There are two books left in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire book series, and probably three more seasons left of HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” which is based on the books. But the question everyone is asking (besides whether or not Jon Snow is dead for good) is how the series will end.

In a recent interview with the New York Observer, Martin said that he has yet to write the ending of the books (he still has to finish The Winds of Winter, after all). Since Martin is known to be quite the killing machine with his characters, fans are concerned that things will only get more grim as the book series nears its end. But don’t worry: He doesn’t plan to finish his series with total annihilation and destruction. “I’ve said before that the tone of the ending that I’m going for is bittersweet,” Martin told the Observer. The author is also looking to The Lord of the Rings for inspiration. “I mean, it’s no secret that Tolkien has been a huge influence on me, and I love the way he ended Lord of the Rings. It ends with victory, but it’s a bittersweet victory,” he said.

Whether or not this bittersweetness will influence the HBO series finale is unknown. Showrunners Dan Weiss and David Benioff will likely conclude the series before Martin publishes his final book. While speaking at the Oxford Union earlier this year, Benioff said, “We’ll eventually, basically, meet up at pretty much the same place where George is going.” Sadly, that means HBO will spoil the books for fans.

For the full interview, head to the New York Observer.

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