George R.R. Martin, the author of the books that became the basis of one of HBO’s most infamous series, Game of Thrones, has recently revealed that the show’s series finale was unlike that of what he had originally intended, according to Deadline. The finale was widely condemned by fans, who were hoping for a proper resolution. Moreover, Martin’s inability to release the next installment of the epic series is no help.

The book series, entitled A Song of Ice and Fire, includes the books A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Storm of Swords, A Feast of Crows, A Dance With Dragons, and next up – The Winds of Winter. Martin explained his slow publishing of these books in comparison to the TV show’s seasons in an interview with PBS Chicago, “When they began the [TV] series, I had four books already in print, and the fifth one came out just as the series was starting in 2011. I had a five-book head-start, and these are gigantic books, as you know. I never thought they would catch up with me, but they did. They caught up with me and passed me,” via Deadline. 

While Game of Thrones was still airing on HBO, Martin released just one more volume in the epic book series. Martin reportedly drew his attention away from writing while the series was on the air, noting that when the series moved forward from his original material, he saw it “going in somewhat different directions. So, I’m working on the book, but you’ll see my ending when that comes out,” as reported by Deadline. The network currently has a Game of Thrones prequel series in production entitled House of the Dragon, with the ten-episode first season expected in 2022. Martin is slated to be closely involved in the series once more.