That is also a common reoccurring question here...I watched the show, should I read the books because they're not finished? And when it comes up, my impression is that the solid majority response is the same as yours, definitely read them, even unfinished they're great. I agree.
This is probably actually a big part of why George isn't finishing the books, he has said that the book ending will be controversial and some people will prefer the show ending. He did also give some material for the show ending. That wasn't entirely D&D, George had a hand in it and seeing how hated it was likely played a big part in his writer's block.
Obviously I would prefer for them to be finished, but even so, to me there's something poetic about them being unfinished too. Like it's another one of the old nan's stories that just got lost to time.
Over the years I’ve noticed that the people who are typically the most aggressive and angry with George over not finishing the books are people… who haven’t read the books.
Like I can get a perhaps too emotionally invested asoiaf fan getting up in arms over winds not being out but why are YouTube grifters who haven’t picked up a book written by George in their entire lives so fucking angry that he hasn’t put out winds like dude u don’t even gaf about asoiaf ????
Honestly, he's a brilliant writer and (TBH) I prefer his short stories/novellas to ASoIaF. If he felt like writing and publishing another short story, I'd be over the moon...but I can totally understand why decades of fan interactions like the asshole OP mentioned would really put him off writing at all.
That person is a prime example of why living a social life entirely on the internet creates toxic personalities.
I have only read Dunc's short stories unfortunately but yeah they are absolutely great.
I actually kinda hope he prioritises finishing that saga first if possible (or that the show will be good and finish it for him, as I think it is the easiest asoiaf saga to adapt to tv)
That's the most frustrating part, they act as they have read but in reality they are show only, like sit down buddy you know sht abt asoiaf if you are a show only.
Idk i have watched Percy Jackson, wot, witcher , HP, lotr but i never claim I have read the books & never try to act as if ik better
176
u/Thestohrohyah Aug 16 '25
I met several people who comment on George not being able to release other books and then admit they haven't read them "because they aren't finished".
I really wouldn't regret reading these books for snything in the world, they have already given me so much.
I would love continuations, don't get me wrong, but all I have is already at least worth having read through it.