With Season 6 of “Game of Thrones” off to a rousing start on HBO as expected on April 25, there are now rumors going around that the sixth book of the fantasy novel series “A Song of Ice and Fire” by critically-acclaimed author George R.R. Martin entitled “The Winds of Winter” is now complete and is currently being printed in a printing house.
In fact, the same rumors are also saying that the book shall come out this month. However, since George Martin has yet to say anything about this new round of rumors, it remains as speculation at this time.
Those who have gotten wind of the rumors also went the extra mile by saying that since the TV series has already deviated from the books, one major plotline of “The Winds of Winter” shall reportedly feature Stannis Baratheon.
It could be recalled that Stannis Baratheon, played by Stephen Dillane in “Game of Thrones,” has been killed off during Season 5 by Brienne of Tarth, played by Gwendoline Christie, after his weary troops were defeated and overrun by the army of Ramsay Bolton, played by Iwan Rheon, in his attempt to take Winterfell on the way to King’s Landing.
An extended life in the book
But in the fifth book of Martin’s series entitled “Dance with Dragons,” Stannis Baratheon and her daughter Shireen, played by Kerry Ingram in the TV series, are still alive.
In “Game of Thrones,” Shireen is already dead after Stannis, on the insistence of Melisandre, played by Carice Van Houten, sacrificed her to the Red God and she was burned alive at the stake in Season 5.
However, the sacrifice did not help Stannis gain victory against the Boltons just outside of Winterfell, at least in the TV series.
According to rumors, in the upcoming “The Winds of Winter,” Stannis will win the battle of Winterfell but he will eventually lose to the White Walkers and be killed, thus, he will not be able to further his dream of staking his rightful claim to the Iron Throne and rule the seven kingdoms of Westeros, reports the Parent Herald.
Whether that supposed storyline in the book is true or not, only George Martin can dispel such but thus far, everything seems quiet from the end of the author. It is also unlikely therefore for the book to come out this month according to most critics.
Will just sow confusion
Releasing “The Winds of Winter” now that Season 6 of “Game of Thrones” is already airing on HBO will not be good for both the book and the TV series since the two have already split in terms of plotlines.
Having the TV series and the sixth book at the same time shall only sow confusion to both the readers of the fantasy novel series and the viewers of the TV show, which are basically the same people.
Critics believe that the rumored plotline on Stannis Baratheon in the book may be true but the May release date is not really possible for an objective and economic points of view.
There are also reports saying that the reason why the release date of “The Winds of Winter” was delayed intentionally because it already contains the parentage of Jon Snow and releasing the book before Season 6 of the TV series is aired will become the biggest spoiler of them all, cites Yibada.
Some other reports say that the book shall also focus on Sansa Stark giving birth to an heir to the Boltons, which seems unlikely in the TV series.
Late last month, there have been reports that the release of “The Winds of Winter” shall be further delayed because HBO is planning to have a prequel spinoff TV series for “Game of Thrones” and George Martin appears to be interested in providing the network with source material for such.