Well, this was unexpected. According to Polish website PIESN LODU I OGNIA, a translator named Michael Jakuszewski confirmed that he was asked to reserve some time at the end of this year to translate the sixth book in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, The Winds of Winter, into Polish. I’m going to drop a quote from the website, but since I do not speak Polish and am relying on Google translate to do the legwork for me, please keep in mind that there may be some things lost in translation.
"Michael Jakuszewski confirmed that he was asked by the publishing profit reserve at the end of this year, the time to translate Winds of Winter and though the translator seemed to have a slight distance to this information, no doubt it is a ray of hope for many of us."
And here’s an analog translation by Twitter user and all-around awesome individual Aleksandra:
"Michał Jakuszewski confirmed that he was asked by the Zysk publishing house to save his time by the end of the year for translating the Winds of Winter, and although the translator seemed to be a bit skeptical about this news, it is undoubtedly a glimmer of hope for many of us."
Ummm, okay…I’ll take it! So this is the part where I remind you all that George R.R. Martin has said that when Winds is ready for publication, he will announce it via his website, and no other place. However, this isn’t an announcement of publication. It’s a report of someone being asked to translate a manuscript…The Winds of Winter in 2016 is confirmed! I’m kidding. I need help, you guys.
Hey, while we’re on the topic of new Game of Thrones/A Song of Ice and Fire books, get your crayons out and prepare to color Westeros in all the colors of the wind. The jolly Bearded Bard announced via his Not a Blog that “All Men Must Color (Inside the Lines, Please).”
"October 27 is also the day Bantam will be releasing the new Ice & Fire Coloring Book. Yes, I said “coloring book.” Not just for the kiddies either. No, it seems that of late adult coloring books have become quite the thing, so Bantam wanted us to do one too. And since I love seeing good fantasy art, I was of course thrilled by the idea."
Neat, now I can color Cersei in some really ugly browns and grays. While the idea of A Game of Thrones coloring book appeals to my inner child, this book seems to be targeting a bit more of a mature audience. I wonder how red I can make the blood from Ned’s head when he gets decapitated in the end? The coloring book can be ordered on Amazon now, and Martin does mention that his publisher Anne Groe has plans for a Coloring Contest, which I am sure will be serious business, because he has been assured cool prizes will be given to the winners.
Next: Pictures and Video from the Final Day of Filming at the Tower of Joy