remain open. These include the true parentage and destiny of key heirs, the full scope of magical forces in the North, the consolidation of power across the Narrow Sea, and the survival and roles of several principal characters.
- Bran Stark’s role as Three-Eyed Raven and its impact on the timeline
- Arya Stark’s training with the Faceless Men and potential return to Westeros
- Daenerys Targaryen’s governance and legacy in Meereen and beyond
- Jon Snow’s resurrection, lineage, and leadership challenges
- The Night King’s origins and the Great War’s broader implications
Reliable sources and official statements
Information about the upcoming books comes from author interviews, publisher announcements, and official statements. Treat unconfirmed speculation from unofficial forums and unverified leakers with caution.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Planned penultimate book | The Winds of Winter | Publisher/Author statement |
| Planned series finale | A Dream of Spring | Publisher/Author statement |
| Main sequence status | Two major books remain; exact dates TBD | Official announcements |
| Publication approach | No firm release schedule as of 2025 | Author interviews and updates |
Comparison with related projects
Other properties linked to the broader universe—such as house-specific novellas or companion material—do not replace the narrative progression of the main saga. They offer context and background but are not substitutes for the forthcoming novels.
- Fire & Blood (historical texts within the world)
- Dangerous Women (anthology containing a novella)
- House of the Dragon TV series (prequel, separate timeline)
Practical timeline expectations
Fans should anticipate a multi-year gap before both books are completed and published. Writing, editing, and production cycles for major fantasy works of this scale contribute to extended intervals between volumes.
What readers can do next
To follow reliable updates, refer to official channels such as the author’s site, major publishing imprint statements, and trusted news outlets that cite direct sources. Avoid treating fan theories as confirmed plot points.