When it comes to strong opinions, George R.R. Martin is not the one to hold back, especially when it comes to a certain wizard boy. The acclaimed author, known for creating the expanding world of Westeros, has done exactly the same when it came to addressing the author of the fantasy series, J.K. Rowling.
He did not have any kind words to say about the Harry Potter author or one of his most famous fans. Let’s just say, that expecting forgiveness from the mind behind the Red Wedding might be a bit too much to ask.
George R.R. Martin’s Blunt Critique of the Harry Potter Author J.K. Rowling
George R.R. Martin has been among some of the fantasy genre’s most celebrated authors, known for his work on A Song of Ice and Fire, which inspired the Emmy-winning series Game of Thrones.
But if there’s one thing that might rival his intricate plots, it’s his disdain for J.K. Rowling and her Harry Potter series. And the rivalry seems to have ignited at the 2001 Hugo Awards, when his book, A Storm of Swords lost to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
And the defeat appeared to have struck a nerve, as Martin previously quipped, as per Business Insider
Eat your heart out, Rowling — Maybe you have billions of dollars and my Hugo, but you don’t have readers like these.
Martin didn’t spare even the former U.S. president, where he poked fun at Barack Obama for being a Harry Potter fan. In a blog titled, Another Great Thing About Barack Obama, he shares how pleased he was upon learning that the former president is an avid collector of Spider-Man and Barbarian comics.
But, in true Martin fashion, he couldn’t resist a jab, saying, “That’s so cool that I’m willing to forgive him for being a Harry Potter fan.”
However, he’s no stranger to receiving pressure himself, with fans relentlessly demanding the release of the next book in his series, The Winds of Winter. And the author recently discussed why he had been unable to finish the book so far.
George R.R. Martin Expresses Desire to Finish A Song of Ice and Fire Series
During a recent appearance at an event at the Oxford Winters’ House, George R.R. Martin expressed a wish for his long-running fantasy series, A Song of Fire and Ice. When asked if he could change one of the things about his books, the author stated that it would be to have them completed.
I don’t know, I could probably change more than one thing — If I could change one thing about one of my books I’d have them finished.
The latest book in the fantasy series was released in 2011, leaving fans eagerly anticipating for the next installment, The Winds of Winter for 13 years. Despite the occasional updates, Martin has remained tight-lipped about the release of The Winds of Winter.
He has also admitted to struggling with the book’s progress. The final book, A Dream of Spring, remains pending until the sixth book is completed, with fans hoping for a conclusion that significantly diverges from the HBO adaptation.
