What author could finish Game of Thrones?
Like many of you, I've been lost in the world of Westeros for years, utterly captivated by George R.R. Martin's 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series. It's truly one of my favorite fantasy series ever! But let's be honest, the waiting game for 'The Winds of Winter' and 'A Dream of Spring' has become legendary. There's a growing buzz, and even a bit of sadness, that George R.R. Martin might not actually finish the series himself. It makes you wonder, doesn't it? It feels like he just doesn't care anymore, focusing on other projects and appearances, which is totally his prerogative, but it leaves us fans in a tough spot. The question isn't just if it will ever be finished, but who could possibly step into those massive shoes to complete such an intricate and beloved fantasy series? Seeing as Martin himself has put it to rest that he is not going to finish, the discussion becomes all the more pressing. When I think about authors whose writing style sounds and feels a lot like George R.R. Martin's, two names immediately come to mind. First up is Joe Abercrombie. If you've read 'The Blade Itself' or any of his 'First Law' series, you'll know exactly what I mean. His characters are incredibly complex, morally grey, and often deeply flawed – just like the best of Martin's creations. Abercrombie doesn't shy away from the brutal realities of war, political intrigue, or the messy consequences of human decisions. He weaves intricate plots with sharp dialogue and unexpected twists, making him a master of grimdark fantasy. His ability to craft compelling narratives from multiple perspectives would be perfect for navigating the vast cast of 'A Song of Ice and Fire', reflecting the depth and nuance of George R.R. Martin's writings. Then there's John Gwynne. His works, like 'The Faithful and the Fallen' series, also echo the epic scope and gritty realism that we adore in Game of Thrones. Gwynne excels at crafting visceral, action-packed battles, alongside deep, believable world-building and character arcs that truly resonate. He understands the weight of honor and betrayal, and how difficult choices can shape a destiny. His storytelling has that epic, yet grounded, feel that would truly do justice to the remaining story threads of Westeros. Both Abercrombie and Gwynne have that knack for making you care deeply about characters, even when they're making terrible decisions, which is a hallmark of Martin's genius. Of course, there are other incredible fantasy authors out there. Some fans might even suggest someone like Brandon Sanderson, known for his incredible productivity and ability to finish vast series. While Sanderson's magic systems and tighter plotting are fantastic, I personally feel Abercrombie and Gwynne capture the tone and grittiness of Martin's world a bit more closely. It's a huge task for anyone to pick up where a master like Martin leaves off, especially with such a beloved and intricate world. But the thought of getting a satisfying conclusion to this epic tale, whether from the original author or a worthy successor, is something I know many of us deeply yearn for. The debate over who should finish Game of Thrones is a lively one in the fantasy community. While we all hope George R.R. Martin will eventually deliver 'The Winds of Winter' and 'A Dream of Spring', it's fun to speculate about who else possesses the talent and vision to bring this incredible saga to its rightful end. What do you think? Have you read Abercrombie or Gwynne? Do you have other authors in mind who could tackle the monumental task of concluding 'A Song of Ice and Fire'?









































































