The Winds of Winter: Leaked Cover and Book Release

As fans of George R R Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series eagerly await the much-anticipated The Winds of Winter, recent discussions and speculation about a new cover for the book have made headlines. While the cover remains officially unconfirmed, let's dive into the implications and opinions surrounding this piece of fan art.

Leaked Cover Details and Artist Background

Recently, an image allegedly leaked of the new cover for The Winds of Winter emerged. The cover features an obsidian arrowhead, a symbol that many fans recognize as having significant importance within the series. The artwork, while admired for its beauty, has received mixed responses from fans. Some appreciate the obvious symbolism and the aesthetical appeal, while others feel it might be too unconventional for the existing cover series.

The artist responsible for this artwork, Erta Altnz, has a notable presence in the literary community. Despite his talent, he has owned up to the fact that this piece is simply fan art and not intended for official use. It is likely that even if this was the official cover, it would need to be approved and reviewed by George R R Martin's team before any official release.

Traditionalist vs Modernist: Cover Preferences

Some fans, particularly those who consider themselves traditionalists, are somewhat critical of this new design. They prefer the cover with the big horn, a design that harkens back to earlier art pieces in the series. For these fans, the new design seems too "wonky," as one critic puts it, and does not align with the established aesthetic of the book series. They believe the final cover should stick closer to the more traditional style.

On the other hand, many readers are indifferent to the cover's design, prioritizing the content and the book's release over its visual appeal. One fan even expressed a strong sentiment: "If I don't have The Winds of Winter in hand when I arrive in New Zealand for Worldcon, you have my formal written permission to imprison me in a small cabin on White Island overlooking that lake of sulfuric acid until I’m done." This illustrates the eagerness of fans to have the long-awaited novel in their hands, regardless of how it looks on the cover.

Fan Art and Future Expectations

While the leaked cover is unofficial, it still highlights the passion and creativity of fan communities. The inclusion of dragon glass, the Targaryen house motif, and the white direwolf adds depth and intrigue to the artwork. Even though the eyes in the background are described as "creepy," many fans are hopeful that this could eventually become the official cover design. The artist's background and past collaboration with George R R Martin add credibility to the piece, but it remains to be seen whether it will be officially adopted.

Conclusion

The leaking of a new cover for The Winds of Winter has sparked a range of reactions from fans, from adoration of the artistic vision to a longing for the traditional style. Regardless of personal preferences, the book's release continues to be the primary focus for many eager readers. As George R R Martin moves closer to completing this monumental work, all eyes are on the eventual design and release date.