What if GRRM hired Brandon Sanderson to finish writing A Song of Ice and Fire...
Just think about it.
1. BS has a Proven Ability to Handle Epic Fantasy at Scale
Brandon Sanderson has written multiple high-stakes, sprawling epic fantasy series (Mistborn, Stormlight Archive) featuring hundreds of characters, intricate political systems, layered magic, and interwoven plotlines. ASOIAF is similarly vast and complex; Sanderson’s experience makes him uniquely qualified to manage such scope without losing narrative cohesion.
2. Expertise in Completing Unfinished Epics
Sanderson has a reputation for finishing large, previously stalled storylines with clarity and resolution, most famously taking over Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series after Jordan’s death. He honored Jordan’s vision while bringing the series to a satisfying conclusion, showing he can adapt to another author’s style while delivering resolution fans crave.
3. Structured, Plot-Driven Writing
One common critique of the ASOIAF delays is Martin’s tendency toward “narrative drift,” with sprawling chapters that delay the resolution of major plotlines. Sanderson is known for his meticulous plotting, careful pacing, and strong foreshadowing. Bringing him on could ensure that key story arcs—like the fates of Jon, Daenerys, and the Others—are resolved in a coherent and timely fashion.
4. Respect for Existing Lore and Tone
Sanderson is a highly adaptive writer who respects world-building. His skill at absorbing complex magic systems, political intricacies, and established lore suggests he could maintain Westeros’s tone and thematic richness while accelerating the story toward completion.
5. Practical Benefit: Fan Satisfaction and Revenue
The fanbase has been waiting over a decade for the final books. A collaboration or handoff to Sanderson could reinvigorate interest, reduce fan frustration, and ensure a timely release—boosting both sales and legacy. Publishers would likely support this move because it guarantees completion while maintaining brand integrity.
6. Collaborative Model Possibility
Martin doesn’t have to give up creative control. He could provide outlines, key plot points, and character arcs, while Sanderson handles the writing mechanics and day-to-day progression. This model mirrors what was done with Jordan’s notes and ensures Martin’s vision remains central.
In short, this idea really makes a lot of sense. GRRM can finally quit working on a project that he has clearly lost all interest in ever finishing.
Brandon Sanderson gets paid oodles of money to finish the job, and another boost to his reputation as a stellar writer capable of finishing up the unfinished projects of other great writers.
Fans of ASOIAF finally get the ending to the saga that they've been waiting for.
This would be a win-win-win for all three!
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