George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, the inspiration for HBO's Game of Thrones, is renowned for its complex characters, intricate plots, and shocking twists. However, the series is unfinished, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the final books. This article explores the ending of the published books and addresses common reader questions. It’s important to note that this discussion contains spoilers for the currently published books in the series.
What Happens in the Published Game of Thrones Books?
The five published novels, A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, and A Dance with Dragons, chronicle a sprawling conflict for control of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. We witness the rise and fall of numerous characters, betrayals, alliances, and epic battles. The overarching narrative revolves around the escalating conflict between several powerful houses, the looming threat of the White Walkers from beyond the Wall, and the struggle for the Iron Throne.
The conclusion of A Dance with Dragons leaves several major storylines unresolved:
- Daenerys Targaryen: She is in Meereen, struggling to maintain control of the city and her growing army. Her path toward Westeros remains uncertain.
- Jon Snow: His fate is left ambiguous after a mutiny within the Night's Watch. The reader is left wondering if he's truly dead.
- Tyrion Lannister: He escapes King's Landing and finds himself navigating the complex political landscape of Essos.
- Cersei Lannister: She faces significant challenges in King's Landing, and her future remains precarious.
- The White Walkers: Their advance southward continues, posing a significant threat to the entire realm.
The books conclude on multiple cliffhangers, leaving many questions unanswered and setting the stage for the anticipated final installments. The narrative threads are complex and interwoven, making it difficult to summarize the ending in a single sentence.
How Does the Series End Differently From the Show?
This is a crucial point, as the HBO adaptation deviated significantly from the books' plotlines in its later seasons. While the show provided a conclusive ending, it differs substantially from the direction hinted at in the published novels. The show condensed and altered storylines, omitted numerous characters, and invented new plot points. Readers often express disappointment with the show's departure from the source material, particularly regarding character arcs and plot resolutions.
What are the Key Unresolved Storylines in the Books?
Many significant plot threads are unresolved in the published books, leaving fans speculating about the potential conclusion. Here are some key areas that remain open:
What Happens to Jon Snow?
Jon Snow's death (or is it?) at the end of A Dance with Dragons is a major turning point. His fate, and any potential resurrection or return, is a central question for the remaining books.
Will Daenerys Targaryen Conquer Westeros?
Daenerys's journey towards Westeros is a core theme. Will she succeed? And at what cost? The published books offer no definitive answer.
What is the Fate of the White Walkers and the Night King?
The threat of the White Walkers is a persistent undercurrent throughout the series, but their ultimate defeat (or victory) remains unclear. The Night King's role and ultimate fate are very different in the books and the TV show.
What will become of the Iron Throne?
The struggle for the Iron Throne is the driving force behind much of the conflict, but its ultimate destiny and rightful possessor remain a mystery.
What Will Happen to the Stark Children?
The Stark children have survived many perils, but their futures are far from certain.
When Will the Next Game of Thrones Book Be Released?
Unfortunately, there's no official release date for The Winds of Winter, the sixth book in the series. George R.R. Martin has consistently stated he's working on it, but the writing process has proven lengthy and complex. While many fans eagerly await its arrival, there's no reliable prediction for its release.
In conclusion, the ending of the Game of Thrones books, as currently published, is a complex tapestry of unresolved plotlines, cliffhangers, and looming threats. The difference between the book series and the TV show is significant, leaving readers to speculate and eagerly await the remaining installments to discover Martin's envisioned conclusion.
