The literary realm is abuzz following comments from acclaimed author Brandon Sanderson regarding the writing style of fellow fantasy novelist George R.R. Martin. Sanderson, known for his work on the Mistborn series and for completing Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time, expressed his concerns about the underlying philosophy of Martin’s acclaimed series, A Song of Ice and Fire. This critique comes at a time when fans eagerly await the sixth book, The Winds of Winter, which remains unfinished.
In a candid discussion on Reddit, Sanderson revealed that while he acknowledges Martin’s talent as a writer, he finds the relentless brutality of the series overwhelming. He stated that reading Game of Thrones was “too much” for his nerves. Sanderson’s critique touches not only on the graphic violence but also on the realism that characterizes Martin’s narrative.
Sanderson is known for his meticulous ‘architect’ approach to storytelling, in contrast to Martin’s ‘gardener’ style, where plots evolve organically. He remarked, “I read the first book, and while I thought the writing was excellent… I found the experience too much for me.” Sanderson articulated that the narrative felt less like a natural progression and more like “Look how much I can build someone up before I destroy them.”
Despite appreciating Martin’s skill in emotional manipulation, Sanderson posits that these tragic twists often feel excessively pessimistic for traditional fantasy narratives. This raises the question about the direction Martin might take in the upcoming installment. As of early 2026, Martin has disclosed that he is still “struggling” with the manuscript, currently estimated at approximately 1,100 to 1,200 pages, with an additional 400 to 500 pages still to write.
Fans are left wondering whether the next book will continue to emphasize shock value or adopt a more balanced emotional approach. Given the trajectory of previous installments, which heightened suspense significantly, expectations for The Winds of Winter are particularly high.
In response to Sanderson’s critique, Martin offers a different perspective on his work. In an interview with Time magazine, the 77-year-old author explained that he intentionally blends the “magical appeal of fantasy” with “realistic elements of historical fiction.” His narratives draw heavily from historical events, such as the Wars of the Roses and the Glencoe Massacre, which inspired the infamous Red Wedding scene.
Martin’s approach aims to counteract the predictability often found in historical fiction. He stated, “As much as I love historical fiction, my problem with historical fiction is that you always know what’s going to happen.” By interweaving fantasy with historical context, Martin strives to maintain suspense throughout his storytelling.
The philosophical divide between the two authors also clarifies why Sanderson would hesitate to complete Martin’s work if necessary. He perceives Martin’s narratives as “fundamentally pessimistic,” preferring stories that retain a “spark of hope” even amidst darkness. This contrast is particularly noteworthy considering the ending of the Game of Thrones television series, which left many viewers with a sense of gloom.
Nevertheless, Martin’s planned final book, titled A Dream of Spring, hints at a potential resolution that might offer the hope Sanderson finds lacking. Martin has expressed that abandoning this project would feel like a “total failure,” although he acknowledges that the book is overdue and has faced criticism for what he calls “rude” health speculations from anxious fans.
As the literary world awaits further developments, the dialogue between these two prominent authors sheds light on differing philosophies within the fantasy genre, igniting discussions about the balance between realism and hope in storytelling.
