This maybe a controversial opinion but I'm somewhat hopeful that Jim is taking his time on this. I've seen a lot of series go from beloved to hated or ignored based on the last chunk including GoT and Star War sequel trilogy. My hope is that Jim is taking his time to ensure that Harry's relationships are written well. Since this is first book after Murph's death, first one where Harry's with Lara, first one with Harry out of the White Council, and first one with Harry being personally antagonistic with Ebenezer and Carlos, it could make or break several key components of the rest of the series.
You are correct. And I believe he is doing that. Taking his time. This is a book that has not been planned. A book to deal with trauma. And difficult personal and political times.
Iirc, the person who managed Jim's website after Priscelli said, that the progress bar was Jim's idea to motivate himself. And I think it is a wonderful idea.
Of course, it's not accurate, just an estimate, but I am always happy to see it moved. This means one step further, a little progress. This motivates me, too.
It is completely different from the wait between Skin Game and Peace Talks, when you heard and read nothing.
At first I didn't know of the paranet, his website or the reddit sub, but I started to look for them, because I thought, omg what if he died? Don't laugh, this is not so far fetched. I wanted to know if I should leave the DF behind me or if there was still hope they would be continued eventually.
But then I found the paranet and all the people here, some even more crazy than I am, lol.
I also want this book to be good.
Taking longer to write doesn't necessarily mean, it will be a better book, and also writing faster doesn't necessarily mean it will be worse.
When it is done, it is done. But I am happy for every tiny breadcrumb I find, even it is only 2% on a progress bar.