The sixth book in "A Song of Ice and Fire" series, "The Winds of Winter" has been wildly anticipated by the fans for early 2017 release, in accordance with the rumor that the book will launch before "Game of Thrones" Season 7. However, if recent speculations and updates are any indication, the upcoming book is still in the works.
Since Martin is still in process of finishing the book, the fans should not expect it to release in the first quarter of 2017. However, in his blogpost, the author addressed the eager fans and updated that he will reduce his public appearances in 2017 so that he can put his mind to finishing "the Winds of Winter."
Meanwhile, there are also sources that anticipate the book's release before the premiere of "Game of Thrones" season 7. However, looking at the current progress, it seems highly unlikely. As the author updated the book's status on his LiveJournal, all his fans were disappointed as it only confirms the delay.
Martin further updated his fans that he is also working on the seventh and the final novel from "ASOIAF," "The Dream of Spring," and will probably publish the two together. Even though the update was meant to excite the fans, they were only more disappointed.
The author has already spent five years to finish one book. So, if he is working on the last one simultaneously, then there is no chance that it will be released in 2017 or 2018.
In another report, it was noted that author Martin is also interested in developing a prequel to "Game of Thrones," when asked about spinoffs. He revealed that he is willing to work on stories that lead up to various plots in "Game of Thrones."
The author also disclosed that he has already penned a few pages that led to "Game of Thrones" stories. However, rather than the pleasing the fans, it led to their displeasure that Martin is wasting time writing material for spinoffs when he should be working on "The Winds of Winter" release.
