"The Winds of Winter" by author George R.R. Martin was initially set to be published early this year, but the book was pushed back, to the dismay of numerous fans. New rumors now suggest that the initial draft is done and is being proofread, hinting it may be out in January 2017.
According to the iTech Post, there are now rumors that the book is going to launch in January next year. This would allow the fans to read the story before "Game of Thrones" season 7 would premiere on HBO. This would also coincide with the rumors that Martin is aiming to launch the book before season 7 airs.
However, Martin has yet to acknowledge that his draft is indeed done. The publishers from the US and the UK have not made any announcements as well, indicating that the rumor may not be true as of writing.
There are also rumors that the reason for the delay is because the book is going to be released simultaneously with the seventh book in the series, "A Dream of Spring." This is going to be the final book and is the basis for the seventh and eighth season of "Game of Thrones."
Entertainment Weekly pointed out back in September that the publishers have stated in the past that when the book is done and ready, Martin himself will make the announcement.
"As his publisher, we support George R.R. Martin as he works hard to finish The Winds of Winter. Any on-sale dates currently listed online for the novel are incorrect. Once we have a publication date for The Winds of Winter, the world will know," the publisher explained.
Given how neither the publishers nor Martin has stated that the book is done the information of a possible early 2017 release should still be taken with a grain of salt.
