Winds of Winter release date news update: US, UK publishers address 2017 launch date leak
Reports claiming a 2017 release date for George R. R. Martin's "Winds of Winter" recently surfaced online, but the best-selling author's publisher was quick to shoot down such speculations.
The rumors started when a listing on Amazon France indicated that Martin's much-anticipated novel is set for release in March 2017. Although some fans quickly assumed that the news is official, iO9 pointed out that the date from Amazon France may just be placeholder or even a mistake. After all, Martin has not mentioned anything about a launch date on his personal blog where he usually shares updates about his work.
To set the record straight, representatives from Martin's U.S. publisher Random House have issued a press statement to Entertainment Weekly, which reads: "As his publisher, we support George RR 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."
Martin's UK publishers Voyager Books/Harper Collins also gave their take on the issue but were a bit more ambiguous with their statement, telling The Independent that "nothing has been finalized regarding the publication or the date."
Fans have been waiting for the next book in Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series since the last installment "A Dance with Dragons" hit the shelves back in 2010. Notoriously known for his sloth-like style of writing, Martin has repeatedly apologized to fans for the delay—eventually leading the TV adaptation "Game of Thrones" to outpace him. According to reports, a new International Standard Book Number for the upcoming installment has been registered (9780553801538) which means a launch may already be impending.
Aside from waiting for the book, fans are also anticipating the small screen return of "Game of Thrones" in Summer 2017 on HBO.
