"Game of Thrones" season 5 has just ended and fans are now eyeing on the next season.
However, in a report from Entertainment Weely, George R.R. Martin will once again opt out of contributing for the next season. Martin is committed to finishing the next installment of his book "Song of Ice and Fire," titled "The Winds of Winter," which is set to be released ahead of "Game of Thrones" season 6.
Earlier, there were rumors that Martin is already finished with "The Winds of Winter" after "Game of Thrones" season 6 director, Jack Bender, confirmed that he had read an advance copy of the said novel. Many fans believed that Bender's response was taken out of context, that the director meant the script outline for the new season and not the highly anticipated novel, which Martin is still working on, Watchers on The Wall reports. In response to the said speculations, Martin only urged fans to never listen to rumors.
Here are the top 5 things we know so far about the highly anticipated novel:
1. Release Dates
Martin already admitted that he wants to release the latest book before the next season of "Game of Thrones" season 6. Although there is no confirmation as to when season 6 of "Game of Thrones" will start, the first five seasons have started in late March or early- to mid-April. Thus, iDigitalTimes assumes that "Winds of Winter" will be coming out in March the latest. The announcement of the book's completion will likely be heard around December or four months prior to the release date.
2. Jon Snow's Demise
In a report from Franchise Herald, the upcoming novel will shed light to the devastated death of the well-loved character, Jon Snow. The novel will probably explain if Snow's fate was sealed in "A Dance With Dragons" or if he will come back to life. Jon's chapter ended with him being unconscious from multiple stab wounds, and many believed that his body is beyond saving and he will warg his mind into his dire wolf, Ghost.
3. Daenery's Poisoner
Aside from explaining what will happen to Jon Snow, the upcoming novel is also expected to narrate Dany's fate. Someone attempted to assassinate Dany from locusts laced with poison, but the culprit remained unknown. Barrista Selmy and Dany's supporters believe Hizdhar was behind it. He has enough motive because with Dany dead, he can be the next king.
4. What Happened to Stannis
It might explain where Stannis is. Although Stannis and his men faced the harsh winter weather conditions and after Jon Snow received a letter that allegedly was from Ramsay, claiming that Stannis and his men were defeated, the battle between the two was not narrated. Possibly, it was just Ramsay playing tricks, so it is still possible that Stannis is still in the game, Tech Times has learned.
5. Victarion's Magic Horn
Dany's dragons are capable of damaging the entire army, but Dany can only control Drogon. Victarion Greyjoy possesses a magic horn that can control the dragons, Tech Times reports. If the said horn works, as Greyjoy believes it to be, the balance of power would dramatically shift in his favor. The new book will probably give readers enough understanding about this.
Although, Martin is still working on the novel, fans will surely get it soon as the 66-year-old author is working real hard for it. "I wish it was out now. Maybe I'm being overly optimistic about how quickly I can finish, " Martin said in another report from Entertainment Weekly. "I canceled two convention appearances, I'm turning down a lot more interviews-anything I can do to clear my decks and get this done."
