George R.R. Martin has always been vocal that his "A Song of Ice and Fire" novel series is modeled partly on the classic "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien. And Martin confirms once again that his series will most likely have that same bittersweet ending as the "LOTR" trilogy.

It has previously been reported that author, Martin, felt that Tolkien gave a very satisfying ending to "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. It was not happy but it was logical and deep. And Westeros may have the same bittersweet tone when it concludes.

Martin sat down with the Observer and he told them: "I haven't written the ending yet, so I don't know, but no. That's certainly not my intent. I've said before that the tone of the ending that I'm going for is bittersweet. 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. Frodo is never whole again, and he goes away to the Undying Lands, and the other people live their lives. And the scouring of the Shire—brilliant piece of work, which I didn't understand when I was 13 years old: 'Why is this here? The story's over?' But every time I read it I understand the brilliance of that segment more and more. All I can say is that's the kind of tone I will be aiming for. Whether I achieve it or not, that will be up to people like you and my readers to judge."

"Winds of Winter" is far from the end — it being only the sixth book in a series of seven. But it prepares the readers to the ending that GRRM is planning. With the author cancelling a few public appearances and passing up the opportunity to pen an episode or two for the HBO series "Game of Thrones," it seems the 66-year old author is serious about making a memorable ending for his followers.

At the moment, "Winds of Winter" still has no definite release date. But the latest rumor suggests it might already be in the printing stage.