'The Winds of Winter' news: Book expected to launch before season 7, confirmed to have Dothraki dialogue

The Winds of Winter Bantam Spectra

"The Winds of Winter" was initially set to release before season 6 of "Game of Thrones" could premiere on HBO, but author George R.R. Martin has explained that this shall no longer come to pass. As fans wait for the book to launch, presumably before season 7, several new details have emerged, including the confirmation that the book will include Dothraki dialogues.

According to a report from the IB Times, linguist David J. Peterson confirmed his involvement in helping Martin write the Dothraki lines for "The Winds of Winter" in a recent Q&A on Reddit. It was further revealed that Peterson has aided Martin on the Dothraki language since 2013.

Peterson has been the primary linguist contributor for "Game of Thrones" and he is credited with being the expert that designed the Dothraki language used in the series, making it logical for Martin to approach him when writing Dothraki dialogues for the novel series.

However, it was revealed that no other languages will be explored further in the books. This means there will be no extensive exchange of lines in Valyrian or the dialect of those from Asshai. 

Fans speculate that the reason to explore the Dothraki language in the books is because of the way book five, "A Dance with Dragons," ended. In both the books and TV series, Daenerys Targaryen was captured by a roaming pack of Dothraki, known as a Khalasar, and it is expected that the only language that will be used within the group is Dothraki.

Peterson did jokingly state that Martin may be upset about Peterson revealing his contribution to the books and that the words he gave Martin may not be used at all as a means to spite him. 

There is no official word yet when the book is even going to come out, regardless of how much Dothraki and other material has been implemented into it, but widespread speculation is that it will come out at least prior to the premiere of "Game of Thrones" season 7.

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
What should Christians make of Tommy Robinson?
What should Christians make of Tommy Robinson?

In demanding that the likes of Robinson be banned from the Oxford Union, the clergy are in effect setting their own limit on freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

Christian woman persecuted by Iranian regime sentenced to 9 years in prison
Christian woman persecuted by Iranian regime sentenced to 9 years in prison

A Christian convert in Iran has been sentenced to nine years and eight months in prison on trumped-up charges linked to state security and anti-government activity.

John Lennox fears AI is making us lazy
John Lennox fears AI is making us lazy

Christian media leaders heard calls for courage, authenticity and discernment at the recent Revive 2026 conference.

Does the Church of England need to re-think its messaging?
Does the Church of England need to re-think its messaging?

If you look at the Church of England’s communications all that it ever seems to highlight is the good works that Christians do to improve the temporal well-being of their neighbours. It is right to highlight these things, but they are not the primary reason for the Church’s existence.