The Winds of Winter release date ‘leak’ debunked by publisher - George R. R. Martin novel not set for 2026 release

Despite the rumours, George R. R. Martin's The Winds of Winter is not set for release this year. The novel is the planned sixth and penultimate novel of the epic fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire have been adapted by HBO into the Primetime Emmy Award–winning television series Game of Thrones and its prequel series House of the Dragon.

The novel, which has been in the works since 2011, has been described as one of the most anticipated books in modern history so it’s unsurprising that online claims that the book will be landing this year has caused a stir. Which is what happened when a post to social media platform X suggested it had insider information about the novel’s progress.

The post featuring a screenshot from an anonymous leaker - who seemingly pays no attention to grammar or punctuation - suggested the book is secretly set for release later this year, with an announcement forthcoming. It read: “We have been in full editorial and layout pipeline since February. The official announcement is embargoed until Comic-Con, but we know hes going to announce it on his blog first because he doesnt give a f***, with the actual release window being around fall. They want those holiday sales.

“The book is long, like long long, think AFFC and ADWD in one book, I wont say the word count because that alone would identify the source, but its about 1600 manuscript pages. People will not be disappointed on that front. The marketing team has been talking about a coordinated campaign that involves HBO so theres probably content planned to drop alongside the release, ill let you guys figure that out.”

However, the post has now been debunked by the US publisher of Martin’s Westeros-set book series, Bantam Books, who told Entertainment Weekly that the leak was “false”. They said: "The online chatter you are seeing regarding a supposed leak is false."

Earlier this year, fans beleived they spotted a major hint the release date was imminent while watching the final episode of the first season of A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms. The series, based on the Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas from Martin, returned viewers to the world of Westeros.

After an agonising 15 year wait for the next book in The Winds of Winter series to be released, following the release of A Dance With Dragons in 2011, eagle-eyed viewers of A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms believe that the author may have deliberately left a huge clue in the finale episode.

In the final episode of the series, Ser Duncan is seen speaking to Arlan, who appears to slowly drift off to his death while telling his protege a story. He suddenly gasps back to life, telling Dunk: “A true knight always finishes a story.”

Given the fact Martin has been heavily involved with the production of the series, fans have taken this as a huge wink and nudge to him finally moving towards completing The Song Of Ice And Fire book series.

One GoT fan said: “At this point even the characters inside the story are reminding GRRM to finish the story. A knight keeps his vows ... And readers are still waiting.” Another added: “Arlan dies, then seemingly returns very briefly to finish his story before departing again without another word. WoW and DoS [A Dream Of Spring] complete, GRRM waiting for posthumous release confirmed.”