'The Winds of Winter' release date rumors, plot news: book expected to be out by 2017; White Walkers not dangerous?

George R.R. Martin, author of the popular historical-fantasy novel series "A Song of Ice and Fire," known as "Game of Thrones" in HBO's TV series adaptation, is still seemingly taking his sweet time when it comes to releasing the next installment of his widely popular book series.

Martin already missed his editor's deadline last year for the upcoming "The Winds of Winter" book, and the author or his representatives are also tight-lipped about any new developments. Speculations as to the book's release still differ because some would claim that the book will be released before the season 7 of "Game of Thrones" is aired, while some claim the book will be released after the new season is aired.

Nevertheless, it seems fans are, however, consistent when it comes to the expectation that "The Winds of Winter" would be released by next year, 2017.

Fans of the series are also speculating that the White Walkers, also known as the zombie-like creatures beyond the wall, are actually not dangerous, but the people of Westeros perceive them to be.

On the other hand, another speculation is that the Starks and Targaryens were once living in one body of land, as "Ice and Fire" hints it to be. But because of the White Walkers, both made a pact to divide the land and then they were parted by seas through magic.

In addition, it is also said that the White Walkers were put there on purpose because a Stark-Targaryen alliance is a very powerful force, considering that the Starks have warging abilities and the ability to tame direwolves, while the Targaryens have the ability to tame dragons.

Speculations aside, fans are still hoping that Martin will be able to meet his deadline and finally release "The Winds of Winter" after seven years of waiting. After "The Winds of Winter," the author will still work on the last installment of the series titled "A Dream of Spring," which doesn't have an expected release date.