'Winds of Winter' release date, plot news update 2016: George R.R. Martin hints at 'darker times;' addresses the meaning of 'winter is coming'

A lot of fans have been waiting for any update regarding the progress of "The Winds of Winter," but nothing has been out in the recent months. This has caused rumors to surface, even to the extent that George R.R. Martin has been accused of stopping the publishing of the book following the result of the U.S. Election.

There are fans who are wondering if Martin will release "The Winds of Winter" before the upcoming season of "Game of Thrones" (GoT) starts airing. However, the details that the novelist gave are instead several hints about the happenings in the novel.

Martin reportedly said to fans that he is tremendously busy finishing the book. He also stated that his public appearances in 2017 will be limited and he may appear at the latter end of the year.

This may indicate that "The Winds of Winter" is still not in its proofreading stage and still has to undergo several rounds of polishing before it comes out. And since Martin said that he is busy with the book, it may mean that he is exerting all efforts to publish the book before "Game of Thrones" airs its first episode. It is believed that the early release of "The Winds of Winter" will avoid spoilers coming out from the "GoT."

Speaking of spoilers, Martin said that the novel will feature the "dark times" and so fans will find out what "winter is coming" is truly pertaining to.

"Winter is the time when things die, and cold and ice and darkness fill the world, so this is not going to be the happy feel-good that people may be hoping for," he said. "Some of the characters [are] in very dark places," he continued.

He further ignited the anticipation when he said that things will not be as expected in the novel. In fact, he said to expect the worst happenings for the most of the characters.

Nevertheless, "The Winds of Winter" is still expected to release in 2017.