George R.R. Martin Teases Bleaker Book Finale Than HBO’s Game of Thrones

He says he is still writing The Winds of Winter with no publication date.

Overview

In new remarks, Martin said his planned conclusion involves more loss and fewer consolations than the television ending.
He indicated Tyrion Lannister is unlikely to receive a happy resolution, calling the character’s arc inherently tragic.
He noted that Sansa Stark was once destined for a grim outcome in his outline, though he is reconsidering that choice after the character’s TV portrayal.
He reports significant progress on The Winds of Winter, with around 1,100 manuscript pages drafted, yet he has offered no timeline for publication.
Coverage also highlights a cooled relationship with HBO, with Martin describing reduced involvement in production after early seasons.