'Winds of Winter' release date: Winter or spring unveiling for George R. R. Martin's newest book

New speculations on the release of the much anticipated "Winds of Winter" of "Game of Thrones" author George R. R. Martin are making rounds on the Web. Sources have conflicting news, as they debate whether the book will make its debut in winter of 2015 or spring of 2016.

The most recent rumor of the release date came at the heels of Martin's cameo role on "Z Nation" Halloween episode on Syfy Channel. The author was seen playing a zombie character, a collector who was unaware about his own fame. His captor pronounced him as the man behind "A Song of Ice and Fire." Soon after, he was seen signing out copies of "A Promise of Spring."

The Independent posited that this was Martin's idea of sending out feelers regarding the release of his newest book. On the other hand, rumors about a holiday season unveiling also surfaced. According to Australia Network News, some sources reportedly said that "Winds of Winter" is already in the publishing house and may be released in time for the winter break.

Martin has yet to break his silence regarding this, though, which frustrates the fans of the hit epic fantasy series. What he did confirm is that there will be a number of twists in "Winds of Winter," which will definitely be a bombshell. Some believe this concerns Jon Snow (Kit Harington), who is reportedly alive after the actor was seen filming for the upcoming "Game of Thrones" season 6 in Belfast, Ireland.

In his interview with Entertainment Weekly, the author revealed that he was planning a shocking twist on a long-time character that he had previously kept out of the limelight.

"This is going to drive your readers crazy, but I love it. I'm still weighing whether to go that direction or not. It's a great twist. And it's nothing they can do in the show, because the show has already—on this particular character—made a couple decisions that will preclude it, where in my case I have not made those decisions," Martin hinted.

Meanwhile, it is expected that "Game of Thrones" season 6 will premiere sometime in April 2016.

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