'Winds of Winter' release date news 2016: George RR Martin shares new sample chapter; Author addresses book's rumors

"The Winds of Winter" release date has been a much-talked about topic among the fans of George R.R. Martin's popular book saga, "A Song of Ice and Fire" and its TV adaptation, "Game of Thrones."

The fantasy author, however, has hinted multiple times that the "Winds of Winter," the sixth installment in the ASOIF series, won't be released anytime soon. HBO's massive hit TV series has already overtaken some storylines in Martin's fifth book "A Dance with Dragons," and has taken a few liberties with the story and in introducing and killing off some of its characters.

Martin announced in February that he had failed to meet several key deadlines on "Winds of Winter," and that contrary to earlier reports that it would be released before the premiere of "Game of Thrones season 6" in April, he said he's still months away from the completion of the long-awaited book.

"I am months away still... and that's if the writing goes well," the fantasy novelist wrote on his blog.

To appease avid fans who have been anxiously waiting for "The Winds of Winter" release, Martin shared a new chapter from the book focusing on a fan-favorite character, Arianne Martell, who is the daughter of Prince Doran. The character though was never introduced in the TV series adaptation.

"You want to know what the Sand Snakes, Prince Doran, Areo Hotah, Ellaria Sand, Darkstar, and the rest will be up to in Winds of Winter? Quite a lot, actually," Martin posted on his blog, announcing the chapter. "The sample will give you a taste. For the rest, you will need to wait."

The 67-year-old author was quick to note that sharing a new chapter does not mean he's finished with the book.

"And no, just to spike any bullshit rumors, changing the sample chapter does NOT mean I am done. See the icon up above? Monkey is still on my back... but he's growing, he is, and one day...," Martin added.

When one fan clarified if the rumors of the novel being in the editing process already and will be published by the end of the month are not true, the author replied, "Complete crap, yes. Who makes up these stories?"

"The Winds of Winter" is the sixth installment in the ASOIF saga, following "A Dance with Dragons" published in 2011.