Winds of Winter release date news, spoilers: Aegon Targaryen eyes Iron Throne; Jon Snow's real parentage hinted 12 years ago?

George R. R. Martin's upcoming novel "The Winds of Winter" is expected to come out in the coming months, although not much has been known regarding the book's possible plotline. Still, it is expected that the book will pick right after the events of "A Dance With Dragons," which is the fifth novel of the renowned author's massive worldwide hit "A Song of Ice and Fire." Also, the book will show the battle for the Iron Throne turning for the worse as two possible claimants to the kingship will build stronger alliances to take down one another.

According to reports, the sixth book of Martin's book series may be focusing on Aegon Targaryen's return to Westeros. Aegon is the son of Prince Rhaegar Targaryen and the Dorne royalty, Elia Martell. He was thought to have died in the story for a long time, but according to the growing speculations by the fans, he will make a surprise comeback in the upcoming book. 

Aegon's aunt, Daenerys, is also rumored to go after the throne, although she might find an enemy along the way. Yibada also predicted that Prince Doran might die due to Daenerys dragons, as the latter was not pleased with the Dorne prince's proposal of alliance. Therefore, Dorne is rumored to side with Aegon, making the male Targaryen a formidable force to go against Cersei Lannister.

Meanwhile, The Bitbag reported an interesting speculation at the Reddit forums regarding Martin's early hints of Jon Snow's real parentage. The online publication cited a certain thread at Reddit, saying that the author may have spilled the secret back in 2004 during a "harmless" question and answer portion. His reply to one of the attendees of the Q&A event had hints that Ned Stark is not the real father of Jon.

George R.R. Martin, the famous man behind A Song of Ice and Fire novels, hinted that Ned Stark is not really the father of Jon Snow way back in 2004.

"Mothers can name a child before birth, or during, or after, even while they are dying. Dany was most likely named by her mother, Tyrion by his father, Jon by Ned."

The statement by Martin did not refer to Ned as Jon's father, but simply cited his nickname.