On the Books Apr. 29: George R. R. Martin has completed 'A Dance with Dragons,' and more

George R. R. Martin's editor at Bantam Spectra confirmed yesterday that A Dance with Dragons, the long-anticipated fifth installment to the "Song of Ice and Fire" series, is finished at last. Fans of the series, which began with A Game of Thrones, have been waiting nearly six years since the previous installment, A Feast for Crows.

The Spenser and Jesse Stone mystery series created by Robert B. Parker, who died last year, will be continued by two new authors. Crime novelist Ace Atkins will carry on the Spenser series, and producer and screenwriter Michael Brandman will pen forthcoming Jesse Stone novels.

Fontbonne University in St. Louis has canceled plans for Three Cups of Tea author Greg Mortenson to receive an honorary degree and deliver the commencement address this year on the heels of the highly publicized scandal concerning Mortenson's book and foundation.